Best. Gift. Ever.

The only person I ever exchange Christmas gifts with is my best friend Kristin. It's become a tradition to exchange presents on Christmas Eve and give each other an ornament. This year Kiki gave me the most thoughtful present I've ever received... and anchor necklace. While the necklace is beautiful, it's what she wrote on the card that had me in tears...

I wear this necklace everyday. And every time I touch it I think of not only Kristin, but also of hope, steadfastness, taking chances, having new experiences, certainty, and trust. I love this card so much I put it in a frame. Sometimes we need those daily reminders to trust ourselves and try new things!

Thank you Kiki! I will cherish this gift all the days of my life <3

My New Vintage Kitchen Table from the 60's!

I've been living in my apartment since May with no table. That's right NO TABLE. It's been a pain in my ass. I have to sit eating on my bed or on the floor at the coffee table (which is actually my grandfathers old cedar chest).

Earlier this summer my friend moved into this awesome bungalow in North Riverside (a suburb of Chicago). It is beautiful. I love everything about it. Hopefully one day I can have a place like theirs! Anyway... She offered to give me her old pink and gray 60's table that the previous owner left in the basement. Of course I jumped at the chance as I love everything vintage. The only problem was getting it to my apartment. For months we tried to plan and coordinate, but nothing ever worked out. Then Sunday morning I got a call at 8 am, "I have my parents van, want me to go pick up that table for you?" UM DUH!!

And now my little studio is complete. The best part is that it has an adorable Pink and Gray table! YAY

I'm seriously in love!! Every time I look over at my table I smile.

Compassion International

I was sitting at work, reading a blog TheNester.com when I heard about Compassion International. This story, Decorating Truths From a 10 Year Old Boy, story brought me to tears. It was so beautiful that before I knew it, I was on their website looking for a child to sponsor. I've always been drawn to books on Africa, so I decided I needed to find a child from Rwanda. That's when I found my girl Niyogushiwa. She was waiting over 180 days for a sponsor, so I knew she was perfect for me. Isn't she the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?!

<3 I love her so much! <3

At my grandmother's 95th birthday, my mom thought it would be fun if we took a picture with all the ladies and a hello sign for Niyogushimwa.

Here I am holding my first letter from Niuogushimwa and her family!  

Lisa, Donna, Me, Grandma, Carol, Mommy, Kathy, Cindy, and Carol down below

A little bit about Niyogushimwa...

A little bit about Rwanda...

My Girl! <3

My First Letter

For more information on sponsoring your own child, check out Compassion International. And thanks to The Nester for bringing this beautiful girl into my life! <3 <3 <3