Hosting & Toasting: 4th of July Celebration

We all know that I love a reason to host a party. I am so excited to have our friends over to celebrate the 4th of July next weekend. I know that Saturday is going to be filled with our favorite American foods and a lot of red, white and blue. As I start to put together the menu and gather a few other ideas, I thought I would share what we are planning so far.

We must have a festive cocktail to go along with all the delicious food that we will be enjoying throughout the day. So when I saw this White Wine-Berry Sangria I knew that was going to be the winner! What will you be sipping on during the 4th of July?
Strawberry and blueberry ice cubes. How perfect are these?! You can toss them in  your glass of water or maybe even the Sangria. 
One of my favorite things about hosting a party is decorating our home for the special occasion. I believe the small details make all the difference. Since I went to NC State, I have a lot of red and white decor so all I have to do is find a few ways to incorporate blue into our tablescape.
If you are looking for a few outfit ideas, Owen's 4th of July outfit is perfect, I can't get my hands on enough maxi dresses right now. I also love this red, white and blue dress that Shelby is wearing.

I hope everyone is having a great week! Just 1 more day until Friday, HOORAY! :)

Motivation Monday: Change

I haven't written a "Motivation Monday" post in a long time so I thought today would be the perfect time to share my recent motivation. Yes, I know today is Tuesday but I had this post 90% complete yesterday and never found those handful of minutes that I needed to finish my thoughts and hit publish. So without further adieu...
I have always believed that "if you don't create change, change will create you." I was never someone that embraced change when I was young because I preferred to stay in my comfort zone but over the years I have realized that change is the only constant so why am I resisting it?

As I was having a conversation with my Dad over the weekend, I realized that many amazing things in my life are the results of change. The most recent and biggest change in life occurred 9 months ago when I became a wife. One of the greatest days of my life. That change has brought love, laughter, peace, adventure and comfort into my life.

Discovering a passion which has lead me to my career in University Relations. These career changes have brought significant knowledge, new friendships, self-confidence and a greater understanding on how to achieve your professional goals.

When I relocated to Greensboro, NC for my first job after graduating from college. I was alone in a new environment. I found myself without my friends and family. I felt overwhelmed with the change and uncertainty. During this time, I learned the importance of independence, I realized that my true friendships would remain regardless of how many miles were between us, my family will always be my rock, and the training and experience that I received during those 18 months propelled me to where I am today in my career.
Through the many changes, I have realized a few valuable lessons.
1. Acknowledge change. It is inevitable. Regardless of the type of change, there will be a level of fear because we are taking on something that is unknown and sometimes uncomfortable. But I have learned that if I acknowledge and express my fear {or any other emotions} that I am able to navigate the change with much more ease and grace.
2. Accept and learn from change. Being able to accept change rather than resisting it {like I did when I was younger} has allowed me to handle change more effectively. I have come to realize that change happens for a reason and we need to be open to reflecting on the lessons that can be learned from the change.
3. Realize your growing stronger. Karen Kaiser Clark, an Inspirational Speaker, once said, "Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely." I have to appreciate the changes that occurred because I have proven to myself that I can overcome the uncertainty of change. Realizing the powerful impact that change can have on my life, I found that I'm becoming a stronger person when I am able to acknowledge, accept and learn from the changes taking place. Having the ability to continuously accept change allows me to grow personally and professionally. Change has provided me a level of strength to persevere.  
6. Change brings opportunities and new beginnings. I am a planner {always have been and always will be} but I have learned that each change is an unplanned new page in your book of life. Change will bring new opportunities and choices along with new beginnings and perspectives.  

A few additional thoughts...
My Company's Vice Chairman, Tom Mendoza, is also motivational speaker and wrote this great article that was featured in Forbes about embracing change.

If you are looking for a quick read that will provide a refreshing perspective, check-out The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra. 

Thoughts for Thursday: Travel Addition

This week I have been traveling for work so I am sure you have noticed that it has been a little quiet around here. Ever since I touched down in Denver on Monday morning, I have been on the go. A few flights later and I am now enjoying a cup of coffee in the hotel lobby before I begin my day with our interns in Wichita, Kansas.

The weather in Colorado was absolutely beautiful, the crisp air and 70 degree days were perfect for all the outdoor activities that we had planned for our interns. I snapped this picture as I was leaving the office, wishing this was my view every day! :)
Our office is in Boulder, Colorado which is about 40 minutes northwest of Denver. Boulder is a quaint town that has an amazing food scene that many describe as being "hip and contemporary." When I am in town, I try to go to restaurants that I haven't tried in the past and this trip was no exception. I ventured to Oak at Fourteenth and SALT, both had been recommended by locals so I knew they were not going to disappoint...and they didn't at all.  
Quinoa Strawberry Salad, Tomato Braised Meatballs and a glass of Rose from Oak at Fourteenth. 
Tom's Tavern Burger with hand cut fries and homemade ketchup (yum!) from SALT. You get to create your own cocktails based on your "personalized flavor formulation," which was really neat. The house-infused simple syrup that I selected was blood orange rosemary to be mixed with vodka and served as "cocktail style." Oh, it was heavenly!
Source
Speaking of travel, if you have recently flown on a Delta flight then you may have seen these safety videos being played instead of the Flight Attendant rehearsing their safety script. It is entertaining, you can watch it here.

This has been my go-to travel outfit recently because it's guaranteed that I will be sweating one minute and then freezing cold the next. I have loved the Ruffneck Jersey Dress by Gretchen Scott. It is the perfect dress because it has three quarter length sleeves, doesn't wrinkle and is very comfortable.

I hope everyone is having a great week! I can't wait to kick my feet up tonight and catch up on what everyone has been up to recently!