But First, Coffee

Stephanie Spring Lifestyle

Ralph’s/ Summertime Blue/ Good Morning Sunshine/ Lines/ Berry and Thread White/ But First Coffee/ Initial White/ Initial Clear/ Berry and Thread Round/ Flamingos and Grapefruit/ Mr. and Mrs./ Blue / Gold and Teal

Immediately after waking up, I slowly walk to the coffee maker and start the day right. Savoring my first, second, and sometimes third mug of creamy goodness (I’m always adding Peppermint Mocha creamer), can take me several hours. So why not tote a fun mug around the house while sipping away?! Whether its rain or shine, I want to feel cozy and energized as I tackle my to-do list. Check out how cute these mugs are and pour yourself some love into one of these beauties!

Maroon Bells

Stephanie Spring Lifestyle

It was as if we entered a fairytale land. The gorgeous alpine lined windy roads, snow capped mountains and ski slopes had a warm and cozy feel to them–even in June. After we exited the car I spun around with my hands in the air as if I could grab this moment and save it forever. I wanted to take it all in. The sun was shining on us as like a spotlight as if we were the only two there. Oh Aspen, you captivated within mere minutes. We ventured to better views of Maroon Bells, which was without a doubt a hot spot in the area. We walked along Crater Lake to a spot where we could rest our legs and minds and slowly eat our well-earned lunch. Eric, the weather, the lunch, the view–I wouldn’t change a thing and it was by far my favorite part of the trip. My heart was bursting at the seams and didn’t want to leave.

Happy Father’s Day!

Stephanie Spring Lifestyle

Happy Father’s Day! You can read all about my Dad, here! I’m one lucky girl. 🙂

Take a Hike

Stephanie Spring Lifestyle

Four years ago I went to Colorado. It was the summer between when I was supposed to graduate and student teaching. I felt so scattered and had little desire to stay in the same small town I grew up in. While there, I lived with my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins who welcomed me with open arms. I nannied for a family and loved every second of that summer.

When Eric and I met, our first conversation was sparked when I mentioned about my time living in Colorado. We talked all about the beautiful state, how much I loved it, and his unfulfilled desire to visit. While engaged, we added it to our travel bucket list and set it aside. This February rolled around and we took a look at our finances, summer plans, and our bucket list. Everything seemed to line up so I called my Aunt, we looked at flights, and with one simple click we were going to Colorado!

We arrived in the Centennial State late on Wednesday night and expected the time difference to force us to get more sleep. But, as if it were Christmas morning, Eric woke up bright and early looking out the window with excitement. I was reliving a million memories of how much has changed since the last time I was here. Relationships, jobs, and living situations were completely different since four years ago. I counted my blessings that morning that I was next to someone with this much excitement for a place I once called home.

We hopped out of bed and took in the early morning views excited to venture out. We quickly made breakfast and decided to hike nearby Mederas Mountain. We were thankful the altitude didn’t hold us back and climbed to the top, took a ton of pictures and openly welcomed our vacation. We were so glad to be together in a place that we talked about at the beginning of our relationship. After our hike, we headed to the neighboring town of Glenwood Springs where I spent my summer four years ago. I was so eager to show Eric the ins and outs of the town and my favorite coffee shop, Sacred Grounds. We ate lunch, drank coffee, and took in the view. We talked about life and how blessed we were to be able to travel here for a vacation.

Our last stop of the day was a bike ride along the Rio Grande Trail with amazing views of white water rivers and snow capped mountains.  Tried and parched from the heat and altitude, we stopped for a drink at Glenwood Canyon Brewpub. As the storm clouds rolled in, we headed back to the house with full hearts. Even on the first day, I already knew this trip was going to be one for the books.