fresh + fancy.

Hello again! I am back with another sweet edition in the {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series. Lauren and Amy {from the fab blog, Fresh and Fancy} met in college and were friends for two years before they took the next step. They're now married and living in the Lonestar State! {Fun fact: you may recognize them from the TV show, Four Weddings!} Read along to see how they helped one another follow their dreams--and grow so much as a couple in the process!

Name: Amy

Significant Other's Name:  Lauren

When did you start dating? Lauren and I started officially dating in October of 2005, when we were juniors in college. We actually met on the first day of college at Belmont University in Nashville. We were in the same freshman orientation group, but we didn't hit it off at first. I thought he was super cute and had a crush immediately, but Lauren was a little overly confident and I was a little bit of a snob! We were young and not ready for a relationship right into college. Over the next two years, we became great friends and I developed a huge crush. After two years of friendship, Lauren told me he had fallen in love with me...and the rest is history!

At what point did you begin dating long distance? We began doing long distance in January of 2009. We had both graduated from Belmont University in 2007. Lauren began working full-time and I took a semester off and re-enrolled in nursing school that year.  A year later, after three years of dating, Lauren received a great job opportunity in Los Angeles to work for Warner Brothers Entertainment. I had a year left of nursing school, but we knew Lauren couldn't pass up this opportunity. We decided long distance would be our only option. It was a hard choice, but it was so good for our relationship. This time apart solidified the fact that we both wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.

How did you fill your days while you're apart? It definitely was hard at the beginning to adjust to the "single" life. I was so used to working out, going on dates, and making dinner together. I was in nursing school at the time and Lauren was working full time, so we definitely kept busy. Looking back, I see how important this time was in both of our lives for us to grow as people. We were so used to spending so much time together and doing things as a couple that we forgot who we were as individuals.  This time allowed us to explore other interests during our time apart.

What did you find most difficult about being long distance? The most difficult part of our relationship was just not being able to see each other and spend time together. As simple as that sounds, there were days when I just wished he could be right next to me. I definitely felt lonely. Another difficult aspect was when we would have an argument--it made me much more frustrated that we couldn't talk face to face and work it out.  There was always that feeling of "distance" between us, which was hard.

How did long distance change your relationship? It really helped us appreciate the time we had together and assured us that we wanted to spend our lives together.  It also gave the confidence to know that it is ok to spend time apart and not always do everything together. In our marriage, it has helped us to stay individuals, while still being married. Our long distance relationship saved us from falling into this routine in our marriage. We embrace our time together and our time apart, always knowing that our love remains consistent.

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? I love that I see get to see him everyday!  I'm so glad that if I need him, he isn't a million miles away. I definitely realized through our long distance years that Lauren was the man I wanted to spend my life with and I am so thankful that we had that time to grow as people. It built a strong foundation for our marriage and I wouldn't change our story for anything!

I can't thank Amy enough for sharing her story with us today :) It is so refreshing to see someone appreciate the distance and realize all that it did to make their relationship stronger! Be sure to give her some love today! Enjoy your Wednesday, friends!

simple pleasures.

 Happy Wednesday! I'm so happy to bring you another installment in the {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series--this time, featuring M and Amanda from Simple Girl, Simple Pleasures. They just rounded out their long distance and it is so refreshing to read the happiness which streams from her answers :)

Name: Amanda

Significant Other's Name: M

When did you start dating? We officially started dating on January 1, 2011.

At what point did you begin dating long distance? We were long distance from the get-go. He was in Massachusetts and I was in Connecticut, so 200 miles were between us. The three-hour drive could sometimes be up to five hours, depending on traffic.

How do you fill your days while you're apart? I counted my blessings for full-time jobs and our love of exercise during our long distance days! Fortunately, by the time I would get out of work, workout, shower, and make dinner, it would be late. It was the alone time (and even dinner time) when I would ache for him.

What do you find most difficult about being long distance? I hated the lack of normalcy. We didn't get to do weeknight dates or just lounge and watch Chopped together. Saying goodnight meant a short phone conversation, rather than cuddling and kisses.

How has long distance changed your relationship? I think we've both grown up individually and together. I have become much better about communicating my feelings. I learned to respect how he copes with his emotions. We are both committed to each other, so it helps that we are a team!

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? I love being able to hold hands, kiss, laugh, and just be in each other's presence. It sounds cheesy, but it is so wonderful getting to be in the same moments together.

Is there any end in sight to your long distance days? The distance days ended on February 18, 2012! M moved in with me--and now we're blissfully domesticating together. I am genuinely happy now. It is still really fresh living together, but it' is a dream come true. It is so nice to simply have someone with whom to cook, watch TV, and go to the gym. In my case, this person also happens to be my best friend and love of my life. Distance helped our hearts grow stronger--I don't think we'll ever lose that appreciation.

This post has even more perspective on their year of long distance. I couldn't be more happy for M and Amanda to finally be together! Enjoy your Wednesday--and I'll see you all back here tomorrow :) Much love for all your anniversary wishes yesterday!

split screen sadness.

Love or hate John Mayer, Split Screen Sadness was one of those songs which got me through more than one lonely night away from {cv} during our long distance days. It may not be the most hopeful of songs, but this lyric in particular hit me to the core.... every. single. time.

**If you're wondering, I changed it to because--'cause doesn't meet my grammar requirements ;) Sorry {jm}.

When {cv} was in North Carolina and I was in DC, this lyric comforted me on so many occasions. Regardless of the miles between us, we could see the same sky. I find myself taking this concept for granted now that we're together in Rhode Island, but it only takes a night away for me to regain that perspective. Even if you're not a John Mayer fan, but I don't think you can argue with this concept. I seriously look at the stars in a whole different light because of these 19 little words. Thank you, {jm}.

As an aside, I have plenty of stories lined up for you in the {distance makes the heart grow fonder series}. Don't worry...it's not going anywhere. I just missed reflecting about our experiences, so I hope you don't mind me stepping in today. 

Don't forget to enter my FAB Spike the Punch giveaway--it ends on Thursday! Oh, and I don't know about you, but I'm gearing up for a floral-filled Friday's Fancies...want to see all the details? Click here. I'll see you all back here tomorrow :) enjoy your Wednesday!

paint it red.

It's Wednesday--and I have another twist in the {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series for today. Since Chris and Mariah {from Paint the Desert Red} met at a wedding back in 2009, their lives have been filled with a whirlwind of trips and excitement. Multiple moves and life changes makes this story one which cannot be missed! Read on, folks...

Name: Mariah

Significant Other's Name: Chris

When did you start dating? August 23, 2009

At what point did you begin dating long distance? August 23, 2009

How do you fill your days while you're apart? It wasn’t hard to fill our days at first. We met at our friends’ wedding (they got married in Maine and we were both in the bridal party). After a fabulous wedding night kiss and over a month of phone calls and texts, Chris finally came to visit me in Boston and we made our relationship official.  Since we dated long distance from the start, we were both busy with work, friends and the newness factor of our relationship. After awhile, when the distance was harder to take, it helped to set mini goals. We tried to stay focused on planning each individual trip to see each other instead of getting fixated on the “what ifs” of our future. We were able to see each other about every six to eight weeks for one year, staying busy with our jobs and social lives but chatting everyday for hours to keep our connection strong. We also got great at surprises….like when Chris sent me a scavenger hunt full of riddles that lead to a massage at a spa and I mailed him cookies and perfume-spritzed letters every Friday until Christmas.

What do you find most difficult about being long distance?  The hardest part was not having someone there to hug you at the end of a stressful day, laugh with in person, or hold hands with walking down the street at night. It was the little things that were really tough… the things you just can’t get over the phone or in an email. It was also hard to figure out next steps for our relationship when we couldn’t even see each other. I think we both got a few grays that year.

How has long distance changed your relationship?  It forced us to truly get to know each other. We are much better at communicating and understanding each other now and are best friends before anything else. We also became experts of living in the moment and really doing our best to keep things interesting in between visits. 

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together?  I love being able to try new things, explore new places, and laugh together. Chris and I share a love of travel, food and How I Met Your Mother. We have taken ballroom dancing lessons, hiked in Hawaii, and spent hours playing catch on the front lawn. It’s fun to have a partner in crime.

What sacrifices have you made in order to make things work?  So many! I moved out to Indiana after a year of long distance so that Chris could finish his residency and I could start my nursing prereqs. It was hard to go from 0-60 and live together after a year of long distance. There were a lot of big stressors and heavy conversations throughout the first year, as we struggled to strike a balance and find a way to make both people happy. We moved to Arizona after a year of being in Indiana. It is awesome to have a fresh start in a place where we can both really grow and have fun.

How has your life changed now that you're back in the same place?  My life has changed in so many ways. I’m learning to be more giving, to compromise, to take chances. I’m learning you can have love and a career that you are passionate about. I’m enjoying having someone who is willing to stick it out through thick and thin with me and live each day with the goal of making me happy. It’s really refreshing to have love in my life that is so real and pure in every way. I know that long distance and the struggles to build a life together have made the foundation for our future stronger than ever.

Send your love in Mariah's direction today! I'm so happy she and Chris are finally in the same place--and can enjoy life together :) They are certainly an inspiration for those in long distance relationships that even the biggest sacrifices are worth it. See you back here tomorrow!

soon-to-be newlyweds.

Happy Wednesday! I am thrilled to feature Matthew and Crystal {from Life According to Crystal} today in my long distance series. There may be thousands of miles between Ohio and Arizona, but this couple doesn't let that get in the way of their happiness. Crystal and Matt prove the age-old adage that distance really does make the heart grow fonder.

Name: Crystal

Significant Other's Name: Matthew

When did you start dating? February 2009 

At what point did you begin dating long distance? November 2010. Matthew became very ill, first with Mono, then pneumonia, and finally shingles. He was unable to finish that semester and decided to transfer to Arizona State University. This allowed him to take classes back home so that he could be with his own doctors until he was completely better. After three months of being ill, he finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He was well enough to actually go a full day without taking four naps.

How do you fill your days while you're apart? We both try our best to stay busy. I finished college this past May in South Carolina, but Matthew still has another year to go because his sickness. He is in Arizona, studying to be a doctor which keeps him occupied. I am in Ohio, working 40 hours a week. Work and blogging are good distractions for me! We also talk about an hour a night, and text all day long. We both need that

What do you find most difficult about being long distance? We miss out on the simple things like spending a lazy evening watching movies together, cooking dinner, making late night Wal-Mart runs, or going to birthday parties. Seemingly unimportant things suddenly become very special when you can’t enjoy them together. I also wish we were able to spend our anniversary together. I really miss anniversary nights. 

How has long distance changed your relationship? We appreciate each other so much more. We know that if we can handle long distance, we can overcome anything! I was guilty of taking the little things (like snuggling and holding hands) for granted, but now I treasure those times because they don’t happen every day. Long distance has allowed us to get to know each other so much better because it is all about communication. If we were together 24/7, we wouldn’t know as much about one another as we do today because distance encourages the discussion.

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? We are able to pick up exactly where we left off. When we are together, we turn our phones off, which has really helped us focus on the importance of "us" time. This break from technology reminds me that life is just fine without it—especially when I know I have him by my side.

Is there any end in sight to your long distance days? Yes, 72 more days! We are getting married on June 2, 2012!!!!

I'm crossing fingers and toes that the next 72 days fly by for this pair :) Many thanks to Crystal for sharing their story in the midst of all their pre-wedding craziness! Have a phenomenal Wednesday, everyone...see you tomorrow!

take chances.

Meet Justin and Michelle {from Try, Take Chances, Make Mistakes}, this week's couple in the {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series. I had the pleasure of meeting this pretty lady back in November 2011 at Blogger Blitz NYC! This pair has learned to manage the miles between NYC and New Hampshire--and sets a great example for those of you wishing to pursue your dreams without saying goodbye to a relationship!

Name: Michelle, from New York.

Significant Other's Name: Justin, from New Hampshire.

When did you start dating? We met in college and started dating in September 2009.

At what point did you begin dating long distance? Just four months into our relationship, I spent the spring semester in Florida for an internship. We were long distance during summers and winter breaks for the remainder of college. I have since graduated and work in New York, while he is still in school in Maine and works full time in New Hampshire.

How do you fill your days while you're apart? We text throughout the day. Once a day, we chat on the phone. We are both so busy that these little conversations take our minds off of the sadness of being apart.

What do you find most difficult about being long distance? Being apart was much more difficult when we were living two completely different lives. I was working a full-time internship and a job and living on my own in Florida. At the same time, he was in school, playing college hockey, and living the typical athlete life. Now, being apart is second nature and I don't find it as difficult anymore.

How has long distance changed your relationship? The separation made us realize just how much we missed each other. Distance definitely brought us closer together. It also taught us to appreciate and value the time we do have together--and to spend that time together rather than running around and doing busy things. 

   

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? When we are together, we usually try to spend a lot of time with each other's families, which I really enjoy. We also try to plan an exciting thing to do together once a month, such as a Bruins game, snow moiling, or water skiing.

Is there any end in sight to your long distance days? Sadly no. My career will take me south this fall and he will still be living in New Hampshire with a great job. We will find new ways to make it work :)

Though Justin and Michelle have more distance on the horizon, I'm more than confident they can survive! Be sure to give her some love today :) Have a wonderful Wednesday, friends! I have an extra special treat coming your way tomorrow! See you then!

P.S. I've been SO excited to line up some blog consultations in the coming weeks! Take advantage of my 15% discount this week--and get your blog all polished and new for spring! 

sweet and wild.

Hello again! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another round in the {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series. Today's couple, Ben and Jackie {from sweet and wild}, just got engaged in January and are busily planning their July wedding! Read along to discover what helped them survive two deployments and make it to their happily ever after... 

Name: Jackie

Significant Other's Name: Ben

When did you start dating? We started dating on May 31, 2009, right after our freshman year of college.

At what point did you begin dating long distance?  Ben left for Air Force boot camp on June 2, 2010 (just after our first anniversary) and came home that September. We spent the year together and then he left again May 9, 2011 for a six-month deployment. Thankfully, he is now home :)

How did you fill your days while you're apart?  Last summer, I worked full time during the day and spent my nights with his family or mine to pass the time. In this last deployment, I studied abroad in France for two month, which made the time go by a little faster. It was also an incredibly beautiful experience. After I came home from France, my days were filled with school work, working part time, hanging out with my friends, and blogging.

What did you find most difficult about being long distance? It was really difficult to being living our lives and not being able to share them with one another. Skype, Facebook, and e-mail helped us stay connected, but it just is not the same when you can’t share those little moments together. Weekends were incredibly lame when we couldn’t go out on cute little dates or cuddle up and watch a movie together.

How did long distance change your relationship? Our time spent long distance was tough, but it definitely made us stronger. We learned how to talk through our problems, rather than just get angry and walk away. For us, it was harder to walk away when we weren’t sure when we would talk next. The time by myself in France made me more independent. I learned to enjoy spending time by myself--reading, going for bike rides, or blogging. My blog actually wouldn’t have been born if Ben hadn’t gone away that first summer.

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? Since Ben returned home, we enjoy every little second we have together. We don’t take those little moments together for granted. I love just holding his hand, or catching him staring at me from across the room. We can go on all the cute little dates we want to make up for that lost time.

Send your love Jackie's way today! After two summers apart, their upcoming summer wedding is a perfect way to round out their long distance years. I'll see you all tomorrow :)

P.S. If you want to plan out your Friday's Fancies for this week, click here to join the email list!

daffodil darlings.

Happy Wednesday! This week is flying by, but I'm not complaining ;) I have another sweet and inspiring story in my {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series for you today. Kevin and Kate {from Daffodil's} dated long distance from day one of their relationship--and even lived their first year and a half of married life apart. I'm amazed at the sacrifices they have made and am so honored to share their story...

Name: Kate

Significant Other's Name: Kevin

When did you start dating? February 2006

At what point did you begin dating long distance? From the start! Even though we grew up in the same town, Kevin was a few years older than me and we didn’t meet until I was in high school and he was at West Point. We were casual friends for a few years, but we started emailing a lot when he was deployed in Iraq in 2005. When he got home, we immediately began dating, while I was in DC and he was in Savannah. We were engaged within six months and married seven months later. Kevin then deployed again, separating us for almost 15 months. If you do the math, we were married almost a year and a half before our long distance ended.

How did you fill your days while you're apart? At the time, I was a high school English teacher, which kept me pretty busy. When I wasn’t lesson planning, I was taking our dog to the park, hanging out with friends, and counting my blessing that my family was nearby. I was also waiting by the phone and constantly checking my email, hoping to hear from Kevin. His days were busy in a different way, but he looked forward to that little bit of down time to write me a quick note or to have a turn on the phone.

What did you find most difficult about being long distance? It was so difficult to not be a part of each other’s everyday lives. While we were dating, I was just constantly waiting for the next time I would be able to see him. Once we were married and he was deployed, I hated coming home from work and being by myself all the time. It was very hard to be the single yet married lady. I also feared for his safety and would be on edge until I heard from him.

How has long distance changed your relationship? It made us so strong! Before we got married, we saw each other every two to three weekends. Aside from one week-long trip to the beach, we never spent more than a handful of days in a row together, but we were certain we was meant to be. Because so much of our relationship was based solely on conversation, we know each other much better than we would have if we were in the same place. With two years in Iraq now in our rearview mirror, we know we can get through anything tough that comes our way.

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? We just love being together. I love that Kevin is the first and last person I talk to every day. I love that I can talk to him anytime I want (and no longer have to wait for a phone call or an email).

What sacrifices have you made in order to make things work? Because I was only 23 when we got married, my friends were in a completely different life stage, which was difficult. I felt like no one really knew what I was going through especially because I was not living in a military community. My husband put his life on the line for two years to help protect us at home. We were both willing to sacrifice a normal dating life in order to commit to each other.

How has your life changed now that you're back in the same place? So much has changed since those years apart! We moved twice (from DC to North Carolina and then NC to California) and we now have two children (Cullen, almost 3 and Bennett, 10 months). I think if you told me in 2008 if I would be a mother of two and living in Monterey, I would have thought you were crazy. We thought our military life would end shortly after Kevin’s last deployment, but he answered the call to continue to serve and I am proud of him for that. Luckily, we have not had to deal with any long deployments since our boys have been born, but because we know there is always a chance he could deploy again, we never take a day for granted and make sure we make the most out of our time together.

Truly and honestly, military spouses are some of the most admirable people on this earth. Please give Kate your love today...she certainly deserves it for sharing her husband with us, as he serves our country. If you're long distance, I hope these stories keep you encouraged :) see you back here tomorrow!

P.S. Congrats to Danielle and Alaina on the launch of their brainchild, The Everygirl. Amazing work, ladies :)

virginia is for lovers.

Happy Wednesday! I hope y'all had a great Valentine's Day :) In keeping with a lovey dovey theme, I have another round in the {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series! This one features Steven and Sarah {from Simply Sarah}, who are high school sweethearts with a seven hour divide between them. Despite their crazy schedules, Steven and Sarah make it work. Find out how below...

Name: Sarah

Significant Other's Name: Steven

When did you start dating? We were “dating” after he asked me to prom our junior year of high school, but we use the date August 26, 2008 as our "official" date - the beginning of our senior year of high school.

At what point did you begin dating long distance? Our long distance began in August 2009 when we both started college. I go to school in our hometown in Virginia and he goes to school (and plays baseball) in Pennsylvania, about 7 hours away To keep up with college ball, he plays summer ball, which forces us to stay long distance throughout the summer. It is tough, but I know he loves to play and I am 100% supportive--I love to watch him play :)

How do you fill your days while you're apart? I stay busy focusing on school and I have a part-time job that I absolutely love. In addition to keeping up with his schoolwork, baseball keeps Steven extremely busy year round. Time actually seems to fly by because our plates are so full during the school year!  We always text each other good morning and good night, as well as random times throughout the day. I'm also a planner, so I'm always plotting our next visit together so that I have something to look forward to on my calendar. Making countdowns is so helpful! During the week, we try to fit in a phone conversation (and a Skype date on occasion)...I am so thankful for that technology!

What do you find most difficult about being long distance?  It is hard not being able to share our college memories.  When I have a free night on the weekends or if one of us has had a rough day, it is so hard to not be close enough to just drive up and see him for dinner. I also miss the simple things, like watching movies, holding hands, going to church together, or playing Wii tennis - one of our favorites.

How has long distance changed your relationship? Our relationship is definitely much stronger! We have learned how to communicate better and definitely appreciate the little things now, like only having to wait a week to see each other rather than a month! I still find it very hard to say goodbye, or "see you soon" as we say, but each time I think it gets a little bit easier. With every visit, our relationship grows a little bit, so it helps. When I get to see him, I appreciate every second that we are together.

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? Everything! No matter how long it has been since we have seen each other, it still feels like it has only been a day. I love that! We fall right back into place with each other. (I still get butterflies on the drive up to see him!) It doesn't matter if we're staying in and watching movies or going on a day trip somewhere...we're in the same room and that’s all that matters!

Is there any end in sight to your long distance days? I hope so! After we graduated in 2013, I am praying we can be closer together.  Steven hopes to take baseball as far as he can and I will continue to support his dream. If he ends up going to grad school instead, you can bet I will be rooting for a school in Virginia!

Be sure to send some love in Sarah's direction today :) I'm crossing fingers the next year flies by for them! It's weird to say, but 2013 will be here before we know it. Craziness! I'll see you back here tomorrow :) Enjoy your Wednesday!

local at last.

It's Wednesday! I hope your week is going swimmingly :) Today's installment in the {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series features Josh and Meagan {from Local at Last}. This sweet couple navigated over two years of distance--and made plenty of sacrifices to make it work...

Name: Meagan
Significant Other's Name: Josh

When did you start dating? We officially became a couple on Christmas Day of 2009, though we were "dating" over Skype for about 6 months.

At what point did you begin dating long-distance? We were long-distance from the start! Josh was stationed in Washington, DC and I was going to school in Michigan. It was so difficult to start out that way, but it taught us that physical closeness isn't the only deciding factor in a great relationship. 

How did you fill your days while you were apart? Josh is in the Army, so he had his hands full with all of his military responsibilities. Meanwhile, I worked a three part-time jobs and went to school part-time. We both had no trouble keeping busy!

What did you find most difficult about being long-distance? The toughest part was most definitely managing our mismatched schedules. I didn't get off work until 9 or later most nights, and by the time I got home to get on Skype, Josh was already asleep so he could be up ridiculously early the next day. It made for a lot of disappointment.

How did long-distance change your relationship? Being apart truly helped us establish an emotional relationship and made it easy for us to get to know each other inside and out. It also taught us incredible communication skills. Since we had precious little time together, we really had to make every moment count. 

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together?  When we were long-distance, we made it a priority to see each other at least once every 3 months. Whenever we would get together, we would always have something planned, whether it was touring the National Mall in D.C. or catching a new movie we had been dying to see together. 

What sacrifices did you make in order to make things work? This topic elicits quite a few emotions because I actually lost a few friends during the course of our dating days. Being military and long-distance made it hard for a lot of my friends to understand why Josh and I were so attached. We had all just graduated high school and we were starting college, but I was on the fast track to becoming an adult, while everyone else just wanted to have fun. Unfortunately, I had to separate myself from them because I knew in my heart that Josh was The One. Since they couldn't accept my constant traveling and working, they were just bringing me down. In the end, I'm glad I let go of those people because it gave me the opportunity to surround myself with friends and family who supported Josh and I through every tearful goodbye and our amazing reunions. 

How has your life changed now that you're in the same place? SO MUCH. It is the best feeling in the world to know that I get to see Josh just about every night after I get home from work. No more saving for flights, no more waiting for him to get on Skype, or no more crying my eyes out at the airport. We now have the opportunity to vacation together, instead of to each other. We spend a lot of time preparing for our future, instead of waiting for it to happen.

I can't thank Meagan enough for sharing their story! Though they both sacrificed quite a bit along the way, it paid off for them in the end...and I couldn't be happier for them :) They'll be celebrating their first wedding anniversary soon, so send some love their way. Have a fantastic Wednesday, friends--I'll see you back here for tomorrow with a few pops of pink!