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Just a little reminder…

3.26.2015

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CAWe all need reminders that life is precious. Sometimes those reminders come in the form of something amazing, something out of this world, something exciting. Other times it comes in the form of an unfortunate event, a devastating loss, a shocking reminder. We all know that life is short, that you need to live life to the fullest in every moment. Sometimes we forget that in our daily lives.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CAUntil something happens. Something major. Something that just pulls at your heart strings and tears you apart. But the reality is that life will always go on. How you choose to deal with it determines what type of person you are. You can let bad things bring you down, or you can let them build you up. You can become a stronger person.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CA

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CA

When life hands you one of these reminders, good or bad, take some time to appreciate it for what it is. It may be a gentle reminder, or may be a shove in the right direction. Either way, realize that you’ve been given an opportunity to reevaluate your life.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CA

 Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CAOur whole community recently experienced one of these tragic reminders. While it hit very close to home for us, it also devastated many families in our area. Because we never want to get to the end of our lives and look back thinking we missed out, we need to live. Now.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CAThere is so much beauty in this life, and you’ll only experience it when you’re open to it. You may never actually see anything unless you open your eyes to it, to your surroundings.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CADon’t let this life pass you by. Don’t get to the end of your life and wish you would have done things differently. Let this serve as a reminder to you that life is short. You should live each day to its fullest, you should be the best you possible, today.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CAThe day pictured serves as my reminder. It will always remind me how amazing life is. How beautiful the world can be. How even though it is filled with yellow weeds, those weeds can be gorgeous. How you can look at something with a better perspective, and it’s a beautiful thing.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CA

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CADon’t waste another second thinking you can put something off until tomorrow. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, tell your friends how important they are. Say hi to strangers, greet them with a smile. Be a little nicer to the people you work with. Take each breath in full, and exhale with a purpose. Remind yourself that you’re alive. Don’t waste any more moments.

Rae of Sparkles // San Jose, CA

(All pictures taken by me, please request use via email)

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Comments

  1. Bobbie says

    3.26.2015 at 3:07 pm

    I love you and you are so right.

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.26.2015 at 3:09 pm

      I love you too!!!!!!!! 🙂

  2. Janice says

    3.26.2015 at 3:32 pm

    Beautiful photos! Such an inspiration 🙂

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.26.2015 at 3:37 pm

      Thank you so much! The field was so pretty! And they just recently took down all the “weeds” !!!

  3. Kristine says

    3.26.2015 at 4:58 pm

    What a beautiful post! Made me tear up. The pictures are even more spectacular. You are 110% right… enjoy the moment and people that surround you.

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.27.2015 at 11:20 am

      Awwww don’t cry!!! Haha!! Celebrate, it’s Happy Friday and Happy Life! 🙂

  4. Nad says

    3.26.2015 at 5:05 pm

    What a beautiful text! Every word is pure and true <3 We have to cherish all the good things we have in life and make the best of situations even though we forget that sometimes. Love you pictures too!

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.27.2015 at 11:21 am

      Thank you so much!!! Glad you connected to the writing! 🙂 Happy Weekend!!!!!

  5. Erin McElrath says

    3.26.2015 at 11:56 pm

    If I am to follow your wonderful advice, then I must tell you that I love you and I don’t know what I’d do without you!

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.27.2015 at 11:21 am

      Awwww I love you so much and I wouldn’t know what to do without you either!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  6. Laura says

    3.27.2015 at 6:35 am

    This is a beautiful post Rae, thank you for sharing it with us. And those photos – wow! I love what you do with them – such depth.

    I’m a look, click, shoot and next photographer. 🙂

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.27.2015 at 11:21 am

      Thank you so much! The photos are edited, but I just love the way they turned out!

  7. Kathy and Kevin Bligh says

    3.27.2015 at 4:08 pm

    We are so lucky that you are part of our family now… That is our Rae of Sparkles and happiness everyday!

    Love

    Kathy and Kevin

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.27.2015 at 7:16 pm

      Awww thank you so much! I am the lucky one! 🙂

  8. Michelle says

    3.27.2015 at 6:30 pm

    Gorgeous photos! Such a wonderful post. It’s so important to remember what’s important in our lives! <3

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.27.2015 at 7:16 pm

      Thank you!!! It definitely is important! I want to start remembering not to wait until something happens to appreciate life!

  9. Kristy & Todd says

    3.28.2015 at 7:38 pm

    You are amazing and inspire us with your writing … Everyday is a gift. Thank you for hitting close to home. May you and B always be safe!
    -K & T

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.28.2015 at 11:22 pm

      You guys are amazing!!! Thank YOU for being a part of my life!! Love you guys!

  10. Kristin says

    3.30.2015 at 8:47 pm

    amazing photos and beautiful sentiment! definitely always appreciate the beauty in every moment. thanks for the reminder!

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.31.2015 at 10:49 am

      Thank you! I have to keep coming back to this post to remind myself to appreciate every moment. 😉

  11. Nouha Ayouche says

    3.31.2015 at 11:15 am

    I loooove your pictures! Wow!

    • shauna841505@yahoo.com says

      3.31.2015 at 11:20 am

      Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate it! 🙂

About Me

About Me

Hi Mamas! My name is Shauna, a 30-something (big emphasis on the 'something') new mama and wife living in Southern California. I've become a Stay At Home Mom to Sawyer, and I would do it forever if I could! I'm originally from Wisconsin and am a total Cheesehead! I'm here to share DIY's, travel tips, and baby stuff I'm sure!

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Listen. Social media tends to make traveling with children look glamorous, and the truth is, it usually isn’t. Are some kids professional travelers? Of course. But reality is that there’s always pitfalls and unexpected turbulence that you just have to mentally prepare for before you travel. And in the end? I promise you, it’s worth all the hassle. 

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One of my favorite things we get to give our girls One of my favorite things we get to give our girls is perspective. To see new places. To meet different people. To experience cultures outside of their own.

Not so they grow up thinking one place is “better” than another — but so they grow up curious, grateful, and grounded. And the more of the world we see, the more thankful I become for home, for the freedoms we have, and for the life we get to build together. 

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Social media makes it feel like every trip requires new outfits, a new summer closet, a new date-night dress…but honestly? It doesn’t.

I’m willing to bet you already have plenty of great options hanging in your closet. And instead of spending a bunch of money on clothes you’ll probably only wear once, maybe it’s enough to just wear what you already love.
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