Weekend Recap

Oh Monday...it's you again.

Hope your weekend was swell.

On Friday evening, J + I went to see the new movie "Everest" on IMAX. It was so good and the views of the mountains were absolutely breathtaking. It's a must-see, but be prepared to be emotionally exhausted afterwards.

On Saturday, I enjoyed a sunny morning outside on the back porch while Townes sunbathed, per usual. Then we went for a walk and enjoyed this upcoming Fall weather! As always, Townes's favorite place is in the water (playing with the ball by himself).

 After our walk, we spent time around the house (picking peppers and tomatoes from the garden) and rearranging furniture.

 We're getting so close!

We got these new chairs from Wayfair and this awesome stool to use as an accent table. J thinks that the chairs are too big for the space since our front door is directly to the left in this photo and the hallway to the rest of our house is on the right. We got some great feedback from friends on Facebook and are going to play around with the space a bit (primarily the wall layout) and we did go ahead and add some small pillows. If you have any suggestions, we're all ears!

Here are some more pictures of our new living room layout:

 On Saturday evening, we headed down to Blue Willow Inn for Grandma + Papa's 60th wedding anniversary! We all enjoyed our southern food and great company! It was the first time everyone from the family was together in 5 years (wish I had a photo on my phone of everyone)!

We ended the night by watching "The Summit" on Netflix (in staying with the mountaineering tragedy theme from Friday night's movie selection). It was really good and reminds me to stick to hikes that are not in the death zone!

On Sunday, we went to Pet Supermarket near our house and did a Lifeline adoption event. Sadly we didn't get too much traffic and it was way too hot (89 degrees) to have the dogs outside for too long. We did get in some good walks with the dogs (although they kept wanting to stop in lay in the grass...I didn't mind obliging them)! :)

For dinner, I made this tofu, okra, and dirty rice recipe. 

It was good, but not necessarily something I'd cook again. 

We ended the weekend by watching the new movie "Digging for Fire" and laying low.

How was your weekend?

xo

Wise Words Wednesday

Amen.

I wish I could say I was immune from judgement (judging others and myself, alike), but I can proudly say that I feel like I've made huge personal leaps in this arena. I should say that I've made more progress in my hesitancy to judge others (more so than self-judgement). Judging others creates such toxic environments. 

The less that I worry about others' lives and their actions, the more peaceful I feel inside. A more altruistic way of life benefits everyone. As I've said before (while quoting the Dalai Lama), we are all seeking happiness and trying to avoid suffering, therefore, we should all be able to empathize with one another at that basic level. This goes for all living things: humans, animals, and even insects.

Despite my personal growth in this area, it's still a nice reminder that there is so much hurt and misunderstanding in the world, so try to use your good energy to restore this balance. We are all fighting hard battles and could all use a little compassion while we try to navigate this crazy thing called life. It's easy to think you know someone else's story, but it's too complicated to ever truly see life through someone else's eyes. I believe we all just have to try our best. Be the change...

I know I always use some lifting up. I hope I can do this for others, too.

What about you? Could you use some kind words or open ears?

If so, I'd be obliged. :)

xo

Friday Favorites

I love this story! The oldest Australian man knits sweaters for penguins on Phillip Island that are unable to keep their feathers dry. I love everything about it actually (minus the oil spill, naturally).

Life advice from Werner Herzog. "Ignite the fire within and explore unknown territory."

This movie looks so good! So many of my favorite actors and it's in Hawaii...it comes out in May!

Is it weird that I totally want one of these cloned stuffed animals of Townes? Kind of...

Here's another film on the list. Judd Apatow + Bill Hader + Amy Schumer = guaranteed laughs. Am I right? :)

Hope you have a lovely laid back weekend. The Southeast is about to be hit with some super cold weather (and apparently some snow possibly) so hope you have a fireplace and a lover to cozy up with (or a good book instead)!
xo

Wise Words

This quote gave me goosebumps the first time I read it.

There are so many issues facing the world today: global warming, overpopulation, mass consumption, and the detriment of natural resources. Sadly I could keep going on and on...

This quote reminds me of the importance to try live with positive intent and give thought around your daily decisions. Some days it is inconvenient to do what's best for the world and yourself, but try to minimize the scars left behind. 

xo

Wise Words

This is such a powerful quote.

After going to volunteer orientation for Stand Up For Kids last weekend, it's got me feeling very fortunate. Fortunate to have had a fair shot for a happy life - a loving family, a great education, a successful career, and supportive friends. Sadly, not everyone is as lucky.

SUFK is a non-profit that provide life-saving and outreach services to homeless, street kids and at-risk youth. They have a few different programs: school mentor-ship, street outreach, and a center available 2 days/ week that provides basic necessities, food, hygiene, showers, medical help, resources, and mentor-ship to homeless kids. They are still very a very grassroots charity and I love that 95% of their donations go straight back to the kids (and is not spent on high salaries). My awesome, inspiring friend Jennifer works at SUFK and I'm so happy that she asked me to get involved! 

I'm going to be paired with an at-risk high school student (we will meet 2x/ month) and I'm also going to try to volunteer at the center on Wednesday nights.

It feels great to give my time to such a worthy cause...it's just a shame that any child has to live on the streets and worry about shelter and survival.

If you'd like more details or want to get involved, I can help point you in the right direction!

Wise Words

Some days, a really good quote serves as a perfect reminder that we are all human. Fighting the good fight together.

I recently started reading The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World by HH the Dalai Lama. One of the focuses in the book is that despite close encounters with hardship, disappointment, and failure, one must maintain a belief in the value of optimism and resiliency.

I've been really focusing on my positivity to help focus more on the good things and less on all the hurt in life.

It's always worth the effort to find strength to keep going and seek out those rare moments of beauty and peace.

Weekly Tiny Home: Size Does Matter

Every week I post a tiny home. Along with many others, the ideal of living simply appeals to me. I love the concept of a tiny home for many reasons. I wanted to share this chart since it has some of these reasons listed (less debt, more time, and sustainability). I currently have a home that is around 1500 sq. feet (4 bedrooms/ 2 baths) and about 1/2 acre. I love my home, but we spend a lot of time doing house work and maintenance, mowing the lawn, and we have way more things than we need (or use). I think it's safe to assume that many homeowners feel the same way. A major issue these days is mass consumerism and when people get older and make more money, they tend to buy bigger and more...then stay in debt forever.

Maybe one day I'll live in a tiny home on the beach and spend my days surfing and living more carefree, but in the meantime, I'm trying to live more intentionally - spend less and save more. Pay off our house and build a tiny home for weekend getaways and to rent. 

I recently had someone tease me that living in tiny spaces leads to psychological issues. They were joking, but it felt silly and unnecessarily judgmental. Don't get me wrong, having a whole family with multiple kids in a tiny home full time with just a loft would be insane, but then again families used to share a single room before the days of 4000 sq. ft homes! Also, the majority of the world live in spaces smaller than what we'd consider "tiny" in the US. I think that being in massive debt and that the stress of keeping up the Jones's would cause more psychological issues personally. 

With that being said, I know tiny homes aren't for everyone and that's ok, but I think it's pretty amazing that people are starting to look at housing alternatives that are more sustainable and mindful. Different strokes for different folks.

Bigger may not be better, after all...

I'm curious - what are your thoughts on the tiny home movement?

xo

[1, 2, 3]

The Importance of Self Care

I recently came across this photo and it really got me thinking...

As I get older, I find myself putting a lot more effort into taking care of myself. Those nights of going to bed wearing makeup or not putting on moisturizer are things of the past. Socially, I try very hard not to be closed off to people and judge them without taking the time to walk in their shoes (or at least smile and say hello). I also make an effort into saying "yes" to more awesome things and "no" to things that I don't want to be a part of.

Like everyone else, I spend most of my time aiming to "be happy" or talking about ways to achieve that fulfilled-feeling; however, I think I prefer the idea of "self care" more than happiness.

Here's why...taking care of yourself, mentally and physically, really opens you up to feeling more positive and then spreading the love and good energy, don't you think? With self care, there are still good days and bad days, but there's more of an idea of forgiveness and growth. When talking about happiness, it feels more concrete (i.e., you either are happy or you're not) so maintaining seems a bit more difficult. 

When times get tough, I always notice that the first thing that I let suffer is taking care of myself: I may not work out as much, socialize with friends/ family as often, do things I love, or treat myself (with flowers or a long walk in the woods :)). When I am in a good place, I make the extra effort to make others smile, I dance (as much as possible), I'm more patient and calm, I prioritize volunteering (like giving blood today, for instance!), I take pleasure in the simple things by being truly present in the moment, and I really grow personally. When I'm focusing on nurturing myself, I am typically more cognizant of my body and more gentle in my opinion of myself. In turn, I become very aware of those around me and their battles; therefore, I try to be more caring and engaged.

[photo]

I hope you spend a little time today focusing on yourself and caring for your body and mind; more so, I hope you pay it forward and find ways to slow down and really appreciate each breath and those you love.

Namaste!
xo

Friday Favorites

 How cool is this street art that incorporates nature? The link has 30 different pieces from all over the world.

Interesting scientific research that describes how different colors make us feel. What color do you wear most? Ladies, watch out for red :)

These 9 quotes from John Muir are so inspirational and important to remember each day. 

[photo]

Do you follow National Geographic's instagram? If not, you should! They have the coolest pictures from so many amazing travelers and photographers. 

The top 12 scenic countries to avoid reality. I've been to 3 out of 12. This picture of Scotland is pretty tempting! I'm noticing a weekly trend of these types of links on my blog. There's that constant wanderlust... :)

 Feeling very moved by this letter that Maya Angelou wrote to her younger self. It's such an important message, especially for young girls trying to grow up so quickly these days.

Lastly, this photo. No caption needed.

Happy Friday loves!
My best friend, Kelly, is in town from Las Vegas this weekend and I can't wait to have some fun girls time with her! Hoping that the weather cooperates since the weatherman is calling for rain.
Cross your fingers for sunshine!
♥

Friday Favorites

My kind of ladies! I love their bathing suit bottoms!

These 20 things to start doing in relationships with others and yourself are awesome! #6, #15, #17, and #20 are my favorites!

I think everyone feels like they want to connect and know more about other people, but sometimes it's hard to think of what to ask. These great questions from Storycorps help to encourage conversation. I can't wait to use these! I just wish I could go back and ask my grandparents some of these questions...

 Huffington Post just listed 50 cities to see in your lifetime. This is a bit depressing, but I've only been to 5 of these locations! Ugh...however, I am going to #15 in a month! More on that soon!!!

These 27 photos of amazing people with animals just made my day. I am such a sucker for animals and I hate to see anything/ anyone suffer so kuddos to these awesome human beings! My heart can't handle #6.

Being vegetarian, I love this photo so much. I get asked on a daily basis the following question; "if you don't eat meat, how do you get any protein?" I know other vegetarians feel my pain. I'll just start showing off this photo instead of answering. :)

This guide gives a full breakdown the whole "turn down for what" idea and it is hilarious! The list of things worth turning down for will have you laughing out loud!

Hope you have a fun weekend - spent getting turnt up!

xo

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

CSA Wednesday

Since it's not easy (sadly) to get seasonal, local fruits and vegetables at local grocery stores, I love having our weekly CSA box. The local vegetables are not only at their prime nutrient level, but they also don't use up too much natural resources during transit. 

This week we got tons of strawberries, yellow squash, shitake mushrooms, arugula, kale, sweet potato, and lettuce. I'm looking forward to making some large salads, grilling out, and making lots of smoothies.

Now begins the wait for tomato and watermelon season!

♥

Krochet Kids

[Krochet Kids]

I've always been a big fan of Krochet Kids. Their "goal is to holistically equip people living in poverty with the skills, education, and resources to change their circumstances forever. Work provides worth. Education breeds innovation. Mentorship nourishes relationships. Through this multi-faceted and measured approach we work with each beneficiary to create a path toward independence."

They have women working in Uganda and Peru currently and each piece is signed by the woman who made it. Pretty cool, huh? You can see the impact that Krochet Kids is having in the women's lives and communities here.

xo