how long? not long!

it's hard to believe that it was just a year ago that we were celebrating the life of mlk jr. (read my post from last year here). mlk jr. and his legacy have always been something that has struck a major chord in my life.

being a georgia native with access to the local ties to martin luther king, jr. is something i feel very grateful for. every tuesday, i go and read to a wonderful 4th grader, carlos, and the APS school where i read is attached to the mlk jr. memorial (go volunteer and read more here) so every week i am right by ebenezer baptist church and the home of mlk jr. and coretta king. it's pretty powerful and i feel very privileged.

if you've never gone to the martin luther king, jr. museum in atlanta, drop everything and go now. we went on the 40th anniversary of his death and it is impossible not to feel the sorrow, anger, appreciation, and inspiration. to see how far we've come and yet how far we've still got to go is a reminder that the fight for justice must live and fight on with each new generation.

the nonviolent civil disobedience that began during the civil rights period still plays a huge role around the world today as people seek justice and equality. i hope your heart is full today as you take time to remember mlk jr. his life and legacy lives on today and every day.

"hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. hatred darkens life; love illuminates it" - mlk jr.

cold front

so all my talk of the beautiful winter weather is now coming to a close - it's definitely bittersweet! i'm ready to embrace the cold air and spend more nights bundled up on the couch watching movies (let's hope i can convince j that although it is friday the 13th today, it doesn't mean we have to watch scary movies). now if only we had a wood-burning fireplace in our home! sighs.

this weekend we'll be hanging out with some very dear friends, possibly going on a long walk at stone mountain park, and then j's uncle is in town so we can't wait to grab dinner with him on sunday! i'm sure we'll find plenty of time for r&r too.♥




these beautifully crocheted doily blankets are so cozy. they remind me of blankets that everyone should have (especially grandmothers) readily available for cuddling up with a good book and hot tea. there are so many great colors and they are even better because they are meant to be displayed and not tucked away in a closet or storage ottoman.

hope you have a wonderful weekend! enjoy your friday the 13th and stay warm! xo

[blankets available here]

exercise and lay off the fries

along with everyone in the mega-sphere, i am trying to get healthy in 2012. i don't know what caused my complete apathy (worst trait ever) regarding my appearence and weight this year, but now i'm working on kicking my butt into gear.

although i am working on my meals and nutrition (notice i am avoid using the word diet?), my biggest need has been getting my body moving again. besides trying to walk townes more (win-win) frequently and for longer distances, j and i have been doing the couch to 5K program via the iphone app. so far we're really enjoying it and i can't wait to sign up for a local 5K!

i am also an active YMCA member again (to my dismay i was still paying for my membership the whole time i was inactive physically)! i can't wait to start strength training again and in the meantime i've been going back to my favorite classes (hello, cardio hip hop and nia)!

this morning i was reading an article about 27 rules to help conquer the gym and below are some of my favorite rules:

1. A gym is not designed to make you feel instantly better about yourself. If a gym wanted to make you feel instantly better about yourself, it would be a bar.

11. Gyms have two types of members: Members who wipe down the machines after using them, and the worst people in the universe.

15. If you're motivated to buy an expensive home exercise machine, consider a "wooden coat rack." It costs $40, uses no electricity and does the exact same thing.

20. If you need to bring your children, just let them loose in the silent meditation class. Nobody minds, and kids love candles.

26. A successful gym membership is like a marriage: If it's good, you show up committed and ready for hard work. If it's not good, you show up in sweatpants and watch a lot of bad TV.

27. There is no secret. Exercise and lay off the fries. The end.

hopefully these rules made you laugh since you know that laughing can help burn calories!

do you have any tips on working out at a gym? what steps are you taking to get more physical in 2012?

[print]

featured artist: hollie chastain

these prints from hollie chastain make me want to go on an adventure! the colors are so vivid and the images are so simple and i love the mixed media. the sense of adventure must come from these nostalgic scenes of childhood and the days spent running around until dusk every day. these prints would be so fun in a child's room!

considering all of the rain recently, the pop of color in these prints are sure to brighten your day! enjoy!

xo

p.s. happy birthday to my sweet sister-in-law, lauren! hope your auditions went well yesterday and you have even more reason to celebrate! ♥

twinsies

today i am feeling very inspired by all of the love i have in my life. i realize now, more than ever, how important my girlfriends are. whether time is spent together laughing at a bar, knitting at craft nights in, taking a hike on a beautiful sunday, or sitting in a car for hours just talking - life is good.

some girls are lucky to have the same friends always there for them. for some it's harder than others and they are always on the lookout to cultivate new (and hopefully lifelong) friendships. finding your best friend/ soulmate can be similar to dating but like finding love, it's worth the risk!

i have reconnected and newly met some lovely ladies in the past year that have changed my life for the better and my best friend has moved back to the south which has improved my quality of life by infinity.

i read this article last week about how impactful and important girlfriends are and how girl friendships are portrayed through literature - you should check it out if you have some time!

for those still searching for your best friend soulmate, get out there and do it! it's never too late and everyone needs a girlfriend to watch this video and laugh hysterically with! ♥


"there comes a point in your life when you realize who really matters, who never did, and who always will" - anonymous

[photo]

the unknown future curse the past

i hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with sunshine and those that you love. today is a sad day for me, as a very close family friend and one of my dad's best friends has passed away. as always, it is way before his time and my thoughts are with his family and he will surely be missed.

in memory, i hope to celebrate life this weekend by sharing it with my loved ones and enjoying the quiet moments of solace in nature.

peace, love, and happiness. xo

daydreaming about kayaks

although summer is long gone, i am feeling regretful for not making a few kayak trips while it was beautiful outside (we went tubing but that's not the same). i love kayaking and it's always so peaceful and refreshing. i'm lucky that j and my best friend both love it so we usually try to go at least twice a summer. we may have missed out last season but next summer we'll be all ready!

j and i had some REI dividend money leftover from 2010 when we traveled to Peru, so we decided to purchase a sea summit dry bag. they are perfect for keeping your necessary items dry while out on the water. it would make a great gift for any water lovers in your life. now we just can't wait to use our dry bag on our next adventure! this would also come in handy for sailing (wink wink husband).


[available atREI]





although our kayak trips on the chattahoochee river do not offer views like these, it doesn't makes our trips any less wonderful. i'm always up for a vacation to go kayaking in these beautiful spots though!

kayak photo 1,2,3, and 4.

what outdoor activites are you missing now that it's cold outside?