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trending blog posts
Canning can be a bit intimidating but these delicious pears and honey are beautiful and simple!
One, five, ten and twenty years after the day you walked down the aisle clothed in white your memories of that most special day fade more and more. While our vivid memories start to slip away, the promises we made to each other only continue to permeate and guide more of the decisions we make as a couple.
Today, I am rounding up the 12 best productivity apps, business apps, and resources I use in running my wedding business. Efficiency and the right tools are KEY to running a successful wedding business, and today, I’m sharing them with you!
If you know me, you know I am somewhat of a doomsday prepper in regards to my wedding businesses—I am always preparing for the very worst to happen. Because if/when it does (hello pandemic), I want to be as prepared as possible. Enter: The Creative Law Shop by Paige Hulse.
If you're like us, the wedding boom of 2022 has your schedule bursting at the seams… and the inquiries just keep coming. One of the worst feelings is turning away new business because you're simply too busy.
But what if you could expand your team? What if you could train trustworthy coordinators so you could finally take on more weddings without worrying?
From Bronwyn E. Spain and Cecily Hunter of internationally-recognized Spain Ranch, there's FINALLY a comprehensive day-of wedding coordination course available. Together, with our 12 years of wedding coordination (and venue experience), we’ve trained countless day-of wedding coordinators to work at our home venue—something we have never taken lightly as those coordinators are always an extension of our venue and of us. Some of the coordinator’s we’ve trained have even gone on to launch their own successful wedding planning businesses. Today, we’re sharing it ALL with you.
Are you seeing more clients who aren't interested in a "traditional" wedding or uninterested in keeping some of the "traditional" aspects of a wedding day? Here's the good news: No one has to have a traditional wedding. Yep, we said it. Traditions are only special if they are meaningful to the couple
Want to know one of the key ingredients to a successful wedding day? That one area that truly has the power to make or break a wedding reception? It’s the wedding catering team. Here’s how to work with them, not against them, and ensure the day runs smooth.
Travel
B.E AWAY™ - A TRAVEL BLOG
Hey there. Long time, no talk. It’s been 3 years since I’ve posted anything for B.E Publishing, so I wanted to give you an update.
February is the month that NEDA has deemed Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Travelling to Santa Fe, you will see the city is filled with historic adobe houses, amazing shopping, beautiful art, stunning churches and the most delicious southwestern food.
The following sustainable travel alternatives to take with you on your vacation probably won’t save the world, but they also won’t make you feel like you’re a part of the problem. And if that’s not enough, they’ll save you money and space for your next trip!
Packing tips from experienced travelers and a travel packing checklist to end all other checklists for your vacation.
The reopening of Cuba not only provided an exciting destination for US tourists but encouraged many of our creative friends to journey south and beautifully document the country. Photographers, stylists, writers all journeyed to see and experience—most if not all, for the first time.
It’s no secret that I’m going stir-crazy. The thought of travel has consumed my mind and after being stuck inside due to an ice storm (read: cabin fever with a toddler is on another level of nutty). So in honor of needing an escape—which I am certain you need as well, I am rounding up my five favorite virtual travels for you. Turn your phone on do not disturb, and dive right in.
What could be more romantic than touring the Amalfi Coast with your love? After being gone for nine months, Hannah and her boyfriend chose to travel the Amalfi Coast by rental car.
I moved to Vienna in January to find her charms buried in hibernation. I’ve watched with eager anticipation, her awakening. After a long winter’s sleep, Vienna comes alive in the spring. Quaint street markets open with tulips in every color, as the first sunshine peeks through late winter clouds.
We loved every inch that we were able to explore in Prague. From the main attractions such as Old Town Square, walking along the Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Prague Castle to the unending and timeliness cobblestone streets and alleyways. This is a city you’re able to 'get lost' and enjoy every second of it. Prague has this unique charming and nostalgic quality that leaves you breathless.
Our adventure began in Paris, where we filled our days wandering through the quiet streets of Montmartre and Marais and ended them admiring the Eiffel Tower, sparkling in all her glory, over banana nutella crepes.
There were a lot of lessons I learned from Italian culture during my trip. Not saying Italy or Europe is perfect – it’s easy to over-romanticize that part of the world. But there was one concept that stuck in my mind the whole time I was there and looking back, I am going to call it: “More Better.”
First impressions last a lifetime, or so they say, but should first impressions outweigh one’s collective experience? On a recent trip to France, Stephanie and Stephen found themselves at odds with some preconceived notions of French culture. Would the people be kind to them? Would they feel unwelcome? Or worse, would they be denied their fair share of French crêpes?
For many years, I was especially enamored by the ethereal beauty of autumn in the east coast, which soon became an item on my bucket list. My husband and I thus spent one of the mornings walking through Central Park, taking in the changing foliage.
From culturally rich historical sites to lush landscapes, cuisine both artfully presented and deliciously crafted, Japan is a travel destination I find myself drawn to repeatedly, discovering new inspiration with each visit.
At the end of February, when the world began spiraling into unfathomable chaos and confusion, I found myself on vacation in a silent city, one that ordinarily buzzes with life. What now feels like a lifetime ago, I was wandering the quiet streets of Venice in awe. The seriousness of the pandemic was admittedly an afterthought and I selfishly raptured in classic Venetian scenes that would typically be overrun with tourists.
Picture your favorite moment of the entire trip. If you were to take me there, what would I see, hear, smell, feel, and taste?
Hands down my absolute favorite moment of our trip was hiking to Makalawena Beach. You have to travel over a rocky terrain of lava rocks but once you get to the secluded beach you are blessed with the most beautiful view. Because it's so remote, there was no one else around and all we could hear was the peaceful sound of the crashing waves from the crystal clear blue water and smell the saltwater in the air.
Ready to forgo a wedding and elope in NYC? These five spots are romantic, quirky, and ideal for social distancing.
In Southeast Oklahoma lies an expanse of blue water punctuated by mountains, wildlife reserves, wooded forests, and even a swamp. McCurtain County, Oklahoma is home to Broken Bow Lake, The Oachita National Forest and Mountains, and the swamps and wetlands of Little River. I traveled to McCurtain County for a day-long trip to explore the area and bring you the best scenery, photoshoot locations, accommodations, and spots to eat.
What is the best way to treat your guests when it comes to a destination wedding? A welcome party, of course! Especially when the destination wedding takes place in the queen of Dodecanese Islands— I am talking about Rhodes Island of course, which is one of the hottest Greek destinations in recent years.
Combining beautiful spaces, the breathtaking geography of Le Marche, Italy, a divine food spread, wedding inspiration, and crisp fashion into one impeccable shoot, how could we not be inspired?
A Bridal Fashion story, captured in the desert's of Utah, drawing on ideas of resilience and female co-operation.
In these challenging times, I hope these photographs serve as a reminder of what a great privilege it is to be able to roam our outstandingly varied planet.
Traveling alone, while it can most certainly have its challenges, can also be one of the most fulfilling experiences of our lives. In our busy world, time is a luxury that, as women, we never seem to give ourselves permission to take. When was the last time that you spent an entire day alone with your thoughts, and without the constant distractions of modern life? When you travel alone, every single day is an opportunity to grow and better yourself -
While we are at home with our loved ones, stressed about our health, income, and the future, let us focus on the moments spent doing what we love. Let us focus on the time spent with the people we love because this time is also fleeting; It will pass. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if instead of ruminating on the chaos, we remembered it for the beautiful, quiet moments instead?
The Adelante House is a boutique guest house situated in the historic hidden gem of Javea, Spain—home to vineyards, plenty of outdoor activities, and over 20km of sandy beaches and secluded coves accented with turquoise waters. With three distinct parts of the town, one can get three vastly different experiences in one trip. Explore the ancient streets in Old Town, enjoy tapas and paella on an outdoor patio in the Port of Javea, or see what the nightlife is all about at famed club Achill in the Beach of Javea.
Here are a few inexpensive things to do in Paris :
- Walk around the Jardin de Luxembourg (the largest public park in Paris), buy a crêpe or ice cream from one of the food stands, and choose a bench for some people-watching.
- Explore Montmartre & visit Sacré-Cœur. I didn’t stop at Sacré-Cœur on this particular trip, but it’s a wonderful choice and one of my favorite places! Walking up all those stairs is so worth it for the view you get of the city. Montmartre is the area of Paris where the film Amélie was shot. It is very quaint, full of small shops and restaurants, and wasn’t very crowded on the rainy Sunday afternoon I was there.
New York City : an urban mecca for architecture, fashion, art, and food beckoning to be photographed. You’re not much for tourist traps, so Time’s Square and The Statue of Liberty are out of the question for your first trip to NYC. Not to worry, whether you’re seeking skyline views, or street-style fashion snapshots, these five neighborhoods have an array of photographic opportunities for first-time visitors sans touristy vibes.
home, garden, and entertaining
B.E HOME™ - A HOME AND GARDEN BLOG
Hey there. Long time, no talk. It’s been 3 years since I’ve posted anything for B.E Publishing, so I wanted to give you an update.
February is the month that NEDA has deemed Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Click to get inspiration for hosting your next high tea.
We’ve officially hit low stock on B.E AWAY magazine thanks to YOU.
I am so excited to share with you this truly intimate lifestyle shoot captured in the famous Historic Reed House on Manzanita Beach at the coast Oregon.
I am always aspiring to make our home as cozy and comfortable as possible. I want it to feel like a big hug when you walk through the door.
It is important to shop small and support local all the time, but especially in 2020. Small businesses are in danger, and if you think that sounds like an exaggeration, it’s not. You would be hard-pressed to find a small business that has not been affected by COVID-19. So now, more than ever, please consider supporting small businesses.
With a change of plans for most Americans’ Thanksgiving dinners in 2020, you may find yourself preparing a Thanksgiving meal for the first time. If that’s the case, this post is for you.
Most people harbor the knowledge that stuff is just stuff, and love and family are what matters, but not everyone has such an extreme experience to underline that sentiment. As draining and traumatic as losing all your possessions is, Molly and Tyler seem settled by knowing that all that grand talk is actually true. Who they were before the fire wouldn’t have hoped for it to happen at all, but who they are after is relieved to know that great tragedy is accompanied by great knowledge. Knowledge of how loved they are and how even when they lost everything, people rushed in to replace it and offer help of any kind.
“Motivated by our commitment to the wild plant and animal community in which we live, Wildcraft Flowers uses holistic practices to grow all of our flowers. We are constantly aware of our impact on our environment and strive to manage our land in a way that can benefit all creatures alike.
Today on the blog, a home tour of a traditional adobe home in New Mexico, carefully furnished with a mixture of antiques and traditional crafts.
Combining beautiful spaces, the breathtaking geography of Le Marche, Italy, a divine food spread, wedding inspiration, and crisp fashion into one impeccable shoot, how could we not be inspired?
In these challenging times, I hope these photographs serve as a reminder of what a great privilege it is to be able to roam our outstandingly varied planet.
While we are at home with our loved ones, stressed about our health, income, and the future, let us focus on the moments spent doing what we love. Let us focus on the time spent with the people we love because this time is also fleeting; It will pass. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if instead of ruminating on the chaos, we remembered it for the beautiful, quiet moments instead?
The Adelante House is a boutique guest house situated in the historic hidden gem of Javea, Spain—home to vineyards, plenty of outdoor activities, and over 20km of sandy beaches and secluded coves accented with turquoise waters. With three distinct parts of the town, one can get three vastly different experiences in one trip. Explore the ancient streets in Old Town, enjoy tapas and paella on an outdoor patio in the Port of Javea, or see what the nightlife is all about at famed club Achill in the Beach of Javea.
A holiday dinner menu with dishes that stand out in taste and looks.
My husband (A.P.) and I recently took over a 119 year old property with 13 acres of formals gardens. Part of the renovation was the greenhouse that was originally built in the 60's. So, in celebration of the finished renovation we hosted a small dinner in our greenhouse.
I have always loved the idea that something as simple as a cup of tea can bring family and friends together to create a communal experience. Oftentimes, I find myself getting caught up in the everyday businesses of life that I forget to take a pause and be in the moment. For this shoot, I wanted to capture the essence of slowing down and enjoying a relaxing morning over some matcha tea.
Dominique and Jacob are a long distance couple. Their hectic schedules don't allow for much downtime, so they were happy to escape to the country for a weekend, to a cozy cottage in Niagara, surrounded by forest and farm land.
The house itself is a ranch style home built in 1935. The large horizontal windows have a Japanese feel that contributes to the peaceful quality of the home. It is important to respect the original architecture of a home or building, but not restore it to a fault so that it doesn’t function in modern times.
Winter, in it’s own turn, can become a dear friend to us, a natural tug to turn inward. It is a season where we find rest, renewal, and reflection to fuel us. This is a perfect time to give yourself some space and grace.
When Skylar of Pura Soul Photography sent us this home tour of Heather and Troy Balliet's beautiful house, we could not wait to share it with you all! Here are some words from Heather (owner of Amorology):
We're known for creating personalized events that really tell the story of our couples. Our design is romantic and eclectic with a touch of playful, which is also reflective in our modern farmhouse home!
The inspiration started with the space itself. This is a working studio space at my alma mater, Berry College. I always pay a visit to the art building when I'm back on campus since I was a fine art major myself. This wing of the building opened up for student use after I graduated - and yes I envy these students!
I have been wanting to teach a workshop integrating time in the Cutting Garden with design time in the studio for a while. Late Summer is a time of such abundance when the garden is overflowing with so much beauty—it seemed like a natural fit.
Inspired by the slow living movement, we wanted to explore the concept of idleness through a photo essay that offers a view on finding solace in everyday hustle and making time for introspection.
From a design perspective, house plants are an opportunity to add warmth and energy. Home design is often about balance. When you have so many inanimate things, i.e. sofas, books, etc., adding literal life to a space ups the sense of harmony and completeness.
Sachi freelances as a floral designer and Joey is a chef. They met while working at a restaurant together and the spark of attraction was immediate (as Joey enthusiastically attests). Despite having moved into their new home just a few weeks prior to my visit, their cozy space was full of artifacts representing their talents and relationship together.
As you know, after a wedding many gorgeous blooms simply end up in the bin. Inspiration struck me one day, after a particularly beautiful set of used peonies were laying in the trash. In an effort to repurpose these lovely details, Jaimee Morse Photography, Maven Events/ Floral/Styling and I collaborated after three separate weddings to save these florals, label their blossoms, and preserve their beauty through photography.
food, drink, & entertaining
What better way to cool off this summer than lemonade? How about a lemonade recipe infused with perfectly ripened blueberries with a hint of elderflower?
Canning can be a bit intimidating but these delicious pears and honey are beautiful and simple!
An Irish dinner for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Click to get the Bread Pudding recipe!
We were inspired by the danish word, hygge, which means a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.
“You are cordially invited
to a gathering of friends and sisters
to fellowship and share in the breaking of bread
to stir up one another to love and good works
How would you like to host your own floral workshop or party? Samantha at Splendid Musings shows us how to plan our own!
With a change of plans for most Americans’ Thanksgiving dinners in 2020, you may find yourself preparing a Thanksgiving meal for the first time. If that’s the case, this post is for you.
When I made this cake, I wanted it to be a centerpiece but not overly elaborate. Not only is it delicious but it is also filled with all kinds of nutrients. Mixed in are beets, zucchini, and carrots, which add a lot of richness. This is my go-to cake recipe because it’s not too sweet but brings just enough sweetness to my day whenever it’s enjoyed.
Forget banana bread baking during quarantine, this banana pancake recipe is simple, dairy-free, and delicious.
Sometimes pancakes sound impossible in the mornings. While they might be delicious they aren't always the healthiest or quickest pick, but this recipe sure is! We are in love with these simple banana pancakes, and topped with nutty coconut whipped cream we know you won't be able to turn them down!
Today we are sharing a summer recipe served at an herb-inspired dinner party. We are thrilled to share a thyme and garlic stuffed sea bass recipe from Chef Jarad Adams of The Clifton Inn. We love the simplicity of this flavorful and fresh recipe.
women in business
B.E DRIVEN™ - A BUSINESS BLOG FOR CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS
Today, I am rounding up the 12 best productivity apps, business apps, and resources I use in running my wedding business. Efficiency and the right tools are KEY to running a successful wedding business, and today, I’m sharing them with you!
If you take a close look at your wedding coordination business, are you doing your best to cater to everyone. Language has the power to create connection and build relationships. Still, it also has the power to put up barriers & generate disconnection. Using inclusive language in your businesses is the most effective way to build connection and create a sense of belonging with all clients. It allows all audiences to be heard, seen, and recognized.
If you know me, you know I am somewhat of a doomsday prepper in regards to my wedding businesses—I am always preparing for the very worst to happen. Because if/when it does (hello pandemic), I want to be as prepared as possible. Enter: The Creative Law Shop by Paige Hulse.
If you're like us, the wedding boom of 2022 has your schedule bursting at the seams… and the inquiries just keep coming. One of the worst feelings is turning away new business because you're simply too busy.
But what if you could expand your team? What if you could train trustworthy coordinators so you could finally take on more weddings without worrying?
From Bronwyn E. Spain and Cecily Hunter of internationally-recognized Spain Ranch, there's FINALLY a comprehensive day-of wedding coordination course available. Together, with our 12 years of wedding coordination (and venue experience), we’ve trained countless day-of wedding coordinators to work at our home venue—something we have never taken lightly as those coordinators are always an extension of our venue and of us. Some of the coordinator’s we’ve trained have even gone on to launch their own successful wedding planning businesses. Today, we’re sharing it ALL with you.
Are you seeing more clients who aren't interested in a "traditional" wedding or uninterested in keeping some of the "traditional" aspects of a wedding day? Here's the good news: No one has to have a traditional wedding. Yep, we said it. Traditions are only special if they are meaningful to the couple
Want to know one of the key ingredients to a successful wedding day? That one area that truly has the power to make or break a wedding reception? It’s the wedding catering team. Here’s how to work with them, not against them, and ensure the day runs smooth.
Picture this: it's 9pm, and you're settling in for the night. You check your phone and see a text from a wedding coordination client who wants something super simple from you; you know you could do it before you go to bed.
The Creative Law Shop® (the ONLY place I get legal contracts for my business, and the ONLY place I recommend to other wedding pros) is having a huge Black Friday sale Monday November 15th through Friday November 19th 2021.
love
b.e Wed™ - A relationship and wedding BLOG
One, five, ten and twenty years after the day you walked down the aisle clothed in white your memories of that most special day fade more and more. While our vivid memories start to slip away, the promises we made to each other only continue to permeate and guide more of the decisions we make as a couple.
If you take a close look at your wedding coordination business, are you doing your best to cater to everyone. Language has the power to create connection and build relationships. Still, it also has the power to put up barriers & generate disconnection. Using inclusive language in your businesses is the most effective way to build connection and create a sense of belonging with all clients. It allows all audiences to be heard, seen, and recognized.
If you're like us, the wedding boom of 2022 has your schedule bursting at the seams… and the inquiries just keep coming. One of the worst feelings is turning away new business because you're simply too busy.
But what if you could expand your team? What if you could train trustworthy coordinators so you could finally take on more weddings without worrying?
From Bronwyn E. Spain and Cecily Hunter of internationally-recognized Spain Ranch, there's FINALLY a comprehensive day-of wedding coordination course available. Together, with our 12 years of wedding coordination (and venue experience), we’ve trained countless day-of wedding coordinators to work at our home venue—something we have never taken lightly as those coordinators are always an extension of our venue and of us. Some of the coordinator’s we’ve trained have even gone on to launch their own successful wedding planning businesses. Today, we’re sharing it ALL with you.
Want to know one of the key ingredients to a successful wedding day? That one area that truly has the power to make or break a wedding reception? It’s the wedding catering team. Here’s how to work with them, not against them, and ensure the day runs smooth.
Picture this: it's 9pm, and you're settling in for the night. You check your phone and see a text from a wedding coordination client who wants something super simple from you; you know you could do it before you go to bed.
I still vividly recall three weddings I coordinated that solidified my thinking on tradition. The first was an old friend who dressed up to get married at the courthouse, and hired a professional photographer to capture it. I wept at the photos of she and her new husband because their love was unmistakable. They had no guests. They had no reception. Just the two of them dressed in formalwear at the courthouse. In that instant, it clicked.
Having a simple wedding or an elopement and tired of only being able to find overkill traditional wedding to do checklists? Look no further. We’ve got your printable elopement checklist PDF and simple wedding checklist printable PDF right here.
The gorgeous photos of Kayla and Adrienne below were a part of a Turkey Mountain wedding shoot featuring the recently-married couple, Mary Fencl Events, Ever Something, and Jordan Taylor Photography.
"We were inspired by the amazing mediaeval city San Gimignano located in Tuscany region, Italy. The second name of the city - 'City of a hundred towers.' The historic city center of San Gimignano, in 1990, was included in the UNESCO. Old stone streets, majestic towers, all immersed in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.”
Your wedding day will be filled with moments you hope to be captured as if they were a painting. This inspiration piece was inspired by just that, the slowness and meaningful moments that take place throughout your wedding day and in particular the intimacy between yourself and your family.
From B.E Wed Oklahoma Issue 3: Our Anniversary Couple Huma and Arfan on planning a Pakistani wedding in Oklahoma.
A wedding with two madly-in-love humans and the most KILLER NYE party in the Black Barn at Spain Ranch.
From moving to a new country and becoming professional dancers, to finding love and buying a home together, Rupert Edwards and Karina Gonzalez Edwards’s relationship spans eleven years.
Jaden and Trace had an intimate and meaningful wedding ceremony in the woods on April 18th. This was definitely not their original plan though; their wedding was set to take place at her grandparents California vineyard. Everything was set, then it quickly became clear that plans would have to change due to COVID-19.
Ready to forgo a wedding and elope in NYC? These five spots are romantic, quirky, and ideal for social distancing.
Brought to you by B.E Driven’s Comprehensive Coordination Course, this is your short and simple guide to a traditional wedding processional. This is written for both planners/coordinators and couples.
A favorite memory, a perfect moment, the best day—our memories of specific moments and days are stored and organized based on feelings. A rush of excitement, being overcome with profound peace, or joy so heavy it turns into tears—these are the cultivators and determinators of a favorite memory. Your wedding day will assuredly hold many of your favorite memories and moments, and long after the wedding day passes, you will remember them for how they felt.
I interviewed Marci for a two-part story rather than a simple profile. You see, Marci previously posted on social media about how many times makeup artists and hair stylists lack in having inclusive shades and training for makeup artistry and training for inclusivity in hair.
”These photos are the first [Tiffany and Alicia] had ever taken together—and the first that they've ever shared publicly. We were graced with a perfectly cloudy day and I was graced with reassurance that what I do moves mountains for people.” - Paage Frank, Photographer
What is the best way to treat your guests when it comes to a destination wedding? A welcome party, of course! Especially when the destination wedding takes place in the queen of Dodecanese Islands— I am talking about Rhodes Island of course, which is one of the hottest Greek destinations in recent years.
“Wedding stationery is the first impression your guests will get of your wedding — the mood and design, the level of formality, the amount of care you will put in making sure your guests will have a great time. A beautifully-calligraphed envelope and gorgeous invitation goes a long way to show your guests that you care about them--and that you're planning a killer party. The flowers will fade and you'll eat all the food, but your stationery is a keepsake that you and your guests can keep forever.”
Combining beautiful spaces, the breathtaking geography of Le Marche, Italy, a divine food spread, wedding inspiration, and crisp fashion into one impeccable shoot, how could we not be inspired?
Because of the lockdown, we pretty much had Stillwater all to ourselves. It started out kind of like us against the world.
Savanna’s best advice when planning your wedding? Communicate with each other. Figure out what is important to each of you for the wedding. Splurge on the important things, and don’t sweat the other stuff.
In these challenging times, I hope these photographs serve as a reminder of what a great privilege it is to be able to roam our outstandingly varied planet.
The newlyweds eloped on a Monday surrounded only by six of their closest family and friends. The sweet simplicity of their wedding day matched with the elegance of San Francisco City Hall truly made their day about the love they have for each other and the love of those who have supported them along the way. The intimacy of their elopement and the celebration of their union made it about so much more than just the wedding day itself…
While we are at home with our loved ones, stressed about our health, income, and the future, let us focus on the moments spent doing what we love. Let us focus on the time spent with the people we love because this time is also fleeting; It will pass. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if instead of ruminating on the chaos, we remembered it for the beautiful, quiet moments instead?
wellness
B.E WELL™ - A WELLNESS BLOG
As feelings of loneliness creep and mental health takes a slight turn in the wrong direction, I’ve returned to some old feel-good remedies. My special formula? Baking, holiday-themed beverages, cliche (romantic) feel-good movies that will probably leave you in worse condition than you were before you watched, and one-person dance parties to holiday music.
I’m glad it’s not just me—
the only one who feels this heaviness—
this compacted grief,
this sense of hopelessness
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” - Margaret Wolfe Hungerford
No offense to “The Duchess,” but I call bullshit.
Most people harbor the knowledge that stuff is just stuff, and love and family are what matters, but not everyone has such an extreme experience to underline that sentiment. As draining and traumatic as losing all your possessions is, Molly and Tyler seem settled by knowing that all that grand talk is actually true. Who they were before the fire wouldn’t have hoped for it to happen at all, but who they are after is relieved to know that great tragedy is accompanied by great knowledge. Knowledge of how loved they are and how even when they lost everything, people rushed in to replace it and offer help of any kind.
I was visiting home in Hong Kong last year, and my mum was making Chinese tea. Tea ceremonies are a hobby she picked up a while ago, and whenever I watch her making tea, it felt like everything slowed. Sometimes, I would sit down with her and wait for the tea to brew, while she would share the technique, history, and philosophy of Chinese tea ceremonies with me.
She is intimacy. She is energy. She is courageous. She might find herself lost but she continues to move forward. She has a purpose to be her and nothing but her.
The news was broken to me during my 9th month of pregnancy, and I remember crying out after I hung up the phone; I couldn't handle the thought of her not being there when I delivered my second child.
What better way to cool off this summer than lemonade? How about a lemonade recipe infused with perfectly ripened blueberries with a hint of elderflower?