Weekend Recap

This weekend was definitely a good one filled with some late nights + early mornings.

On Friday, my friend, Sarah, invited me out to a group dinner at Wrecking Bar Pub before going to the Star Bar to watch Clashinista, a Clash cover band. Sarah's birthday is the day before mine so it was an early birthday celebration too! One of my coworkers is actually in the band and they were awesome! They played most of my favorites, including: London Calling, Rudie Can't Fail, and Clampdown! It was somewhat of a late night with some great company, food, and people watching. Happy birthday, Sarah! 

 On Saturday, I had a date scheduled with my mom to do some birthday shopping. 

We went to North Point Mall, where I used to work the carousel (pictured below) in high school. Looking back, it made me remember how great the carefree days of working with all of my closest friends were; however, the circus music was still there (which was pretty awful). Anyways, I never go shopping so it was a bit of sensory overload, but we had a really nice time together. I'm so lucky to have my mom as a best friend, because she is so beautiful (inside + out) and she knows me better than anyone else. 

 After we went shopping, I spent some time at my parents' pool with my mom and sister. I had to test drive my new bikini! I also got to swim for a bit with my awesome niece, Natalie. She's got some killer back flip moves!

For dinner, J + I went to I Luv Pho on Buford Highway. It was my first time, but it was awesome!  They had amazing tofu spring rolls and their vegetarian Pho was packed with so many fresh vegetables.

They offer small, large, and extra large Pho bowls. I got a large, but you should have seen the extra large! I couldn't even finish the large so I can't imagine someone getting the extra large. Anyone up for the challenge?

We also got a mango smoothie and avocado smoothie - I personally recommend the avocado smoothie but without the tapioca!

Close up of the awesome veggie-loaded Pho!

On Sunday, J had to work at a conference all day so I headed back to my parents' house to spend the day by the pool. Hard life, huh?

We were supposed to do my birthday dinner, but due to J being downtown and my Dad and brother having to work late, the dinner is postponed; but they were sweet and didn't make me wait for my gifts :)

This picture cracks me up! I look ridiculously excited about my new LBD.

 Sunday night, I took Townes on a walk and he decided that he was not going to keep going. This is becoming the norm with all of the Georgia humidity sadly. I'm going to have to start hosing him down first and bringing lots of waters for our walks! Thankfully J was home and came to the rescue!

Pretty low key weekend, but really good to recharge, reflect, and get a tan! ;)

Kind of crazy that tomorrow I will be 30! Wish me luck!

Hope your weekend was a blast! I'd love to know what you did!

xo

Friday Favorites

I was just telling some friends about one of my favorite places I've ever stayed (I'll admit I'm a bit hesitant to share this place...haha), so it's got me wishing I was at El Sol in Costa Rica. No TV, wifi, or locks on the door...yes, please! Go here for more on our stay in 2012 .

I loved this so much! A Human Walking Program where rescue dogs rescued city workers in Melbourne, AU. Such a great adoption campaign!

I am (or should I say "was?") a huge fan of  the UK show "Spaced"; therefore, I loved "Shaun of the Dead." Check out this awesome list of things you might not know about "Shaun of the Dead" and other Simon Pegg movies.

Check out this touching post showing two twin Haitian boys finally reaching the US with their new adoptive family. Mascara alert.


Bucket list: camp under the stars in Namibia. ♥♥♥

Wishing you a magical weekend...
xo

Fight For It: Fitness Update

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So I wanted to share some more regarding my health and appearance since I've been getting a lot of questions lately. Back in May, I shared my workout schedule and some of my favorite inspiration. 

I've received some of the sweetest compliments and messages of my life in the last few months while working on myself. I've been really focusing on treating my body and mind well and prioritizing the things I love. It's been amazing to see the changes in my body and clothes. Now my focus is on toning more so than just weight loss since I like my feminine curves! :)

The best thing I've found is that by having activities that I love, I don't want to make excuses to miss out. I also have noticed a change in my taste preferences. I don't crave as much sugar and have been craving fresh vegetables and fruit so that has definitely helped.

I use the Weight Watchers online mobile app to log my food and exercise so it really helps in keeping me accountable; however, at this point, I have a pretty solid mix of foods that I enjoy and I know are healthy. The biggest eye-opener when watching what you put in your body is portion size. It's amazing how most people will eat 2-3 portions of an item without noticing.

I've also tried really hard to bounce back quickly. With my job I travel a good bit and sometimes it's not easy to make the best meal decisions (especially when you don't get to pick the restaurant); however, as long as you allow yourself to enjoy yourself and then get back on track, you'll continue to be successful. 

 Feeling strong after my Friday night Zumba Toning class. Also feeling sweaty...

 I always enjoy long walks in the woods with Townes (going back to that whole finding something you love since I love being outside in the woods and being active). Music also keeps me moving (and dancing)!

I love this shirt, because it's a reminder to me to keep fighting to be the best version of myself that I can be! YOLO. Haha!

One of the most shocking (and wonderful) things while getting healthier has been the amazing support from family and friends (even friends I haven't seen in years have reached out to offer the sweetest words)! I've even had strangers compliment me! The fact that I've had a few people use the word "tiny" to describe me kind of blows my mind.

I'm surrounded by love: love from others, love for others, and love for myself. 

I feel really lucky. 

Regardless of your fitness level or body shape, remember to love yourself, keep going, and that "a smile is the prettiest thing you can wear!"
xo

Leading Men Playlist

For this week's edition of Thursday tunes, I wanted to share some of my favorite songs by some of my favorite male singers within the "folk/ indie" category (I'm not sure about this, I hate music labels). 

These songs are ones that make me feel happy, energetic, sad, or nostalgic so although I know they are all over the board, but I hope you enjoy them!

 

xo

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Wanderlust

[Wanderlust]

I've been feeling a strong itch to travel lately...for pleasure. I could really use a beach trip, backpacking adventure, or girls weekend.

This outfit would be perfect for travel...comfortable, cool, and cute. T-shirt, jeans, scarf, and Vans make for the ideal outfit for long plane rides. Don't forget headphones either! I recently sat next to a gentleman on a 4.5 hour trip to LAX and remembered just how vital headphones are for travel (although he couldn't take the hint)!

My best friend, Lily, will be in Paris for a month in August so I'm really trying to get over there to visit her. Because after all....

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xo

Glass Walls

It's our goal to buy land in the woods somewhere (although I wouldn't mind a beach!) and build a tiny home for weekend getaways, rental, and maybe longer term if we ever need a hiatus from the city. Although it wouldn't be a home this big (big as in 914 sq. ft.), it's still great to get inspiration from. The simple lines and and porch are super cool. Plus, the whole point a tiny home is to spend most of your time outsides anyways, right?

This small home actually has more of an upstairs than a typical tiny home, but I love the open layout and the wall of windows are out of a dream. The white walls and light make the space feel really big.

These last 2 shots are my favorites! 

Although I'd definitely like to be surrounded by nature in a house with these windows!

Could you see yourself living in a tiny home? 

xo

Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys

I'm in Texas (the land of steaks) for work pretty frequently. Typically it's a quick trip (a day trip even), but this time I spent about 2-3 days in Texas for various retailer meetings. My coworker used to live in Texas so he was a great travel guide for the rest of our group.

On our first day, we ate an amazing Tex-Mex lunch before our meetings in Fort Worth. After our meetings, we headed to the Stockyards since 3 of us had never been before. I have to say, it was pretty close to what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed it. Our first stop was to Fincher's where 2 of the guys bought authentic cowboy hats (they even used a steamer to shape the rims) and I bought an awesome belt to match my boots. The store gave us some free Lone Star beers and we walked the strip (you can drink outside there like in New Orleans)!

Afterwards, we went to the White Elephant saloon to watch the USA/ Ghana World Cup game. Great game, company, and nachos!

To end the night, we headed into downtown Fort Worth to eat at Razzoo's (per our coworker's request). Cajun food isn't the most vegetarian-friendly so they made me a fried pickle po boy! It was at my request and I think that it should go on the menu (and that I should get credit)! The sandwich was really good, but too much fried food! Ugh...However, the huge mason jar watermelon mix drink was pretty awesome. I look about as happy as I felt! :)

 On the last night, after an amazing dinner at Winewood in Grapevine, TX (we had the coolest waiter ever), we went to this dive bar and played table shuffleboard and fuse ball. Despite the fact that they assumed I'd be the worst player, I was totally MVP and killed it! It's great to work with people who are awesome people and so fun. However, they are bad influences with a midnight run to Whataburger! YUM! I was in detox for the rest of the week! :)

xo

Friday Favorites

Despite being terrified of ferris wheels, there is something so wonderful and nostalgic about them. Feels more like Summer when fairs are involved, doesn't it? Just don't shake the chair or I will freak out and nervously giggle nonstop. True story!

 Do you remember the show Hey Dude? Well they just had a 25th anniversary reunion! Sure does make me feel old...

This print is hilarious...and spot on. I mean, come on, we have to be honest here. Haha!

I love these quotes that Meg posted on her blog. Words to live by, indeed.

My friend, Adam Newman, was on Comedy Central's show Half Hour last week! It's so awesome that he's killing it in the comedy world! You can watch some of the highlights here.

Here are 22 things you didn't know about your dog. I can attest to #20 completely!

My favorite thing from the past week was finishing season 2 of Derek. It's only 6 episodes, but each one was so touching and simple. Kindness is magic. If you have Netflix, make sure to watch both seasons, because you'll be happy you did...trust me!


Happy weekend folks!
xo

Thursday Tunes: Typhoon

The NPR Tiny Desk series is a great way to find new artists and bands. 

Today I'm really enjoying this band, Typhoon. They have 11 members and are currently based out of Portland, Oregon.

Enjoy!

What band are you currently listening to?

xo

A Good Man

I love this new StoryCorps animated video. They have a new initiative called OutLoud which is "dedicated to recording and preserving the experiences of the LGBT community." Pretty amazing, isn't it?

Check out some of my other favorite StoryCorp animated shorts here, here, here, and here!

Featured Artist: Tatyana Fazlalizadeh

 

I've always loved street art and thankfully Atlanta's street art community has grown significantly since the non-profit Living Walls came to Atlanta. Their mission is "to promote, educate and change perspectives about public space in our communities via street art." Pretty amazing, right?

Well I am loving the work of Tatyana Fazlalizadeh (along with every other woman). Her work really resonates with me and carries such an important message for men and women. Hopefully these visual reminders in conjunction with the #yesallwomen movement will really help open some minds and show women out there that they are not alone. It's unfortunate that women grow up feeling that harassment is normal and to be expected. I have been told multiple times by men (strangers) that I should smile which is so unnerving...especially when I probably smile more than most people!

 

Check out this awesome video of Tatyana Fazlalizadeh and her work:

Hopefully our generation is taking steps in the right direction and we can all feel equal and more safe.

xo