so... this past week did a pretty spectacular job of knocking me on my ass. I come to you, clad in rumpled PJ pants (ST is an eskimo and our thermostat is constantly at an arctic setting), haphazard topknot perched at the crown of my head, a freshly groomed Maiz, snugsing at my feet. It's safe to say I've done my best to spend the day relaxing, after:


monday? last night of community group (and the conclusion to a pretty intense 14-week bible study).
tuesday? lots and lots of brainstorming and discussion at my junior league council retreat. after driving out to the 'burbs to take dinner to a friend who just had a baby.
wednesday?  much-anticipated dinner plans (which turned into a five-hour event, complete with side-splitting laughter) with one of our dearest friends from our early days in birmingham.
thursday? skimm day happy hour, followed by an impromptu date night at patterson house (and three amazing drinks later...)
friday? a rough start to the day due to aforementioned date night, followed by a long workday and swinging out to see my former nannying charge dazzle and perform in her dance recital.


Today, we rounded it all out with church, our friends' sweet baby dedication at church, and a late Italian feast of a lunch, just me and the boys. This past week, I also knocked out a huge freelance project I do annually, and to claim it's a weight off my shoulders is a gross understatement. I didn't quite realize how heavy it was until I wrapped it up.

I'm eager to tackle this week--and the anticipation of all of our upcoming plans--with as carefree an attitude as I can muster!

Have a great week, y'all!

Hello! Happy hump day! Here's a little of what's going on in my world, as far as the internet is concerned:

• I heard about this TED Talk on my beloved Call Your Girlfriend podcast last night, watched today and just loved it. I know TED Talks usually warrant yawning, but rest easy, this is about 22 minutes long, and all about how your body language shapes others' perceptions of you. Fascinating.
  
• Scarlet and Gold offers free webinars on calligraphy... pretty neat! (and now my Amazon cart is full of calligraphy supplies. True story.)
• Anthro makes adorable barre socks! Who knew?
• Obsessed with this song. And the video is kinda laughable.
• Do you have a first aid kit for your pup? I definitely need to throw one together... if for no other reason than to have yet one more thing dedicated to my pup.
• Oyster's list of Top 100 Books of the Decade is pretty awesome... and a reminder that I need to up my reading game.
• ...and my writing game. I really like this little exercise and have implemented it into my everyday.
• So, I've never owned nice aviators... and apparently Nordstrom price matches now, so it might just be the time.

donning: geranium. forever.
reading: girl on the train (hawkins), don't waste your life (piper), get big things done (dhawan, joni)
watching: mad men (yawn... just ready for it to be buttoned up). still can't stop thinking about this week's episode of john oliver. homeboy interviewed edward snowden and it was endlessly fascinating.
sipping on: iced dirty chai with coconut milk. trust.
coveting: new swimsuits for summer vacation! gah, like this sexy one-piece.

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