Writing and capturing everyday life, shows that significance is held in the everyday moments, not just the big milestones. Yes, the milestone moments are impactful—but the days that led up to those moments are significant as well, if not more.

So if you’re wanting to try mindful journaling or reflective thoughts, this blog post is here to help you dive into journaling!

For the past couple of years, I’ve done a list on my birthday, of things I have learned, equating to the number I’m turning. This year is 25, and while that is somewhat scary, to think I’ve spent a quarter of my life already, I know each experience, relationship, and trial has occurred for a reason to get me to this moment.

For that I am grateful.

So without further ado….

Thermal baths, cathedrals that tower over the city, castles and mountain views—Budapest has now been crowned one of my new favorite places. Read more about one of the most magical places on earth (and no, it is not Disney!)

My mother always said she knew I was happy when I was singing. Singing when waltzing around the house, humming in the car, and belting songs amidst cooking or when playing piano. It surely annoyed the hell out of my sister (sorry, Avery) but nevertheless—that’s how my family could identify that I was truly happy and content. 

So when I was walking the cobblestone streets of London at dusk, sitting by the Thames river with a cider in hand or drawing peacefully near a lush green park—I found myself subtly humming and thought of my mother. Knowing that was my sign of happiness—that I was truly and fully content.

It takes a special group of people to finish a powerful full-blown makeover in only three days. 

That group is composed of the dream team (what we jokingly called ourselves) but each individual truly helped bring this project to life. Even more so, helped change so many lives in the process. This blog post shares insights into this weekend, the special visitors we had, and why this project was so meaningful to me.

You may have wondered what’s next for me, why I’ve been slowing down my business, halting orders, dropping hints…

Well, I’m excited, scared, proud, and giddy to share (truly all the feelings) that I am heading back to Europe!

Boats floating on the canal, tons of tiny lattes, layers of clothes, bustling markets, and many pints of beer and ciders—London was a glorious trip. This month I got to travel across the world for a short week to visit my best friend who is currently studying Law in London. I’m so immensely grateful for those special high school friends who you grow with over the years and grateful to call Ciara a lifelong friend. We got to catch up with our own lives while diving into the hidden gems and not-so-hidden gems of London. Below are some of my favorite noteworthy pieces of the trip.

Art has been in my family for generations. Whether it was through music, crafting, painting, or sketching—the Swygerts and the Drischlers have done it all. This week, I was able to witness a beautifully engaging project with my family, that couldn’t have occurred without generous sponsors, an amazing billboard company (Clear Channel Outdoor!) and last but not least, some incredibly talented artists.

Palm Beach Culture was so kind as to send me for a little vacay to the Palm Beaches last weekend. Here, I was able to experience so many arts and cultural experiences. I had to put the itinerary together so that you can experience this beautiful city as well!

When McKenzie asked if we could do something similar to a post she saw on Pinterest involving paint—you bet I was immediately on board. This talented gal can turn anything into a magical oasis (aka the backyard of my apartment) so enjoy this “How To” Photoshoot

Our trip to Washington was sweet and lovely. I’m going to make a list of the highlights and best places to make your trip just as wonderful!

Having a week filled with work, anxiety, and some bad news—I was in need of a change of position. Easily enough, my two incredible roommates, convinced me to spontaneously fly with them to Chicago.

Of course I couldn’t say no.

Being an all A student in high school, the letter “B” still gives me the shivers and leads me to question my abilities. When I read the notes as to why I was given the grade, I was even more aghast. My professors reasoning for the B? 

“Show more process. You’re focusing on the product instead of process.” 

There were moments I struggled with my own comfort zone. Struggling moments that could be as simple as speaking a language I didn’t know (even though I was terrified of butchering the words). Yet I found ways to push through my comfort zone and expand my boundaries. My everyday tendencies had the most impact in the end, even though I didn’t realize it at the time.

My bus arrived late that night, so my friend I made in Prague, picked me up late and took me to see the Brandenburg Gate, which was illuminated with a warm glow against the dark night. It was raining but since we were the only ones there, it felt a bit magical.

I landed in Rome on Good Friday. Kristen and I had plans to go to the passing of the crosses, yet by the time we reached it, the crowd was already piling out. The nuns we passed still had their candles clutched between their fingers. The “cake building”, also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele, was illuminated against the deep navy blue night sky, with the moon shining brightly in the back.

Some stranger rolled down his window and yells in a thick Norwegian accent, “SHELBY!?” Gier, our Airbnb host, was one of the most charismatic people in Oslo. He greeted us eagerly, took our bulky luggage into his tiny car, and drove us to our apartment for the weekend. Mind you, when I say tiny—my cheek was practically pressed against the window.

We explored more around Old Town, and ended up getting raspberry hot wine which was too strong for my liking, so we had to treat the drink like a shot. We got into a great conversation so continued the night with two bags of lays chips and another bottle of wine, and then lounged around in our Airbnb, laughing, while FaceTiming our friends.

From chasing after a bus back to Prague, yodeling in the Austrian mountains, to eating our entire weight in gelato—Vienna and Salzburg left me with great memories.