what brought me here

Yesterday was my 26th birthday. At first thought, I freaked a little. The thought of no longer being in my early 20's, the thought of truly being an adult...I'm not ready, I can't be! But as I began thinking more and more, and reflecting on how much I've gone through, even in the last year...I am ready and excited to see what this year will bring! My day was complete with birthday singing from my work peeps {Thanks Melissa, Jacki, Sun & Julia!}, a lunch date with a bestie {thanks Amanda!}, a little pampering, a lovely chat with my mother, beautiful and thoughtful gifts from Nicholas that cut right through to my heart, an evening filled with a yummy dinner made by him too, tuns of laughter and love. I couldn't ask for any more...and I didn't want the day to end.

Today, on my first day of being 26, I am filled to the brim with love but also humbleness...how did I get so blessed to have such an amazing partner in crime who I met on HIS 26th birthday {hello Nicholas!}, loving family & such encouraging friends. It's some kind of wonderful!

Here's a cheers to a fantastic friday and great weekend. To all those in the U.S., happy thanksgiving!

Photo via myself

let it linger

My apologies for the lack of posts lately. Life has definitely been going at lightning speed, but I couldn't be more thankful for where I'm at! With my birthday happening this week, I always find myself reflecting on what's happened within the year, and what I've learned. Most people take New Year's to reflect and make resolutions, but for me, my birthday marks an accomplishment of another year. I have learned SO SO much in my age of 25...love, patience, selflessness, humility, encouragement, what it's like to really be a faithful and supporting woman, and a whole slew of other emotions & life lessons. At the risk of sounding like a woman in love, I have never felt more alive than I do right now! How blessed I am.

With all of that being said, lately I have also been trying to figure out what I want this blog to be, and am taking some time with that. It originally started as a scrapbook of design ideas and cool things, but has progressed into much more of a lifestyle blog...I hope to slowly incorporate more fun things into For Design's Sake and hope you'll bear with me. Nick and I have been doing a tun of cool projects lately and I really want to share them with you! I haven't been sure how to start it {whether it be a weekly thing, or just a progress report}, but am open and welcoming ideas and suggestions on what you would like to see & read!

Happy monday to you all!

Photos via myself, photo edited by Nick Pilon

then sings my soul

Aside from a birthday celebration tonight, Nick & I don't really have any weekend plans...and it's just how we want it. After many weeks of going to and fro, we finally have made some down time. Oh to wake up on a saturday morning, make breakfast and just see what the day brings! Some of my favourite chill days include nothing but some good ol' tv, a classic book or even just a brisk walk out in the fall air...

What about you?

Photo via Pinterest

amidst the hollows and valleys

Last night I had the awesome experience of seeing The Civil Wars live at The Phoenix, with my concert peeps. {hello to Amanda, Justin and Nicholas!} Post-show, we were all talking about how beautiful their voices sounded together and that they are just as amazing live, as they are on their album. It's always such a delight when that happens! Each song was meticulously played and every verse turned into poetry. Makes me wish I was that talented in music! If you ever get the chance to see them, you should, you will not be disappointed...

Photos via The Civil Wars Tour Diary by Allister Ann