Thirty

“Life doesn't end at 30.” - Jeanne Moreau

I am turning 30 on January 26th, and to say that I’m looking forward to this journey is an understatement. Initially when I realized I would be approaching this new age bracket, it totally freaked me out. I began thinking of all the things I have yet to accomplish, but then reflected on how far I’ve come in my journey.

Each year I always set goals for myself and prioritize the new things I’d like to do. Yet, this year feels a bit different, and I’m focusing on how to make myself happier, healthier, and just living a more amazing fulfilled life. In my 20’s I spent a lot of time and effort making sure other people were happy, and during that process trying to find myself.

Today I’m sharing a few things I’m looking forward to embarking on in this new phase of my life, and how I’m actually pretty excited to leave my 20’s behind.

Self-care. I know self-care has been a huge topic lately, and honestly, it’s so important. My goal is to really take my overall health a bit more seriously. I’ve always been mindful of how I am feeling and taking a personal inventory of my emotional or physical needs, but it is something I really want to focus on even more. It’s so easy to get lost in situations, people, or things. By staying more grounded spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically it is my hope that I use this season to really focus more so on how to be a better individual. I want to be at my best, so I can be a blessing and helpful to others, while still remembering to nurture and grow myself in the interim.

Travel. Traveling has always been something I’ve loved to do, and as I get older I crave it even more. Going to a new place, and learning the culture is something that I really value. For the first time, I am spending my actual birthday outside of the country in a new place, and I’m absolutely looking forward to it. My goal in this new season is to spend more money on experiences, and less on material things. It is so true what they say, “You can always get more money, but time is something that you can never get back.”

Time. Speaking of time, my goal for this year is to be more mindful of how I’m spending my time. Personally, I get so caught up in the act of doing, that I forget to really remember the importance of it all. My intention during this season is to prioritize my time much better and getting in more quality moments, while cherishing them just a little bit more. I want to carve time for myself, husband, family, and friends more carefully.

Motherhood. In my late teens and early 20’s, I for sure thought I’d have a child way before I turned 30, and obviously things did not pan out that way. Right after college I went full-throttle into my career, and quickly climbed the corporate ladder. I was more focused on learning as much as I could in the IT field, which left very little time for any relationships. I met my husband when I was 25, and we got married when I was 27, yet I was nowhere near ready to start a family. Even with the constant questions from family and friends (all with good intentions of course), G and I simply were not ready to have a baby. We wanted to travel, build a home together, and honestly just get to know one another a little bit better. Honestly, I realized in the first few years of marriage how important it was to build a foundation with my partner before we began starting a family. There will never be a perfect time, but we want the time to be right. I know my 30’s will be perfect time to add an addition to our family.

What are some new goals you're setting for yourself this year? Share below!

 XO, Analise

Twenty-Nine

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey

Today is my 29th birthday. In honor of my special day I'm sharing 29 facts about me!

1. My middle name is Mia, it is Italian for Michele - which is my mother's name. My dad was visiting a port in Italy during a 6-month deployment when my mama got the news she was pregnant with me!
2. I absolutely love flowers, but Calla Lilies are by far my favorite. They were the flowers in my wedding bouquet.
3. I am a big sister, my brother Ryan and I are 2 years and 3 months apart. Growing up, I was always fiercely protective over him. He was diagnosed with Autism when we were kids. Ryan undoubtedly makes me a better person. He is the kindest and most giving human I know. Knowing and growing with my baby brother I've become a kinder human being, and I thank God for him. Ryan brings out the good in everyone he encounters, and if you know him you're incredibly lucky. 
4. Brunch is my favorite meal - it is the best of both worlds!
5. I do not wear makeup at all - mainly because I'm horrible at applying it, and my skin is very sensitive! There are a few exceptions for the few times I wear makeup. My makeup artist, Wil Strayhorn does an amazing job and he knows my skin type very well.
6. I'm a former Navy Brat. My dad served for almost 10 years before I was born. 
7. I met my husband on a blind date! 
8. My circle of friends is pretty small. I'm a pretty private person. I'm fortunate to have an amazing group of friends around me who know and love me unconditionally.
9. I was born on an Air Force Base in Maryland.
10. Music is my therapy. When I was kid, my dad gifted me a Walkman. He would let me listen to his cassette tapes. Janet Jackson, Prince, Michael Jackson, you name it ... my dad and I bonded over music, and we still do.
11. Upon graduating college I had a job waiting for me in a new city where I knew no one. It was a little scary, but an exciting time. This new experience forced me outside of my comfort zone and opened new doors. 
12. I'm a morning person. I typically wake up around 5:30 AM every day ... even on the weekends!
13. I do not eat red meat at all.
14. I lived in Mississippi during my elementary school years. My dad was stationed there during his last few years in the United States Navy.
15. I majored in Computer Science at the University of Virginia. 
16. I've only had one surgery - a spinal fusion at the age of 15. 
17. French fries are my weakness! 
18. I had my own apartment for 3 and a half years. Living alone and having my own space was the absolute best decision I ever made. I was really able to get to know myself more, and was only accountable for just me ... which was pretty cool.
19. I'm a planner. I live by my calendar on my phone, and my Kate Spade planner. 
20. If I could pick one type of food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be seafood. Oysters, crab legs or cakes, salmon, scallops, shrimp ... count me in.
21. My parents and brother live only 3 minutes down the street from where G and I built our home. Our family is very close.
22. I'm a neat freak. 
23. Creme brûlée is my favorite dessert. 
24. I'm a big fan of comic books. My dad gave me my first action figure when I was 5 years old. I was in love with Storm from X-Men, and carried her action figure around everywhere. My family has always bonded over comics. Luckily I married someone who is as equally into comics as we are - jackpot! G and I collect statues of our favorite comic book characters.
25. Give me a good charcuterie board, and I will love you forever!
26. I love wine ... a whole lot. My husband gifted me a wine cabinet when we first moved into our home, and we keep it stocked. We love trying new wineries and vineyards. G and I consistently add new bottles to our collection.
27. When I'm not drinking wine, tequila is my drink of choice!
28. I love to read, and still buy hardcover books.
29. I do not drink soda or coffee ... only water for me please!

XO, Analise

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Clutch

"Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak." — Rachel Zoe

There are a few times each year when I really treat myself! My 29th birthday is in a week, and it's time for me to splurge a little. I decided to purchase a clutch I'd been eyeing for a few months.

This monogrammed navy pebble grain clutch by GiGi New York was the perfect gift to myself. Some may ask, "Why would you treat yourself during your birthday month when you're already receiving gifts from others?" 

Below are several reasons as to why it is important to "clutch" special items or moments for yourself during your birthday month.

1. You deserve it. You made it another year! Whether it be a new pair of shoes, a trip, or a massage - do something just for yourself!
2. Don't rely on others to get you the things you really want. I've always had this mentality. Growing up, my mama always taught me to save a few dollars for those luxury items I really wanted. Her quote was, "You work hard Analise, always make sure you treat yourself to a little something now and then." Years later I still remember that, and live by that mantra fully!
3. Celebrate yourself. No one knows you better than you! Reflect on the "peaks" and "pits" you encountered over the year. Celebrate your milestones!
4. Have your cake and eat it too. It's the one day a year where it is about you. Live a little! Make sure you do everything that means the most on this special day.

What are some ways you treat yourself on your birthday?

XO, Analise