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

6 Ways to Date Your Spouse

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” - Unknown

Marriage takes a lot of work, love, and time. G and I work hard to ensure that we are happy. Below are tips we use in our marriage. While we are far from perfect, these tools work for best for us.

  1. Try new things. We enjoy a lot of the same activities. However, our interests vary. For example, one time G expressed interest in doing a Segway tour. I was a bit nervous of the idea. Yet, one year for his birthday, I surprised him with Segway lessons with a tour of downtown historical Richmond, VA. The real treat was that I would be doing it with him. Surprisingly, I ended up having so much fun! We tried a new activity together and absolutely had a blast. The tour brought us closer together. G was so happy that I was adventurous and tried something new.
  2. Cook together. The typical dinner and movie is cool. Yet, some of our favorite date nights are spent at home relaxing together. I absolutely love cooking, and G enjoys good food - clearly we are a match made in heaven. Anytime I want to try a new recipe he assists me. We shop together to pick out items for our meal. Luckily G is a grill-master and loves cooking. Often times, our meals at home are just as tasty as some of the restaurants we go to!
  3. Compliment each other. It is so important to compliment your spouse before, during, and after date night. Take note of what they are wearing or the amount of effort they put into making the date super special. Flattery gets you everywhere!
  4. Surprise them. Some of my most memorable dates with my husband, were when G told me, "Reservations are at 7 PM, and wear this dress." It's really cool to see him excited about something he was so thoughtful in planning. G made the night fun and very romantic ... most importantly I was swept off my feet.
  5. Write them a love letter. Words mean a lot to me. When G realized that he started writing love notes. Now we both write each other notes. Find out what your partner loves, whether it be words or acts of service. Do something that will be meaningful to your spouse.
  6. Set a date. Pick a day and time, whether it is every Friday night, or once a month. Carve out a moment where it is just the two of you. Work, family, or just life sometimes play a factor, in spending quality time. Make sure your spouse knows that they are indeed important to you. G and I have our weekly scheduled date nights. Every month when the 26th* rolls around, we open one of our favorite wines.  G & I take time to reflect on some of our best moments together. 

*The 26th is the day we got married, so every month we spend extra time making that day sweet.

What are some ways you date your spouse or partner?

XO, Analise

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Fresh Start

"I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're doing something." Neil Gaiman

As a New Year begins, it is very important to take a step back and reflect. This year has been a whirlwind for me, but I've had some amazing "peaks" along the way.

First, G and I both started brand new jobs in the first quarter of the year. Then, we celebrated one year of marriage ... and still going strong.

My family had amazing moments as well. Also, my beautiful mother, graduated from Law School this year at Regent University. She is without a doubt the smartest and strongest woman I know. 

I've celebrated milestones with my friends. Alisha got married to an amazing man. We have known each other since undergrad at UVA. I was fortunate and honored to serve as her Matron of Honor in their wedding. Tiffany, was accepted into graduate school and bought a wonderful new home.

My achievement was passing the Human Capital Strategist certification exam right before Thanksgiving. Last but certainly not least, I launched this blog - The Classy Cavalier. I'll be honest, it took several encouraging conversations with a few family members and close friends for me to launch this site, but I'm so glad that I did. Also, the immense amount of support from you all has been wonderful - thank you.

While, there were many "peaks" this year, a few "pits" occurred as well. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, G ruptured his Achilles tendon in his right foot. The injury definitely shifted things in the Gregory household. We are super blessed that our friends and family have been supportive during this time. G is quickly on the road to recovery, and doing so well in physical therapy. I married a strong man, and for that I'm very grateful. If anything, this situation made us stronger, and more in love with each other. 

When approaching a New Year, I set new goals and prioritize them - it's something I've always done. I'm a planner by nature. Below I'm giving ways on how I start the upcoming year fresh, and how to stay on track no matter what "peaks and pits" come your way.

  1. Get organized. If you know me very well, I'm all about organization. In fact, I am a true neat freak. It's very important for me to not have a lot of clutter. My motto is, "If my home is cluttered, then my brain is cluttered." It is so essential to get things organized to ensure your vision is clear. Whether it is organizing your closet, home, calendar, or whatever it may be, start clearing out the old, and bringing in the new. Tip: Donate old appliances or clothes! Once Christmas ends and I get new items, whatever is gently used I donate to the Goodwill or Salvation Army near my home. You can also schedule pickup times with these organizations from your home!
  2. Speak your dreams into existence and follow through. One of my dreams this year was to start tapping into my creative outlet in some way. Once, I graduated from undergrad in 2011, I've been laser focused on my career, and trying to break that glass ceiling. I've been in Corporate America for about 6 years now. While I'm very fortunate the professional opportunities I've been afforded ... my creativity has been extremely limited. The Classy Cavalier helps me create an outlet I so desperately need. I'm trying this blog out, giving it a chance, and putting my absolute all in this endeavor. Tip: Create a vision board or write down new ideas in a journal!
  3. Work it out. Working out is something I've always enjoyed doing. Barre, yoga, running, cycle, you name it I've probably tried it. For a few years when I was living in Richmond, my personal trainer really motivated and pushed me to my limits. The lessons she taught me during that time still resonates today. I continue to use her techniques and methods in my workouts. When the routines become easy, it's time to switch it up. Currently, my new love is Cycle Bar, and it is one of the best workouts I've had in awhile! Keeping my health in check is very important, and being able to stay active reduces stress! Tip: Try out different exercise studios or gyms - Groupon has helped me with this one! See what routine works best for you and your schedule. Also, ensure that the gym of your choice holds you accountable, while ensuring your fitness goals are being met.
  4. Select your tribe. I'm a firm believer in surrounding myself with good and positive people. I am so blessed to have amazing friends who push, as well as hold me accountable. Having a solid tribe really helps during the hard times too. For G and I we really saw the amazing people who stepped up during our "pits", and we are forever fortunate. When your tribe is winning and doing amazing things, don't forget to support them too. For example, Alisha and her hubby sent me flowers the day I launched my blog. That sweet gesture literally brought tears to my eyes, because she knew this was a major step for me! It is essential to have the right people in your life no matter the circumstance. Tip: "Birds of a feather flock together." It is super key to surround yourself with people who support your vision!

As you enter into 2018, begin thinking about what ways you'll conquer the New Year! What are some ways you plan on soaring in 2018?

Happy New Year!

XO, Analise

Our Christmas Traditions

Merry Christmas!

As I have mentioned several times, the holidays - specifically Christmas, is my absolute favorite! My family takes this season very seriously! We enjoy spending time with one another.  Our family loves decorating, unwrapping presents, and doing our usual Christmas activities with everyone. Also, my husband and I now have our own traditions that we love! Below are some of our favorite things we do during this special time.

  1. The stockings were hung with care. When G and I got married, we immediately went to Bed Bath & Beyond, and purchased a pair of stockings to hang over the fireplace. We love stuffing them with cute items for each other. For example, we'll get gift cards to the person's favorite place, and a bunch of other neat goodies.
  2. Oh Christmas tree. We typically put up our decorations the week of Thanksgiving. G and I are a big fan of the artificial tree. My family stopped getting live trees years ago. Although, a live tree is fantastic, and that fresh balsam fills the house - it's just a lot of work. We bought our tree from Home Depot. They have an amazing selection! Also, if you store an artificial tree properly, they will last for several years. 
  3. Ornament hunting. My grandmother, mama, and I go ornament hunting every year. Anytime I go to a special place, if they have a gorgeous ornament in their gift shop - I'm buying it! Also, once department stores have their sales on ornaments we stock up for the next year! The ladies and I have a ball going out picking up new pieces for our tree.
  4. Holiday lights. When G and I bought our home in 2015, it was a few weeks before Christmas. During that special time we were focused on getting settled in. The last two Christmas holidays, G has taken decorating our home seriously. We use ribbon, lights, and wreaths, to make the house sparkle. Also, our family loves hopping into my Dad's SUV, and go to nearby neighborhoods to look at holiday lights. It is so much fun, and we even get new ideas for decorating our home! 
  5. 'Twas the night before Christmas. On Christmas Eve we all go to my parent's home for a seafood dinner! Crab cakes, shrimp pasta, scallops, fried oysters ... and so many other goodies! We all catch up, play UNO, while enjoying each other's company. Then, we open our gifts together, and enjoy a few glasses of wine. This year, I'll be bringing my Lemon Pepper Wings to the gathering, along with my famous cookies!
  6. Christmas Day. On Christmas morning, G and I open the gifts we bought for one another. We spend time reflecting on the year, and spend quality time together.

What are some holiday traditions that you have with your loved ones?

Merry Christmas!

XO, Analise

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Maintaining Long Distance Friendships

"The language of friendship is not words but meanings." – Henry David Thoreau

I have some of the best friends in the world. Some of my close friends live in my city of Virginia Beach. Yet, my two closest girlfriends from college are the furthest away. They are like my sisters, and while they are not local, we still make time to touch base consistently with each other. Both of my girlfriends are about 4-5 hours driving distance. With that being said, Alisha, Tiffany, and I get pretty creative on ways we can see each other. Below I'm giving some tips on how I maintain my long distance friendships!

  • Check-In Consistently. With one of my best friends, I speak to her about 5 days out of the week. My other bestie, we touch base once a week. Even though we have different schedules, it is super important to check-in and chat. Whether it is sending a funny GIF or just saying "Hey, are you alive girl", we make it a priority to talk about our lives and if anything is new. Also, you do not have to speak to someone everyday to know that they are your true friend. 
  • Make Plans. My best friend Tiffany and I have this thing, where we meet up about once a quarter, in a midpoint location. It makes it super easy for us to not make the long commute to one another. We spend all day together, hitting some of our favorite spots and reconnecting - it's like we never skipped a beat! In order for this to work, we make plans sometimes 2 months in advance so that this is successful. She and I are both planners, with our busy schedules this method really helps!
  • Be Patient. Life happens, and sometimes texts or calls aren't quickly answered. Know that your bestie isn't ducking your messages. For instance, my friend Tiffany, like myself works full-time. Also, she is now in graduate school, and is a new homeowner! This lady is super busy, so I'm very understanding that there may be some delays in her responses ... and it is really OK. 
  • Stay True. Know that through it all you and your bestie have a special bond. Make sure you take the time out to touch base, and make plans to hang out when at all possible. For example, my best friend Alisha and I have a tradition that every Christmas we get together with our husbands and have a "Bae Christmas". It usually involves a lot of wine, good food, UNO, and exchanging some of the coolest gifts with our spouses. This tradition is one of the many ways we stay true to our friendship. Even our husbands love how we include them in the our special moments! 

 

What are some ways you keep in touch with besties who are far away?

XO, Analise