In My 28th Year...

...I vow to not be so hard on myself. I am unique, I am enough, and I am right where I'm supposed to be.

...I hope to see more of the world, whether it be exploring more of my own backyard or traveling to other faraway lands. I won't let travel be a distant friend.

...I vow not to beat myself up when I don't make it to the gym one day, or all week, or all month. While my health is a priority, I won't punish myself or put myself down for not being ready. Everything in moderation.

...I want to try to wake up and make my bed every morning. I did say try--baby steps. ;)

...I want to learn to be more present in the here and now and not so focused on the next big thing. I will have goals for the future, but I won't let them overshadow the beauty of today.

...I promise to tell D how awesome he is every chance I get. He's the greatest man I've ever known. I don't deserve him, but I'm grateful for every moment I've been blessed to share a life with him. I don't want a day to go by without letting him know how much he means to me.

...I vow to be more compassionate of others and their struggles. I want to give more than I get.

...I hope to grow closer and dive deeper into my relationship with God and allow His light to shine through me more than ever before. I will thank Him everyday for His continued presence and provision in my life.

...I vow to love unrelentingly--my husband, my family, my friends, my sweet pup. I want them all to always be aware of how much they mean to me. 

...I hope to continue to blog. It's become such a visceral part of who I am, even when it frustrates me. I hope it continues to be worth the time I put into it each day. And I hope it continues to be a positive piece of my life.

...I will trust in God's plan for my life and the direction of my new career (eek!). I won't let worry and negativity guide my thoughts and actions. No goal is too big, no idea too small.

...I promise to seek the good first and be less quick to judge. No one is perfect.

...I hope to grow stronger--in faith, in patience, in drive & determination, in bravery, in confidence, and in self-worth.

...I won't strive to be anyone other than me. I won't compare, I won't wish for greener pastures, I will be happy with what I have and and the blessings I've been given. No one will steal my joy.

...I also want to be less focused on me, me, me all the time. Less face in my iPhone, less invested in things that feed greed, less concerned with material things...but more in love with character-shaping experiences & more in tune to the needs of others.

...I will work to keep my positive relationships fresh and nurtured. And the ones that are toxic, I won't be afraid to let them go.

...I pray that whatever endeavor I embark on, that I work at it with all my heart and check my doubt at the door. I will not quit. 

...I hope to grow our little family. Maybe not right this year...but someday soon. I want this to be the year I begin to prepare my heart, body, and mind for another new chapter of life.

...I won't be afraid to try new things and step out of my comfort zone. Things aren't as scary as they seem at first glance. I pray the reward is always greater than the fear.

...I want to have more picnics, go on hikes, walk on the beach, throw more dinner parties, frequent coffee shops, wander farmer's markets, volunteer for good causes, worship with fellow Christians, run longer distances, let my creativity flow, watch less TV, read more books, write more meaningful words, cook new foods, and spend more time enjoying the little things that make life so very sweet.

...But most of all, I hope to stay happy, healthy, and appreciative of the life I've been given. We only get one!

Every year on your birthday, you get a chance to start new.

-Sammy Hagar-

Bring it on, Year 28!

The Birthday Post: My 26th Year Highlight (and Lowlight) Reel

This morning I woke up to sound of my phone dinging off the hook. The birthday messages had started rolling in the second the clock hit midnight in Germany. My first birthday wisher? My mom. "Happy Birthday in the future!!" She likes to think I live in the future. I do, kind of...6 hours ahead of the entire East Coast. 

My 27th year of life has officially begun. 

I was laying in bed last night, D already snoring away, thinking about my 26th year and how fast it flew by. As I get older, the years move along quicker and quicker. Why is that? We don't necessarily get busier. We don't shorten the weeks and turn forward our clocks each day. My guess is we don't stop to enjoy the moment we're in enough, so life speeds on by and another year we grow older. Truth be told, 26 wasn't my favorite year ever. In fact, it was one of my harder ones. Not because of any major event in my life (no one passed away, no one did me harm), no, not even for anything anyone around me would have noticed. 26 was hard for reasons I've held onto in the quiet of my mind. I know what you're thinking...I've got an amazing marriage, a loving family, I'm living abroad, and I've traveled my little heart out...how could year 26 bring me anything but good memories? You're so right. On the outside, 26 was good. REAL GOOD. But on the inside, 26 felt old. For the first time in my life I felt old. Old and behind on every significant milestone I'd ever planned for myself.

Don't roll your eyes at me. I realize 26 isn't old at all, but as this past year marched on, my age...mentally, emotionally, and physically...made itself glaringly present to me. My body felt different. I've somehow developed a knee problem that's nagged me all year. I began to daze in bewilderment at the fact that my little sister is 23 (twenty-three!?!), on her own, and living and breathing the New York City fashion industry. Isn't she still 17 and I hate her guts? Weren't we just there? Wasn't I just 23? I've gotten phone calls from my mom relaying news that my little cousin was off to her Senior prom...and that my baby niece isn't a quite a baby anymore, she's halfway to 2. I've sat and watched my Facebook newsfeed clutter with pregnancy announcements and "We're Homeowners!" party invites and class reunion reminders and new job congratulations. With every page refresh, slowly but surely my brain started melting into one giant pile of anxious ageism. The floodgates of comparison, jealousy, impatience, guilt, and confusion gave way in year 26 and I became my own worst critic. The pressure of comparing where I was at 26 and where everyone else my age was in their own lives started weighing heavy on my heart. My life felt in standstill here in Germany. There's not much to do here but travel, not that I'm complaining, really. And it's been our choice to hold off on expanding our family. But the second I turned 26, it's as if the goals and timestamps I'd always set for myself either broke into pieces or began waving their hands with fury-- "You're not getting any younger! We're still here! When's it our turn?!" I spent many days in year 26 with a knot in my stomach and the weight of all my dreams and aspirations crushing my shoulders. I really couldn't tell you why my 26th year decided to wage this internal war on me. Why not year 28? Or 30, even? Seems like a lot of premature worry for a mere 26-year-old. But that's my story. 26 be damned.

Today, I'm 27 and the dark cloud has lifted. Today, I'm another year older, but the knot is gone and the only weight on my shoulders is the decision of which restaurant I'll pick for my birthday dinner tonight. Hint: it's probably German food. This year, I've resolved to stop letting my age and the preconceived milestones that go along with it, define me. I've realized that the only one placing these life deadlines on me was me. I've been my own worst enemy this past year, and it's time I wash myself of it all. I hate to tell such a melancholy "woe is me" story on a day that really does bring such happiness to me (birthday's really, truly are my favorite things in the world). But I guess I just wanted to share that even though I seem like I've got it all figured out most days (bloggers are really good at showing you all the good stuff, you know), I struggle with life, too. Even awesome stuff like birthdays. The expat birthday is a whole other beast, but I'll save that whiny post for another year. As stupid and irrational as my thoughts about my age were last year, they took up a lot of my time and energy with worry and feelings of insecurity. They also taught me a lot about what's good and special about my life and the path that it's taken these last few years. God has a true and perfect plan, and I spent most of year 26 arguing with Him about it. You'd think I'd know better by now! This year...my beautiful 27th year...I'm letting go of control and giving it back to the One who gave me life in the first place. I'm taking time to enjoy every second I'm given instead of comparing my moments to someone else's. The birthday gift I'm giving myself this year? A break.

On a bit happier note (because I can't leave this birthday post without telling you these things), this day of birth has already shaped up to be quite lovely. D surprised me with going into work late and making me breakfast in bed. Aww, right? I've got the crème de la crème of husbands. We snuggled in our PJ's, sipped coffee, and he sang happy birthday to me in the silly voice he always does. I wish he could have spent the day with me, but duty calls (poo poo to weekday birthday's, AMEN?). After he left for work, I got an email from him. Subject: A Birthday Gift. I opened the email to find that he'd written an entire blog post for me (and for you). A BLOG POST! All about his perspective as the husband of a blogger. He said he couldn't think of a better gift than to write something from his heart to share on something so near and dear to my heart. I, of course, ugly cried as I read through the words he wrote. The tears are still warm on my cheeks. Guys, I don't know what I did to deserve such a fella, but my heart is practically bursting with love for him this morning. And I absolutely can't wait to share his post with you soon! So far, 27 feels...better. I'm sure it will come with its own bundle of ups and downs, but that's the grand ride of life, isn't it? I'm hopeful that as I continue to grow older, age will continue to be just a number instead of a reminder of choices made and life gone by. Cheers to living for today...no regrets, no comparisons. 

A few of the highlights that helped keep my sanity in year 26:

Reaching 500 followers & opening up sponsorships on the blog!

Grape picking and wine tasting for my 26th birthday

Falling in love with Bruges

Christmas at Home & in NYC

The love from this post on Blogging Currency

Skiing in Zermatt (which I'll blog about someday, swear it!)

A fresh look & renewed blogging mojo

The encouragement from this post on Extraordinary Love

The introduction of my Pros & Cons of Living in Germany series

Our fabulous Mediterranean Cruise!

Celebrating 6 years of wedded bliss in French wine country

Going home to NC for the 5th time!

Volksfest in Stuttgart

Every year on your birthday, you get the chance to start new. -Sammy Hagar

It's MY Birthday and I'm Giving YOU a Gift?

I must be nuts.

Or just really super thankful.

I promise, it's both.

Guys, you all rock my face off. Know why? Because just a day after I let you all in on the little birthday goal I was working towards, I hit it. And then I surpassed it. And then I cried like a little baby girl, but that's beside the point. So, it's official. My 500 follower goal was met and paid ad space is --NOW OPEN-- for We Took the Road Less Traveled! 
{Don't forget to read to the end of the post for your awesome Thank You gift!}

We Took the Road Less Traveled Sponsor Ad Sizes, Info, & Rates
There are plenty of options for growing and networking your blog or shop, so head on over to my SPONSOR tab for more info and to purchase your ad spot now! Or you can purchase it from this page, too. Do whatever you like, darlings! :)

Oh, one more thing...

Reaching 500 followers and opening up my advertising spots has been one of the greatest birthday gifts of the year and it's all thanks to YOU GUYS! So, just to say "thanks a million!" here's a little birthday treat for you! I'm giving away a $25 E-Gift Card to one of my favorite online shopping sites PIPERLIME!  This e-gift card can also be used at Old Navy, Gap, AND Banana Republic! Score, right?! BUT, that's not all...since you all helped me reach my advertising goals, I'm giving one lucky winner a free LARGE AD space spot on my sidebar for ONE MONTH! Go enter, tell your friends, and may the odds be ever in your favor! Man, I've always wanted a reason to say that. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now, I'm off to enjoy a day of birthday spoiling with my handsome hubby. Year 26 is starting out fabulously! :) 
Happy Tuesday, friends!

Birthday Wishes & Blogging Goals

In a mere 6 days I will say goodbye to my 25th year of life and inch a bit closer towards my late 20s. Holy crapola. Is this real life? I'm pretty sure as I get older, time starts passing faster and faster. Anyone else feel this shift in time after every birthday? It seems like just yesterday we took our first trip to London to celebrate my turning a quarter of a century old and now I'm staring another birthday square in the face. Truth be told, 25 has been such an amazing year for me that it's really hard to imagine how my 26th year could top it. Although, I'm sure it will. Life's what you make of it, right? So, in preparation for the big 2-6, I thought I'd share my little birthday wish list with you. These are my current crushes for fall...Mom, Dad, and hubby...I hope you are reading! ;)

Oh, and one more thing...I kind of made myself a birthday goal this year. It's not anything soul changing or character growing, but it's a goal nevertheless. Over the last 2 months, this little blog of mine has grown in leaps and bounds. I get a little teary eyed thinking about where it was and how far it's come in just a short time. I know, stop it. But as it's grown, I've found myself wanting to nurture it, spend more time writing about things in my life that are below the surface and really get to know my readers in the process--build relationships with them and connect with their blogs. In order to do that, I started doing sponsor swaps. That's proved to be very rewarding and has brought lots of traffic to my blog as well as helped me connect with new bloggers. I kept telling myself, "Self, once you hit 500 followers, you should start selling ad spots and offer more exposure opportunities for your readers!" So, from there, my goal was born. Once I hit 500 GFC followers, paid advertising will open up on We Took the Road Less Traveled! YAY YAY!! I'm still working out the kinks and planning ad rates and whatnot (they'll be super low, you can count on that!), but it's gonna happen people. You can bet your bottom dollar! That being said, I really had hoped to reach this little goal of mine by my birthday (October 16th), but this whole lack of internet issue has slowed down my pace a bit. I'm confident I can make it happen, but not without your help! I'm 16 awesome followers away from being the happiest birthday girl in the entire world...so, won't you help me make my birthday wish come true?! Spread the word, friends! Shout it from the rooftops, send out a carrier pigeon, tweet until your fingers bleed! Ok, don't do that last one, but you get the idea. And to sweeten the pot a little, maybe a 500 follower thank you giveaway will be in your future? Sound good? Let's do this! As always, much love to each of you! I adore this blogging community!

Wishing you the happiest of hump days, loves!

Quarter of a Century!

I'm an old fart. Ok, not really...but my 25th birthday WAS yesterday!! WHOO HOO and HOLY MOLY! I can't believe a quarter century of my life has already passed. It's mind boggling, really. And I'm sure my Mom is feeling a bit older now too. Such is life, Mom!

Since many of my faithful followers are my close family and friends, they already know how much birthday's and the month of October mean to me...so let me just get all of you others out in blogville up to speed! My birthday is my 3rd favorite day of the year. First being Christmas and second being Halloween. To be completely honest, I don't expect a big hoopla on my birthday. I don't care for surprises, like at all. So, if you have a surprise for me, it's likely I'll find a way to ruin it. I know, I'm the worst! Ironically enough, that fact just seems to make people (especially my silly husband) want to try and surprise me more. I also don't need a fancy party with lots of acquaintances and lavish gifts. That's just too stressful and birthday's are supposed to be fun and spent with the ones you love. I just want a day where I am told "Happy Birthday!" more times than I can count, I can eat a slice of cake (or two, or three...it's my birthday darn it!), and a fun birthday dinner with my closest friends and family...and maybe a small present sprinkled in here and there. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like getting gifts. Who in their right mind doesn't?

I'd also be lying if I said that my birthday only happened on my actual day of birth. It never does. My birthday seems to last the ENTIRE month of October. And I love that! I tend to start getting birthday emails with special coupons and vouchers from all my favorite stores and restaurants the second October 1st hits the calendar...and that just gets the birthday month a rollin'! One month of birthday bliss...count me in! I'm not complaining! So, now I've pretty much come to expect that each year, much to the dismay of my husband and family. Oh how I can see the eye-rolls now! ;)

The month of October is also my most favorite month of the year. Partly because my birthday is encompassed in it and partly because I LOVE all things fall...the fair comes to town, the leaves start changing, the crisp autumn air, all things pumpkin and spice, new fall wardrobe full of cute boots and cardigans, and of course, Halloween!! Last year, my birthday and my October was almost a total wash. D was deployed and I was feeling sorry for myself. I was basically mourning the loss of my fun October. Thankfully, two of my best girlfriends in Virginia filled my month with lots of wine sleepovers, pumpkin muffins, and a super special surprise birthday party that D helped plan from 1,000 miles away! My October had been saved! This year, my October and my birthday has been PHENOMENAL. Even though we are far away from our loved ones, this birthday has been super special.

 Here is a little recap of my awesome birthday festivities!

Before heading back to Germany (there's us, above, waiting at CLT to board our flight!), my sweet family took me out for a yummy Japanese Hibachi dinner at Arigatos! They give you SO much food there! We ate and ate and still took a giant box home.

Mom made a TO DIE FOR Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for dessert. Even though we all were stuffed from dinner, we made enough room for cake. You can always make room for cake.

Next, it was time for presents! I got some super awesome stuff that I can't wait to use. I'm talkin' yummy Anthropologie perfumes and housewares, a Capri Blue Volcano candle (died!), and an ADORABLE Cloche hat to wear in London from my very fashion forward little sister!

Then, when we finally arrived back in our lovely little flat in Germany, this was what I found waiting for me!

My hubby is AWESOME! He totally surprised me...and I'm so glad he did! That little sneak! He did a great job pulling one over on me, I must admit. He's absolutely the best hubby in the world. I don't know what I did to deserve him! He spoils me rotten! This thing is my new best buddy. My iMac makes blogging and photo editing a freakin' dream! D can hardly get me off the computer anymore...and that kind of a serious thing seeing as I was already on it too much to begin with! He's starting to turn me into an Apple snob. GASP! I know. It's nuts.

Saturday, our good friends here in Germany helped me "ring in" my day of birth! Apparently it's a fun tradition that some German's do to celebrate into your birthday. Everyone gets together for cake and coffee and you blow out the candles at midnight...kind of like ringing in a new year of life! How cool is that! So, we went to Frankfurt and had our first German/Mexican food experience and then rang in my birthday German style!

The food (and margarita) I had was pretty tasty. Not quite the Mexican food I'm used to back home, but not bad for Germany! As you can see, the portions were definitely American style. Nice way to make a girl feel right at home. Ugh. :)

Finally, it was my birthday! See, I told you... all of the goodness above happened before it was even my birthday! They should seriously just call it "Casetober." Anyone? No? Oh well. Either way I have the best friends and family ever! So, Sunday D and I woke up this this phenomenal morning view from our flat:

I mean, c'mon. Germany in the fall in breathtaking already! What a happy sunshiny birthday I was about to have. It only got better because D ordered me back to bed and then presented me with these:

Birthday eggies!! I love that he stuck candles in my toast. What a clever little fella. We spent most of the day relaxing. That evening we made lots of fattening food, because it was Sunday after all...and Sunday means Panthers football! Mmm hmmm, we are Panther's fans...especially D. He lives and breathes Cam Newton and pigskin. We donned our panthers T's and fired up the Slingbox (LOVE that contraption) to watch our boys hopefully pull out a W. D even worn his "lucky" red shorts, to which I stated that they must not be that lucky, referencing the season they had last year and they way they've been playing as of late. That comment got me a mean face, so I took it back. Sadly, our boys did not win (ahem, red shorts), but loyal fans we'll always be...no matter how bad they suck. :)

As you can see, best birthday ever. When I think about all the love I've been shown over the last few weeks, it makes my heart smile. I am so blessed to have the friends and family that I do. Thank you all, 100 times over! I seriously couldn't have ask for a more perfect birthday month. 

And uh oh! What's this?! It's not even over yet!? NOPE! The birthday festivities continue on Thursday as we jet off for 4 days in jolly old England! London to be exact!! Cherrio!