Hi! I’m Hailey and I blog about my twenty-something, soul-searching, life-loving journey over at Country Heart Country Soul. I married the most incredible man in 2008 and we bought our first home in 2009, which we share with twelve furry paws. Our story is messy and broken but we are now living out of grace and forgiveness to strive towards the relationship we know we were meant to have. Since graduating college last year I have been on the roller coaster of trying to find a job, meanwhile filling my days with crafting, cooking, creating, and lots of coffee. On an given day you can find me writing about everything from marriage to muffins or things that keep me up at night.
I love to write and have kept journals since I was little, but it took me a while to warm up to the idea of “blogging” because it felt cold and detached. Over a year ago I started following a few incredible ladies (Casey, Laura, Shannon) and felt so inspired by their personal, intimate approach, I thought I would give it a try. I am constantly inspired by people who are simply out there pursuing their passions despite sometimes difficult circumstances. I don’t follow blogs of accountants and analysts but those of jewelry designers, bakers, painters, photographers, musicians, and missionaries- people who are simply “following their bliss”. When I read about people doing what they truly enjoy, I see their love overflow onto their families and the world around them- that’s inspiring.
traveling. the ocean. coffee. music. animals.
Typically we wake up around 7, my husband gets ready for work… I do not. (but hoping to change that soon!) I make coffee, take the pups out, feed all four boys, kiss hub goodbye, sit on the couch and get out the laptop. Email, blog, fb, job-search, some compulsive online window-shopping… then get dressed, take the pups out. I make a ridiculously long to-do list, complete about 1/3 of it before the boy gets home, then we have dinner around 8, relax, walk the pups, and eventually get to bed around 11ish.
I have a really good feeling about 2012. My goals for this year are :
1. to be better to my body- eating well and exercising more. No numbers, no counting, just doing what I know is best for me.
2. to write my grandma a letter at least once a week. Growing up, she lived 1/2 mile from my house and I saw her almost every day. Since I moved away, and she moved to live with family, her memory has faded but I miss her constantly, so letters are an easy way for her to stay connected to my everyday life.
3. I’m embarking on a new career path- no hesitations or expectations, just dedication, patience, and a lot of grace.
4. I want to be a better wife in the little ways I can while the boy finishes grad school. If dinner isn’t on the table when he gets home, it will be in a carryout bag, and if laundry isn’t done over the weekend- I’ll febreeze the heck out of his closet.. but mostly I just want to have a positive attitude and embrace opportunities to give him the support he needs.
I think life is too precious to not embrace each day as fully as we can. Loving others well, being good to ourselves, and being more intentional with how we spend our time and resources frees us from so much of the weight of this world. Trust your intuition- we have it for a reason- and don’t be afraid to follow your crazy heart wherever it may go.
Country Heart Country Soul
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My name is Amanda but all my friends call me Mandi. 2012 is a big year for me: I’m turning 30 in February (eek!), getting married and becoming a step-mama in August, and starting my own business. I’m a web designer/developer, an obsessed knitter, and an animal-lover.
I started “blogging” in the late 90s while I was in high school, before the term “blog” really existed: I had an online journal made up of static HTML pages that I updated daily, hosted first on the whopping 2MB of space AOL gave you for free, and later at GeoCites. I’ve always loved chronicling my life and thoughts, so blogging was natural for me. I’ve always done freelance web design and development work, but I decided to make an official business out of it this year, and that’s how Proper Dog Mediawas born.
In no particular order: coffee, vintage Pyrex, my iPhone, taking photos, and my Gracie-dog.
I suppose my “typical” day isn’t too interesting. I tend to sleep in as late as possible because I’m NOT a morning-person. On weekdays, I go to work as a programmer/analyst, on weekends or after work I try to put in a few hours on my freelance projects. I make time everyday to knit because I love it, and it keeps me sane – ha ha. Of course, I spend as much time as possible with my fiancé – our work schedules tend to be pretty opposite of each other, so we try to make time in the evenings to hang out together.
I have 3 resolutions for this year: (1) Do not create or perpetuate negativity; Put GOOD vibes out into the universe; (2) Don’t assume I KNOW; Step back and LEARN; (3) Surround myself with loveliness and appreciate the beauty of life EVERYDAY.
Compassion and empathy. With all my heart I believe everyone has a story to tell and something to give to the world, and I really wish everyone could show more compassion for others. I think the world would be a much happier place if that were possible.
Life In Beta – Proper Dog Media
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Hola! I’m Dita from Bogor. I love sewing and drinking coffee ♥
My friend’s inquiries and custom orders and our conversations always allow me to think forward about having a blog/shop to share my thoughts and having a creative escape.
coffee. felt. wall hanging embroidery. playing the sims. rainy day(s).
I currently have a teacher’s training in the morning and continue teaching classes in the afternoon until the evening. I go home at night around 7 PM, have my dinner and have my online life around 10 at night.
I really want to build my career either in music or teaching. I want to grow my four online shops and maybe go abroad promoting my music.
Nice songs with nice lyrics that hold universal message for our lives.
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