THE ARCHIVE
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Heading into Autumn & a Life Update
It has admittedly been far too long since my last post! Life has been a little crazy and overwhelming lately, but mostly for the good reasons — I recently started leasing a horse! It’s been an absolute delight to get back into horseback riding this year, and I’ve rapidly reverted back into being well and truly obsessed with all things horse-related. Since August, I’ve been heavily focused on improving my dressage skills and building a lovely relationship with Rosie, the gorgeous Thoroughbred mare I’m lucky enough to be leasing.
My Favorite Books of 2024 (So Far…)
In 2024, I set out on a literary adventure with a simple yet ambitious goal: to diversify my reading palate beyond the comforting confines of my beloved historical fiction bubble. While historical tales have long held a cherished place on my bookshelf (OK, let’s be honest, Aley… historical fiction makes up my entire bookshelf!), variety truly is the spice of life. As the year unfolds, I have found myself pleasantly surprised by the treasures I've unearthed within the pages of novels spanning a multitude of genres. From heartwarming contemporary stories and thought-provoking non-fiction (and yes, more historical fiction), my reading journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. As I reflect on the books that have captured my imagination and stirred my soul thus far, I am thrilled to share my favorite reads of 2024 with you. So, without further ado, let's dive into the literary delights that have illuminated my year thus far.
A Gentle Reminder on Social Media and Comparison
I’ll start by acknowledging that this post is definitely out of my normal “hunt country chic” content. However, I have been mulling over my thoughts about social media and comparison for a few weeks now and, even if nobody else reads this, this blog post serves as a gentle albeit important reminder for myself. In full transparency, I’ve been struggling with social media over the past few months — whether it’s simply due to the time of the year, the stress of a house remodel and career, general burn-out, or something else — and this mental turmoil has left me feeling uninspired, unmotivated, and frankly, quite ‘blah’. And, while what I’m writing is neither ground-breaking nor shocking, it’s important to stop and think about every now and then, especially when so much of our daily life is spent consuming content either consciously or unconsciously.
7 Activities to Ring in Spring in Virginia
The enchanting realm of springtime in Virginia, where nature awakens from its wintry slumber, painting the landscape with vibrant hues and breathing new life into the air… As the days grow longer and the sun's warmth graces us once more, there's an undeniable sense of renewal and possibility that permeates the air. In this blog post, I invite you to join me on a journey through seven of my favorite activities to celebrate the arrival of spring in the Old Dominion. From leisurely strolls amidst blooming fields to quaint picnics in picturesque vineyards, each experience promises to immerse you in the beauty and charm of this magical season. So, let us embark together on this adventure, as we embrace the joys of springtime in Virginia and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Must-Visit Botanical Gardens in the Old Dominion State
In a fast-paced world dominated by technology and urban landscapes, the allure of nature's beauty beckons as a timeless escape. Virginia, with its diverse and picturesque botanical wonders, offers a sanctuary for those seeking solace in the embrace of the outdoors. As I navigate the hustle and bustle of daily life, the importance of connecting with the natural world becomes increasingly evident. The Old Dominion State allows you to explore captivating sceneries combining historic allure, timeless elegance, and botanical wonders. These four botanical gardens featured below create a vibrant tapestry of flora, beckoning its visitors to pause, breathe, and revel in the profound beauty of nature.
Setting My Intentions for 2024
While I’ve never been keen on setting a resolution for the new year, I do find January to be a refreshing, reflective, and inspiring month. It’s a month to reflect on the positives and negatives of the past year and look forward to what’s in store for the year ahead. I like to think back on what worked well for me in the previous year, whether that was incorporating a new habit into my daily routine, working on a new mindset towards something, and so on… if something didn’t work for me, I look at the year ahead as an opportunity to re-try and improve upon whatever didn’t work.
Closing the Chapter on 2023
As we bid farewell to 2023, it's a moment of reflection and gratitude for the incredible journey this year has been. Professionally, it's been a year of milestones and accomplishments that I couldn't have envisioned at the start. From achieving significant career goals in my 9-to-5 to navigating challenges and time management with resilience, each experience has been a stepping stone to personal and professional growth. Equally thrilling has been the completion of a major renovation project at home, transforming spaces and creating a haven that reflects my style and personality. I can’t wait to begin sharing more home content and the cozy corners of our perfectly hunt country chic home. The joy of wrapping up this endeavor is immeasurable, and it adds a beautiful chapter to my story of 2023.
Learning to Embrace a Slower Lifestyle
These days, it seems that we are all constantly being pushed to do more — working longer hours, accomplishing more at home, having a side hustle. I’ll be the first to admit that I bought in to that mentality, particularly in college and my first couple of years after graduate school. However, I’ve quickly come to realize that true joy and contentment in life (at least for me), doesn’t come from working 24/7 and constantly striving to be #1; instead, my truest moments of contentment in the last few years have been when I’m truly balancing work and my personal life. It’s the mentality of “work to live, not live to work”, and it’s made a profound difference in my stress levels and the things I value in life.