Abroad + Abode: a Well Designed Life

Well, this is awkward!  Who can relate to feeling uncomfortable when talking about yourself and talents?  I am typically a person who focuses on giving others advice, asking questions, sharing stories – not someone who shares everything about themselves unprompted.  I know there are some of you out there who can relate, so we’ll get through this one together.  It’s important you know a bit about me and this space to decide if you want to join the journey.  So, here we go….

I am 43 years old.  I was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina and have been married for over 11 years.  Tom and I have two standard schnauzer puppies (Berdie + Bear) who are spoiled rotten.  We just moved from a town outside of Boston, MA (North Andover) to sunny South Carolina. Pawleys Island, SC to be exact.  More on the moving bit later – yes, we moved during a pandemic or partly because of a pandemic! We are building a house and living in a condo while we wait which will later be rented as a vacation rental. We pinch ourselves daily that we finally live at the beach!

I work at a software company leading strategy + special initiatives.  Yep, that’s a real job and I’m really good at it.  The problem is, my job is not very creative, adventurous or feminine/pretty.  Sadly, it is also not my passion – something I have learn is okay to admit. Working in software, I am surrounded by a sea of white middle-aged men – sad but true (but also slowly changing!!).  I desperately needed a creative outlet wanted to share my love for travel, interior design, and my journey in creating a well designed life.

I’ve had the idea of a blog + business floating around my brain for a very long time. My friends and family can attest to that. I’ve also had many reasons for why I couldn’t do it but, as I write this I know at my core they were really good excuses I told myself out of fear of the unknown. One day, I woke up and decided no more excuses – you see, I have many ideas/dreams and in most cases all are linked to each other so, if I was going to make any a reality I needed to start somewhere. This website and blog is my somewhere! “Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose” – Tim Riggins

So, here I am telling you all about myself in hopes you decide to stick around and participate. I’m Nicole, creator of Abroad + Abode, an online destination inspiring women to explore beauty in the world + create it at home, guided by my approachable advice, personal stories, an eye for timeless style and love for the process of creating a well designed life. I live an authentic, achievable life rooted in a realistic optimism and I enjoy taking you along on my adventures.  From moving long distance and remodeling a vacation rental property, to traveling both domestically and internationally with my husband, girl friends, or on couples trips – I hope you find inspiration to live boldly and create a well designed life for yourself. I will focus on travel, interior design & decor, my classic style essentials, and various aspects of my life like books I’m reading, reality tv, or personal advice (a topic my friends IRL love the most).

I want to attract ladies who want to learn, grow, belong, and have fun. Those who are younger and older than me.  Those who have travelled everywhere or nowhere but can’t wait to schedule an adventure.  Those who are moving out on their own for the first time or buying their 3^rd home and need inspiration and advice to make it beautiful.  Those who want to discuss a great book they read on the beach.  Most of all, those who want to be real and inspire each other!  Is that you?