Monday, glorious Monday!

The definite change of my attitude due wholly to the springtime weather is a little shocking to me. I've never so much noticed the shifting of my entire self come warmer weather, but this season, it is crazy obvious to me. I feel like a new girl--literally driving to work with a grin on my face. I'm sure passersby were wondering if I forgot my meds.

I've got so many fun things on the horizon--I think maybe that's what is bringing the most cheer my way. I am always my best, always myself when I have a full calendar. That, coupled with 72-degree sunshiny days, and I mean, I'm kinda living in a Disney movie. I am so thankful for this changing of seasons, which my soul so desperately thirsted for, unbeknownst to me until now.

Spring means patios and maxi dresses, cocktails, concerts and festivals. Lots of travel and birthdays to celebrate. The holidays are old news and the year is in full swing and I couldn't be happier.

Here's a round-up of what I've been immersed in, as of late:

donning: splash of grenadine on my talons. and my all-time summer fav, geranium on my toes.
reading: girl on the train (hawkins), don't waste your life (piper), get big things done (dhawan, joni)
watching: just finished unbreakable kimmy schmidt--funny and bizarre. good background noise with an occasional quippy one-liner. really ready for the conclusion to mad men!
sipping on: my newest favorite drink from starbucks (never did I really care before that they bought Teavana. brava, ladies and gents). -- also, here's a fab grocery store alternative!
coveting: these shoes. classic, but sexy and versatile.

• Speaking of beverages, I will certainly be making some of these for the Favorite Things Party I'm hosting later this month.
• As a product of my personality, I am endlessly fascinated with productivity and time management. This article really hit home.
• Do you listen to the Dear Sugar podcast?
• Ummm, definitely need to add this guy to the rotation.
• If you give a dude a kale chip? Hilarious.

Hope your week started off wonderfully, loves!

xx

We holed up a little and binged on some Netflix--Maizie included (but no chocolate ganache for her, obvi).


My sweet boss and I braved a rainy workday and sampled Chauhan (yes, Maneet Chauhan, of Food Network fame) for lunch not long ago--this Indian take on grilled cheese and tomato soup was heavenly. Maizie got her semi-weekly bath and blowout (this must be chronicled, because her pitiful face is one of her sweetest). I snapped a foggy mist of a pink sunrise early one morning, and we celebrated my dear friend Courtney's 30th!
I made it to my first Local Levo event, which was really energizing and insightful (if you have a local chapter, I really encourage you to get involved--even if it's a small group, you gotta start somewhere!). It was really inspiring to meet and chat with fellow career-oriented girls my age. Power in numbers and all that.

My bosslady and I spent another lunch hour out and about (it's sort of our thing), and grabbed the first Jeni's of the season (while not technically native to Nashville, it is undoubtedly one of my favorite things about Nashville, for the record). Similarly, I headed to Crema one Wednesday for a coffee class--just amazing! (I'll post more about this later). I definitely recommend this too, if you're ever in the area (and sign up quickly enough!). I'm headed to another this Wednesday and can't wait! Crema is a truly innovative coffee house here in Nashville, as the owners travel all over the world to personally meet with their bean farmers. Maybe a little too hipster for you, but I dig it. Now, if only I could convince myself I don't genuinely need the $200 worth of barista equipment...

The same day my Bears gave up an unexpected loss in the tournament, I dutifully donned some cobalt in the spirit of my sweet Kentucky friends. I'm no bandwagon jumper, but I'm really excited for most of my Nashville girls--all UK alums, obviously!


My baking itch was dormant for a bit, but is back in full-force (for the first time, I refrigerated my chocolate chip cookie dough overnight--honestly? didn't make much of a difference in my cookies, but what say you?). I have been earnestly reminding myself to cherish quiet time, to not get too lost in my own bubble of business. Relatedly, Maizie and I (and ST too!) have been logging plenty of time on the greenway. I really freaking love that it's so close by... earlier this week, Maiz and I discovered a teeny hidden lake behind the country club and dog park--complete with ducks, herons and a couple of pondering fishermen--which is where we spent a couple of sweet, lazy hours this morning. And I've thought a lot lately about how technology has stunted us millennials--and then I'm reminded about how very wonderful it is when I get the chance to Facetime with my loves back home--specifically, my best friend and her precious baby boys (and their cheeks and chins).

I've fallen in love again with the dirty chai--this time, revamped over ice with coconut milk. If you have even the slightest affection for anything chai, go try this. I'm literally craving one right this minute. In other food-related news, I cannot get enough of brussels and eggs... what is it about that flavor combination?! I eat this meal about three times a week, minimum. Ah! There's my girl, posted up at our baby lake today. And in purely materialistic updates, I indulged in a Target binge last week--new Domino, shiny new camelbak I've been coveting, gardening gloves, a new trail mix, and gum for my car (fun fact: prior to buying this, this recovering gum-chewer hadn't gnawed on gum in years due to my hesitation linked to endless dental work... leave it to me to be swayed by the convenience of a pink car cup).

And you may have noticed a teeny revamp here! I changed my header a bit and have tweaked my topics--go check them out, will ya? More updates soon--I promise. I have determined I need to intentionally schedule blogging time if I'm going to enjoy this like I used to, so that's what I am doing. Pinky promise.

And in case you missed it, go listen to my spring playlist! I'm a little obsessed.

Happy Monday, y'all!

This is it! The night we've all (kinda) been waiting for!

• Snowy Iowa makes for a far more desolate-looking Iowa.
• Awww, Chris holding three baby girls! Swoon.
• Really appreciate that accurate possessive 's on the mom's byline. Way to go, ABC.
• Not at all digging the statement necklace with the plaid, Whit.
• Waiting on that go-to hop and cling!
• Ooooh, but that shuffle was way more awkward.
• You know her legs are freaking freezing.
• She is reeeeeally playing it up. Telling him how much she loves him and presenting mom with flowers all, "These were my mom's favorite flower."
• Love that Chris has an arm hooped around the child, beer in hand. Sign of life to come.
• Yeesh. Can you imagine being grilled by the three sisters? It's funny for as downright silly as this show can be, how REAL it gets. Or tries to get.
• "Whitney is clearly all in," - sister. Uhhh, YEAH.
• Girl is laying it on thick.
• It's a little heavy to tell her that you could call her mom... I mean...
• But also, I really think she's genuine. 
• He hasn't told either of them he loves them yet, right?
• Ahhh, here we go. Shop talk with the bros!
• This would be a little easier to enjoy if the horrendous soap opera background score wasn't playing over.
• She is so pretty!!! I know I say it every week, but I just love her.
• And a baked goods tray!! Can't go wrong, girl! You know your Midwesterners!
• Loving her chambray too. Becca gets all the points.
• She's charming them too... I think Whitney was crazy reassuring, but it's obvious that Chris and Becca are really into each other.
• Poor girl. What a legitimate concern though, "if Whitney is ready to pick up and move babies..."--and wow, props to her for blatant honesty and sticking to her guns.
• Obviously all the sisters want him locked down with someone, but just because it looks all shiny with Whitney today doesn't mean it will next month or year.
• I love mom's interviewing style! "Tell me whatcha think about THAT!"
• Awwww, mom pushing Becca's hair out of her eyes--so sweet.
• His mom is seriously the cutest thing. A great combination of loving and endearing, and fiercely protective.
• I'm digging Becca's black coat.
• And those booties!!!
• Yeaaaah, that was a decidedly tenser departure than Whitney's.
• I love the brother-in-law chiming in with the black and white, attorney-style approach. "This isn't about yadeyadeyadah..."
• Dad nailed it! Whitney is the sure thing, but Becca is who he wants.
• Uh oh. "Shocking twist." Hmmmkay, Harrison.
•  In case anyone is wondering, the Hotel Julien in Dubuque will set you back about $130 a night. Go wild.
• Lolololol, that little hotel doorway exchange was cute.
• HA! The hotel's website is already boasting an "As Seen on ABC's The Bachelor!" banner.
• Is he drunk? Or just nervous? Both?
• I admire her to no end for stating she can't commit to a timeline on when she could move. I think that's so respectable.
• Oh gosh. This is getting deep.
• Poor guy... he's pushing her so hard, but she's just stuck in repeating her feelings, dripping in apprehension.
• I hate myself a little for saying this, but it's kinda breaking my heart that he clearly wants her so badly and she can't give him what he wants to hear.
• I'm actually crying. "I don't know what's going to happen, but I would have your back and we could figure it out." Like, really? Could it be any better if it was scripted? The answer is no.
• What the hell is he walking out with in his hand? 
• He waves like a farmer.
• She just said, "it's nipply out here." Hmm.
• Easy, girl. No one is excited about picking corn in snow. Not even the dude who owns the farm.
• Her jacket with that asymmetrical zipper? Upwards of $500. Not exactly fitting for farm life.
• Again. She's really working hard to sell it. Like, we get it. You're genuine... but reel it in.
• Nice truck, Soules!
• "This is Dad's farm... these two. That farm? Mike and I own together. This is the farm I bought with dad. Ohhh, I own like 800 acres." So basically, all of Iowa belongs to ME.
• I get it... she's into him. But it really doesn't seem like they've genuinely connected. Everything seems so surface level. That she's a sweet girl who wants a husband and a family and is willing to move to Iowa to get it... but in terms of chemistry, I don't know that I would have even placed her top 5 in terms of chemistry with him. But that's just me.
• He just seems less comfortable, overall, with her. Not that he's uncomfortable, per se, just not like a husband and wife situation. She's just safe. All kinds of safe.
• Uh, yeah, you've carried the picture every single place you've been because at any given moment, you could be sent home and should thus, have all of your possessions on your person.
• So, Chris, you're waiting for your "aha" moment with Whitney, but can't really wait for Becca to have that with you, hmmm? Conundrum.
• Why did she have to take him into the bedroom to talk about last regrets? 
• He asks why she's so sure about him... she claims that she can read his mind and there are things that can't be explained. Well done, girl.
• If she's as scared as she keeps saying she is, she's doing a good job of masking it with that southern charm.
• Ha! He added a little caveat of "...no matter what happens" on the end of that compliment. Youch.
• Now what is he walking out with?! What is this swiping things from the hotel routine?
• Here we go ABC, all of the morning of, getting ready shots.  Footage every Bachelor(ette) loser would loooove to destroy.
• So let's talk more about how pretty Becca is.
• Oh, hullo Neil Lane!
• You think that oval diamond is a recycling of Andi's?
• Wow. Pretty merlot colored dress, Becs.
• Matches his tie.
• Here. Lemme get down on one knee in this freezing ass farmhouse, girl.
• The sentiment is cute... and well, I guess ABC went all out with the Horchow chandeliers.
• That lone rose is giving me anxiety. I really don't want either of these girls to be hurt, but obviously that's the name of the game.
• Really, Chris? You didn't realize it would be this hard?
• Visible breath. In formal wear. In a barn. Just taking notes here.
• Oh, sweet Becca. Poor girl. She's holding it together pretty well.
• She kinda looks relieved.
• You can totally hear his heartbeat through the mic.
• Hop back in the limo, Becs... time for your twelve-hour drive back to civilization.
• How awkward to have to wait until you can dry it up over heartbreak #1 before you propose to your wife? Not exactly a fairytale, but part of it, I suppose.
• I really wonder how much time has transpired between the two interactions.
• Stop shaking, girl. And cool it with the occasional Southern twang.
• Okay, all ABC-edited pauses considered, this is sweet.
• They seem happy. Job well done.
• Where's this "shocking twist?"
• It's so funny how the first reciprocated "I love you" is like a light switch... the damn emotion of it all is what sucks us all back every season, right?
• Truly, I think she was the best for the role. I'm glad it worked out for them, and I daresay I think it'll last.

Now, After the Final Rose!! Let's get to it.

• Stupid twangy music, ABC.
• I like him scruffier.
• He's really sweet and affirming of her.
• Soules and Harrison seem like genuine buds.
• I can't wait for Becca to stroll out and look all hot.
• BAM, there she is!
• She looks so freaking gorgeous. Get it, girl.
• She is so eloquent and calm. I just love her. (as if you couldn't tell)
• Stop hyping up this "unprecedented announcement," Harrison. You're totally building it up to be an assured letdown.
• Whoa... short dress, girl. No need to see the bits and pieces. You've locked this up.
• Not really a big fan of the ring. Sorry.
• Not a big fan of the dress either. Kinda reminiscent of Kathy Bates's cellophane number in Fried Green Tomatoes.

• I'm ready to hear who the Bachelorette is. #KAITLIN
• Whitney should be a press secretary. She's very well spoken--even more well spoken after she got the guy. Good for her.
• Awww, cute that his parents are right there.
• Whoa... the baby pressure already.
• Okay, I like them a lot. Please don't break up.
• Alright, let's wrap this up.
• Ha. Jimmy Kimmel is quite the perk to this yawnfest.
• Omg, stop it with the cow. That's hysterical.
• They really are glowing... I love it.
• My guess is they haven't chosen a Bachelorette, but there will be some kind of dance off for the role.
• Damn, I am good!!!! Sorta.
• WHOA... two Bachelorettes?!!! I am loving this!
• Okay, I am crazy excited about this... in the end, these were two of my favorite three.
• Britt really tamed it down with the eye makeup! She looks amazing. They both do.
• I love Kaitlin!! "Well, that's not ideal." LOLOLOL.
• I am seriously pumped about this... great move, ABC.
• Monday, May 18th! Penciled in! 

Thanks for following along, y'all! Cheers to Chris and Whitney ;)

Everyone has their causes--their go-to illnesses and issues that trigger the emotion, that strike them deepest. I have a few--but spreading M.S. awareness is something that is of supreme importance to me. My mom suffered--and I do mean suffered--for decades from the disease.

I've never been forced to medicate or endure physical pain from M.S. And yet, it's hurt me so deeply, for such a long time. Sometimes the pain is so raw and jagged, you'd think I was diagnosed with the illness myself. It shaped and molded my childhood and ability to empathize in ways nothing else ever has or could. It appears in my head as this tangible beast whom I can't look in the eye--this huge, ominous threat of a monster I run from--an incredibly childlike image, perhaps triggered by my own unique experience. But my mom with M.S. was the only mom I ever knew.

I hesitate to tell people about her sometimes. Do people want to hear that she died? She was only 45. Don't people only want to hear "successes?" I instantly feel guilty when I suppress my desire to share her. Her story should be shared, I know, but honestly, who wants to be the downer in the crowd? M.S. is very rarely fatal--more often than not, people don't show any visible symptoms.  At the risk of sounding exceptionally whiny, this angers me to no end. There are four variations of the illness, and most people are capable of carrying on "normal" lives with the exception of bouts and flare-ups here and there. In this age, there is continual research, there are countless treatments. My mom experimented with a lot of them, but the fact of the matter is, she was hit very hard with the disease, and in her day and age, there was minimal treatment and research that was accessible. It's still a heartbreaking realization. If she'd been diagnosed later, would she have lived longer? Would she have had a better quality of life if she'd had been exposed to X, Y, Z treatment? Would she have lost her ability to walk so early on, if she had been afforded the opportunity to try that new cutting edge medication? So many questions and never any real closure. And this is why M.S. is still a monster in my head.

To be perfectly blunt, I am a little envious of the endless awareness regarding other illnesses. I feel like every other day, there's a new billboard or fundraiser or event created just for the sake of cancer research or heart health. It's a sad reality that thousands of issues plague us, and my reality is that M.S. is my cause. Suffering is one of those unifying traits about humankind that is unparalleled by any other act we're forced into, I think--we all have our causes--yours may be any of the number of cancers or Alzheimer's, or Muscular Dystrophy--this one is mine.


This week is M.S. Awareness Week. I am walking in my mom's honor on April 19th here in Nashville. If you feel compelled, please consider giving in her name, or walking in your city. It's a really emotional event--empowering to see so many survivors of the illness teaming up to show their strength. I am more than halfway to my fundraising goal, thanks to some fantastically generous friends. It's a scary, unpredictable illness, but I truly believe a cure will be found before I leave this earth.



(...and thank you for dealing with my deviation from Bachelor recaps and weekly photo reviews.)

women tell all--for the seasons I actually watch, this tends to be pretty yawnworthy, but these previews have gotten me a little excited.

• So cute to see Chris crash these watch parties. These women are freaking crazy.
• ...and the drunk mom mouth kiss him.
• Sweet Lord, these women are losing their minds. They wouldn't have freaked out this much if Clooney walked in. Reel it in.
• Now I know how my brothers felt when I had my girlfriends over in high school.
• Ha!! Re: the girl who downed it from the bottle: "she's from Texas!!!" Sounds about right.
• Oh wow... poor Jordan. No one needs to relive any of her experience... least of all, her.
• I can't wait to see Ashley S. try to convince America that she's sane.
• Oh man... Kelsey. You are a B.
• Uh, I don't think Britt is on the same page as Kelsey.
• Damn, Carly... this does NOT make you look good. 
• Poor Britt!! I know she's a crier, but that is so freaking painful to watch.
• YES, CALL HER OUT.
• Zip the lip, Trina. No one cares. You got kicked off early on and therefore have minimal clout.
• Yes, get Britt up there!
• STOP YELLING, EVERYONE.
• I think it's pretty freaking obvious that Britt and Chris had a connection (gah, I hate that I just used that word).
• Amber, again... zip it. She didn't say she wanted to be BFF with everyone. I think there's something to be said for living in a house with a bunch of seemingly sweet girls--of course, you'd think you're all being genuine, right?
• WAY TO GO, JILLIAN. Good for you for defending Britt!!
• I literally want to cry. I love Britt. I know I don't know the girl, but I think she's genuine.
• Damn, I need a drink.
• (generously poured wine glass procured during perfectly timed commercial break.)
• Kardashleyian is clearly a little naive and immature, but super pretty.
• Okay, again... I know I'm a huge Britt fan, but I can see the having fear about heights, but being okay with a hot air balloon. I am 100% on board with that--I am insanely panicky about heights, but would love a hot air balloon rid with ST.
• Totally nailed it. Carly was insecure from day one and 100% targeted Britt.
• I'm really glad she's not wearing those ugly ass turquoise tube dangle earrings in her top holes.
• GAH, I love Chris Harrison getting in there for the nitty gritty! Seriously, has anyone in this world heard as many sob stories as this dude?
• I will forever love Kardashleyian for this.
• Damn. I wonder if people like Kelsey see how they affect people, then really pause and take note about the impressions they leave, or just blame everyone else for the havoc they wreak.
• Never mind. Just found out.
• I like Harrison's tie.
• Kaitlin is so foxy.
• I want to know who the phantom laugher is in the crowd... money is on Kardashleyian.
• There you go, Chris... "do you see their perspective at all?"
• And there she goes, making excuses.
• Her jewelry is hideously tacky.
• Samantha is freaking gorgeous. Wish we had seen more of her.
• Oh man, here we go! Yeah, Juelia! Get it going! 
• Damn... they're grilling her. I love this.
• Are those LED candles on the stage and real ones behind them? Former event planner spotting the flaws.
• Okay... end the dramatics. We all know your husband died. You're still kind of using it to make yourself look more deserving and broken.
• Her dress is terrible. Clearance find at Kohl's.
• Ashley is certifiably insane, but she looks really pretty. Just don't listen to her talk.
• OMG, I LOVE KAITLIN. Dying...
• "...and hopefully not get murdered in my sleep by a crazy woman." Hahahaha.
• Ha! An onion! Well-played.
• Aww... sweet Jade.
• Yay, Kaitlin!
• There's the nasty bathtub again.
• How freaking impossible is this to watch for her?
• Aaaand, we hear Becca's name again. 
• And his babbling about being hurt and scared. No, man.
• Oh man, hearing her is breaking my heart.
• I really hope she's the next Bachelorette.
• Here he is!
• ...Britt's already crying.
• Awkward silent hug in front of hundreds... orrr millions (are there millions watching this? Probably not).
• Shut it, Carly.
• Chris looks good. Real good.
• Awkward to be listening to her pour her heart out, knowing he's already chosen someone to (likely) marry.
• Kaitlin! Yes! Call him out!
• His discomfort is clearly palpable. Small price to pay to find your bride, son!
• I so feel for her. I know it's all a show, but why did she need to be put on the spot like that? Especially when she had every reason to think she was home free...
• KAITLIN BRISTOWE FOR BACHELORETTE.
• Annnnd, Jade.
• Weird reaching out and rubbing of her arm. Maybe don't do that.
• Poor guy, grilled left and right!
• Gah, I'm exhausted. Let's get this finale done.
• Bloopers are always a highlight.
• Horny little maltese!
• Wait... wait. Chris Harrison wrote a novel? Shameless plug. But I kinda dig it, CH.
• Re: preview for next week... regardless of what happens, the line from Dad, "I think Whitney is the sure thing, but Becca is who he wants," is totally fuel for fights if (when) Whitney wins (I so like Becca more, but I think Whitney's got it in the bag).
  

I am BEAT. Let's get some rest... this season can't end soon enough. I'm ready for Kaitlin's season of the Bachelorette!! What say you?

March is here!!! Can it be?! I heard someone on the radio claiming that 2015 is "one-sixth of the way over" and while I can figure the math, I'd be lying if I said I was happy it's flying by the way it is... that being said, sweet, baby Jesus, can we get some springtime?! Grass is always greener (no pun), and you always want what you don't have, but seriously... I need some spring. Desperately. It was in the lower 50s (and raining) today, and it felt damn near tropical.

We had more snow this past week--although nothing like earlier in the month. Halleluia. I admittedly stumble into being more smitten with ST when I see how much he loves Maizie... sappy, yes, but it melts me. We met up with my sweet friend Mikki, and her husband and their friends from Washington on Friday night for "dinner" that turned into a long night at the honky tonks and getting home after 2 a.m. Sweet Sadie baby turned one (!!!) on Friday, and we celebrated accordingly on Saturday (how cute is that dress? I mean, seriously). And last, but certainly not least, like the rest of America, we settled in for some quality binge watching of House of Cards--Maiz craves a good binge watching session.

How have you been?? What are you most looking forward to this spring?