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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My Favorite Guy's California Visit Recap

Happy Monday, friends! I'm back this week with a few fun things, but today I realized I never shared the pictures from when my boyfriend visited California last month. We had the best time going to San Francisco with my parents, Carmel, having my entire family over for a big Sunday dinner, and hanging out with my brother and his girlfriend. The time just flew by and I can't believe I now have to wait until May to see him again! Oh, long distance, how we don't care for you one bit. BUT we do feel confident God has placed this season in our lives for a reason, and we can definitely say we have great communication, know a ton about each other, and are so excited about when the distance will end one day.

Our first outing was San Francisco. I took him to walk across the Golden Gate. It was so fun! The next day we headed back to the city with my parents and took him to see the Giant's stadium {we're a huge baseball family, as my grandpa actually played for the Giants back in the day!} We also took pedicabs down the Embarcadero, had some mint chocolate chip ice cream at Ghirardelli {a must, duh!} and had dinner and drinks at the top of The Marriott building with one of the most stunning views of the city I've ever seen. Exploring your own city through the eyes of someone who's never been here before is really something special.  

Sorry for the picture overload in advance!

My cute mom and dad...

My grandpa's name is on this plaque outside of the ballpark! {If you're interested his name is Hobie Landrith and he was a catcher ;) }

  

My mom captured these sweet pictures of us. So much joy! 

We also took him to my favorite beach town, Carmel.  Have you been?! It's so quaint and beautiful! We laid in the sand and basked in the sun, while watching Hope literally frolic around on the shore. It was SO cute!

 OUTFIT DETAILS: Shirt, Jeans, Sunglasses. 

My sweet little girl... 

Sunset in San Francisco from The View... 

As I mentioned above, I don't get to see my guy again until May. Yikes! If you have any fun things to do while apart, do tell :) We're always looking for new things to do together on Skype or FaceTime. Every weekend we watch a sermon together from one of our favorite pastors, we play a fun quiz game app almost every night before bed, and I just watched a basketball game at the same time as him yesterday {I know…the things you'll do for love ;) He has watched so many Romantic Comedies for me, I figured I should do something he loved!} Anyways, any advice, as always, is appreciated!

Happy Monday!

xoxo

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{DIY} Something Special Framed

Today's DIY is all thanks to my handsome boyfriend. Remember those pretty purple flowers he sent me? After I enjoyed them, I saved my favorite rose and pressed it in a thick book for about a month {I read some directions online about how to do that: I pressed it between wax paper and put a few books on top of the one the flower was in, just to ensure extra pressure}.  After the rose was nice and flat, I removed it and did this little craft:


Materials: Frame, patterned paper, pressed rose, scissors, tape.

I simply positioned the rose where I wanted it in the frame and put some yellow paper behind it. Easy peasy!

 

I couldn't resist adding it to my gallery wall in my bedroom! 

All photos taken and edited by Victoria Carlson Photography

Not only is yellow the accent color I chose for the gray and purple in my bedroom, but it's also purple's complimentary color on the color wheel. I love how the yellow makes the rose pop off the paper! I also love that I get to look at it everyday while I get ready. It reminds me how blessed I am to have such a thoughtful man in my life :)


Have you done anything crafty with something sentimental lately?
You can also catch me over at Schue Love today dishin' on my favorite places in Seattle!
Happy Thursday!
Love,

PS. Welcome to my sponsor Bailey from Anchored in Love

Bailey is a Texas girl who loves the Lord, writing, photography, fellowship and crafting. She has such a sweet soul- you're sure to become fast friends :)

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