Give Everything, Expect Nothing

During our wedding ceremony our priest wisely said - Give everything and expect nothing throughout your marriage.
That statement has stuck with me and I try to remember it daily as Ryan and I navigate this life of ours together. I very easily get in Catie mode and forget that Ryan and I are partners. We need to help one another - we're a team. I need to lift him up as much as he lifts me up and supports me.

Even the smallest things like washing the dishes or putting away my clothes adds up and makes him happier, which in turn makes our relationship better. And our home looks neat and organized (post coming on that soon). I also need to learn that just because I do clean the dishes does not mean I get some points in the Catie column. It just means I'm helping out.

Let's say it together - give everything and expect nothing.
My goal each day should be to make Ryan and myself happy. That's a pretty easy goal, right?

So as we come in to our fourth month of being married let's hope I get better and better at being a partner. Everyone has something they need to work on. Mine just might be cleaning...

Thanks for reading,

Getting in the Holiday Spirit

One thing Ryan and I both agree on is how much we love Christmas. We are always so excited to go and pick out our Christmas tree and get it up and decorated. Since I always go home to Oregon for Christmas, Ryan and I celebrate Christmas early.

So, we always like to get the tree early so we can enjoy it before I head to the West Coast.

Since our new apartment has taller ceilings, we opted for a bigger tree... Making maneuvering in and out of the elevator - and down the hallway a bit difficult. Doesn't Ryan look happy?!

Every year we also make the piece they cut off the bottom of the tree into an ornament. This year's ornament is extra special. 

I take tree decorating seriously. I like to make sure the tree is full of beautiful, colorful ornaments that we love. Sometimes I try and hide my not-so-favorite ornaments in the back and Ryan calls me out and moves them to the front... Just another example of me needing to relax and go with the flow :)

We found these two little foxes at HomeGoods over the weekend. The Red Fox is the mascot of the college we both went to so we just had to get them. I think they're just too cute and basically make the tree!

Ryan helped by enjoying his tea and biscotti. And looking festive.

Bailey helped by sleeping and looking just as cute as can be...

Did you decorate your tree this past weekend?

What's your favorite part of the holiday season?

Thanks for reading,

Christmas Gifts for the Now What People on your List

Are you, or do you have a super planner like me on your Christmas List???
I've come up with a few gifts that are perfect for the crazy planner on your list!


The Day Designer Planner

Do you have someone on your list that needs a little organizational help? Or someone who just loves writing lists and ummm planning?! This is the best gift! It comes in two sizes and a variety of colors. I'm obsessed. Want it? Click here!


Scented Lavender Candle




















I love candles. I might have a candle addiction??? This lavender candle smells amazing and will help anyone relax during the hectic holiday season. I love the Mrs. Meyer's brand. HomeGoods also has a great selection! Want it? Click here!


Yoga Classes













 I try to take a yoga class at least once a week. A class pack of classes is the perfect gift for anyone who needs to slow their mind after a long day at work. It's also a great way to stay flexible! This is not only a great gift for a friend, but for yourself too!


Massage Gift Certificate
 














I've never met someone who doesn't love a good massage! This is a great gift for workaholics who need 30 or more minutes without the ability to check their phone ;)


Remember, the holidays are a time to celebrate and be with the ones you love. Don't stress too much over gifts. The best gifts come from the heart.

Thanks for reading,

Our Black Friday

This year Ryan and I decided to get away from the crowds of crazy shoppers and head to the 'mountains' of New Jersey. Growing up in Oregon, my version of a mountain is a little different from Ryan's version of what a mountain is... I say they're more like hills here in NJ ;)

We drove about an hour and a half up north and hit the trails. 

All we had to do was follow the white markings on the trees... easy, right?!

 At some points the hike was a bit like an obstacle course. It was fun!

 The last mile of the hike (3.8 to the top and the same on the way back down) was all up hill. I was so out of breath and a little nervous climbing on all of the rocks. It's strange how I can run a marathon, but hiking... I'm the worst!

There was a point where Ryan asked if I wanted to just turn around before the top and I really had to think about it. I really wanted to quit, but I just couldn't. We had come this far - what's another 20 minutes of pain!?

And the view was well worth the climb! We burned our Thanksgiving dinner off, experienced something new together as a newly married couple and had an awesome time!

Maybe hiking the day after Thanksgiving will become a new tradition for us... 

Do you have a Thanksgiving tradition? Or Black Friday tradition?

Thanks for reading,