'Five Things' Friday

Today I'm launching a new series called "Five Things Friday". I decided it would be fun and maybe even therapeutic to close out each week by writing about 5 things that are on my mind, happening in my life or whatever! Random design inspiration, goals, personal trials, favorite thing of the moment...anything goes. And I may even invite some of you to share your "Five Things" right here on Belle Maison, which would be a lot of fun to read! Anyway, enjoy and please feel free to share a thing or two (or 5) that's on your mind today. Have an amazing weekend! xoxo - Julie

1. My husband and I are dropping the baby off at Grammie's house for the weekend so we can get away! We're heading up to the mountains to attend a Couples Retreat though our church, which will be focusing on the topic of "communication" in your marriage and how to become better at it (which we can definitely use, especially lately!). I'm really looking forward to spending some quality alone time with my hubby - a rarity since we had our son nearly 9 months ago. I'll keep you posted on how it goes :) [IMAGE SOURCE]

2. I pinned this house a few weeks back and am obsessed with it! I want to live here and sit on the front porch in the evenings with a glass of wine and chat with the neighbors while our kids play on the front lawn. A girl can dream, right?!

3. This kitchen is a dream! The fresh white cabinets and countertops with pops of yellow make me so happy. Wouldn't you love to spend tons of time in this space with your family and friends? It also makes me want a lemon drop martini...

4. Alt Summit 2012 NYC - I really want to go to this! They have one going on right now in Salt Lake City and it sounds like a blast. What is it, you ask? Instead of summing it up myself, I took this directly from their website: "The founders of Alt Summit come from a blogging family. Understanding that bloggers needed the connections a live event would offer, an idea was hatched. A live event to discuss what is new, what is working, what is not and what is next...Alt has grown to be the premier business conference for pioneering bloggers and rookie bloggers alike. Alt is open to all. Attendees tend to have a shared interest in innovation within the space. There is a generosity at Alt. There is room for everyone." They have an incredible line-up of guest speakers, cocktail parties, dinners, panels, etc. and it would be a great way to connect with fellow bloggers face to face! Have any of you ever been? Do any of you fellow bloggers plan on attending the next one in June? I have no idea what it costs but I'm sure the whole trip would cost me a pretty penny...I better start saving up!

5. This sums up how excited I was to hear the good news about my husband's new job! He's been out of work for 2 years, freelancing here and there, but nothing steady. He starts on Monday and I'm thrilled beyond words for him and for us. I'm also excited to have my home office all to myself! We live in a one bedroom apartment and my office is in the dining area (we have an open floor plan). We've literally been in the same space for 2 years together...every. single. day. You know what I'm sayin? It's been tough! I'm also looking forward to stressing a little less over money and how we're going to cover our bills every month. God is good and has totally hooked us up. I'm looking forward to being excited about our future again ;) [IMAGE SOURCE]

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