Angelina will make you cry.

"Nothing will mean anything, if you don't live a life of use to others."

Say what you want about Angelina, (haters gonna hate) but this speech is brilliant and she's done amazing things for others in this life. I haven't traveled or accomplished a sliver of what she has, but I will always remember last January, upon returning to my lavish resort accommodations after an emotional day spent in poor, rural Cambodia and the tears just flowing as I questioned why I was born into such fortunate means, when across the world kind, beautiful people were struggling for the basic necessities I take for granted every day.

Travel is an eye opener, and that's the main reason I enjoy it so much. Different cultures, different surroundings, different struggles. It brings an awareness to what's really important like nothing else can.

"I don't know why this is my life, and that's theirs. ...but I will do the best I can with this life, to be of use." Powerful stuff.

xoxo

It is what it is.

Little Girl, Big World

via Kenneth Cole

You might have noticed that posts have been pretty slow around here, different in nature or lacking in theme. I've been meaning to write an official post about what's happening but it's been hard to find the proper expression. When I spotted this quote from my favorite fashion philanthropist, it hit me. What does this blog mean to me, what do I want out of it, and what do I want to give it's visitors?

Little Girl, Big World has changed a few times since it's inception - hello... it started as paper goods, took a turn for some fun finds, tried fashion for a moment, and now, it's ready for soul. The things I've blogged about in the past don't feel quite as satisfying to me anymore for different reasons. I don't regret or take back any of it, I guess it's just changed and grown as I, and my world has. Right now, the most important things in my life are and need to be: nurturing the ones I love and enjoying life in the present. I want to look back and remember things we did, a collection of experiences, not what It items were on my wishlist. (Besides, we've got Pinterest for that now, thank goodness.)  I'm not quitting or even taking a break, but I am sharing what you can expect, which is: posts that may pop up daily, or skip a week. More photo's and stories, less roundups like this (which makes me somewhat sad, but between the research and design layouts, they just eat up so much precious time that, if I'm being honest, I'd rather spend elsewhere than behind a computer.)

When I named this blog, it was based on a years ago journal entry and I never imaged how my life would slowly take on this title - travel, experiences and challenges have shaped me in the last year and while I hope this "announcement" doesn't alienate anyone, I have to be true to me. If I'm being honest, there's no real game plan behind this either, it just felt time to say something, because until this moment, things have felt a little veiled. I've read the forums and how-to's, I'm aware that inconsistent posts, lack of direction, and randomness can be the kiss of death for a blog, and at this moment, I'm ok with that. I'll keep writing, Mom will keep reading and that's alright with me.

Thanks as always, for your support and companionship, even if I've only met 3 of you in real life and stalk the rest on Instagram. I won't stop visiting your blogs and enjoying them, and you're always welcome here, for whatever it is I've got going on.

xoxo

Lucky

Phnom Penh, Cambodia  January 2013

"When we become consumed with the pervading idea that we lack things, we slowly become blind to what it is that we already have, and we become ungrateful for the gifts we have." 

-  Monica Berg

Whether it's the latest "It" bag, a bigger house, or a better body, we all struggle with some type of wish within us. Sometimes goop gets a bad rap, but I'm a huge fan, especially of the somewhat self-help-esque articles. After my recent travels this one about jealously really struck a chord. (Scroll 2/3rds down the page) These days, many of the things that fill the bulk of our time (blogs, Pinterest, Instagram) are constant reminders of the beautiful things others have, and just how much we're "missing". Sometimes it's hard to find balance in the midst of this want more, need more world. In an effort to combat that destructive cycle, I'm trying little things, like finding the joy in things that are so common, we forget just how amazing they are. For example, being able to turn on the water to brush my teeth or wash my face, instead of carrying two buckets on my back several times a day. It does help shift my perspective and whatever I'm worried about or wishing for seems smaller. 

We are so lucky and we forget it so often.

Life, lately.

I know it's been chirping crickets around here, sorry for that, but the good news is I  finally feel like I've resumed my groove of life so here's a little update on things lately. 

• Back on a regular sleep schedule, yay! (Jet lag is a real meanie.)
• What's up with this winter weather? It's more unpredictable than Beyoncé lip-syncing at the inauguration. (Which, bee tee double you, did you see those emeralds??)
• Speaking of, I got one of my very own over the holidays. Thanks, lovey!
• Hubby and I started a 10 day cleanse, (we're on day four) and so far so starving. Actually, to be honest it's not so bad. After the holidays and world eat-a-thon I was on recently it feels kind of nice. I don't like extreme's so a totally raw/soup diet/water and cayenne pepper situation this is not. And I'm hoping at the end to feel a little less sluggish and gross than when I started. Keep ya posted.
• Loving this little tune.
• Still sorting through pictures...

See ya around!

Southern Comfort Zone

So this song. Man, yeah.

I've been vibin' on it for months but just realized the video was out now, too. Not only is a great country jam, but the lyrics really have meaning for me.

I know I talk about Tennessee a lot, about how I love going back and how it feels like home, but there really is such a thing as a Southern Comfort Zone.

Oh, Dixie Land, 

I hope you understand

When I miss my Tennessee home 

And I've been away way too long

I can't see this world unless I go

Outside my Southern Comfort Zone

All Of The Lights

Last weekend we took a Holiday Lights Trolley Tour (also, BYOB as you may have noticed on Instagram) in Chicago with some friends. Ugly festive sweaters were involved and though there were four stops along the way, as you'll find below, I took most of the pictures at Zoolights (like I haven't been there six times before). What can I say, it just never gets old.

Festive activities are my favorite. What did y'all get into this season?

Gratitude.

The challenges that have come our way this year have and will change my life dramatically, yet somehow in the midst of it I have learned to live with a grateful heart. To appreciate every moment, not taking for granted that our lives can and do change in an instant and we may never have these moments again, or at least in the same way. So I laugh a little louder, dance a little sillier, and hug my loved ones even tighter at the end of the day. They say that happiness is a journey, not a destination, and I have finally felt it. And for that, I am thankful. Gratitude does, in fact, unlock the fullness of life.

On this day of thanksgiving, let me say thanks to you dear readers, friends and family - for following along with me on this journey of life, and sharing your stories, support and love in return. I wish you the happiest of Thanksgiving's. Love deeply, feel happy and live with an open heart.

P.S. What I was (am still am) thankful for last year, and the year before. Plus, two Thanksgiving's later, I'm still in love with this.

Letting Go

via 

I could say a million things about this really, but I think it speaks for itself. I have found it and I have let go. (Ok, most of it.) Oh, the worries, the stress and the wondering - how heavy those feelings can be. If you're hanging on to something you know you shouldn't, I hope you find the courage to let it go. 

Que Sera Sera, my lovelies.

this guy.

this guy: 

installed a bluetooth stereo in my car this weekend (no more cords! safety first! spotify!)

appreciates street art, craft beer and independent films

likes to dj at our friend's roof top parties

is always up for an adventure

makes the best tea

calls me peach

i love him so. 

An Explanation

Me, just, you know, drinking coffee on a rock. 

Well hello there, long time no blog, eh?

It's high time I pop in and explain my absence, to the best of my ability anyway. What started as a mini hiatus, turned into a much longer, unplanned one. Through a busy schedule, a beautiful summer to enjoy and a much needed break, days turned into weeks, weeks into months and now here we are. Though I'm not going to dive into all the things I've been dealing with in my personal life, I'll say this; the break I've had from the world wide web has been refreshing but I've definitely missed our interactions! (Thank goodness for instagram, which I am still totally loving.)

So, I hereby announce that I'm dipping by toes back in - little by little, bit by bit, starting with this post.  (Cue the glitter, confetti and horns!)

I hope you've all had a fantastic summer, filled with sunshine, poolside cocktails and relaxation. We've got a little left here in Chicago and I intend to make the most of it.

Cheers lovelies, see ya around sooner than later this time :)

{Hold breath, aaaaand "Publish". eeeps!}

P.S. And thank you for the emails, tweets and inquiries while I was away, you guys are the best.

The Simple Life

My current to do lists. Yes, lists.

The good news is that you have a lot going on. The bad news is that you have a lot going on.

-my horoscope this week

It seems like simplifying (or a version of it...streamlining, minimizing, downsizing) is the word on everyone's lips lately. We're busier than ever - which can be a blessing and a curse. My word of the year is 'cleansing' and I'm reminding myself of that before I take on any new projects, commitments, accept invitations or make product purchases. That's not to say I'm going hermit, just the way I remember to focus on what matters and why it matters. Since many of us are in the same busy boat so I thought it might be nice to share some sites and stories that I'm enjoying and have been helpful for me recently.

Michael Hyatt - Intentional Leadership

I really can't say enough about Michael and his site so here's a bit to get you going:

• Start by Creating a Life Plan. How can we get to where we want to be if we don't even know what we want? It's not about how to get more done, it's about doing what's important to your plan and forgetting the rest. 
• Make sure you're signed up for the daily email. It's the first one I read in the mornings. Subjects range from leadership, productivity, and social media among other things and I'm always enlightened. 
• If you're a list maker you'll love this. I recently started the 'priority tag' method and it's changing my productivity immensely. 

Makeunder My Life

Jess is a wonder woman in my book - a Chicago based jewelry designer, blogger and business consultant. Though our path's haven't crossed in person yet I hope that day comes soon and after browsing MML I'm sure you'll wish for that, too. Whether you're looking to live with less, design a life with intention or launch a small business - the resources you'll find here will be a huge asset. If you're new, start with the 'Best Of' and be sure to check out my personal fave - what to do when you don't know your purpose yet.

Becoming Minimalist

This is my go to for anti-extreme minimalist tips and insight. Browse the Benefits of Minimalism to spark your curiosity and How to Live With Less Stuff for some truths and tips.




If you're on the simplicity path, I'm confident you find some helpful nuggets within these sources. I am, by far, not where I want to be in terms of managing my schedule, commitments and productivity. It's a work in progress, always changing and will never be perfect so if you have any tips, trick or favorites I would to hear them! What sites or resources have you found helpful in managing your dreams/goals/life?