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Kids & Family

THANKFUL: In The Moments

In joy x 5

It’s perhaps easy and expected to make a general list of things I’m thankful for, but it’s taking a moment when these things actually happen to me that make me truly appreciate them. But it’s not always as easy as it sounds, is it?

Mornings…
I have a 2-1/2 year old who is always on the go, a chatterbox, independent, and definitely her own person already. My husband is more of a workaholic than I am, so it’s especially wonderful to have those few moments together when she crawls into bed with us before the busy of the day begins.

Girl time…
Now that I’m in my 30’s I don’t have time for women that are petty, catty, immature, and superficial. Thankfully I have amazing girlfriends here and afar, and when we can get together for brunch/cocktails/dinner parties, do great things together, or travel to meet up with one another, it’s good and necessary for my soul. My Carrie’s, Charlotte’s, Miranda’s and Samantha’s are integral to my happiness.

Weekends…
On weekends we get to really take advantage of this beautiful place we live: Orange County, CA. Whether it’s meeting up with friends for brunch in Laguna Beach, going for walks on Balboa Island, or watching sunsets from the lookout in Corona del Mar, I definitely take a moment and am thankful that we get to live and enjoy this amazing location.

Holidays with family…
When we lived in New York, there were many holidays we couldn’t travel back home for, and I was surprised how difficult it was for me. Holidays throughout the year are the only times these days that we can all reconnect. I am extremely thankful that I even have somewhere special to go, and that so many wonderful people are so thrilled to see me, and I them.

Every day I get to be creative…
I am extremely thankful that I am physically and mentally able to be creative every day and be inspired by the mass amounts of creativity out there to be had. I suppose one difference between artists and designers is that designers create for people; so it’s especially wonderful when my clients or blog readers/friends respond so well to what I create.

I could go on and on (couldn’t we all!) but I will definitely be trying my best to live in these moments as they happen. Hope you are enjoying your moments too, especially those readers celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow!

See you back here Friday…

Erika Brechtel

Erika's passion for guiding women to "Style Your Biz, Your Home, Your Self, Your Life" led her create 'The E List' (formerly the Small Shop blog) in 2010. Since, she's expanded globally into speaking, mentoring, course offerings, angel investing, and social entrepreneurship through the Élanoura Collective for women founders.

Reader Interactions

The Comments

  1. wendy says

    November 23, 2011 at 5:49 am

    I applaud your selection of photos for “Holidays” ;o)

    • that girl says

      November 23, 2011 at 8:38 am

      Is there sugar in syrup? Then, YES!

  2. Alisha says

    November 23, 2011 at 7:25 am

    Yes, such a great selection of photos in the “Holidays” section! Oh, Clark!! Big hugs to you my CB. I’m thankful for you this year, and I’ll continue to be each year forward. Lots of Love and Gobble Gobble. xx

  3. Jill Browning says

    November 23, 2011 at 8:59 am

    What a great post. You’re such a lucky girl to be able to make a living at being creative. And when did our babies get so big? Here recently it’s hit me pretty hard that Jane’s growing up…

    Thanks for being such a friendly blogger. Keep up the great work! :)

  4. Elizabeth says

    November 23, 2011 at 9:14 am

    I am thankful for all your posts, and that you are my non catty blogging bestie, and for Elf. “You did it! Number 1! Best cup of coffee in the world! Congratulations!”
    -e (modern24/7)

  5. kristina@beancakes says

    November 23, 2011 at 9:27 am

    erika ~ i loved hearing about the things that you make you happy! your little one is too cute!! i also appreciate great friends, family and nice weather!!
    xo ~ kristina

  6. victoria | vmac+cheese says

    November 23, 2011 at 9:32 am

    Such a pretty ‘thankful’ post! And I’m thankful for you too, Erika! Thanks for the pretty inspiration you give us every day. :)

  7. Emily | Recently says

    November 23, 2011 at 9:32 am

    How precious are those morning photos! What a cutie pie. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Erika!

  8. Miya @ Design Indulgences says

    November 23, 2011 at 9:42 am

    I’m in my last year of the 20s and don’t have time for those women you spoke of…or people. I’m pretty good and cutting people off who add nothing to my life. I have to create a post like this. I know everyone does but it’s always fun to read and a great time to reflect.

    PS Your daughter is a spitting image of you :-)

  9. designstiles says

    November 23, 2011 at 10:12 am

    Psychic waves. I did a ThankfuLL post too. Not nearly as well put together as yours.

    Never met a photobooth picture I didn’t like. They induce silliness.

    Have a great Thanksgiving.

  10. Lonely Wife Project says

    November 23, 2011 at 11:04 am

    You’re all making me feel bad about not doing my own thankful post ;) Those pictures of Leighton are gorgeous! Happy Thanksgiving!

  11. Alexa says

    November 23, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Love this round-up of thankful things Erika. Snuggles in the morning are the absolute best. Your daughter is adorable.

  12. Kristina Gulino says

    November 23, 2011 at 11:49 am

    Aw, I love this! Your daughter is adorable.

    Kristina
    Something 2 Write About

  13. Grace - Stripes & Sequins says

    November 23, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    What a wonderful, well thought out list. And your daughter is just adorable. I completely agree with the entire list. Happy Thanksgiving, I hope it’s wonderful! xo

  14. karlita Borrego says

    November 23, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    what a beautiful post! i love those morning moments as well!! priceless!

  15. Lauren says

    November 23, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    these are all wonderful things to be thankful for :)

  16. JEN RAMOS says

    November 23, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    enjoy your thanksgiving !!! :)))

  17. Oh, It's Just Perfect! says

    November 23, 2011 at 6:23 pm

    Love your list of thankfuls! You have one super adorable little girl ;) Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

  18. Gabrielle | Savvy Home says

    November 23, 2011 at 6:35 pm

    Erika, your daughter looks so adorable! You have so many beautiful things to be thankful for. I loved this post! Happy Thanksgiving :)

  19. Gaby [The Vault Files] says

    November 23, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    Great list! Your daughter is so adorable, has your looks I think ;)
    Have a great Thanksgiving!

  20. Megan {Honey We're Home} says

    November 23, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    Oh your daughter is beyond adorable! This post is perfect! I have my SATC girls too and would be so lost without them. And of course, we HAVE to watch Christmas Vacation every year- we still laugh till we cry every time! Happy Thanksgiving to you!

  21. Lily says

    November 24, 2011 at 10:43 am

    I am so very thankful too for all the same things and many many more (like you said) !! Enjoy a wonderful day with your gorgeous daughter and family ! Happy Thanksgiving !!

    xxLily
    goldandgray.com

  22. Mae says

    November 24, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    so sweet! wishing you & your family a very happy thanksgiving! xx

  23. le@third says

    December 2, 2011 at 1:49 am

    lovely and very inspirational :) le xox

  24. realestateinbelize says

    October 17, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    Hi, i’m so happy that i found your page I will be saving this!
    – real estate omaha ne is a passion of mine and and your “THANKFUL: In The Moments // small shop by Erika Brechtel” article is absolutely really good work.

    great stuff I’ll no doubt be back again real soon!

  25. healthy foods says

    January 24, 2015 at 5:51 pm

    Piece of writing writing is also a fun, if you know after
    that you can write if not it is difficult to write.

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