The Lovely Details of Life

When I worked in what I like to refer to as "The Restaurant," I was a trainer, server, bartender, junior manager, and kid's tour coordinator. We worked at a fast pace, with multiple plates spinning in the air, both physically and metaphorically. We did our best to ensure proper presentation; I would always say, in training, "People eat with their eyes, too."

We rush a lot, in everyday life. There's time to slap a sandwich together but not time to make it look nice. If you're the only one to see it and eat it, does it matter what it looks like?

The practical answer is no. But lately, I've been trying to make time to add small details to add some loveliness to that same everyday life. I may usually be in some kind of hurry, but it's okay to take the time to make something a little more aesthetically pleasing, even if it's just using a fun straw, or a Mason jar, or a fun bowl. My husband is a former head chef and he can appreciate this sentiment: whenever he cooks for me, he always does a beautiful presentation:

I'm half Filipino and grew up
 eating a lot of traditional dishes. Kevin made
me some chicken adobo and picked
up lumpia. So thoughtful!

Kevin is FAMOUS for his homemade biscuits & gravy!
Friends BEG for this when they come over!

Take time for the small details, whether it's smelling a flower, putting one in your hair, arranging a plate presentation, putting a pretty pillow on the bed. In the grand scheme of things, these small details may not matter, but consider this: small details do add up to make a life. Take time to make it a lovely one.

I love strawberry water!

One of my blockmates shared this with me. She told me it reminded her of me. I'm flattered and humbled. It does absolutely resonate with me. Enjoy life as you work through it!

In other news, that store that sells a beautiful lifestyle really is just a wonderful place to work. I came in the other day to find all of the associates' lockers decorated with hearts. This was on mine:

It really made me smile to see something so simple, yet so thoughtful! I also saw this:

We were having a sales contest over several weeks and I won the first week. My prize? A $25 Anthro gift card, which I promptly spent and felt thoroughly spoiled. 

A few more lovely details for you before I sign off:

Personal recipe! Blend vanilla ice cream, ice, Amaretto,
vodka (according to taste, it sweetens the vanilla), and hazelnut creamer.
Top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup and enjoy!

Simple arrangement of cookies

Rainbow sherbet palate cleanser. They are served in lemon rinds.
I scooped out the pulp until only the rind remained. I took long straws and
cut them to be small accents, though still serviceable.

I hope you are having a lovely day! Remember, we are all works in progress. <3

Love,
Lissa
xoxoxo