Michel's first snow!

Validation.

I have been meaning to share a few bits and pieces from my last weekend. It's been a busy week, but I finally found a few minutes to write this post :)

I got to spend some time with my bestie who will soon be leaving B-more for an AMAZING job in NYC. So proud of her, and I will be missing her tons!

Breakfast/ brunch at my favourite place in B-more, Artifact Coffee! It is so cute and cozy and the food is DELICIOUS, and all of it is locally sourced! 

I have greatly reduced my dairy intake, but once in a while treat myself to my favourite treat- latte!

"Candid" Sunday Ruhi photo of these two cutesies.

A real candid photo of pretty Carolyn! 

Lately I have been thinking about the need for external validation. Sometimes our society can lead us to believe that this sort of external support is linked to personal success and accomplishment. Personally, I have found myself easily discouraged or disappointed, or second guessing myself, when I don't have the acknowledgment  or approval that my work and effort is "good" and accepted. I am trying to consciously work on this,  and accept the truth that all I need is validation from within myself . As, long as I know that I have worked hard and have done my best, that is the most important aspect of success. This concept can often be more difficult than expected to incorporate into one's life but is so incredibly freeing! Do what makes you happy and proud of yourself.  We can be our own worst critic or strongest supporter! Be kind and give to others, but don't depend on praise from others to determine your success and happiness!

Fall firsts...

Michel's first Halloween! And very first pumpkin carving. He did a much better job than I ever have ;) )

(On my way to work I was in awe of the rich and deep colors of this tree! How can anything possibly be so beautiful!)

October was an insanely busy, but wonderful month! There are so many things I love about fall - the gorgeous colors of the trees, pumpkins, Halloween, lots of birthdays in my family, scarves and many other cozy things! 

Smiling - better than chocolate?!?!

As a kid I came to realize a few truths about smiling:

1. People are prettier when they smile.
2. I like being around smiley people.
3. Whenever I am upset, simply forcing myself to smile makes me feel better (and sometimes even laugh, because it can feel so silly).
4. Smiling is contagious.
5. Smiling is fun!

I recently heard this Ted talk while driving home from work, it confirmed all my beliefs about smiling, and made me further appreciate this simple yet powerful act!

Smile people! :)

24!

Hello beautiful people!

I honestly cannot believe I am writing a post right now, but I do need a little break from studying for tomorrows test! Eeek. October has been a crazy month for me with all the assignments and midterms due and I feel like I am barely keeping afloat. But, with that said, I could not be more appreciative for the opportunity to be educated and learn about public health!

Sunday was my first birthday as a married girl and it was so very sweet! I woke up to flowers and chocolate and lots of surprises prepared by cute husband, including a Britney Spears hits CD that I have been listening to non stop in the car (forever a Britney fan!). I had a wonderful brunch with my girlfriends, Ruhi book gathering with some awesome peeps, and ended with dinner from my fav Afghani place and my fav red velvet cake from 3 Brothers. It was also perfect! Thank you to everyone for all the love and sweetness! I really am a lucky girl!

And I am going to end this post with some of my recent favourite pinterest finds:

Fridays and August.

 Photos from weekly Friday gatherings in our humble abode..

1. Lately life has decided to throw me many unexpected obstacles and hurdles to climb over, and it can be so easy to get side tracked and discouraged - especially if you are a person (like me) who likes to plan and schedule out the days/ months/ even years! These are more lessons and opportunities to master the art of letting go, which is sometimes not one of my strengths.

2. Getting married was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It definitely takes work and dedication but the rewards are so incredibly sweet.

3. I start school in a few days and am a ball of excitement and nervousness. A new journey is about to begin!

Lately grammies- July/ August

Lately...

( My handsome husband cleaning up after dinner during our honeymoon. I am such a lucky gal!)

 (M and I discovered the cutest famers market filled with a large variety of goodies that were also reasonably priced! The zuchinni was SO good in a veggie soup M made and the nectarines were so sweet and the perfect texture. It is probably a little ridiculous how happy farmers market fruit and veggies can make me:) )

 ( The day after our wedding with our little baby girl ;) )

(Delicious vegan lunch on Taco Tuesday from the UMD Co-op, AKA my new fav place!)

(Friday night Ruhi! Nothing better than great conversation, with beautiful souls and tea!)

(Woke up and found her like this one morning. She truly knows the way to my heart!)