let's be real.

The past couple weeks I've been in a funk. A busy scheduled combined with the fact that I haven't been feeling well (and am still trying to figure out what the heck is going on there) got the best of me. I didn't feel like being fun, chatting, exercising... nothing. In fact, last week I got a voicemail from a girlfriend, "Um, Teri... Hello? I'm starting to think you're mad at me because I haven't heard from you in a while. Email? Text? Are you okay? Call me!"

It made me laugh and think. It reminded me that the best part about good friends is not having to worry about always being in a good mood for them. We tend to put pressure on ourselves to always be "on" - even with our good friends which is just silly. The fact is your friends would rather hear from you - even if it's just to pout.  Think about it... after a friend calls you upset or needing advice have you ever said, "wow, that was really super annoying?" No! Chances are you're so happy your friend did call to talk about it and you could probably relate. It feels good to know that your friends lean on you when they need to and I guarantee they're happy to reciprocate when you're blue.

So, the moral of the story - don't be like me. Don't hide from your friends when you're not feeling 100%. They won't hold it against you - promise. In fact, they'd probably be happy to know you're human, have real feelings, issues and that your life isn't perfect (because chances are, theirs isn't either). I think it's safe to say people relate much more to imperfection than perfection. Allowing yourself to be real and vulnerable can be a really good thing for a friendship. So the next time a friend says, "how are you?" and you're not really feeling, "Great!" - don't say you are. Be honest. They'll understand and probably love you more for being real.

I'm happy to report that I'm rejuvenated and no longer lame and in hiding. In the past 24 hours I've caught up with girlfriends in DC, Texas, Chicago, Seattle, Florida and California and am feeling like myself again. I probably would have been feeling better a lot sooner if I would have just answered the phone - lesson learned.

always remember ... girlfriends make everything better.
{thanks to all of you who listened to my crabby ass and made me laugh when I needed it most}

{college graduation in tucson, arizona}



new magazine on the rack.

Do you love fashion, interior design, travel & entertaining? Then you must subscribe to what's guaranteed to be a fabulous new magazine, High Gloss. I love all of the above and am always looking to be inspired.

A group of creative women, including my friend Ashley, recently announced the January launch of High Gloss and I can't wait to be obsessed. Subscribe for the free e-newsletter (they're already sending and offering giveaways) and check them out on Facebook. And if you're looking for interior design ideas check out Ashley's blog Orchard 11.

signed. sealed. delivered.

Christmas cards are the perfect excuse to spend a weekend day on the couch in a pair of sweats. 

Our cards arrived before Thanksgiving but I didn't have the time or energy to get them done until this past weekend. I genuinely enjoy working on them and like to make the day long process festive... a fire, coffee, Christmas tunes - or eh, let's be honest - whatever trashy TV shows I have recorded from the week before.  Two red Sharpies and many hours later... the cards were signed, addressed, sealed and stamped. 

This year I had the company of three furry elves - Hunter + his cousins Buddy & Henry who we were watching.

Next up... a full day of wrapping presents in my sweatpants.

oh christmas tree.

Yesterday we went hunting for the perfect Noble Fir and we found her... lucky number seven. Yup, it's the seventh Christmas tree we've decorated together. The first was in 2004 at Danny's post-college condo.

D typically prefers the thin and nicely tapered "supermodel" trees while I like the plump and full "plus-sized model" trees. This year she's a little bit of both, is super fresh and smells wonderful.

I had Danny clipping, shaking, slamming and spinning lots of trees to find "the one" and it was worth it.

{cool orange bike rack, huh? yup, when they came off Danny's last car the next day they were on mine.}

overdue date night.

It's been a busy past couple weeks with work and home stuff plus we've had "roommates"... my in-laws, Vicky & Joe, were staying with us while they work on remodeling a home in Phoenix.

Just the two of us had a great date night last night at La Grande Orange Pizzeria. We're a huge fan of everything this neighborhood pizzeria has to offer. The vibe is laid back but busy, the baked wings and anchovy caesar salad are perfect starters and the margarita pizza is arguably the best in town. Add a few good beers and a bottle of wine and you have two happy Tings. 

We ended the night watching our very favorite holiday movie Love Actually.

my little audiophile.

Danny's Black Friday purchase arrived yesterday and I think everyone in our neighborhood knows it.

I came home to find him with a giant box and a big grin on his face. The media console, couch and everything in our living room was being moved around to make way for the newest addition... a very large subwoofer. Danny proudly informed me that this system could, "blow the glass out of this place" and that "he didn't even get the volume out of the negatives." Neat.

Apparently the "tuning and programming" of the new "sub" required a decibel level equivalent to that of the Sahara Dance Tent at Coachella - aka ridiculously loud. An ordinary Wednesday night turned into a dance party for three at our place. I won't be surprised if Huntie is partially deaf before Christmas.

He's pleased so that makes me happy... even if I have to wear earplugs to watch movies now.

Think I'm exaggerating? Ask Colby, who I was trying to chat with during this - or watch listen to these videos.

its beginning to look a lot like christmas.

it's only december 1st & i'm thrilled that we already have a decorated home - inside & out. just need our tree.

...and so the battle of the white twinkle lights (danny's fave) vs. icicle lights (my fave) continues. 

danny won - again.