So, I suppose April showers bring May freezing winds and winter-like weather?!?!?! It has not quite been the nice, warm Spring that I love here in the Midwest... but you know what I have been loving lately? The new tunes that have been released! I have been rocking out to my new May playlist, with all the feels for all the different moods. 

Hello blog world, it's been a while.

I could list off a bunch of excuses as to why I haven't been posting, but let's get to the heart of it: I have been lazy. Over the past few months, I have reached a level of complacency that bothers me. I cannot seem to find the motivation in multiple facets of my life. My physical fitness, my mental health, my spiritual journey, my professional attitude and effort. Nothing seems to inspire me... which is ironic since part of what I wanted to do with this blog is point out the beauty that is all around us. We should never have to look far to see God's hand and creativity in everything we do. So here I am, not ready to give into the temptation of a falling in a lonely black hole, but attempting a restart. To find the things in my life that truly make me happy, and run with them.

I have a picture hanging in my living room with the saying "she designed a life she loved." Seems like a natural decor choice for someone who is a designer, but I look at those words every single day, and have not been living them. The one person who is affected the most by our choices... are ourselves! Easy said, right? But it can be hard, choosing happiness everyday when human nature is rooted in selfishness, pride, and sinful behavior. It can be a challenge to say no to the easy path that boldly summons, and instead choose the road that God calls his children to: a one of joy and compassion, of mercy, grace, and love. To boldly go out into the world and spread kindness, speak boldly, and show the love of Christ in our thoughts and actions.

While most days I fall short of the person I want to be, that doesn't mean I can't have a second chance, third chance, fourth chance, and so on to be a better version of myself. To break the bonds of laziness and complacency, and get moving! Chase my dreams, and find my joy. We have so much to be thankful for on this beautiful Earth, and I need to start appreciating that more. Hopefully that will start to show through in the next little bit here.

Sweet dreams, friends.
Much Love,
Tracy

Happy November! Today is a good day... It was an amazing 70 degrees here today in good ol' Indiana, and it felt amazing. I went to Zumba for the first time in about a month, sweat a lot, and loved it. Now I am sitting here watching the Chicago Cubs dominate the first few innings of game 6. What would be the perfect thing to cap off this joyous Tuesday?!? A TOP 10 PLAYLIST OF COURSE!
Here's my latest top 10 that I have been listening to... enjoy!


1. "Strong" by Dropout and Wesley Finn Tucker
        (Great motivation song, great beat)
2. "Not Easy" by Alex Da Kid and X-Ambassadors
        (It's just one of those I could have on repeat for hours)
3. "Let Your Heart Hold Fast" by Fort Atlantic
        (It's not new, but doesn't mean it's not fantastic)
4. "11 Blocks" by Wrabel
        (I just picture him writing this walking the streets of NYC...)
5. "Inside the Lines" by Mike Perry and Casso
         (Well this would get me up on the dancefloor!)
6. "Way Down We Go" by Kaleo
         (I want Kaleo and Hozier do a Battle... it would be so soulfully epic...)
7. "Perfect Illusion" by Lady Gaga
          (She sang it on "Carpool Kareoke" = flawless)
8. "Can I Be Him" by James Arthur
          (First one I've heard from him... hope there is more to come!)
9. "After the Afterparty" by Charli XCX and Lil Yachty
          (Sounds like a typical Charli XCX song, but it's cathy- for now at least!)
10. "Hey Baby" by Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike
          (Another dance song to end the list)

Well, that'll do it for tonight! Have a fabulous evening music lovers!

Much Love,
Tracy

Much to my mother and grandmother's dismay, I did not inherent either of their green thumbs. I cannot look at a flower and say what it is, or if someone asks me what my favorite is, my mind goes blank. However, if any of you out there are like me, there is still hope! Welcome to the world of indoor plants, where the maintenance is low, and the benefits are high! When I look for inspiration for home decor or residential design, almost everyone that I see incorporates the use of indoor plants. Not only are they colorful, or a way to add fun accessories to a space, but they can do a great deal to help improve air quality. It you sit and think about it, the way plants were designed is truly amazing. You have all the humans, taking over the earth, blowing out all our hot air, releasing carbon dioxide. Then you have plants, that require carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis... a perfect relationship. Shout out to the ultimate creator for knowing what He was doing. Seriously. He had so much to think about during the creation period!!

So our little green friends not only provide more oxygen, but houseplants help remove air pollutant and dust that get trapped indoors, making our air even cleaner to breathe! These physical benefits should inspire you enough to go get a houseplant, or two, or twelve, right now! Still need a little convincing? Just take a look at how cute they can be used to decorate your house, or add some character with a variety of plants and vases. I am a sucker for the world traveler look, and there is something about plants that just screams that "wanderlust, one with nature" vibe that I love channeling.



Succulents and air plants are a great way to introduce yourself to the indoor plant scene. They are small and do not require much maintenance at all. Once you become comfortable with those, try a larger potted plant such as a fern, snake plant, or a palm. Check out this blog post, which showcases different indoor plant types that are trending in 2016.

*All images taken from Pinterest

Whether you are a seasoned green thumb, or afraid of taking care of anything that has a chance of dying, everyone should try to incorporate plants into their lives at least once. If none of your seven succulents you plant make it, then maybe the world of greenery is not for you, but I think more times than not you will find success with plants that are right for you.
Bring some of nature's beauty indoors, and happy planting!!

Much Love,
Tracy