Instagram Life – June 2016 (& taking a break....)

** Rosie Lu turned 6 months!

** Lots of yoga done this month… some of which outdoors J

** Summertime is for thrifting

** Happy hour at the Downtown Market

** Attended the Lee & Birch 2 Year Anniversary party

** SUP yoga on Reed’s Lake

** Gymnasts took Grand Rapids!

** New landscaping project finally complete

** The 4^th spend with Court J

This July I'm taking a break. A break to regroup. A break to grow. A break to figure some stuff out... I have no doubt I'll come back stronger. However that may be...  

Instagram Life – May 2016

May 2016 was an incredible month. Each weekend was jam packed with a fun event with friends and family and the weather is heating up (even though we got snow the first weekend of the month). It’s an awesome time of year when everyone is happy because summer is on the horizon. I love May J

** Cinco de Mayo at Donkey

** Wedding in Detroit

** Holland Tulip Festival

** Fifth Third Riverbank Run

** Celebrated a birthday weekend with my Sister in Nola…

** … and had THE BEST TIME

** let music inspire

** Turned 30 with some of my closest friends and family

** Happy Memorial Day!

June brings a slowdown to life. May was very busy and a constant go go go feeling. I’m looking forward to our lack of plans and ability to truly enjoy summer in the coming weeks!! 

Instagram Life – April 2016

April. You were pretty kick ass. I got to see my sister, spent time in my favorite city, enjoy a few low key weekends with Max, have a picnic on the lakeshore and check two states off my United States bucket list. I’m nearly at the 50% mark!! Let’s keep this going J

** Saturday mornings spent cooking brekkie with my Bae

** Baby Cohen is my new favorite person

** Chicago weekend with Sister! One of my favorite Chicago trips E.V.E.R!

** I WILL go back to the Freehand one day… it exceeded all expectations

** Lots of snuggling with my Rosie Lu

** In the Mitten State you don’t take 80 degrees for granted… especially in April... Holland date with boy

** Met Jared Haibon!

** Providence, Rhode Island

** Fenway Park baby! Wanderlust hitting hard as of late!!

May 2016. I foresee beautiful things from you. Beautiful weddings, beautiful weather (for Riverbank Run PLEASE!), beautiful travels (NOLA FOR SISTER BIRTHDAY WEEKEND YAY!) and an awesomely beautiful 30^th birthday. I’ve been oddly looking forward to turning 30. I may not have accomplished everything that I wanted to before this pivotal age, but hey… 30 is the new 20, right? I can’t wait to see what this new decade brings my way! 

Instagram Life – March 2016

March always brings back great memories… Memories of college, friends, anniversaries and knowing that warmer weather is just around the corner. Figuratively speaking, this month had it’s warm times, but definitely it’s chilly times. I’m excited for warmer things to come!

** Took advantage of some fresh powder at Cannonsburg

** Sushi lunches catching up with friends

** Rosie loves her boxes

** WFF in Dallas! Life changing experience!

** Completely obsessed with Marie Kondo and her art of decluttering

** Happy 30^th MJ!

** Lost my bow fishing virginity…

** Easter confetti

** Wine Club #22 at Bellewood… man I love these ladies!

Bring on the April showers! There is not a ton planned for the first half of this month, but look forward to continuing the spring cleaning/decluttering of the house. It’s making me feel better than anything right now and is something I need in my life at the moment. It’s providing great clarity that I would love to continue. Then the back half of April I’ll be traveling to Providence for work and have a potential East Lansing overnight with Max as a fun little get away. Cheers!

Instagram Life – February 2016

February flew! Where did the time go?? We weren’t very busy but the month was exhausting! Baby girl Rosie was our highlight to an otherwise gloomy month!

** Celebrated Mardi Gras from the comfort of my own home

** Fat Tuesday indeed

** My Fat Tuesday baby girl! Rosie was welcomed into our family on that glorious day!

** Valentine’s Day Sunday

** Never a shortage of homemade baked goods from the intern

** Work-from-Home Wednesday’s are a little different now and much more fun!

** Sanded and stained a table one warm Saturday afternoon!

** Champagne Sunday’s with my favorite

** Baby Girl Jessalyn is finally here and I love her so much!

March is a busy one! Starting with our Cannonsburg ski day last weekend, Max’s 29^th, a business trip to Dallas, Food Show in Rosemont, Easter and much more! I’m so looking forward to Spring weather and Spring spirits!

Instagram Life – January 2016

{follow along @__stitesme__)

January was not what I expected… but there were still some shining moments…

** #Friday’s

** Date night at The Twisted Rooster

** Paid a visit to our favorite beer supplier

** Chopped off the hairs

** Date night at the Old Goat

** Bowling with Mom & Dad Saturday

** Date night at Jose Babushka’s

** #joy

** City and Colour in Grand Rapids

Let's do this February!

Instagram Life – December 2015

{follow along @__stitesme__}

Well that’s a wrap on 2015. You guys… December was great! Seriously, an amazing few weeks full of love and celebration! Each weekend bringing more to the table than the week before!

** Shot our Christmas card

** Threw a really fun shower for the parents-to-be!

** GFS Annual Meeting 2015!

** Indulged A LOT this month! Worth every calorie…

** Holiday Wine Club is just the best…

** Froze our behinds off at Railtown Brewing’s Good Mooed Saturday 1-year anniversary celebration!

** A look inside our Christmas Photo Shoot to wish the Insta World Happy Holidays!

** Christmas Socks J

** Checked a few more breweries off our list… Final Gravity and Harmony Hall

Even though 2015 had SOOOOO many high’s, it also had its lows, and I could not be happier to have a fresh start in 2016! January, as per usual, is relatively low in plans as of right now, but it’s an extremely welcome change from the past few months! We’ve been going going GOING since July and I feel like we can finally breathe and live on our own terms, and not have so many obligations or plans. The month will still have its fun though! So far, we’re planning a quick weekend get-away to a ski resort and towards the end of the month I get to see City and Colour again!! Ahhhhh can’t wait! 

Bring on 2016.  

Instagram Life – November 2015

November went by so fast! Since a good part of the month was above average temperatures, it didn’t even feel like a month that leads into Winter. It just felt like an extension of early Fall. I liked it and hope the mild weather is a preview of what’s to come this Winter. November was great. I was gone every weekend, but I enjoyed every moment of live music, every second relaxing on a girls day, and every memory shared with family for my two thanksgiving weekends!

** Attended a jb and me blogger event in Holland

** Saw City and Colour at Metro Chicago

** #bloggingbusinessandbalance webinar

** Got my Christmas shopping on at the new outlet!

** Finally visited Le Bon Macaron… worth the wait!

** Wine Club #18 was a success

** Short visit with my sister but I loved every second of it! We had a potluck at Trail Point!

** Surprise! Celebrated Leann’s start to her 30^th year and officially being a certified architect!

** Christmas cookie game strong at in Kazoo

December is here! The last month of 2015… I’m sad that the rumors are true, that time does go by faster and faster every year you get older… but I’m also so looking forward to this month and everything that 2016 already has in store for life. Bring on the holidays and the New Year! I’m ready for a fresh start… 

Instagram Life – October 2015

October was unforgettable (in many ways). Not one dull weekend (or dull weeknight for that matter…). Between our anniversary weekend on the lake shore to East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Tampa and New York it was nonstop. Why is this seem to be an annual October trend? It is what it is but I have no complaints….

** Anniversary weekend brewery tour’ing it up, up and down the Michigan Lakeshore with the love of my life

** Baby Aven lights up my life!

** Grand Rapids Food Show week!

** ArtPrize exploration with my fav

** Represented at the 60^th Evans Scholar Anniversary Celebration in East Lansing

** Victory for MSU. Ann Arbor was not happy but I sure was!

** Tampa! Quick overnight for our Fall Florida Food Show…  I love you palm trees

** These ladies... they've been there for so much of my life!

** NEW YORK CITY! You inspire me so…

While November brings some relief, there is still lots’ going on to keep me busy through this Fall season. Next weekend I’m off to Chicago for the best live music that ever existed (City and Colour), then its relaxation time in Dorr, followed by 2 weekends of Thanksgiving celebration with our respective families (and a fun blogger event and surprise party thrown in there somewhere for the funs of it!). 

Instagram Life – September 2015

I can’t believe September is over. 2015 is zooming and I want it to slow down. I’m not ready for the dead of Winter. Just. Not. Ready! September was great though. Always the month that kick starts fall, but also the month where the last bits of Summer weather linger and you want nothing more than to take advantage of laid back warm & sunny nights!

** MSU Season Kick off In Kazoo

** Snuggle time is the best kinda time

** New Tennies!

** His and Her Cocktails

** Kissing Max from a wedding in Grand Haven

** Runway on Wealthy fashion show

** Beautiful knockout roses. I can’t believe how much they have grown since we first planted them

** Wine Club #16 – Malbec

** Political dancing one uneventful Friday night

October brings on busy times! Max and my second anniversary weekend, Michigan vs. Michigan State weekend, a quick trip to Tampa then a long weekend in New York. Every October seems busy (especially when I try to squeeze in my annual bucket lists), but this one I’m especially looking forward to!  

Instagram Life – August 2015

August 2015 was a life changing month. Europe was the most unbelievable experience. I'm changed. Not a noticeable change, but a change I can feel. I like it! Europe aside, August was a big month! Family friends opened a brewery by Grand Valley’s campus, a bestie was showered with baby love, and another lucky bachelorette was toasted on her pending nuptials. August will definitely go down in the books!

** Spent as many afternoon’s as I could working on the patio at GFS

** Trail Point is now officially open for business!

** Can’t wait for Baby Hopping to make their debut!!

** Live music during “Cocktail Hour” at the Downtown Market

** Never a dull culinary moment in Max’s kitchen

** The birds in Venice are no joke

** The Eiffel Tower light show from the second level is breathtaking

** Barcelona beaches are spectacular

** Sparkles to celebrate a job well done Bachelorette weekend

For me, September is the best of two worlds.... Summer weather & Football season! The Michigan State season opener was last Friday and the excitement and joy I got from tailgating in the warm sunshine is indescribable. October is booked solid, but September is a slight break from the busy schedule that always seems to pop up every Fall! This month I look forward to enjoying some much needed nesting time at home (with a wedding, food show and ArtPrize thrown in for good measure!). 

Instagram Life – July 2015

July was absolutely incredible! When I looked at the calendar in early June I saw many holes in July. This excited me. I had plenty of time to work on my Summer Bucket List J I spent all month working tirelessly to get ahead at work and get ahead on my summer to do list. I’m happy to report that I succeeded. Productivity professionally is definitely important, but personal productivity is just as important. Isn’t it a great feeling when you can do both?!

** #bbg life. Finished round 1 of Kayla Itsines and look forward to starting round 2 when back in the States

** Loved our trip to the zoo to kick off 4^th of July weekend! (Check)

** Holiday boating is my favorite kind of boating

** Enjoyed my string lights A LOT this month (Check)

** Hosted the 14^th monthly Wine Club

** Had an absolutely incredible time in Chicago! (Check) Can’t wait for my next visit in November!

** Celebrated 5 years since Max won his Jeep! (I should probably tell you guys that story sometime….)

** My first experience with Movies in the Park. Definitely one of my new favorite summer activities! (Check)

** Major crank time at work in preparation for being out what feels like all of August!

IT’S FINALLY AUGUST! This might be my most memorable month to date! In a little over a week I’ll be in Venice. The first stop on my first trip to Europe! Once back in Michigan I have a huge presentation that I’ve been preparing for all summer, followed by a Bachelorette weekend in a cabin on a lake! And then poof, it’s September. Wow… 

Instagram Life – June 2015

Is it really July? How did that happen so quick?! Even though the Michigan weather in June was less summer-like that I would have hoped, we ended on a sunny note and I see bright (and warm) days in the future!

** National Donut Day

** Positive Vibes really got me through this month!

** Spent a relaxing Sunday morning with SATC and fresh mimosas!

** I’m making it a point to eat the rainbow as often as possible!

** We launched our new blog layout! So in love still…

** Father’s Day in South Haven! (where they forget leave the salt off margs)

** Preparing to camp-out for the 4^th!

** I was brought to tears of joy when this was announced. Finally! #lovewins

** Watched a beautiful couple finally tie the knot.

Even though the Michigan weather in June was less summer-like that I would have hoped, we ended on a sunny note and I see bright (and warm) days ahead! Even though the 4^th is behind us, July still has so much excitement! I plan on searching out perfect vintage finds at the street market, spending a weekend in Chicago, hosting Wine Club #14 and visiting some of the Michigan lake shore! Happy summer everyone!  

Instagram Life – June 2015

May was a great month. It was jam packed with plans from town to town and with all the people I love. It was my second full month in my new job, I went to my first ever Kentucky Derby party, celebrated another bride to be, celebrated my Mom, traveled to Chicago for a convention, had a few team outings, a few happy hours, Wine Club and I entered the last year of my 20’s. May is always a busy month. The warmer weather puts us Michiganders in great spirits and ready to come out of hiding and enjoy some fresh air! May is good.

** Tulip Time in Holland

** Scrumptious treats are even better with sprinkles

** Due to the monsoon, I didn’t complete the Riverbank Run this year, but I have high hopes for next year!!

** Celebrated a great friend at her Bridal Shower

** Attended the NRA show in Chicago

** Painted the downstairs

** Turned 29!

** May Wine Club!

** Had a great weekend with my sister in Grand Rapids! Cocktails & sister bracelets for a hooky Monday

June, so far, holds a whole lot of nothing! I’m just so excited that Summer is finally here! Besides a wedding at the end of the month, and a nice little bachelorette party thrown in for good measure, this month is fairly open. Open to make time for more house work? Perhaps. Open to make time for more boating? I sure hope so! It’s just open to enjoy life. And I like it… 

Instagram Life – April 2015

April brought on some much needed relief. April showers brought relaxing weeknights and great weekends close to home with friends and family! Even though April isn’t the prettiest month, at least we know that the best is yet to come here in Michigan

** Food Show life

** Creepy but delicious bunny cake

** New workout pants always inspire

** Celebrated the baby shower of my awesome cousin

** Radio Revival Tour!

** Visited Tilted Kilt before catching an Indians game in Cleveland

** Wine Club #11

** Eastown exploration

** Fun time at work!

So much to look forward to this coming month! The Fifth Third race, a bridal shower, Mother’s Day, a weekend business trip and birthdays are just the tip of the iceberg. Bring on the May flowers and bring on SUMMERTIME! 

Instagram Life – March 2015

This month was a whirlwind! I officially started my new job at the beginning of March and life has been hectic ever since… in the best possible way! Two Food Shows and many hours of working later, I’m doing my best to hit the ground running. Having more fun than I’ve had at work in the longest time… Besides that life is great! Max turned 28, our relationship turned 7, one of my best college friends continues the countdown to her wedding, my Mom and I FINALLY booked our Europe trip and Michigan State is in the Final Four! This is the greatness March months are made of!!

 **   Birthday Bar Crawl

**   My new favorite snack!

**   KDS Founders night

**   Shower Season! Congrats, Alisa & Josh!!

**   St. Patty’s Day at the offices!

**   Think Spring!

**   Sunday morning view

**   Donkey Margs & Guac to celebrate an engagement

**   GO GREEN! Final Four!!

April Showers bring May Flowers (I’m pretty sure I say that in every April post…)! I can’t wait for Spring breeze to continue rolling in. Sunny high 40’s and cloudy low 50’s just aren’t doing it for me anymore! I’m ready for the warmth! I’m also ready for everything else April has to offer. A baby shower here, concert there, another Food Show, potential Chicago trip and an exploratory Grand Rapids day with one of my favorite new people! 

Instagram Life – February 2015

February was brutally cold. So cold it chilled you to the bone and you forget that there was ever a time you were warm. It started that way at least. It ended in Sunny Florida! It was a much needed week of R&R with my family!!

** Just love this little guy!

** Greensky at the Intersection!

** All hearts all the time’

** Broke down and used our fireplace one cold Sunday in the negative temps

** Farewell Ritz Koney
** Valentines Day Bar Crawl Stop 2 at Tin Can

** February Wine Club hosted by yours truly!

** Florida bound!

** Missing the waves already

Another amazing month heading our way!! March MIGHT be my second favorite month (to October!). Always so many birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and celebrations and this year’s March is no exception. Bring on springtime!

Instagram Life – January 2015

January went by quick! We didn't particularly have a lot going on. Mostly weekends spend at home and enjoying the indoors, but did find ourselves venturing out when need be. Major things are happening with work, so stay tuned! All in all, a fairly uneventful, yet great, January!

** Happy Treats from Court that I've already refilled with Skittles (twice) at work

** The entire Friends series is now on Netflix! So excited

** Life is an adventure. Flaunt it!

** Love love love the lights around our bed to keep things cozy & intimate

** January Wine Club was a success, except for me losing…

** Started the 52 Handwritten Challenge. See the January recap here. 

** Visited the Livery before my sister-in-law's 30^th birthday celebration

** #TBT. On year ago we were on our Honeymoon. I love him more and more every day (i'm not just saying that to be cute... it's sickeningly true)

** Missing Courtney! Good thing I get to see her in less than 3 weeks!

February brings warmth, happiness, love and family. I’m attending a downtown concert with a friend, celebrating V-Day with my one and only, out for a Galentine's Day evening with Wine Club ladies, hosting the February Wine Club at my house and then leaving for a Winter Florida vacation at the end of the month. So far so good, 2015!

Instagram Life – December 2014

December flew by before we even knew what hit us! Between holiday festivities, finishing up Christmas shopping, wine nights, happy hours and cozy nights in with the husband it has been a good month. We didn’t get any snow, but I can feel it on the horizon. And when the snow comes, we shall play!

** cookies!

** my first wine club night! Can’t wait for next month

** Annual Meeting pre-game

** Lifehouse!

** working on a little project to be revealed next month

** he loves me…

** sissy time brewery crawling

** leftovers for days!

January marks the start of 2015 and there is already so much to look forward to! Max will welcome a new niece or nephew, I’ll be attending my second Wine Club, and my dad retires (YAY!). I can’t wait to celebrate everything with everyone!

Instagram Life – November 2014

November started off in the 60’s, had a couple large blizzards in the middle and ended in the mid  40’s and sunny. Michigan. You unpredictability never ceases to amaze me. I spent 3 weekends completely lazy’ing around and the other two spend with family and friends celebrating the holidays. It was a good month.

** Cookie Face

** Remembering an amazing lady

** Frozen

** #CamilleStylesEntertaining

** Saw Mockingjay Part 1 – LOVED!

** Beautiful holiday decorations

** Black Wednesday in Kalamazoo

** Thanksgiving dessert… 3 ways

** Greensky concert at the State Theater

December is here! December means holiday parties and gift giving and champagne toasting and snow days and twinkle lights and hot chocolate and decorations and cookies and heated blankets and sledding and mistletoe and snow ball fights. I welcome you December… with open arms.