Well hello there!  I am Tara and I am beyond excited to be joining the amazing ladies at Elizabeth Anne Designs Living.

While some of you might know a bit about me from my blog In This Instance, where I have blogged about everything from my wedding planning journey to the pretty little everyday details that are capturing my attention, I thought it may be helpful if I start off with a little bit about me. I am a Midwest girl who is married to her college sweetheart, raising two city pups, a corporate-type project manager by day, hobbyist dreaming of an independent creative-type career by night, and is simply trying to live life to its fullest.

If I had to pick a favorite out of my hobbies it would be baking or maybe photography. I have a long time love of reading, picnics, and daydreaming. It could be said that I enjoy crafts but essentially I just like to create; at any given point I could be dreaming up a project for making cupcakes, holiday cards, or a skirt. Also, I am an excellent navigator (seriously) and I try to remember to be goofy once in a while and laugh a lot.

New experiences and adventures are a high priority on my list. Whether it is trying a new type of food, taking a photography class, or traveling somewhere I have yet to visit, I try to fit in as many new experiences as I can each year. Last year an obsession with my camera was my “new thing” and for this year we are tossing around a few trips to places we have yet to visit and maybe a move to yet another new-to-us Chicago neighborhood.

Oh and I suppose it will come out sooner or later so I might as well confess now, my weakness is pretty things. Pretty shoes, pretty paper, pretty latte bowls… In my opinion, pretty little details can make such an impact. My philosophy is that if you surround yourself with things and people you love and that make you smile then all will be right. And yes, pretty dishes do make me smile and my husband makes me laugh a lot.

So where am I know and how did I get here? I met my honey my junior year of undergrad while I was at the University of Iowa and he was in Denver Colorado. After dating long distance, we ended up living together in Chicago and exchanged vows in July of 2008. Now we are simply trying to live life to its fullest, enjoy the simple pleasures and moments in life, create a home that we love, and be happy.

I am so very much looking forward to sharing projects and inspiration ideas with all of you and to discussing all things nesting! This will be so much fun, don’t you think?

{first two photos are from author’s personal collection; wedding photo is by Brian Kinyon}