Finally Friday.

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A Glimpse of My Week

It’s Friday and I have some AH-MAZ-ING news…

The black widow is dead. [Insert happy dance]. I officially evicted the little creature and placed his tupperware out on the back deck on the 27th (of May). It died half way through this week (for those not keeping track it lived about 3.5 weeks in the tupperware without water, air or food). I’m thinking that it was the 91 degree day that really did him in. Either way, he’s toast and I’m thrilled.

Anyways, enough about the spider and on to something a little less creepy (and dead). From the bottom of my soul I am just so very thankful for summer and each and every day I just can’t soak up enough of the sunshine, crisp green leaves and the little blooming flowers that are poking up everywhere. Plus, our garden is planted and growing – it’s wonderful! When its 75 degrees outside with a light breeze blowing, I’m not even sure how I survive winter… needless to say, it was a good week.

This weekend is also packed with goodness: I brought a big container of cookies to work today (which makes Friday that much sweeter), then we’ve got date night tonight, a family portrait session tomorrow morning followed by a BBQ with some family in town from Iowa. Then on Sunday we’ve got some top-secret plans on the books. Looking forward to it all!

Here are my favorite finds from around the interwebs:

Spoiler Alert: I’m not pregnant, but after watching my sister go through her pregnancy and hearing all the criticism out there about gaining weight while growing a baby, I thought this article was a very important reminder that pregnancy comes in all shapes and sizes… not just skinny.

There’s something about having to start at the beginning or start over that always leaves me with a sense of apprehension. I want to be an expert from the start, you know? That way I don’t have to worry about making stupid mistakes or failing all together. But, in reality, that’s not how it happens. You have to start somewhere.

Is it just me, or does everything have the possibility of giving you cancer or ruining your health? First it was sunscreen now its the particle boards inside our walls. Le sigh. In an effort to combat it, here are some tips on de-toxing your home. With the warm weather going on around here, opening the windows more often shouldn’t be an issue!

If there’s something nearby with the words chocolate and peanut butter in the name, you can be certain that it will find its way into my pie hole. The whole salty sweet combo gets me nearly every time. When I saw this recipe for Vanilla Peanut Butter Chunk + Chocolate Ice Cream I wanted to inhale my screen. We should try it.

Have you heard of Naptime Diaries? I. Love. Her. Blog. It’s so uplifting, real and absolutely centered on Christ. Plus, their print shop has me wanting to buy every single one for our home (I bought this one, recently). This week she released a free scripture print that you can download and then print yourself – in almost any size.

There is never a time when taking two months off in the middle of the summer doesn’t sound good. The same can be said for a leisurely meal outside a sweet little cafe. Maybe I’m meant to be French? I’ll settle for living in Europe… at some point. Mmmk? This post on “WTF America” makes me want to slow down, live a little more intentionally and move to Paris.

 

 

Finally Friday.

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Life, Love & Garlic: You're The Chicken To My Waffle

Ahem… It’s Fri-yi-dahy! AND it’s Memorial Day weekend (re: three-day weekend)! Doesn’t get better than that. Oh wait, there’s forecasted good weather – it, in fact, does get better! Which is great timing since this week was really slow for me. The dogs have been waking us up 1-2 times a night and it’s starting to take its toll. They’re cute. That’s what keeps them alive.

We, also, caught a black widow in our garden last weekend which is now living in a Tupperware on our table. Each time I look over at it, I get that heebie-jeebie, shivery feeling makes its way up my spine. I wish it would just die already so I wouldn’t have to look at it and continue my mandatory “bang it on the table to see if it moves and is hence still alive” maneuver each morning. People keep telling me to just “kill it”, and to them I say “you want to take the top off the Tupperware? Be. My. Guest.” Maybe I’ll just leave it, in the Tupperware, out in the sun. That’ll cook it, right?

This post has taken a turn for the weird.

Anyways. What’s on tap the next three days? Some of my family from Iowa, including baby Bentley, are coming to visit for the weekend (they get here this afternoon), I’m photographing a wedding on Saturday and then taking it easy the rest of the time. I do believe there will be hamburgers on the grill and a few glasses of wine in my future. Oh, and some baby holding since there will be two babies hanging around. It will be great, I just have a feeling.

Here are a few of my favorite finds from around the interwebs for this week:

My very favorite post of the week was this list of 10 blog posts you’ll wish you had read sooner. In fact, it ate up a couple hours over the course of two days. The best of the list includes:

This list of common misconceptions will eat up the better part of an hour to look through, but trust me when I tell you it is not time wasted. I was particularly intrigued by the entries about: seared meat, nails growing after you’re dead, hydrogen peroxide and blood.

I love the idea of showering someone with affirmations on their birthday! Doesn’t it seem like such a genuine way to celebrate exactly who they are? I’ll have to remember this since birthday season is almost here.

Have you ever had one of those moments where your friend (mother, sister, boyfriend, cousin etc.) said the most perfect thing possible — even when it wasn’t a “sunshine and rainbows” kind of moment? Here’s a list of  things we don’t say enough (and when to use them) that will help you be the person with all the wisdom and perfect words.

Lately we’ve been having smoothies for breakfast and salads for lunch… it really takes all the decision (and cheating) out of 2 meals a day! Plus, those two can be made in infinite ways, making it a new endeavor each day! I think, next week, I’ll try this Bacon Apple Vinaigrette Salad – seems so summery and it has bacon! as one of the main ingredients!

Learning to tell Christian what he means to me in a way that means something to him (still with me?) has been something I’ve had to work on. While I may want fluffy and romantic, that stuff doesn’t do a whole lot for him. Hence why I found this guide on 62 things to tell your husbands to be a good, quick read!

P.S. I’ve been having WAY too much fun with the A Beautiful Mess app on my iPhone — the options are endless and so is the stream of randomly captioned photos of the dogs that I’ve been sending to Christian. Also, that waffle photo? Compliments of my new app and the way I show love. Food. And weird comparisons.

Remembering I’m lucky.

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My View - I'm so Lucky!

Sometimes I find myself getting caught up the what if’s of life or the comparison game or the ‘wish I had’ thought process. I’m working on it… some days it’s more of a struggle than others.

But, last night I had this ‘aha’ moment of sorts. There wasn’t anything flashy going on, it was completely devoid of romantic gestures and frankly to anyone else it would have been overly ordinary. But, it was exactly what I’ve needed.

Christian and I were out back, the lawn was freshly cut. We were working together to plant our vegetable and flower haul from Home Depot before it got too dark. While he was digging holes, I walked back to the deck to grab a few seed packets. Once the seeds were firmly in my grasp, I turned around to head back over. It’s then that it hit me. I’m so lucky.

The sun was shinning in a way that only mid-evening sun can, casting shadows and rays of light perfectly across the lawn. Christian was hunched over the garden, looking ruggedly handsome and our two ridiculous dogs were in an all out wrestle in the grass. It was pure perfection, almost like a shot straight from a movie.

When I take the time to remember and pause for a moment to notice, my life is overflowing with goodness. No matter where I am, who I wish I was or what I think I’m missing, I need to remember that…. truly, truly, truly I’m so very blessed and so very lucky.

Let’s Chat.

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I love all the tea time, coffee break and catch-up posts floating around… and I’m a big-time lover of lists, so merge the two and I’ve got myself a perfect blog post! Bam! So, instead of a Finally Friday post, let’s catch up…

Getting In Some Baby Snuggles

 

[Getting in some after work baby snuggles last night]

My Sisters Baby: 

My sister had her sweet baby boy on April 24 and I can’t get enough of him… his wrinkly little hands, sweet little face and snugly little body. There’s something about him being my sisters baby that makes me just *that* much more comfortable. With other people’s children (even my other nieces and nephew) there’s always been this worry that they don’t trust me not to break their kid (or even soothe them when they’re upset). With Sarah, I’m just a lot less worried that she doesn’t trust me. Plus, I can beg to hold him, feed him, change him… (no shame)… and she won’t judge me too much.

On remodeling our house:

We’re living in complete chaos right now… while we do have counter tops and a sink (after 1.5 weeks without), all of our dishes and appliances are either jammed in the pantry, residing in the office or covering our kitchen table. There isn’t an end in sight, either. We’ve got another week ahead of us in the world of cabinet painting and then we’re painting the first floor and redoing all the flooring. It makes me tired just thinking about it. Having a house that feels like home (and like us) will be worth it in the end, but it’s keeping us on our toes for now!

Eating Well:

As you probably know by now, one of my goals for the year was to start feeling better. Along  with that goal was to get stronger, eat better and hopefully lose some weight. I didn’t want to conquer the weight thing head on because at this phase in my life I’m a lot more focused on being healthy rather than being a size 2. Ahem. Also, wine + cookies are a few ingredients in the recipe for my happiness.

I have however embarked on two 24-day Challenges through Advocare and have been really limiting the dairy, wheat (most grains) and sugar in my life. Last Friday marked the end of the second challenge and while I was so excited to eat a freakin’ slice of pizza, I can also say that I’ve been feeling SO much better on the whole (and as a bonus sleeping better too).

TV:

I’m sick of our TV. Or, more precisely, all three of them. They seem like this time suck attached to all the major rooms in our home and I find myself gravitating towards them when I’m either avoiding or lacking something to do. Netflix this or DVR that takes over most nights after we’ve eaten and cleaned up dinner. I would quit (get ready for the lamest excuse you’ve ever heard), but I’ve invested X amount of months into some shows (I’m looking at you Elementary, Big Bang Theory and Nashville) and want to see how the seasons wrap up without waiting until September. So, while I work on a solution for a more healthy TV relationship, know that I’m giving our TV the side eye each time I turn it on.

Warmer Weather: 

I’m almost overwhelmed by the joy I feel when I wake up and see the sun peeking in through my blinds. As I get older I’m finding more and more patterns with the way I feel (in all aspects) with one of the major changes in my attitude/outlook on life hinging on the seasons plus the amount of warm temperatures/sunshine. Spring and summer (and even fall) hold such hope, I’m drinking it all in and trying not to get too addicted. Also, is it weird that I’m already dreading November when it shifts back to dreary-ville?

Getting Up Early:

I’ve started several posts that talk about how I’ve been a little crazed and over scheduled – it seemed like there just weren’t enough hours in the day to enjoy (and/or do) life. I was just checking things off my list (even the good things) and not allowing myself the time to really enjoy the moment. Plus, there are some remedial life tasks that just weren’t happening which added to the stress load. All of this to say that I’ve been working on my morning routine, specifically getting up early. Out of the last 8 work days, I was up at least 30 minutes earlier than usual and some days over an hour earlier than usual. I love the extra time I have to get ready without scrambling, take the dogs for a walk or just do the dishes. It’s making such a difference… hoping that I can make it a forever habit.


That’s where I am today. I’m also thankful it’s Friday! Finally.

Girlfriends & Gal Pals.

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I’m a girl’s girl. I was never a boy’s girl. I had little boy friends growing up, but shortly after those puberty hormones set-in the relationships got more awkward by the day and eventually fizzled out entirely. Gone were the days of climbing trees after school, stealing apples from the neighbors and building play forts in our basements. In its place, though, were my girls. The ones figuring out just how tampons worked, what first kisses were like… all the while begging to subscribe to 17 magazine and daydreaming of first loves.

In high school, I made friends that up until a few years ago I would have sworn would be my best friends forever (and ever). I’ve never had any other friends like that. Ones that allowed you to be completely, 100% yourself. Whether they faded over time, had a big ‘ol dumb girl fight or just ended without reason, it doesn’t matter. They are a huge part of my past and losing them was as painful as losing my first love — but for me, the sting continues to linger. The wounds, though healed, still throb from time to time.

Those girls, the ones I used to sit in my 1998 red Chevy Blazer with, day dreaming and arguing about who would be who’s maid of honor, aren’t those girls for me anymore. They weren’t the maid of honor at my wedding, they weren’t bridesmaids at my wedding… in fact, they weren’t even there. Which, to 20 year old me is completely inconceivable. Sometime the past memories, the old laughs, the lost friendship still feels like a limb has up and disconnected itself from my body. Losing girlfriends is hard- so hard.

In college, I made more friends that now share a bond of late night shenanigans, Saturday morning recaps and a love for each other that I hope never fades. We sustain ourselves on wine nights, memories of laying in bed watching Frasier and inside jokes. They don’t live next door anymore, they don’t even live in the same city.

These are the girls that will always say yes to a bottle of wine and an America’s Top Model Walk Off… the ones that have sat with me while I cried at life’s uncertainty and celebrated even the tiniest victories right alongside me. It’s funny, though, that we were all the in the same phase of life when we met, but are all so different now. Different paths, different cities, different lives. But, they’re still my favorite girls, even if they’re far away.

As an adult, I’ve only ever made a handful of friends that resemble anything close to the relationships of my (not so long ago) youth. One or two, really. There’s less to bond over, less to pull you out of your shell, less to experience. I get that. We’re not all plotting our prom plans or staying up til 2 AM making all kinds of memories. Being grown up comes with new relationships (hello husbands) and a lesser need to rely on would be strangers to get you through. And, that’s what makes me sad. The vulnerability decreases, the openness decreases, the need for relationship decreases.

Occasionally a post will pop up about the impossibility of adult friendships, a statistic will come out about the probability of only meeting one couple during your marriage that will create a strong friendship with both you and your spouse … and it all almost seems impossible. Almost. As girls, as women, as daughters, as human beings we need to be better. We need to be open and vulnerable and willing to try. Because, the alternative isn’t good. It’s not happy. It’s not the way I want to live.

So, let’s change it. Let’s say yes to coffee dates and no to drama. Let’s compliment each other instead of analyzing and blaming. Let’s laugh and stop caring about exactly what comes out of our mouths in nervousness and just embrace the fact that, truly, we’re all in this together. Each one of us is taking it one day at a time and trying to figure out where we fit, how this works and what we’re doing.

Let’s make this the year of girls, of friendships, of grace and forgiveness, of letting it happen. I’m in, are you?

Want to grab a cup of tea together and chat? Let’s be friends!

Finally Friday.

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Joy

It’s Friday – finally! This week has been such a mix of ups and downs here in Denver. Between alternating fabulous weather with crappy weather AND the win, then loss of the Nuggets to Golden State. Le Sigh.

On a brighter note, I started my May Challenge of hugs, though I failed miserably in remembering to hug my Mom and sister last night. Two people that should most definitely be high on the hug list. I’ll do better next time, I know it! This weekend has lots of good stuff packed in: tonight we’re having dinner (ribs!) with Christian’s parents, tomorrow we’re heading to our nieces birthday party and then on Sunday we’ve got Love In Action with our church (our entire church body goes out into the community to volunteer and clean things up). I’m also hoping to get our kitchen cabinet bases primed and painted since we’re living in total chaos… still. Here’s to hoping for warmer temperatures that actually stick around!

Here’ are my finds from around the web:

I’ll be the first one to admit that I’m not a huge breakfast person — unless breakfast burritos or biscuits and gravy are on the menu. However, I’m married to a pancake/breakfast lover. Usually I can sneak past the whole breakfast thing by offering him a smoothie or distracting him with the to do list for the day, however, these coconut tres leches pancakes (and cake!) look so good, I’d willingly make them. Oh and they’re gluten and dairy free. Bonus!

There’s that country song about always looking to the next part of life rather than enjoying the stage you’re currently inhabiting… with the theme ending on how time goes by too fast. Well, turns out that it does. This post on learning to settle into life instead of pushing through it was so perfect. I especially loved the part where she talked about moments in life not looking like she thought they would, and how to embrace that.

You may think you know what it looks like to wring out a wash cloth in space, but I can assure you that you don’t (unless you’ve already seen the video). I couldn’t stop staring… space is weird.

Have you ever checked out Penelope Trunk’s blog? My old boss/friend Bethany turned me on to it with a warning that she gets a little, shall we say, inappropriate at times. But, to me, the blatant honesty is part of what makes it all work. Anyways, her post on how you deal with mistakes, and how your actions relate to success totally sucked me in. Plus, I’m SUPER interested in where food comes from and the back story on humanely raising pigs had me from the first sentence.

This week was the start of Stratejoy’s Willpower Council, and as such I’m working on building a better routine in the mornings. This article on getting up/setting yourself up for success in the mornings and five elements that help you get going was just what I needed to affirm I was on the right track. Are you a night owl (I AM!) or a morning person?

With Mother’s Day just over a week away it’s crunch time! I already purchased something for my Mom and my MIL (it’s been so hard to keep it a secret for the past few weeks), but I thought these Mother-Daughter journals were really cute (and a great idea!).

Conquering the awkward: May challenge.

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Today is the first day of May — which in my book (re: I live in unpredictable Colorado) is when it really starts to signal spring and warmer temperatures. However, it’s snowing a lot already today, so there’s that. At my heart I’m a warm weather girl, savoring the leaves that pepper the trees, green grass and the ability to be outside without 4 layers on. Colorado winters have their moments, but on the whole my life feels most lived from April through October. So, cheers to months where life gets lived! And, living is what I aim to do. Without further ado, here’s what I’m up to this May:

Month of May: Hug Challenge

I’ve always considered myself a little awkward. Which, now that I type that out sounds a little harsh on the self-love front, but knowing how to make small talk, connect with complete strangers and keep myself from turning beet red at the drop of a hat are all outside of my comfort zone. In fact, just worrying that I may turn red will instantly cause the rose color to creep up my cheeks.

And, I’m out to change that. One thing at a time. My thought process is that the more that I make myself uncomfortable, the more I’ll get used to it and stop dreading all those intimidating moments that life throws at me. So, without further ado, I introduce the challenge for May.

Hugs.

Yup, you read that right. I’m going to be a hugging machine. I’m going to initiate more hugs than normal (which is very few and only when the other person “seems” like they’re going in for it anyways or I’ve had 3+ glasses of wine). This month, however, I’m doing it. Going all in on the hug front. Hugs for you and you and you. Oh, and you over there, “Want a hug?”.

When I’m feeling down or just plain worn out, there’s nothing better than knowing someone cares enough to give me a hug. While I may not be hugging random, sad strangers, I recognize the power of a hug and figure this challenge will kill two birds with one stone: Help me conquer a part of the awkward and hopefully cheer people up (or at least show them that I care) along the way.

On some level I’m really excited to start pushing myself out of my comfort zone and also to get better at showing the people in my life that I care. On the other hand, I’m scared. Do I hug the friend or family member that I never ever hugged and if so, how do I go about it without making us both feel like the “moment of hug” never happened? This is, after all, an exercise in moving me out of my comfort zone… not necessarily pushing other people out of theirs.

If by chance you’re a crimson cheeked, semi-awkward at social constructs type of person, I say join me (or hug me). What’s the worst that can happen? You end up hugging your friends and family (or me) a little more than normal? Can’t really go wrong there.

So, hello May, and with it, hello hugging challenge.

Finally Friday.

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Be Good

It’s been quiet around here this week, I’m a bit under the weather. It’s either Allergies, a cold or maybe a combination that’s keeping the pep out of my step and the toad in my throat. I sound like Maude from the Golden Girls and have been guzzling tea and hoarding cough drops to make it through the day. On top of not feeling so hot, all the violence – pain – grief – you name it – has been overwhelming. But, so has the good in this world.

So, today, instead of posting links to what I read or found this week, I’m going to take a moment to be thankful for my safety, the safety of the ones I love and for all the people spreading kindness and joy in this world. And, I implore you do the same. Have a blessed weekend.

Finally Friday.

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Keep the Face Toward The Sunshine
I’ve been slacking the past couple weeks with my Finally Friday posts, so a few of these have been saved up for today. The first week, I was at Blissdom, then I was processing and last Friday I just, well, don’t even have an excuse! But, this week we’re all set to go!

Last weekend was AH-MAZ-ING, so this one will have a hard time following. We’ve got dinner with friends tonight, a visit with my Dad tomorrow + a visit with our friends and their new baby. Then on Sunday we’re going on a date (we’re having dinner and going to the Nuggets game downtown). Since we’re in the middle of new counter tops, painting cabinets and replacing our flooring… I’ve felt a bit like I’m living in a shanty of chaos. Pots here, Tupperware there and a whole lot of crap in between. It will be worth it. It will be worth it. The bonus? I don’t have to worry about the dogs tracking mud in on the carpet or ripping up the carpet  strand-by-strand, for that matter…

Here are my favorite finds for the week:

Food is one of my very favorite things in life. I spend far more time than I should thinking about where it comes from, where to buy it, how to cook it and when to eat it. These 100 rules of dinner were the perfect list of food awesome. Whether you’re just starting out in the kitchen or you’re a seasoned chef, there’s something for everyone… and once I got started reading, I didn’t want it to stop.

There’s always that moment where I want something frivolous, but have a hard time deciding whether its worth the price tag. This little tip on how much you’re will to pay is an absolute gem.

Learning to take care of yourself – physically, nutritionally, emotionally – can be such a hard thing to figure out. What exactly works for you, your lifestyle, your needs… but the most overlooked, especially for me (and most women, I’d guess) is the emotional component. Here are 50 self-care ideas to help get going or stay on the right track.

Since I’ve been trying to figure out what foods work for me, I’ve become increasingly aware of what I put in my body. The source, how it was made/grown/raised seems like something we should all pay a bit more attention to. This post on how one blogger is buying good food for her family is a great starting point.

Isn’t Maggie Smith  just fabulous? She pulls off sophisticated (and wise) so well in just about any role she plays. I loved her in Harry Potter and now I can’t get enough of her in Downton Abbey.

Have you seen the site What Ali Wore? I want to head to Germany just to give this guy a hug and a cookie. His outfits are amazing and he’s adorable. I kind of want him to be my grandpa — or at least my crazy uncle.

Being prepared for the worst.

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*I’m still processing Blissdom, so many thoughts, ideas and things to review before getting anything out on paper, er, in posts. I doubt I’ll do a recap, but wanted to spend some time digging in.*

“Always prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”

This is the mantra that plays on repeat every time I find myself at the crossroads of uncertainty, on the edge of fear or barely holding on in a fit of anxiety. It’s the words that pushed me over the edge into “realistic” and “logical” rather than “heartfelt” and “emotional”. It was the, I don’t have to be scared anymore because I’m ready for the failure. The words held tight to my chest every time I wanted something I wasn’t sure I’d get, let alone deserve.

Prior to the moment of reckoning, you’d find me doubting my very being, my worth, my potential… spinning out webs of excuses that would quickly allow me to push the disappointment and shame away – out of my control.

To myself: You don’t have enough experience. You haven’t lost the weight. You aren’t outgoing enough. You don’t deserve it. You’re not smart enough. They don’t like you. You didn’t put in enough work. You’ll never be that person. Don’t bother with this again. 

To Everyone Else: It was a long shot. Oh well, at least a tried. Bummer. I don’t care. Wasn’t the right fit. Wasn’t meant to be. Guess there’s something better out there. 

It didn’t matter what it was. It didn’t matter what my odds were of it happening. The variable didn’t matter because it didn’t change the way I thought, the way I prepared or how scared I was of not only letting myself down, but more so, letting everyone else down and allowing them to see me fail.

And, if I did fail, I spiraled into despair, doubt and self-loathing. But, at least I’d prepared myself for it, right? At least, I knew what to expect when and if it happened. What I decidedly was not spending my time on, what I didn’t allow myself to focus on was the possibility that I had the right and the ability to be successful. I wasn’t spending a much time dreaming, hoping and believing.

This is where Jon Acuff’s words from Blissdom hit me in the heart. He said:

Many believe that if we’re apathetic we won’t get hurt. But, if you prepare for the worst, and it happens – you’ve got to experience it twice.

Instead of enjoying the anticipation, relishing the possibility of success – I was drowning in failure before it ever had a chance to happen. I was dragging my heart through the gutter and judging myself far worse than those I was scared to disappoint.

All this to say, that adage I’ve told myself for 26 years, it needs to go out the window. It needs to find its final resting place in my mind and allow the energy I’ve wasted to be  replaced by the mystery and joy in waiting to see what happens. It just so happens that this change in thought coincides with my goals for the year – living a more authentic and intentional life. How can I enjoy this moment or season of my life if I’m always wrapped up in fear and dwelling on that which lies just beyond my power?

All, change, especially big change doesn’t happen in a declaration, it happens in baby steps and ups or downs. In this case, its starting with a new mantra and giving myself a little grace. Giving myself permission to see what happens and be ok with the outcome… to just, simply, enjoy the ride.