Santiago, Chile

I'm so excited to share the first of a few posts from my family's recent trip to Chile! My dad lived in Chile for a year when he was in high school as an AFS student and our whole family was finally able to make the trip to meet his host family and see the country.  First up was Santiago: we stayed there for one night before flying to Patagonia. We also stayed for another day after the flight back, so these pictures were taken over the those two days. Because of the New Year holiday I think we experienced a much quieter city than normal! 

Letters Are Lovely | Santiago, Chile
Letters Are Lovely | Santiago, Chile
Letters Are Lovely | Santiago, Chile
Letters Are Lovely | Santiago, Chile
Letters Are Lovely | Santiago, Chile
Letters Are Lovely | Santiago, Chile

Both of the hotels we stayed at were in the Las Condes neighborhood of Santiago, which I definitely recommend! From there we ventured Cerro San Cristobal where there is a gondola to take you up the hill, and also a large swimming pool and zoo. We mainly enjoyed the views from the gondola and from the gardens at the top, but the pool looked very inviting! Afterward we went over to the Cerro Santa Lucia which features the Terrazzo Neptuno. Another favorite of ours was the panoramic view of the city from the Costanera Center! You could see everything, and were lucky to not have an extremely smoggy day. We loved the warm weather in Santiago, especially since it was snowing back home. Next up, Patagonia!

Letters Are Lovely | Santiago, Chile
Letters Are Lovely | Santiago, Chile
Letters Are Lovely | Santiago, Chile
Letters Are Lovely | Santiago, Chile
Letters Are Lovely | Santiago, Chile
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Thoughts for 2017

This year, perhaps more than any other year, I have really spent some time reflecting on the new year. While I haven't specifically created resolutions for myself, I have put some thought into different areas of my life and how I can make little changes that better align with how I would like to live. In 2015 (two years ago!) I wanted to spend more time on this blog, focus on fitness, and put more emphasis on relaxing. Last year I made my own 101 in 1001 list, and I am happy to report I have completed just over half of the list! While I enjoyed making that list, and will continue to complete items off of it, this year I went a little deeper. I won't share all the lengthy details of my notes here, but here are a few key points to keep myself accountable! 

Letters Are Lovely | Thoughts for 2017

Embrace Simplicity

  • Like many others, in 2016 I read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Marie Kondo's method did allow me to get rid of unnecessary items in our apartment, but in the new year I would love to place a greater emphasis on what I purchase. I hope to be more considerate, and in general thoughtful, about everything I buy. I want to focus on appreciating and loving the items I already own. Some things that are becoming more important to me are buying locally, considering ingredients, what the environmental impact is, and trying to make less impulse purchases. 

Challenge Myself Mentally and Physically

  • This year I am grateful to be starting the year having been more active than I have been in a long time! Going to Fusion Fitness over the past two years really has shifted my mindset β€” I no longer doubt that I would even be capable of trying a new class. In 2017 I hope to continue working out at Fusion, and I would love to add more Yoga to my life. A few months ago I discovered a wonderful yoga studio in St. Louis where I plan to attend classes at regularly! I also would love to keep reading, meditating, and place a greater focus on healthy eating this year. 

Be Present in the Company of Others

  • Daily I notice myself distracted by my phone or pondering the next task I need to complete. I hope to make a more conscious effort to listen during conversations with friends and family, and to focus as much as possible on the moment at hand. 

Remain Grounded in Gratitude

  • Both meditation and the Five Minute Journal transformed my approach to gratitude in my daily life over the past year. Moving forward, I want to discover for myself the best way to keep gratitude a part of my life, but possibly in a more natural way. I don't want gratitude to feel like an item on my to-do list. This is one area I will continue to ponder. I can't wait to see what this year will bring, happy 2017!

December Around The Web

This holiday season has truly been a whirlwind, I am currently in Chile with my family (photos coming soon!) and since we left the day after Christmas I haven't had much time to reflect on the New Year. But here are a few quick favorites from the internet this month, I hope you are enjoying the last few days of Christmas decorations and 2016! 


Merry? Very! Socks for Hallmark

With Christmas just a few days away I was thrilled to finally discover these socks I designed at the Hallmark store! For those who know me well, I often wear silly socks and when I was working on this project I couldn't wait to see them in real life. Hopefully you are enjoying the last few busy days before December 25th!

Letters Are Lovely | Merry? Very! Socks for Hallmark
Letters Are Lovely | Merry? Very! Socks for Hallmark
Letters Are Lovely | Merry? Very! Socks for Hallmark