Home Is Where the Heart Is

“Home is where the heart is.” We have all heard this phrase far too many times before. However, when I sit down to really think about those 6 short words, I realize how much truth they really hold.

My boyfriend Zack and I moved to Seattle in the Summer of 2014, just after we both graduated with a Bachelor in Architecture from Iowa State University. Seattle is a beautiful city and it has been very kind to us. So much has happened in the three short years that we have lived here, and we have grown significantly in our careers, in life, and together. The views that this city offers, the water, the mountains, and the adventures that lie within and just beyond the city limits are endless. We have recently moved into a new apartment that completely matches our personalities and is everything we could have ever wanted. As we furnish our new place and get settled, we grow to love where we are more and more.

But – no matter how much we love our apartment, or how much we explore and discover about this city, it just isn’t quite home. If you don’t know by now, I grew up in Iowa! I was born in St. Louis, MO but was raised in Eastern Iowa. The longer I live in the Pacific Northwest, the more I miss the Midwest!

Growing up, I couldn’t wait to move away. Being raised in a smaller town, I wanted to go see as much of the world as I was able. I dreamt about studying abroad in college, then graduating and moving across the country to New York City. While I didn’t quite make it to New York, I think Seattle helps check “move across the country” off of the list! 

Now that I have been away for over 3 years, everything reminds me of home and makes me miss the Midwest that much more. I never thought I would miss the snow, but I do! (only around Christmas tho;) I miss floating down the Mississippi in the summer and backyard bonfires. I miss deep dish pizza from Chicago as well as the thinnest pizza you could ever imagine from St. Louis. I miss Iowa sweet corn and the most amazing sunsets. Most of all, I miss my family! Growing up in Iowa helped shaped me into the person I am today and it is where I met my other half 🙂 The small town motivated me to explore the country and the world, but no matter how far I go, home will always be where my heart is!

The Home T helps me take a piece of home with me wherever I go! I love wearing my Iowa sweatshirt around the city and seeing people’s reactions. I never knew that the general public mixed up Iowa with Ohio and Idaho as much as they do! I am frequently asked, “so how do you like Ohio?” To which I respond “I’ll let you know if I ever visit!” 😉

Wearing my home state right on my shirt always puts a little smile on my face. This sweatshirt from The Home T always makes me feel a little closer to home. This sweatshirt is seriously the softest sweatshirt I have ever worn, and I put it on almost every day when I get home from work! Now that the Fall months are quickly passing and Winter is rolling in, I know I will be living in this insanely warm and soft sweatshirt!

Not only is the sweatshirt the coziest piece of clothing I own, but The Home T donates at least 10% of their profits to Multiple Sclerosis research. Beautiful products and a great cause, what more could you want?! Throughout my life, I have tried to make a difference in others lives by small acts of kindness and uplifting words when people least expect it. Recently, with all of the unfortunate events happening around the country and the world, and in a time where negativity and fear seems more prevalent, I have been trying harder than ever to uplift those around me with my words and actions. Organizations like The Home T make me love being an influencer. I love having the opportunity to partner with and promote brands that reach beyond creating a beautiful product and use their creation as a platform to raise awareness and funds for such an important cause.

Go check out The Home T and consider sporting your home state for the world to see and helping raise funds and awareness for MS. They even have college-themed shirts! I may have to go snag an Iowa State t-shirt to add to my Home T collection 🙂

This post is sponsored by The Home T. All thoughts and opinions are my own.