Be Bold

College was a really magical part of my life, but in the 16 months since I've graduated, I think I have found a new kind of magic.  I have made an even better effort since college to try and well, try everything once.  Silly things, ridiculous things, even everyday kind of things that add a little magic and make my heart swell with happiness.

It's going to a party where you don't know anyone except the person that invited you, and making new fun friends.  

It's trying new foods that you'd normally never eat - liver, duck, raw oysters and more.  

It's going to lunch with someone you think you'd have nothing in common with.

It's sleeping as little as possible so you can soak it all in, and then hibernating on the weekend.

It's finding joy in the tiniest moments of the day, whether it's jamming to your favorite song or getting excited over a shorter-than-usual commute.
It's being unafraid to work really, really hard, and being proud of your achievements.
It's appreciating the past, but letting go and moving forward.
It's saying yes when you'd usually say no.

Be adventurous.  Via.

What do you do to add a little magic to your life?

Just A Little Note

I have an aunt and uncle who, year after year, never fail to send a card for all occasions you could possibly think of.  It is the sweetest thing ever.  Whether it's for a birthday, Halloween or a new apartment, they magically seem to have my updated address on file.  During college and since I started my new job, it is one of the things that has made me feel at home.

After finding a handy USPS vending machine, I really have no excuse not to send letters and small packages.  'Thank You' letters are my  favorite kind to send, but Valentine's Day is also a perfect occasion to send a sweet note.  I found these adorable cards at Target, and sent them to a few of my favorite Valentine's.

I love these tips from Emily Post.  My favorite part is when she tells letter writers to "include only information you would be happy for others to see."  No matter what kind of letter it is, I always include a personal anecdote and warm wishes.  Valentine's Day cards can be even fuzzier, in my opinion.

The cute cards I picked up at Target.  Simple, sweet and filled with love (and chocolate).

Here are a couple Valentine's I received.

From my fam bam in Fresno.

From my aunt and uncle. And it happens to feature one of my favorite kinds of doggies.

Do you like to send snail mail?

I Lovely Love My Family

I love that Valentine's Day can be about all kinds of love.  Like love for your family.  I think this kind of love it my favorite.  Whether it's the family you were born into or a family your created, there is really nothing like it.

"From the outside looking in, you can't understand it. And from the inside looking out, you can't explain it."

Yup, that just about sounds up my family.  I have two little sisters (one of which I've forbidden from growing up), the most supportive parents a gal could ask for, and an extended family that includes my BFF Nan, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that have become family.

Want to meet them?
 

My BFF Nan.

Aloha cutie pie parents.

25th anniversary of parentals' nuptials.  A beautiful day.

 Baby me with the best dad I could ask for.

Whether it's bad hairstyles or bad boys, these are the only two girls I need by my side. (Seattle 2009).  I love that we have our own inside jokes, text about our pets constantly, and that they visit me as much as they can.

I am so proud my my middle sister.  She always stands up for what she believes in, and I love how close we've become in the last few years.

I wish my baby sis wouldn't grow up.  She just got her license; yikes!

Some of my cousins.  So lucky to have such a kind, generous extended family.

Two little boys (my godfather's babies) who will always be considered family.  

  
 

I think the thing I love most about my family is the constant laughter.  Sure, we've had our fair share of hardships, but these are the folks that not only inspire me, but make me smile every day.  I may or may not have called my mom homesick through my senior year of college (no shame ladies), but I think it's because I knew that my time with them would become less and less frequent.  Thank you for loving me, supporting me, and helping me be so successful.  Happy Valentine's Day to all my family that make me a better person every day.

PS: Big internet hug if you know what the title of this post refers to :)

Thanks to Casey, Neely and Amber for such a great excuse to link up.