February 29, 2016 • ,

Part of me would really love to be super jazzed about the Oscars every year. The ballots and the gowns and the party-hosting opportunities... but the older I get, and the more my bleeding heart unveils yet one more cause to break over, I find myself pretty mehhh about spending six hours glued to the TV on my favorite day of the week. Don't get me wrong--I tuned it for a little of it last night, I'll skim through the dress recaps the morning after and maybe pay closer attention to an Oscar winner on my Apple TV recs, but overall, the whole ordeal just makes me kinda tired.

That said--did you see Lady Gaga's performance last night? The somewhat recent focus toward our country's rampant sexual assault problem is inspiring and casts a sheet of hope over an otherwise cynical stream of news headlines. I really, really appreciated the fact that such a broad platform was accessed to shed light on this horrendous epidemic.




...and Brie Larson's embracing of every survivor yielded all of the sobs and firmly secured her place on my Girl Crush Island. That said, go see Room. She earned every single ounce of that eight-pound statue.

Also, Mad Max was so bad I left the room and I fell asleep during The Martian. Weeks later, I'm still thinking about The Big Short, Spotlight was utterly fantastic, and I think Julianne Moore and Olivia Wilde stole the show in the dress department.

And I can't wait to see Brooklyn and The Danish Girl.

Oh, and yay Leo. :| There's my recap.
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January 25, 2016 •

so, I don't really do resolutions. I am constantly setting goals and making lists and fully immersing myself in all of my many plans, so resolutions just don't resonate with me. why wait until the beginning of a calendar to make a plan?

that being said, this year, I have a new plan I am resurrecting. ;) I want to strive to read three books a month: one for my work life/creative self, one for fun, and one for my spiritual health.

here's what's on the docket for this month (and by "month" I mean, set to wrap within the next week).






I know Gilbert is well-respected on the line-up of lifestyle-esque books, but I admittedly haven't ever delved into anything of hers (unless you count watching Julia Roberts in that movie). This is a newer one, and I think it will speak to my hesitations with diving in to all things creative. I've always been a super creative person, but I easily get bogged down by practicality:

Can I really write a book?
I can't make a side business out of this. 
I shouldn't waste too much time on this, I have too much other stuff going on.

I'm really excited to jump into this and see what I can take away.



Come to the Edge, Christina Haag




Ahhhh, my love for all things Kennedy continues. This is obviously my "fun" read--and it so is. Getting lost in Haag's retelling of her starry-eyed whimsical romance with JFK, Jr. will put any fictional tale to deep, deep shame (looking at you, Nick Sparks). I was so very young when his plane crashed that summer, and anything I read about him is so captivating--you really get the sense that he was this untouchable, illustrious God of a man, teeming with charm and so much promise.



 Plan B, Pete Wilson



Plan B is one of the latest by my pastor, Pete Wilson. I began attending the church I would eventually call "home" well before I moved to Nashville... and mostly because of the deeply engaging warmth of this man. His messages resonate with me all week long, provide plenty of application, and they're relatable for all ages and stages of life. We did a sermon series on this subject matter, and it has stuck with me for months. 

Find me on Goodreads! I plan to tackle at least 36 books this year (whoa! #mathwhiz)... let's see how it goes.

Tell me--what have you read lately?


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January 19, 2016 •

I'd be utterly lost without my music... lost, I tell you. I've become the unofficial curator of playlists for friends and events--a role I take supremely seriously. And with all of that unabashed devotion to all things musical, comes a demand for some dedicated musical research...  I listen in the shower, at work, when I work out, in the car, as I nod off to sleep. I'm forever shazaaming songs during movies and have all Nashville venues bookmarked for quick and easy perusal.

With that in mind, for 2015, here were my top ten picks (and song suggestions for your listening fulfillment):


For months, I swore this girl was a Brit, as her music has this insanely, effortlessly cool Brit girl charm (see also: Adele, Duffy, Ellie Goulding). But no... she hails from the grand ol' U S of A. I love her. Her entire album is just so, so addictive and upbeat. And the girl is like, 23? I can't.

Maybe the best break-up song I've heard in a while. So raw, so relatable. I have this album on vinyl and listen, in its entirety, weekly. Best accompanied by hot tea and a snuggly lapdog. And a rainy morning, if you can finagle that type of magic.

FJM might win the award for most DGAF personality, and I freaking love him. He somehow is crazy eccentric and yet ridiculously charming--and the man's talent knows no bounds. Bonus: saw him at ACL and his show was PHENOMENAL. He totally called out some VIP-ticket holding hipsters and it was hysterical.

Mr. Shakey Graves will forever and ever have a piece of this Texas girl's heart. The man has this rasp that will straight up melt you, and watching him perform will make you weak in the knees. He's one of those that makes me so head-over-heels with the whole indie music scene--those people who really, really pour their hearts and souls into music because they love it so damn much. And it is the coolest thing in the world to witness. Again, entire album? Solid gold. 

Hozier's debut album was one of my most played in 2015, with good reason. Still kicking myself that I missed his three-show stint in Nashville last March... I really, really love "Work Song." I daresay there isn't a more gritty, take-your-breath-away kind of album that has come out in recent years. That Irish drawl and guitar combo will get you every time.

God love a Texas girl, am I right? I remember hearing about KM from a college friend many years ago, and didn't think much of it... so many move to Nashville in pursuit of The Dream, you know? But as I dug more into her album (and I don't listen to country often at all), I just developed the grandest of girl crushes. She, too, flashes this a DGAF attitude, albeit in a different way. I love her honest, playful portrayal of small town life... I can't get enough.

This is an older song from Mr. LS, but I really, really love it. It hits home with the whole "attempt on figuring life out" realm. I saw him play last fall here in Nashville, and again, there's just something about those indie rock guys who leave it all on the stage. I mean, he had his MOM come up and sing with him... how cool is that? 

Maybe the sexiest, playful song of this past year. They describe themselves as "progressive bluegrass," and the bass lines and banjo are just so ridiculously cool. I really, really hope I get the chance to see them play this year.

Dan Auerbach's new side thing is really taking off... I had the chance to see them a few weeks back at the Ryman and had the best time. Auerbach (better known as half of The Black Keys) is so painfully talented, and has this showmanship that is unparalleled. The whole brass setup of the Arcs was the icing on top of a really cool night. 

Ahhh, which brings me to my latest favorite Nashville band. I love the way they align quippy, unexpected music with the most fun lyrics. Anytime this one comes on the radio, I'm a little nervous I'm going to blast my speakers all to hell, because I cannot listen loudly enough. 



And in conclusion, 2015's best shows were:


  • Shakey Graves
  • Father John Misty
  • Zac Brown (!!!)
  • Ed Sheeran
  • Walk the Moon 


In 2016, my musical goals are set on seeing The Bahamas, Kopecky and The Punch Brothers... wish me luck!


What about you? What has been your favorite jam lately?


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January 11, 2016 •


2015... done and gone. And it was all kinds of good--what I remember. It all feels like a total blur of transition and travel. I'll avoid being utterly and completely cliche and predictable, and spare waxing poetic about how it had its ups and downs. It was another year, lots of growth and adjustment and tears, outnumbered by even more smiles and wonderful experiences and moments worth being so grateful for. Here are some highlights:

January was COLD. Bitterly, disgustingly, numbingly cold. We carried on tradition and kicked off 2015 by spending New Year's with the Smiths, we celebrated Jordan's birthday with dinner and Escape Game, and I clearly and most obviously logged lots of snugs with my Maiz. So lucky to have that fluff nugget in my life.


Month two brought the snow... snow and ice and missed work and canceled campus events. Two words: CABIN FE-VAH. But it also marked a handful of fun (warmer) memories: most notably, my first Local Levo event, my first hot toddy (due to a really glamorous, unshakable winter cough) and my first--but hopefully not last--hands-on encounter with a kangaroo.

I really can't clarify in words how much I loved hanging out with the kangaroos.

 

PTL, the sun found its way back to Nashville around March. I happily indulged in so much more time outside (especially with my girl), supported my favorite Kentucky girls as their b-ball team danced through the tournament, and finally logged a couple of coffee classes at my favorite coffee shop. 


April ushered in lots of quality time with my Nashville family... from Easter to hosting my first favorite things party, to a handful of really fantastic happy hours and dinners, to... a seemingly endless bout of eye appointments only to learn what I already knew: it would appear that I have allergies.


If a person can have a favorite month in recent years, May 2015 would have been reeeeally high up there on mine. A fantastic, sunny, sandy week in St. Thomas included scuba diving for the first time, drinking in enough beauty to last a lifetime, nearly stepping on a family of sea urchins, and acquiring the gnarliest sunburn imaginable (double back strap swimsuits and a lack of SPF are not your friend, ladies... I literally still had tan lines in November.)

I had the chance to go home to celebrate a sweet friend's wedding, surrounded by some of my oldest friends. I saw Zac Brown Band put on one of the best shows I've ever seen, and was front row at a fantastic secret show for Lord Huron. I was honored to witness another friend's wedding here in Nashville, celebrate one of my closest Nashville friend's 30th, and bid another friend farewell as she moved to Atlanta. Lots of celebrating! So many hugs and "see you soons."

As my Texas trip technically overlapped into June, that's when I tearfully watched my baby cousin's high school graduation... from the comfort of the bleachers in a high school football field. #texasforever

I also ate my way through Texas, as one is wont to do. I sampled some of Buc-ee's best on my way to visit my two best friends in Houston (who coincidentally live 10 minutes from each other)--and meet both of their baby boys... one still marinating, the other, five months old at the time, and all smiles--and indulged in some much needed family time with my brothers, SILs, the babies and my parents on our annual camping trip.

I got home to Nashville, and naturally made Texas shaped sugar cookies to temper my homesickness. And managed to make it to the farmer's market nearly every weekend, buy a ton of records, and bid another good friend farewell as she departed to Birmingham. Ch-ch-chaaaanges.

 
It's not really a secret that Independence Day is one of my all-time favorite holidays... so naturally, that equates to cake and embarrassing my dog by putting her in a bikini (and a massive cookout that was just the best kind of summer fun). I eagerly celebrated the birthday of my favorite six-year-old Nashvillian, finally toured the Hermitage, hosted a Skimm birthday party, had a short-term obsession with my newly acquired spiralizer, and kicked off a new year of Junior League.

 
August was such a whirlwind... a rainy blur of to-do's and more celebrations. Langhorne Slim put on an awesome show, we went all out to celebrate Chelsea's 30th (burlesque show and all!), I indulged in all of the best summer food, and had my last work trip (Jackson, MS!) and Move-In at Vanderbilt as I accepted my new job at the end of July. Crazy bittersweet few weeks.

 

Fall slowly began emerging, as I packed up my office and transitioned away from higher ed for the first time in five years (but not before working my last Family Weekend!). Ed Sheeran put on a hell of a show, I found my new signature summer drink, kept spoiling Maizie with her weekend scrambled eggs and decided to change up the summer hair a little. Bring it, autumn.


My brother and SIL welcomed their first, baby Brooks, on the first of the month. We jetted to Texas for ACL--a bucket list item that didn't disappoint in the slightest... one of the best weekends of my life (Shakey Graves! Walk the Moon! Ryn Weaver! Father John Misty! Alessia Cara! Sturgill Simpson! ...aaaand Drake was terrible). 

Weekend buttoned up nicely with my beloved breakfast tacos and a smidge of catch-up time with my Waco BFFs (and meeting my snuggly, perfect nephew). I hosted my first (crazy successful!) Baylor Women in Nashville event, worked another (uncharacteristically drama-free) Reunion for Vanderbilt, and hosted my girlfriends for another annual BYOP party. 


Another hectic month. I turned 30!!! ...and had the ultimate party with all of my best, best friends. My Gatsby-themed night was the perfect setting to bid adieu to my roaring 20s :) ...complete with feather boas for the girls, cigars for the guys, bountiful booze and the hangover to match. One of the most fun nights ever--I have some tremendously wonderful people in my life. 

I had my first work trip to DC--so much love for that city. Maizie and I spent spare weekend moments on the greenway and reading on the porch under a blanket. I spent the loveliest Thanksgiving with the Smiths, saw a kick-ass Shakey Graves show with BFFs Alex and Joslyn and took a very impromptu overnight trip to Dallas with college friend Katherine for a particularly terribly and rainy Baylor game (still can't talk about it).


Ahhh, the finale to the year... if December had a hashtag, it'd be #celebrations (cue that SNL skit). Celia treated me to Iliza tics for my birthday, and we laughed until it hurt. I fiiiiiinally became an official Tennessee resident (albeit only because my Texas license expired). I celebrated Christmas with my small group, with work friends, and by volunteering at my church. I saw Dan Auerbach and The Arcs put on an incredible show at the Ryman, celebrated sweet friend Katie's marriage, spent a little bit of time downtown and managed to somehow have enough time to fly home to Texas to love on my sweet family (with Maizie in tow), before heading back to Nashville to take in New Year's Eve with the Smiths... again, tradition. :)

Undoubtedly, a big year. The resounding theme for me was all about gratitude for my tribe, my people, the ones I hold closest. I have a wildly supportive group of people in my life, and they have trudged through this past year with me so loyally, so reliably. It was a pretty transitional series of months for me, and as anxious as I was about turning 30, it really is just a number. I wasted more time than I should've being caught up with silly stresses, moved jobs, moved out of a relationship, moved homes. But I've stubbornly come to learn that any real change within evolves from movement. 

I'm earnestly embracing 2016 and all of its shiny potential as the proverbial dust of 2015 settles a bit... and honestly grateful for 2015, and every hiccup, lesson and laugh that it brought my way. 


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December 30, 2015 •


sweet girlfriends at my gatsby-themed thirtieth back in november.


So... this is 30. My birthday was about five weeks ago, and this year is dwindling to a close in a matter of hours... so what better time to highlight three decades of living, memories, mistakes? Of worries and agonizing loss and big surprises and timeless stories. It's really kinda hard to wrap my head around, but I'm getting there. But, thirty? Deana Carter said it best: "I still remember when thirty was old..."

I'm kicking off this decade of life as single for the first time since I was living under my parents' roof--which is exciting and somber, and daunting and new.

I want to do everything and do it well, to be the best at it all--competing with no one but myself. And I've asked myself why? What's to gain from another board position? Another project? Another after work endeavor? And you know, I honestly don't know. What I do know is that I was never equipped to sit still--being busy is what brings me joy... my Mimi lovingly likened me to "a maggot in hot ashes" but even I know there's a scarily fine line between the allure of bustle and exhaustion of burnout.

This year, more than ever, I'm asking, where did the time go? I've bounced from small group Monday to Junior League on Tuesdays. Networking events and social hours here and there, and feeling guilty that I'm not working out more, or taking Maizie to the dog park, or savoring and growing from my alone time. How do you snap out of that routine when it's so ingrained in who you are? So, here I go with my attempt at rewiring myself.

Last year, I scribbled out 29 things I have learned in my blip on earth. So in an effort to have some sort of documentation of where I am now, here are 30 more.

1. This one is a little bit of a repeat from last year, but it demands mentioning again, as it's been a theme for me this year: the best of friends just effortlessly become family. Similarly, this year has been a test--lots of relationships to stare at long and hard and consider: is this truly good? Only a few are meant to stand the test of time and that's okay: ridding yourself of people who aren't for you just frees up more room for the ones who build you up, warrant your love and attention, and renew your soul by filling up those little corners of your life where they seemed to just live all along.

I undoubtedly have some of the most grounded, loyal, hilarious and thoughtful friends in the world, and I pinch myself for how lucky I am, and how much better of a person I am because of them.

2. Thirty now isn't what it was when our parents were thirty. It's okay--gasp, even standard--to feel lost. It's taken a while, but I am comfortable in the unknown, knowing it's never permanent, and most of the growth in life comes from wading through the gray area.Sometimes it's easier said than done, but embrace it... from what I hear, being lost is just a part of life. Rest easy, you'll get to where you're going. One of my favorite movies this year ("This Is Where I Leave You") has the best, best, best quote interwoven into its script:

"Anything can happen... anything happens all the time."

3. It's 100% okay to miss or love someone you know you can't have in your life. Sometimes the absolute hardest thing to do is turn around and walk the other way. You really are stronger than you think you are.

4. Eyebrow threading hurts like a bitch. Jury is still out on if the precise result is worth the endless eye-watering. Just trust me--don't do it. Don't listen to what I said about being stronger than you think you are.

5. Splurge on bras, towels, yoga pants--and I've said it before and I'll say it again: find a cheap mascara that works for you.

6. I will always be judgmental about bbq and tacos. #texasforever

Relatedly, sometimes you have to get out into the world just to truly gauge how wonderful the place in which you started out is.

7. A hangover at thirty is far, far worse than a hangover at twenty. After you rage, take advil before you go to bed... drink double the water you think you should and keep makeup wipes and b12 drops in your nightstand. Trust.

8. Intentionally spending time away from a screen is one of the most energizing things for my soul. Being outside is even that much better. I have been intentional in taking time away from anything with an "i-" prefix, and subsequently made mental notes about how much more clearly I can think, and how much more I appreciate those around me.

9. You really need to trudge through the hell of a bad job to fully understand how great a good job is. That said, when you find that good job, cherish it and work like hell. You spend way more time with colleagues than you do the people you love at home, so do your part to make it a good environment. Don't complain, don't be entitled.

10. People remember the things you cook well... so find a recipe (or five). Make your own signature dish, and savor the way your heart fills up when you're asked to bring it to the next shindig.

11. I'll never be a capsule wardrobe kinda girl, but there is something deeply empowering about finding the outfit formula that suits you...me? Trench, wedges, statement necklace. Invest in good pieces and getting dressed will never feel like a chore.

12. There's nothing wrong with being a creature of habit--every day I start with strong coffee and NPR, and every day I end with yoga pants and puppy snugs. And I'm all the happier for it.

13. Facetime your parents. Even if you see them frequently or live nearby--it's really cool to see them learn a technology that evolved in our era, but better yet, realizing that they're not the same age as they were when you were living at home is sweetly sobering, and every moment you have can be precious--even if it's on a screen.

14. It will greatly benefit your soul to know what soothes you--and to take strides to create an environment for it. I started mindfulness exercises and meditating this year, made more time for yoga, and yeah--even essential oils--and as much as I formerly wrote it all off as pseudo-witchcraft, it has really changed me. It doesn't all have to be holistic--being outside with Maizie, no headphones, just immersing myself in the world refuels me like little else can. Some nights, sharing a bottle (or three) of wine with a girlfriend is the absolute perfect formula to pull me back on my feet. Figure it out and go with it.

15. Just because crop tops or fringe ain't your thing doesn't mean you don't belong at the music festival. Plan to go to at least one in your life (I wholeheartedly recommend ACL!!). I daresay you won't find that level of fun at many other events.

16. Take the time to learn what your insurance covers and what your investments mean--car, home, health, 401k. You're a grown ass woman. No more excuses (see also: My Resolutions 2016).

17. When you take the time to engage in debate with someone, keep it respectful. No one being challenged by ignorance or arrogance--especially regarding topics of passion... remember that in the throes of this political season. ;) And also, do your homework. Educate yourself.

18. Always trust your gut. Give people the benefit of the doubt until their actions don't warrant it anymore. And when you're feeling rough, take a long shower, blow-dry your hair and vacuum your place. It's kind of tough to feel down when you're looking good and your home is spiffed up.

19. A fridge without multiple cheeses, salsa and an abundance of wine is just a frosty, lit case of sadness and lost potential.

20. The Avett Brothers said it best... "decide what to be, and go be it." There's no true formula for happiness in this world, and everyone's chasing a different dream--but the truest lesson I've learned is that you have to pave your own way, and strive to be true to yourself. Stop seeking validation that is empty anyway. You won't be the girl that everyone is for in this lifetime, but that's okay--cling to those who you are for.

21. And don't beat yourself up if you didn't accomplish everything on your to-do list over the weekend. Hell, don't beat yourself up at all. The world will do that plenty. You have to be your own biggest fan in this lifetime. Learn to look at your hurt as yet another thing you've overcome--nothing is a true loss if you take the time to learn from it.

Also? This is somewhat related: remember how painfully curated social media is. Your life is way better than you're likely giving it credit for.

22. Buy an address book, keep it updated. I really love that I've had friendships that have spanned a long enough timetable that I own a tattered, whited-out collection of addresses to prove it.

23. It's totally okay to have a theme song... orrrr soundtrack.

24. Back up your beloved photos to something that has nothing to do with barometric pressure.

25. It's totally acceptable for dreams and expectations to evolve. We're always growing, so the things we want and hope for in life really need to shift right along with us.

26. Take the time to truly connect with people. Put your phone down and listen to what you're being told. Make plans and stick to them. I want to be remembered as the girl who you could call at 3 a.m. with whatever quandary you had... the one who sent cards for no apparent reason, remembered dates--big and small, and was so crazy about her little dog, that she baked all of her treats and shared them with all of her friends' dogs too.

27. Go to great depths to find your cause. Pour your heart and soul into it. Nothing is more heartwarming than getting lost in helping someone else... big or small.

28. Learn to say no. This overlaps into so many areas of life--professionally, personally... it is empowering and offers a sense of direction not found many other ways. Take charge of your own life and truly embrace the things that you want to spend your time doing.

29.  Make it a point to take food to a new mom. Tell her how well she's doing... and ask her how she feels. I've had so many dear friends become mamas over the past handful of years, and very often, all they want is to sit down and vent about mamahood. Listen to them, make them feel heard.

30. One of the toughest lessons I've learned is how the idea of "home" changes. You should know you can always go home again... but in the end, it's the people around you who make "home" what it is.




Here we go, thirty.
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