Life lately :: In betweens.

In between obsessing over planning and packing for our trip to Europe (which is officially only a week away!), I've been crazy busy.  I am working on a couple posts related to packing (in a backpack) for a two week hike+leisure jaunt through Europe, so let's just cross our fingers I find time for that.  In the meantime...

Drinking//Finally trying this coffee, ghee, and coconut oil latte the Eighty Twenty gals have been raving about!  And you know what?  It's pretty awesome!

Spending my time//with this little baby girl.  I'm already worried about how much I'm going to miss the kitties while we're gone.

Wearing//this Athleta Fast Track tank.  Aside from all the stuff I've wanted needed to buy for our Europe trip, I've been obsessing over this tank.  It's keeping me motivated to work out (and prepare for June's Esprit de She race)!

Reliving//our weekend trip to the beach.  It was the first beach trip of the season, and it may have been the best one.  D spoiled me.  I am still dreaming of that perfect seafood meal chock full of steamed crab legs, clams, and shrimp. And those raw oysters.  One of my favorite meals ever.

Stressing over//a book club/baby shower combo.  Between coming home from the beach and deep cleaning for a good few hours, shopping, spending, drawing, decorating, researching, gift planning & buying…my oh my.  My anxiety levels were off the charts (not to mention I was slacking in other areas of my life because my focus was elsewhere).  But I am pretty damn proud of this adorable mommy gift I put together.

Eating//Trophy Brewing.  D agreed to let me pick up a Trophy pizza and salad that I've been craving for weeks.  Week officially made!  Let's not talk about all those goodies I snacked on during teacher appreciation week.  Someone please send tips on how to get recommitted to fitness and food goals come summer!

Life Lately :: Food & drinks.

It's about time I updated with a real life lately post.  Even though I've been busy, I've been trying to document the special moments.  It's been a busy June, but I'm hoping that July will embody a bit more relaxation.

 [We D and his dad installed hardwood floor in our bedroom which mean sleeping in the breakfast room for two days.]

 [Absolutely delicious squash pasta that I'm obsessed with!]

 [Having a long weekend with my sister in town was fabulous.  Snow cones that make your teeth yellow are always a good choice!]

 [After having friends and family stay at our house seemingly non-stop and constantly doing dishes, the sink looks like this when I finally have time alone.]

 [That sink of dishes calls for a special-recipe margarita...or two.]

 [A nightmare of a Friday night of rain, driving, traffic, anxiety, creepy people, and flight delays resulted in a little in-car reading...at least I finished two books in one day.]

[Wish we would have had a little bit longer of a stay at the Nantahala Outdoor Center]

Now for some awesome links...

• Jenni mentioned every single thing that defines happiness for me.  As I grow older, I'm learning that my definition of happiness and success isn't the same as every one else's.  And that's ok.  They can have theirs while I have mine.  Oddly enough Jenni's list is the same as mine.
• This looks like the perfect, refreshing summer cocktail!
• I couldn't agree more with how consistent exercise changes your body image.
• Speaking of body image, it's time to give this advice a try.
• My moral self is ashamed that, as a vegetarian, I hadn't thought more about the purchase and use of leather goods.  
• What a cool company!  I love a good beard (plus there's a giveaway!).
• This gal is really making me want to buy some Saltwater sandals!  Are they as comfy as I hear?
• My goal is to eventually run a race (preferably a marathon) for a cause, and I'm grateful for these tips!
• I'm swooning over this little anniversary celebration!  The picnic had me sold...
• Thrilled to find out about this local NC company that sells cocktail mixers!

Life Lately :: These days...

These days...I'm lacking time for blogging.

These days...I'm desperately missing running.

These days...I find it hard to sit down at the computer long enough to crank out something I'm proud of.

These days...I've lost a bit of focus and direction.

These days...I'm happy and enjoying being a part of the summer time.

These days...I won't make promises I can't keep.

These days...I've been eating terribly and not working out the way I should (nor can I the way I want to).

These days...I'll show you what I've been up to but make no guarentees to post again this week (which is not to say I won't!).

 [I tried my first walk/run back after the injury at an awesome track right near my house. Sadly, my leg had weird pains for a week+ after.  I'm hoping to start back in another week, but this has really put a kink in my Esprit de She plans.]

 [Baby birds in one of my hanging plants!  So glad I didn't accidentally drown them.]

 [The week before I got my tattoo I was still working out and trying to do the 30 Day Squat Challenge. I think the squats were aggravating my leg, so I took last week off.]

 [A glorious and perfect beach day with a friend was just what the doctor ordered!]

 [Of course the first beach day of the year ended with a sunburn.  A loose sunburn outfit is a necessity in the summer.]

[I started a book club and we had our first "official" meeting last week to discuss Gone Girl.  This book is our next pick and I'm super excited!]

Life Lately :: Summer lovin'

It's that time again.  I've been taking a semi-blogging break to head to Chicago and just take some time with D while we deal with some life changes.  It's been good.  I've been spending nights drinking and eating with D instead of sitting in front of a computer or TV.  If you've been following me on Instagram though, you're always more aware of what's up with me!

 [My baby (which was the perfect carry-on) packed up with essentials for Chicago]

 [Easy flying outfit that was perfect for arrival in Chicago (oh and I'll save my other Chi-town pictures for later!)]

 [My idea of Memorial Day drinking.  I'm obsessed with this beer.  The beer & glass didn't match but the day had me reminiscing on love & BFW]

 [Utterly obsessed with this maxi skirt from Target.  I rarely buy things full price from there, but this was 100% worth it! I've worn it like 5 times in two weeks.]

 [Finished reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle after all the Chicago travel.  I truly loved it and am letting it impact my life in positive ways.]

 [This happened.  In one night.  And I'm not sad.  For a wheat beer, this is surprisingly not sweet.]

 [Thanks to Ashley, I'm starting this bullshit.  Two days in and I'm sore as hell.  Although I weighed myself for the first time since long before I was on the crutches and it was terrible.  June is time for a fresh, new start!]

 [Thank goodness I finally read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle!  I immediately went to my downtown farmer's market last Wednesday and picked up purple potatoes!  Here's your preview to this week's Food and Beer Friday!]

Here's a few more things that are making me happy or at least making me think:

• I don't talk much about religion, but Ashley and I are on the same page here.  I really appreciate her honesty and putting that out there.  We should probably all be a little more accepting and understanding of those who have different beliefs than our own.  I'm working on that myself.
• Cheese + biscuits?? I'm sold.
• More on introverts!  Do I blog because I'm introverted?  I'm trying to do better and get out of my comfort zone...I started a book club to work on it!  This is also the second time I've heard of this book.

I'm behind on blog reading, so hopefully I'll have more for you next time!  Happy June!  I'm ready to turn 2013 around...

Life Lately :: Life while crippled.

I've been making it through lately.  While I haven't been thrilled receiving my medical bills from the x-rays, MRI, and costs just to have someone "read" the MRI, I'm ecstatic to be going back to the doctor and heading out to Chicago on Wednesday!  I've got a two day week ahead (with a couple of really loud kids going to be absent!) and focusing on the positive.  As for the last two weeks, I haven't focused much on the gym (everything gets really tiring and old with a knee scooter and crutches) but I have been enjoying reading and relaxing.

 [What do you do on your first weekend with crutches and off Whole 30?  Go explore campgrounds and eat/drink Mexican fare.]

 [Teacher appreciation week was really good to me.  I'm so incredibly lucky to have a job I love and where I'm appreciated.]

 [Awesome cards from Happy Dappy Bits!  Cards are eco-friendly and I used the Congrats card to celebrate my running friend's graduation from nursing school.]

 [Enjoying a Terrapin Tree Hugger + my favorite tuna app from Tyler's Taproom.  Sometimes it's good to get out and about while on crutches.]

 [When you're semi-handicapped and working with three year-olds, your weeks don't feel shorter.  Sometimes Friday celebrations deserve local beer.]

 [This happened for about 10 minutes at Target.  I swear that thing almost died on me in the middle of the aisle.  Ditched it in the pharmacy section. Damn did my arms hurt after crutching around the entire rest of the store.]

 [Favorite lunchtime activity :: writing cards and reading.  Trying to finish up Animal, Vegetable, Miracle before we start our book for book club.]

 [A "mixer" at Foundation for the first book club meeting.  It was a success and I can't wait for the next meet-up!]

 [My first time cooking with collard greens.  They were one of the only local produce finds at Whole Foods.]

 [Falafel made with chick peas and collard greens!]

[D came home a night early before he flew out again!  We enjoyed a lazy Saturday and tried out the pizza at Trophy Brewing.  Loved the pizza (and of course the beer)!]

If you're still hanging around after all these pictures, here's what I'm loving lately...

• I'm obsessed with smoothies these days, and how smart is it to add green tea to a smoothie like Sarah did?
• I loved Lesley's post about being an introvert, which I totally am.
• Ashley introduced me to this amazing article about making lunch with Michael Pollan, whom I just adore.  Definitely worth a read!
• Katie's Tofu Lo Mein looks unbelievably easy and delicious!
• Kelley's pictures of her work have me swooning over starting a coffee shop one day...
• So in love with Alex's orange top and the backdrop of these pictures.  She's just the cutest!
• I really want someone to make these cookies from Nikki.  They look amazing!
• In an effort to be less selfish this year, I'm trying to keep in mind these 18 ways to be a better friend.

Life Lately :: what I'm loving.

This life lately is a little different.  Alli and Hayley are no longer doing their link-up, but I'd love to keep this bi-weekly post going.  I'll be continuing my life lately posts with my instagram life (amongst others) plus links that I'm loving lately.  I'm not much for weekly features (aside from Food and Beer Fridays which I can barely keep up with sometimes), so this is my way of giving you a little something different?  Maybe?

Just when I thought I didn't have much going on between Whole 30 and my injury, these pictures (or lack thereof) show that I really haven't been up to much at all... 

 [While I may not understand it's real purpose, I really like Kombucha.  Not to mention, it's a great mixer...]

 [Getting up early never quite seems to get easier, but it definitely makes it a lot better when I'm able to have time between the gym and work to indulge at my local coffee shop.]

 [Seriously.  This is cauliflower crust pizza, and I'm obsessed.  Don't doubt, you'll get a recipe one of these days.]

[After hoping so hard that my injury report following my MRI would be positive, things were sadly negative (think crutches and a scooter right on the fringe of my upcoming Chicago trip), so I wallowed and laid up for a bit this weekend.]

Lately I'm loving...

• Alex wrote my most moving post about her thoughts during her run at the Boston Marathon.  I read this at work which was a bad idea.  I cried so hard.
• Mo's trip to Nashville has me adding that to my wanderlust list.  I mean beer and food and beer?  You know that's my kind of trip!
• While I can't commit to another challenge (especially on the tail end of Whole 30...), but I just love this #Nature365 idea!
• I really wish I had the patience and expertise to do this french braid + side bun hairstyle!  My hair is so boring most of the time.
• How freaking adorable is this maxi dress on Justyn?  I'm a little obsessed with it...
• Speaking of black and white stripes...this skirt with the brown sandals?  Britta nailed it.