Friday Favorite

Well, it's official. After 75 minutes of squats, I won't be able to make any sudden movements or bend down to pick anything up for the next 3 days. It's okay though - because what I do (which is horrible), is treat myself to something delicious after an intense workout like last night's.
Last night, immediately after I plopped myself into my car, I headed over to Mighty Taco and indulged in a chicken fajita.
This morning, I thought it was only necessary to eat a breakfast sandwich from Spot Coffee; a 'Mike's Sandwich' to be exact. I don't know who Mike is, but I sure do love his sandwich.
Well deserved.

All Women Stalk

Right?!

Actually, I'm talking about this awesome website I came across through Pinterest; All Women Stalk. Amazing title, though. It's basically a blog about all things us women like to discuss. There are so many topics, you could probably hang out on this site for the entire day. From skincare to weddings, and cooking to movies, this site has it all.
Want to figure out how to wear those ankle boots you bought this past winter with your cute summer dresses? They can tell you.
What's the worst food you can eat before bed? They'll tell ya.
You know those creative pictures you take on your phone because you're a professional photographer (ah hem, Instagram)? Why just leave them on your phone when you can make coasters or wall art with them?
It's safe to say this could be the women's bible. Check it out!

What I Love About Sunday

This weekend was full of excitement; from the new hair cut (below), to a visiting Uncle, my best friend's parents surprise anniversary party (a great time), and the usual Sunday breakfast date. It went by too fast, for sure. How was your weekend?

love a good local beer - compliments of my Uncle that lives in Ohio.

summer hair

whole-wheat multi-grain chocolate chip pancakes. delish.



Friday Favorite

After today, I won't be able to proudly say "long hair, don't care" anymore. It's time to say goodbye - I mean, I can see the split ends just in this picture! I don't think I've ever been this excited about a hair cut. I guess once you live on your own, all of those little things you used to do for yourself get pushed to the side. Suddenly I'm more worried about pillow patterns and cute hand soaps. Who am I? Not that I don't love a great throw pillow, but it's time for a little TLC.



What's Up Wednesday?

Happy Hump Day! We're almost there - I can start to SMELL the freedom that Friday brings. Nonetheless, it's already 80 degrees and I'm stuck in an office. What cheers me up on this sunny Wednesday you ask? This awesome song that just came across my Pandora session.
Had to share! :)

Hair-spiration

Summer is here, and that means one necessary change: the hair. I used to be extremely conservative when it came to my hair. Little trim, some long layers and possibly a side bang if I was feeling adventurous. I'm not sure what has come over me in the past couple of years, but I've been more open to different cuts and colors. I'm sure I have my ever-so-great hair stylist at Chez Ann Salon to thank for this new found hair freedom.
So- I went darker for fall & winter, and plan on going lighter for summer. That's usually the standard. As always, I've done some research for a few ideas and what I settled on is below. Oh the decisions!

really like the length and the ombre idea

too light perhaps?

let's face it; she can do whatever she wants with her hair. but i do LOVE this.

darker, but a cute style.

What I Love About Sunday

Sunday morning breakfast date



When I asked my Dad what he would like to do for Father's Day, he replied with: "Come over and I'll cook on the grill.". Really? On Father's Day - he still wanted to cook? Sounds fantastic.

I absolutely love when my Dad cooks; not only is it always delicious, but I know he secretly makes more than enough food so I have left overs. This is perfect because one thing I hate is to pack my lunch for work the next day - problem solved for today.

My Sunday morning was perfect - my boyfriend, Ryan, has been working overnights (boo to sleeping alone and freaking out about every little sound during the night), so our time together is limited since I work during the weekdays. Sunday morning we decided to have a breakfast date before he went to rest for the day. At 8am, the sun was already bright and strong; we sat outside and stuffed our faces with an assortment of breakfast food (on the top of my list of favorite foods), and had a good solid hour of time and conversation.

How was your Sunday?

Friday Favorite

Yesterday was the kick off of a 10 week summer boot camp - and I am feeling sore in places I didn't even know I could. I always have been one for working out and eating healthy, but sometimes I need a good push - and this class is the perfect push.

On Wednesday, our department had lunch at my boss' house to celebrate a project we completed - hot banana pepper dip, grilled pizza, beer and a delectable peanut butter brownie trifle? Sign me up. At risk of sounding slightly pathetic - that meal made my week. Delish!

Unfortunately, the picture below is the closest I will ever get to eating like that again during these 10 weeks.

personalized grilled pizza

Thursday Medley

This song came up during my morning Pandora session; and I had to share. A true oldie tune that I have always loved, sang by Amy Winehouse. LOVE this version. Listen for yourself :)

Expanding the Mantel

When it came to the living room decor of our apartment, the one thing that I was ecstatic about getting my hands on was the mantel. The mantel is the centerpiece of the living room; I suggest completing that piece before diving into other areas of the room, as I found it was so simple to find other pieces to tie in with it.
I, myself, already knew the colors and items I wanted to bring into our white walled, tan carpeted living room. I chose a sea glass green, white, turquoise and a mustard yellow to bring a bright feel into a once dull room. I'm still working on it - but it's close to complete.
A rule that I tried following was to create different heights with the objects I was using. We have our TV in the center, so I was given limited room to work with.

For those who have a mantel and are not quite sure what to do with it, I researched some tips and ideas:

1) Focal point for self expression: you can display books, artwork, favorite things - anything that expresses your personality.

2) Bring in the outdoors: tree branches in vases, flowers and decorative short tree trunks- for the nature lovers.

3) Seasonality: change the mantel as the season changes! this calls for dedication and having various pieces that can work for multiple seasons - having those staple pieces can cut future costs of buying season specific decor.

4) Picture Display: layer and mix different heights of framed pictures. simple but classic.

What I Love About Sunday

First, I just want to say: the morning run that I mentioned in my last post- it happened. This is a major deal because I absolutely cannot stand running. As much as I hated my life during this run, it was semi relaxing and I felt a sense of accomplishment afterward.

Saturday afternoon included a hectic trip to the grocery store; I'm convinced some people purposely cut you off with their grocery carts just to see how mad you can get. On the bright side; to treat myself for keeping my cool, I made an additional trip to Bath & Body works and bought myself a stress relief candle in eucalyptus spearmint (it was very fitting for that moment).

The night continued to get better because it entailed my close friends, wine, and guacamole. Those three things can always cheer a girl up.

And so can Fifty Shades - I'm coming close to the end of the third book, and feeling a little sad that it's ending. I hear many different opinions on this series, but I myself am a big fan. Call me crazy - but I think every girl wants Christian Grey to be a real person.



Friday Favorite

Another week has come and gone, and like always, I couldn't be happier for the weekend. There's just something great about being able to sleep in; take your time waking up, maybe go for a morning run (I said maybe), make a big breakfast and enjoy the ease of the day.
I bought this tea a while ago, and I'll be honest - the packaging drew me in. Actually, that was the entire point of Brewhaha Tea. Founder Joanne McLeod was tired of the plain, boring tea boxes and wanted to create a fun, retro feel for tea.
Mission accomplished.
I chose the Acai Berry Super Slimming tea; with it's fun colors and retro labels, this certainly adds a little something more to your morning.

What I Love About Sunday

The weather wasn't as warm and sunny as the past weekend, and honestly I was a little relieved. I've had so many tasks I've been putting off because it's been so beautiful outside, and I couldn't bare to sit inside all day and complete them. The 7 loads of laundry are done, I organized my closet and put most of the winter clothes away. I actually find organizing things extremely relaxing, so it wasn't as bad as it sounds. Maybe when the weather clears up, I'll have a more exciting post for you. :)

impromptu salad; lemon chicken, grilled corn kernels.

field flowers from Ryan's niece (later we found bugs & were forced to throw them away)

calories don't count on Sunday! yes - that bag is mostly empty. Sunday snack.

Friday Favorite

Last night I met this precious little man. One of my best friends, Ashley, had her baby boy Carter. Babies always bring a wave of emotions over you, and put a lot of things in perspective. You may start to want one of your own, or just start thinking about what kind of person you would become if you were responsible for another life. I'm really excited to watch the girl who I worked, laughed, cried and had adventures with turn into a caring, loving Mom. Although I'm definitely not ready for one of my own, I will happily babysit. Anytime. :)