Get lost

Today I looked at the stars--really looked at them--for the first time in a while. It was so still and so vast and so lovely. You should try it sometime. :)

-Chelsea

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The pursuit of happiness

We all pursue happiness, almost constantly.

Yes, I understand there is a difference between happiness and joy. Joy is far preferable to happiness, as it actually lasts, withstands the turmoil of life, and exists beyond our circumstances. I would rather have joy any day.

That doesn't mean I don't want happiness. We all do, I think.

But I agree with Apollinaire on this one. We seek so frantically for happiness that we don't take the time to actually enjoy it when we have it. I think this is particularly true for our Western/American culture: we focus intensely on work and achievement. Doing-doing-doing constantly, it is rare to slow down the hectic pace of life. 

I'm making an effort to really take time and enjoy the blessings I've been given... they are many! In this Christmas season especially, we can be so busy with present-buying, party-going, baking, decorating, planning, traveling, etc. that we are always thinking about the next thing, not taking time to focus on the present (no pun intended). 

Maybe I'm the only one who feels this way... conflicted, over-committed, hectic. I can be lame like that. But for this next month especially, I am taking time out to pause, reflect, and thank God for each small happiness that He gives me by enjoying it as much as possible. Because He is good, and what He gives is worthy of my time.

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Aaaand.... we're back! A beautiful mess...

So the blog has been getting lonely as of late! This happened because of...well, life. Real life gets messy, doesn't it?

But in the midst of all that chaos, it can be inspiring to pause and appreciate the beauty of it.

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Sometimes a mess can be beautiful.

Take note. Breathe deeply. Open your eyes.

-Chelsea

Facing Fears: Moving Day

Yesterday my very best friend and blogging partner--yes, Brandie--realized a lifelong dream in moving to the beach!

I would like to take the time to say a few words on this momentous occasion:

First of all: YAY! I cannot explain how happy this makes me. Brandie and I are both beach girls at heart, and being close to the ocean is an absolute pleasure.

Also, I am trying hard not to be jealous. Something that helps with this is the thought of visiting her cute little ocean-side house ridiculously often. I get to sleep on her couch like a vagabond whenever I want!

And last but certainly not least, Brandie deserves to be commended for this move, as she is facing her fears in a big way. It takes a lot of bravery to relocate to a place where everything and everyone is new, leaving behind your comfort zone. I am proud of her for following God's lead in her life and taking a leap into the unknown.

Basically, to use the beloved old adage: you go, girl.

<3 Chelsea

P.S. --Brandie, I miss you already. It's just too weird for words that we aren't shouting out delirious conversations across our shared bathroom in the middle of the night or laughing about the nicknames we've given unsuspecting strangers over yogurt at Tango on a daily basis. But luckily when I visit you next week, we can wake up to the sound of waves, hike the bluffs and drink tea while the fog rolls back from the harbor. And I am totally into that.

Millions of Peaches

This time of year, peaches are absolutely perfect. Sweet, colorful and juicy. And plentiful.

A dear friend who owns a farm always brings boxes upon boxes of peaches to church to give away before they spoil, and I excitedly grab them up to make pies, muffins, cobblers, and these cupcakes.

They are heavenly. Divine. Inspired.

And the frosting--brown sugar cream cheese frosting--yes, you heard that right--the frosting takes it to a different level of delicious.

They're not difficult to make. Find the recipe here and follow it to the letter. If you like cupcakes at all, these won't disappoint you. Until they're gone.

Bits of happy

I'm making a habit of carefully noting the small things that are really beautiful, fun and lovely about life. The silliest things can bring me a lot of happiness. Why not enjoy it and share it with you? Why not, I tell you!

Here they are. This week's happy little things:

Making my own bubble tea. Note the bright happy colors of the cooked boba. Just bubble tea in general really, but making my own boba is especially satisfying.

This impressively cool chandelier made from medicine bottles hanging in a San Francisco store window.

Frozen yogurt dates with biological sisters and sisters-at-heart.

Walks through the country. Also the color green.

Food art at In-N-Out. I know this is funny, but really, it just makes me smile.

Mochi from Trader Joe's. They're so pretty and so cool and refreshing. You can't not be happy about that.

I just noticed that many of the things on this list involve food. Such a simple and universal pleasure, no?

Many happy returns,

Chelsea

Welcome to the new site!

You found us! Yay!

It makes us so happy to have our new blog up and running. We're still working out some kinks and changing the design up a bit, but the basics are here and ready to go! Yippee for new projects.

We've got some exciting stuff coming up in the next couple of weeks, including but not limited to the following:

• New details about how we're facing our fears
• A shark week post, including information that could save your life
• Introduction of a new feature: Ways to Wear Vintage
• Food posts! Recipes! Life-giving manna!
• How we're being challenged to live radically
• Giveaways
• And more!

We are just brimming with excitement and can't wait to share our inspiration, things we've learned, and things we love.

Subscribe via Bloglovin or email on the right-hand side of this page. And don't hesitate to comment and let us know what you think of the new design. Suggestions for new features? Throw 'em our way.

Peace and love,

Brandie and Chelsea