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. :)