monday musings.

monday musings.

1.06.2014

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>> There's been a lot of cooking happening around these parts and it hasn't all come from me! I made Snickerdoodle {Paleo} Muffins and Cauliflower Bisque and then C treated me to a homecooked meal of prawn linguinie (a la Jamie Oliver)!

>> Did you see my post about C throwing our tree out the window? GENIUS! It didn't make a mess through the whole house and it made the tree-taking-down process a sinch!

>> The weather has been insane around these parts so I'm glad I'm well equipped with some pretty amazing christmas presents like bean boots (so cute!) and hunter wellies. 

>> I finally snagged a copy of Relish by Daphne Oz (Dr. Oz's daughter!) and I'm in love. Not only does she feature great recipes, there's tons of other tips/tricks. I really loved her "staples" shopping list. 

>> I'm back at it with Barre3 and I'm really excited about enrolling in #28togreat! I love that it features a workout plan for each day along with a meal plan (WITH RECIPES!). It couldn't be easier and I love checking off each day that I complete. 

>> C had an amazing quarter at Yale and I'm really just so proud of him. I wanted to keep track of all these little "happy" memories from 2014 so I decided to start a "Happy Jar". It's just a vase we keep out in the living room and anytime there is a happy event, comment, thought, fun thing, we write it down and put it in the jar. At the end of the year, it will be so fun to look back and remember all the positive things about the year! My theme for 2014 is POSITIVITEY! 

>> I've been really enjoying this primer after finally being convinced that I should add it to my beauty routine. Primer kinda seems like a waste but I really do think it works to smooth my skin and create a good base for my tinted moisturizer. But at the recommendation of a friend, I got a sample of this primer and I think I like it even more. 

>> I'm getting really excited because we finally booked our trip to Athens & Istanbul in March. C has an International Experience trip to Israel with his program but he has several days off before the program starts so we're taking a little pre-trip. This trip is really pushing us outside of our comfort zone since there will be a different language, currency, customs etc. I'm really hoping to snag one of these guys for my birthday so that I can track all the walking we're planning on doing!

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twenty thirteen in review

twenty thirteen in review

1.02.2014

2013 was a big year around these parts! I thought it would be fun to take a look back at everything that we had going on...so here is our year in review!

January was a good month celebrating the engagement of a friend, getting LASIK, and celebrating C's 30th birthday in Fredericksburg, TX.

February started off with a visit from Mark & Maria to take engagement pictures (she's a rock star!), then we ran the Hot Chocolate 15k, and my sweet friends threw me a wedding shower just before celebrating my birthday with a visit from my sister.

March was slightly less busy but I did managed to set a 17 minute PR at the Dallas Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon (my 2nd half!) and my cousin, Meagan, came for a visit!

April included a trip back to CT for our wedding shower and a visit to Yale. We also attempted to eat Paleo and had a blast at Collin & Jenna's wedding.

May was the month for quitting our jobs and jet-setting around the world. We raced in a triathlon the morning before we left for London! I sold the mini cooper and C had his bachelor party in Austin, TX.

June kicked off with another triathlon, a half ironman for C and the start of our move to New Haven, CT, and the countdown to the wedding.

July was wedding month - I posted pictures here and here and honeymoon pictures here!

August slowed things down a bit for us as C geared up to start class at Yale's School of Management. With C at class all day, I had plenty of time to bond with my blog a bit (talk about tongue twister!).

September brought great news as I landed a job at Teach For America and I also got a chance to go back to Dallas for Katie & Jay's wedding.

October included an impromptu trip to Nantucket to see my sister as well as an apple picking adventure.

November marked one year since C proposed, a trip to the Poconos with Lizzie (first time shooting a gun!),  a Turkey Trot 5k, and a great Thanksgiving in Baltimore.

December ended the year on a high note with our first Christmas tree, some new bangs, a trip to NYC, and Christmas in Westport and Baltimore.

I've also had a lot of time to think about how this blog fits into my life going forward. You've probably noticed the decline in posts to some extent. Here's the thing...I love that this acts as a virtual journal and it's fun to look back on all the things I was doing/thinking at different points. But I'm struggling with the way the blog-o-sphere has blown up. My blog does not earn income and I don't curate my posts or have any sponsors. It's simply a fun side project and a way to share fun things I discover or do. So with that being said, I'm still not sure the direction going forward. Maybe I'll just make it a friends/family only space...?

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music // needtobreathe movie

music // needtobreathe movie

12.20.2013

I've been a fan of these guys since I saw them open for Gavin Degraw over 6 years ago. This video they put together during their last tour is very open, honest and real. I can't wait for their new album April 15th.

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book review // Me Before You

book review // Me Before You

12.19.2013

I use Grammarly's grammar & plagiarism checker because copycatting is not the highest form of flattery...but cake and flowers work.

I'm on a role with the books I've been reading lately. I've been gravitating towards fun, easy reads that I can blow through pretty quickly. For me, reading, especially at night, is a break. I like to unwind for a little bit and just read something that I don't have to think too hard about. That's now always the case...but when I'm busy and only have time to read at night, I'm looking for something easy and entertaining.

I've been seeing Me Before You all over the blogsphere lately...and all over the bookshelves. It's been on my list for a few months and I finally decided to give it a go. The story takes place in London and includes a 26-year-old girl who becomes the caretaker for a 35-year-old quadriplegic man. While the story may seem sad at the beginning, I loved the ending and really appreciated the how the story was told. The author kept me engaged and interested throughout.

As always, if you're looking for something to pick up while you're snuggled up on the couch over the holidays, this is a must-read.

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monday musings.

monday musings.

12.16.2013

>> I just love this time of year. We finally got some serious snow over the weekend and that really put us in the holiday spirit. Our friends started receiving our christmas cards which is so fun. I wrapped a bunch of presents (which the cutest polka dot papers from Target) and our house feels very festive. 

>> After googling a million pictures of bangs, I finally took the plunge! I'm really liking them and I like how they've changed up my look. So far, I feel good about styling them. We'll see how good I am about keeping up with trims. 

>> You guys, I did really great with Christmas shopping this year and now I'm a little too anxious to give these gifts. #hurry #ilovegifting

>> C and I headed to Westport on Saturday to go to my high school's holiday concert, Candlelight. However, the wimpy snow storm we got led to the school canceling the concert! How dare they! 

>> At the suggestion of my sweet friend, I checked out this {new to me} site and I'm really liking it. I can't wait to try some of her recipes. 

>> This weekend's ice and snow storm led to a lazy morning including homemade waffles and french press. Eventually, we bundled up, cleaned off the car and made the requisite trip to Target for some essentials...like wrapping paper...and milk...and coconut oil. Then C cozied back up on the couch while I fried up some chicken tenders for Buffalo Chicken Salads...his new specialty. I also made a batch of Party Mix...which might just be the best batch I've ever had. 

>> Friday night's festivities included a few rounds of beruit. I know....we're pretty crazy. But I honestly can't remember the last time I played it and I totally held my own! C and I held down our place on the table for a few rounds. Go team! 

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