That Valley of the Sun Sentiment

From pink marina houses to cute cocktails, there is never a shortage of cheeky photos on the Tay Approach insta.  It's become a place to share snaps I am really proud of, outfits I am loving when I feel that urge to splurge (which is truthfully often) and when I am sitting in a scene I want to remember.  Tonight, it was a friendsgiving setup with gals who make you laugh, make you think and dream of the future; both professionally and personally.  Those are the moments that have been important lately.  What I have always known since day one creating this blog is professionally, I never settle, I never stop questioning how to be better, how to push myself forward and leave that TC mark.  I never stop wanting to be the change, drive the change and create the movement that a girl can come into a new setting, surprise herself and achieve everything she reaches toward.  She's become a BOSS.

The blog is still a place where I let go, mixed in with days I want to share my latest fab fur finds, decor tricks and for those of you who have been to my studio recently, a safe haven where Christmas has exploded.  Christmas is all around me and it's time to let it show.  Thanks Love Actually because 5 minutes in, I had to get my place ready for the mistletoe.  I'm all about my mini tree which currently has a Danielle Steel novel tucked underneath as a treat for my Napa Thanksgiving Holiday.  

I had a revelation on a recent getaway to my past home in the Valley of the Sun.  I left a place I had nothing left professionally but personally, there are very special people and new little ones who will always keep me going back and grounded in where I've been.  It was a feel good moment, a heart happy scene and one that caught me a little off guard.  For those who tune in, it's been awhile since I've shared the personal latest.  So here it is after a cocktail crafted in my bronze shaker, of course, paired with blue cheese olives.  Lately, I've been drawn to sentimental moments, things that are hard to say in a photograph and things, dare I say it, that are more important than a career. So setting Scene #1 is always what I've loved.  Bird jackets.  Thanks Zara because this find is about the fifth piece I've found with birdies. And good shoes take you places so naturally espadrilles on a crowded flight to Scottsdale are necessary to make you feel good and escape.  

Sentiment #1.  You always need an animal on your clothing, a good watch to keep track of what's worth your time and a chic carry-on to prove you are low maintenance.  As Harry Burns (ala Harry Meets Sally) would peg me, I'm high maintenance but think I am low maintenance.  Please don't tell but if you see a modern day Harry, give him my number.  I'll change his name for our wedding.

And Sentiment #2.  The most special scene of the trip was meeting this little guy.  We'll call him Mr. P.  The back story and I hope his cute little mom, aka my Mini, are reading this but a moment that's remained so special in my heart.  True story, I tried to play it cool.  For those of you who may not know, I am never really around babies, have always thought they've disliked me and honestly, I thought I didn't really need one until I locked eyes with this babe.  A round of photos after a rough night of sleep for him and the moment he looked at me and smiled with his darling hands crossed is one I will forever cherish.  The most amazing part is watching a friend who I had known for over a decade go from my sorority little figuring out college life to a mom so easily.  Looking at their happy home which they are literally rebuilding, I had a thought of wow, I am so proud of her and another realization of even more wow... I want that.  I need that.  A time where a photo is worth more than a thousand words.  A time where vainly, I love the Old Navy pullover I'm wearing but where I remind myself that these moments in life are the most fulfilling.  The simplest moments of a couch snuggle are the most meaningful.  And Little P, as your Grandma, I want nothing more than a world where you thrive, a world where yes, you are sported in head to toe Gap but a world where no matter what you are so loved, thrive and where you will always be the sweetest baby I've ever met.

Ok.. so wipe your tears as I'm doing, I'll give you a moment to soak in baby love.  It's amazing right!  It's like he's gravitating toward accessories on my wrist but his eyes say it all.  Pure love.

And lastly, to Sentiment #3.  Another plug of my humble abode on Chestnut and a place that has gotten a little more romantic with Christmas lights.  It's still my happy place and one that I love having people in.  The knick knacks equal happiness and there is a new calm where all I want to do is sip Italian red vino and play Mariah Carey (think All I Want for Christmas).  The lights across my bay windows are strung year round and I forget about them until Holiday time and the glitter make me so happy.  Pair that with palm print, shaggy white fur and a prosecco rose candle, you have a formula for a chic and cozy night.  

Hope your pre-Thanksgiving festivities are filled with sentimental moments mixed with a few must have things.  

Tis the season.  Tis the happy heart over here that let a little baby boy in, got Christmas decor up early and a heart that has become more open to the possibility of a love filled Holiday season.

Until next time, possibly as I write when I'm in my Silverado getaway.  Thanks for reading.

​xoxo,

​TC