Tuesday, April 8, 2014

A New Adventure Awaits: On The Move




If you've been around for a few months, you know I'm dating a wonderful man who lives all the way in Michigan. I'm out here in California missing him on the daily! Those of you who have done long distance know what I'm talking about here.

Guess what?!

I'm MOVING! I'll be moving to Michigan in May to end the distance and finally get to see my handsome guy every day. Pinch me! We've been praying about this move for a while, and I feel like God is telling me to "go", so I'm beyond excited to see what He's going to do in our lives. Right now McCann (my boyfriend-- have I ever told you his name on the blog?! We know, our names are very similar…how funny, right?!) has a great job and since I can run my design business from any city, continue my blog and work for Lulu & Georgia from my computer, we decided it was best for me to make the 2,200 mile journey across the country.

I'll be leaving the sunny, beautiful state of California, leaving my sweet family and precious pup, and for that I am sad. Really sad. But I'm also excited and hopeful for new adventures in a new state, with a wonderful guy, a best friend who lives there (thank God!), and hopefully lots of fun memories. And one day I'll drag my handsome beau back home to California…at least that's my plan. Because, really, who doesn't want to live here?! ;) My heart is bursting at the seams at the thought of seeing McCann on a daily basis. I mean, what a luxury!

Needless to say, the next few weeks are going to be crazy for me as I prepare to pack up and move across the country. Out of all the moves I've made, this is the farthest and most nerve-wracking. I will be packing up all my clothes, some decor and kitchen stuff from my old college places, and be completely starting from scratch once I'm in Michigan (as far as furniture goes). I just finalized the lease on my very own apartment and can't wait to show you the design ideas I have with you here on my blog. So many new projects and decorating ideas are on the horizon. You can bet this beautiful watercolor painting by my sweet friend Shay will be hanging in my apartment. I want this to be the heart of my home.


I feel like this blog and so many readers have been on a journey with me since I was a sophomore in college, and I'm so excited to share this next chapter with you. I will be soaking up my last few weeks in California before the big day. A new adventure awaits. The Lord has prepared and placed a new season in my life, which surely will come with ups and downs. If you're the praying type, I could definitely use some prayers over the next month. I'm a mama's girl, so ending the long distance with my boyfriend means starting long distance with my mom (and dad!) Even typing it makes me tear up. I know God has both of our greater goods in mind and He alone is faithful. God is good and I feel so blessed.

What does this mean for my blog and business? It means I'm now starting to take design clients in West Michigan! I'm excited to bring a little California flair and knowledge of interiors to Grand Rapids and beyond. Of course, I'm also continuing to offer my virtual design services. As for my blog, stay tuned for lots of projects and apartment updates. I can't wait to show you the game plan for my new bedroom next week! 

Thank you for your encouragement on my little adventure! I'm so thankful for each of you.
Happy Tuesday!
xoxo
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62 comments

  1. I am so proud of you. LOVE YOU!

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  2. So so exciting! The big decisions are always the most rewarding!

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  3. So exciting! I have been reading your blog for a few years and am so happy to see that you have met a great guy! You are an inspiration on how God brings someone into your life:)

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  4. This is so so exciting!!! Yay yay yay! I know that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with starting a fresh in the same place as your man and saying goodbye to long distance - it's the best!! Good luck girl x

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  5. How exciting! Your relationship is so similar to mine but a year later :) My fiance and I met in October 2012 at a wedding while he was living on the east coast and I was living in LA, then I moved to Boston June 2013 to end the distance and we got engaged October and are getting married in August! When the distance ends and you get to have a normal relationship it is the best feeling ever!!
    Brittany
    www.classicallyb.com

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  6. Ahhh! How exciting, Michaela! I'm so happy for you.

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  7. How incredibly exciting Michaela! I'm sure the Lord will do great things with you up there in the cold. ;)

    Enjoy the last few days at home. Can't wait to see how Christ uses you in a new home.

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  8. So excited for you! Such an exciting chapter you're about to start. Praying for an easy transition and lots of fun adventures!

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  9. AHHHH! JUMPING UP AND DOWN WITH JOY! This thrils my heart. I'm so excited for the times ahead and expectant for the Lord to provide for you in glorious ways!

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  10. I'm so excited for you...such a fun journey, and you're at the perfect stage in life to take it!! Can't wait to follow along!

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  11. Oh My Michaela, I am SO very happy for you!!! What a great adventure and new chapter in your life! I will send many prayers your way for a smooth transition! It will be so exciting and hard at the same time but all in a good way! I am sure you will be missing your sweet family but what a bonus to have your boyfriend AND best friend in the same place! Congrats, girl!!!

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  12. How wonderful! Congrats on all of this :) I can't wait to see your apartment!

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  13. Awww how exciting!!! Happy for you! :)

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  14. A very exciting new chapter for you Michaela! If you listen, the Lord will always guide you in the right path. I wish you and McCann nothing but happiness and I wish you the best of luck with the move of your design business. I know you will be a success wherever you go!

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  15. SO excited for you!
    xo,
    Dana Kay
    http://danakay16.blogspot.com/

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  16. Congratulations Michaela!!!!! SO excited for you! And you know this means you're that much closer to Canada right? haha Wishing you both all the best :) xo

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  17. congratulations! this is so exciting and i am so thrilled for you
    ladies in navy

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  18. Yay! I'm so excited for you to start your new chapter! I made the move from CA to the mid west several times so I know exactly what you are going through! The weather change is a shock but love is worth far more! Can't wait to see your future adventures :)

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  19. Congrats Michaela. If you follow God's lead, and your heart, you will be just fine. Grand Rapids is beautiful, and not too far from where my MIL lives. We have tons of family up there...so if you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask. We will most likely be making a visit up this summer (will be sure to let you know). Cannot wait to see where this new adventure takes you. Following your blog as you know has been like watching my girls grow up, as you are in-between the two.

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  20. Michaela,
    Your an Amazing girl with love,talent and leadership! Your parents have done well . JUST continue to trust in
    GOD (as you do) and YOU TWO will be just fine, right! Crying is ok... just ask GOD for constant strength,
    and be sure to refuel with PROTEIN, not always carbs... We will also be praying for you and your HUGE SUCCESS ONLY GOD KNOWS...

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  22. Wow! How exciting Michaela!! Can't wait to hear all about it! There are some good people in Grand Rapids...I got to meet Julie last summer. My grandma lives out in Montague...it's one of my favorite places in the WWW. Next time I'm out there, we'll for sure all get together! xo

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  23. Congratulations!!! I picked up my life at the age of 30 and moved away from my family in the East Bay and moved to Austin knowing not a soul. I can guarantee it was the best decision of my life and it is amazing what being in a new environment can do to your soul. So happy for you!

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  24. This is so exciting! I can't wait to follow along on this new journey with you!

    Paige
    http://thehappyflammily.com

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  25. um, may have accidentally posted a comment too quickly! so excited for you and that i get to come visit!!!!!!

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  26. I'm so excited for you, girl!!!! What a blessing it is that you found a man who loves the Lord. Those men are hard to find! I hope everything goes well for you, and I'm excited to follow you on this journey! :)

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  27. Congratulations to you! I cannot say I am surprised and have actually been waiting for you to say you were moving. May this new adventure bring you all the love and happiness you deserve. Your faith and love has brought you down this beautiful road. California will definitely miss you, Michigan and McCann are getting a gem :)

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  28. Oh my gosh Michaela, I was waiting for this kind of post! I had a feeling it was coming ;) So happy for you and thrilled that you have found someone who makes you happy! California will miss you but we'll wait for you both to come back one day. If you're heading to LA or Carmel before you move, please let me know! I'd love to see you before you go. Lots of love to you and this new chapter of your life! xoxo

    sweetsandcelebrations.com

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  29. so happy for you! chris and i started out long distance.... eventually i moved to him and the rest is history!

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  30. That is awesome, I'm really excited for you! When you know it's right and you feel at peace with your decisions, it is definitely the right path :) I wish you all the best! Xo-Sara

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  31. SOOO happy for your girl! Dallas and I did long distance as well, but there is nothing better than being close to the one you love! All the best on your new adventure xoxo

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  32. So happy for you Michaela!! I did this myself almost 9 years ago now - dated my husband for a year long distance and then moved to Boston so we could be together. I'd be lying if I said I still didn't miss my family and Philadelphia most days, and I had hoped we'd eventually move back there (not likely, at this point). BUT, I think when life pulls you somewhere, it's for a reason, and good will come of it :) Good luck with all the technical moving bits!

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  33. This is so exciting!!! I can't wait to see how you're going to decorate your new place!!! :)

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  34. Wow, that sounds super exciting! Moving away from a place you love is obviously very hard, but if it's for a person that you love, it's also the most gratifying thing ever! :) Good luck! :)

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  35. Congrats! A new adventure awaits you and I can't wait to see how you change and adapt to your new surroundings. Good luck!

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  36. Wow wow wow! Girl I am SO excited for you! The Lord has you on a grand adventure! I believe this is going to be your sweetest season yet and I'm praying for peace and provision as the big day gets closer. Love ya, friend!

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  37. Soo excited for your plans!! My husband and I did long distance after college before I moved to be with him. It can be a hard sacrifice to leave family, but a sacrifice for love is the best kind of all!! Have so much fun planning your big move!!

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  38. So happy and excited for you Michaela. This is the right move for you. You're ready. :)

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  39. Wow Michaela! This is so amazing! I will be praying for you and your move!

    http://thelollyprojectblog.blogspot.com

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  40. Michaela! This is so exciting :) I'm so happy for you two. I'm kind of jealous ;)

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  41. Yay! The big secret's out! Prayers going to you and this new stage in your life.

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  42. Congratulations!

    I just moved to MN in December and I love that most days this winter were sunny even if it was negative degrees outside. So much sun over here it is wonderful, but if you do not have Under Armour long john's you should save up now for next winter. A couple pairs of those, snow boots and a good winter coat will make next winter so much easier! At least it should be beautiful when you move as it is warming up now.

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  43. Yay! God is good and I can't wait to see what he has in store for you in Michigan!

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  44. Such a bittersweet time in your life! I cannot wait to read/see what God has in store you once you're settled in Michigan (that especially means more sweet photos of you and the boy). I am SO happy & excited for you. Happy packing!

    xo, Kylie Rae

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  45. I smiled through this whole post. So excited for your new home and adventures!!! Love you!!

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  46. Im so excited for you on your next venture in life and love! Im sure it will all work out perfectly for you. Best of luck xx

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  47. I am so excited for you Michaela!! I hope this new chapter in your life is an amazing adventure and the move goes smoothly!!

    xoxo
    Stacey
    Five Minute Style 

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  48. This is such good news! Last year my best friend's boyfriend moved 9 hours from his family to be with her. They just got married. I know it was really hard on both of them to be away from each other so much. Praying for you, your family and the boy!

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  49. I know you must be so excited to move yet at the same time a bit scared to leave your comfort zone and your home. MI is VERY different than CA but once you make some friends and get use to the winters you'll be great! What an awesome adventure awaits you! And think of all the blog post ideas you'll have to write about. So exciting for you business too. Good luck!

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  50. How exciting, Michaela!!! My husband and I did long distance for 6 months and 5 days {still remember after many years} at the very beginning of our relationship. It will be so, so nice to be in the same place even if you are having to leave your fam & Hope :) Good luck with the move and the adventure!

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  51. wellllllllll, we all know that I am MOST DEFINITELY thrilled for this! wooooo

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  52. WOOHOO!! So excited for you!! This makes my heart happy!!

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  53. That's so exciting! Congrats and good luck! You will do great!

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  54. congrats! that's exciting! and how awesome to see your man everyday. it's good and bad but it's def worth it :)

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  55. You know I am so proud of you and think this is an awesome decision! I can't wait to see where things go... for you personally, for your business and for your relationship with McCann. HDawg calls dibs on being the ring bearer! ; )

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Thank you for stopping by! If you have a specific question, please email me at hello@michaelanoelledesigns.com. I always reply to emails! Have a blessed day! xoxo

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