Being more present,
making less excuses,
choosing happiness,
lots of decluttering + organizing,
and more date nights (and blog posts!) are among my resolutions for 2016.
Before I quickly commence cleaning while my children nap,
here's what's motivating me this first week of the new year...
Happy 2016, m'loves!
Cheers to a good one.
~ images via professionalartistmag.com, gimmesomeoven.com, bloglovin.com, abbymaried.blogspot.com, & kushandwizdom.tumblr.com / photos by bitsofbreezy.com ~
But, I am back today, to share what's good in my world...
1.
Chris Stapleton + Justin Timberlake
Anyone catch this performance on the CMA's?
I'm not the biggest country music fan, but dang! Their voices are on point!
2.
@eastcoastcreative on Instagram
Need some new home design pornography to add to your feed?
This awesome mama + designer + DIY'er has some serious game.
I love her completely-put-together-yet-slightly-eclectic style.
3.
Bone broth
I wish I did, but I don't, have time to make my own. Bone broth is incredibly nutritious and health-boosting, not to mention super flavorful and full of protein. Thankfully, "Pacific Natural Foods" has single serving sizes that can be warmed up in a mug for an instant, soul-soothing lunch! Try the chicken lemongrass or chicken ginger flavors. And since all the antihistamines and inhalers and cough drops in the world aren't helping me feel much better, why not delve into the "natural healing" department? ;)
4.
NP Week
As you may have read this earlier this week, it's national nurse practitioner week! I am still off service, but I had the complete pleasure of participating in "career day" at my son's preschool. Each week, they've had someone come in and talk about the importance of their job. Needless to say, these 3 and 4 year olds are pretty awesome...and I foresee a medical career in several of their futures!
Happy Friday, m'loves!
And what a gorgeous one it is.
Here's what's good this week...
1.
I probably can't pronounce his name correctly (Gregory Alan Isokov), but this little tune popped up on my Pandora feed the other day, and I absolutely love his peaceful melodies.
2. vest with a dress
We all know it's easy to add in scarves during the transition to fall, but how about that herringbone vest?! What an adorable fall look.
3. Pickles
'Tis the season to start pickling (if you haven't already). We've done everything from standard cukes to more exciting green beans and beets. Fun on sandwiches and salads...and even more so in a Bloody Mary.
4. Rodan + Fields
I recently started using (and distributing) their skin care products and I am absolutely in love. In just 2 weeks, my skin is more clear and smoother than ever. (insert: happy dance)
5. 23 Things I Wish I'd Known at 23
{HERE}
A pretty amazing list, I must say.
I think this one is my favorite, because it couldn't be more true:
And a few more fun links to get you to your weekend...
Saw this Asian beef recipe on The Chew last week, inspired by a dish at the famous (and delicious!) Vietnamese restaurant - The Slanted Door - located in the San Fran Ferry Building (favorite spot!). Can't wait to test it out!
1. George Ezra, I'm feelin' your jam.
I call this perfect laundry-folding, freezer-meal-assembling music.
Dare I say, "mom music"?!
2. navy + pearls
This classic combo looks fresh and new by pairing an on-trend vest + chunky pearls. A perfect transition to cooler weather, no?
3. Cauliflower Stir Fry
...ala the one and only "Pioneer Woman".
Healthy and ready in less than 10 minutes.
{HERE}
You can substitute any hot sauce or sambol oelek for the Sriracha. I also add a pinch of brown sugar or honey, because I just love that "spicy-sweet" thing that Asian cuisine's got goin' on. Eat alone for lunch or serve as a side with dinner. Either way, make this and your taste buds will thank me!
4. Essie "Beige" nails
In case you're not ready to jump on the dark train just yet, any of these beige colors would be a pretty neutral pick for early fall.
5. "It's not you, it's them."
Ever have one of those weeks where you feel like you're constantly on the brink of insanity? Well, this has been one of those weeks for me. With everyone battling allergies/colds (and therefore sleeping like shizz-nits), I am one irrational tantrum away from a trip to the loony bin myself. But thankfully, it appears I'm not the only one!
{HERE}
Meanwhile, I'll be repeating her mantra...
"You are good and normal and reasonable. It's them. The crazy is not in your head. It's in your house. We have to wait them out. We just have to smile and wait them out. We have fought too hard for our sanity to lose it now."
"Five" rhymes with alive, which I am...in case you were wondering. ;)
Here's what's good this week...
1.
Joshua Radin
Throwing it back this week....though not this far back.
#BestDreamEver
2.
Weekend getaways
Over Labor Day weekend, the huzz and I went to Dallas/Fort Worth, TX to watch the Badger football season opener against 'Bama. While unfortunately we got our asses kicked lost, I thoroughly enjoyed my first long trip away sans children! I know, I know...my oldest child is 3.5 years old. Why did it take this long?! Well, this is why. I couldn't have said it any better.
Alas, everyone survived, and more importantly, had a blast.
I think I even see some glimpses of my 22-year-old-self in these photos...
A good reminder to "treat yo'self!" from time to time...and leave the worrying behind.
3.
The Container Store Private Party
Doors open to the public this weekend!
The pre-party was a much bigger shindig than West Elm's, but sadly, couldn't purchase anything. Guess I'll have to trek back to Mayfair once the "big rush" is over!
Note to self: This place is the mother-lode for Secret Santa gifts + stocking stuffers come December.
P.S. Also coming soon to Mayfair: Nordstrom + Kate Spade.
I can pretty much groove on all of them, minus the high-waist pants.
Trying to avoid "mom butt" for as long as possible, thank you very much.
5.
...but let's keep those last summer days for as long as possible, please!
Now with both boys being sooooo active and energetic, I have no freakin' idea what I will do to keep them entertained come the dreaded Wisconsin winter. Taking any and all new ideas...
And a few more links, just for fun...
Grandparents Day is this weekend - and what better people to celebrate!
It's been awhile since a "Friday Five"
(You know, life and all.)
But alas, here are five things that are good this week!
1. French Jazz
Inspired by a recent date night at Lake Park Bistro, this romantic genre of music (think: Edith Piaf ala Le Vie en Rose) has become a weekend thing for me and the huzz. Not only does it remind us of our honeymoon in the south of France, but when paired with a chilled glass of rose and/or an herb-y cocktail and some snuggles in the sun porch hammock under the soft glow of twinkle lights?!
I'd call that end of summer perfection.
:)
2. Homemade kale chips.
I watched the Barefoot Contessa make {THESE} with Jennifer Garner the other day and they are amaze balls. Salty, crunchy, and freakin' addicting. ~$2 for a large bunch of kale will not only allow you to make this delicious, (and healthy!) recipe, but it will also fill about a half dozen (or so) smoothie packets for your freezer. Win-win!
P.S. I used regular old kale (but the lacinato / flat variety she recommends is also delish!
3. Farmer's markets.
'Tis the time of year where they're all just killin' it, no? Village Market in adorable downtown Thiensville, WI is especially noteworthy.
From $5 bouquets to super sweet corn, I'll take it all!
4. H&M for toddler boys.
So hip, so cute. And pretty gosh darn affordable!
Here's our summer wedding wear (aside from the ties), courtesy of H&M.
And with some good sales, I also just stocked up on some fall/back-to-school adorableness!
Swoon.
Oh, and anthropologie for hip moms is also pretty rad, no?
