While killing time last week, I stumbled upon an image and the most amazing pair of shoes. Now I’d love to say that I could justify a lace up pair of suede heels, but reality sets in and I realize I would probably get to wear them twice a year-at most. They are to-die-for, but don’t fit into my very casual existence. However, I couldn’t stop thinking about them and wanted to find something similar that I could wear on a regular basis. Thankfully Steve Madden had me in mind and also designed a more casual sandal with the same amazing leather wrap lacing. {He is the affordable shoe whisperer!}
So “my style” with the my new gorgeous sandals include, a simple black tank, denim shorts, a woven fedora and my very favorite glasses. I can’t wait to throw all of these in my bag next month! We are heading to Hawaii for break and I am counting the days!
Not all who wander are lost. I have recently come to love that phrase. Though I was never that girl who threw a change of clothes in a backpack and just took off-I have come to crave travel and discovering a new place. My husband usually shakes his head at me. Lucky for me, the boys are slowing getting the travel bug as well and three against one is beneficial for my cause.
Aaron, Big W, and I have been watching Sonic Highways. A documentary created by the band Foo Fighters that W got for Christmas. He loves music and this documentary follows the band as they visit eight cities in the United States as they record the album Sonic Highways. In each city they explore the the music scene, which is totally fascinating. This weekend we watched the episode featuring Nashville. All three of us agreed, we should GO! We have added it to the short list of places to visit.
Topping our list of places to visit is The Bluebird Cafe. A small cafe that has live music every night. They play in the round and features original music by songwriters. In the episode, natives shared that playing the Bluebird was rite of passage in Nashville. What else could we do and see? Of course there is the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, but like any city there are hidden gems.
Have you been to Nashville? I’d love to hear all of your “insider” information!
Not sure how we are mid-way through January, but we are on the downhill slide into February. The beginning of a new year always brings renewed desire for creativity. I’m always looking. We are about to tackle a bathroom remodel, so I’m back on the hunt for inspiration in design. I’m also facing swim suit shopping in my near future. Pretty sure trying on swim suits can, and should be, classified a form of torture for middle aged women. {More on that FUN topic in the near future!} What are you up to this weekend? Our town is Seahawk crazy again! Hoping for a big win on Sunday.
Here is what has me inspired and interested this week:
1. I {heart} snowy evergreens! I’m heading up to ski with a girlfriend today. If all goes well, I will post a thumbs-up picture on Instagram.
I am super excited about The 52 Lists Project. The buzz surrounding this book is BIG. It has been featured on many websites and a several magazines. Pretty sure once it was featured in O Magazine its best selling fate was sealed! Written by Morrea Seal , it is a journal of lists to be completed throughout the year. The photographs and illustrations are beautiful, plus lists are easy to write. The list topics range from the wildest things you want to try to things that always cheer you up. Fun, right? My perfect spot to write my lists would be a cozy cafe during a mid-week morning. While that won’t always be possible, carving out time each week just for this purpose seems completely doable.
During the holidays this book was literally impossible to get. {Amazon was even on back order!} My local book seller ordered me multiple copies but they didn’t arrive in time for gift giving. SO, I have an extra copy and have decided to give it away to one of my readers! If you are inspired to be part of The 52 Lists Project, please enter! I would love to send you a copy.
How to enter:
The first list in the book asks you to list your goals and dreams for the year. Leave a comment below that includes a goal you have for the year or something you would like more of in 2016. Please leave your comment by NOON on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. One winner will be chosen by random drawing.
Good luck!
**{UPDATE} Congratulations, Becky!
This giveaway is hosted by me because I love my readers! xoxo
2016 is well underway and I am ready for a year of more! I have written before that I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. They always seem to elicit guilt and our world doesn’t need more people feeling guilty, especially women. Every year I make a list of all the things I would love in the upcoming year. Sometimes they are big and some are small. They are always things that will make me smile. This year I want four things in abundance: challenges, adventure, health, and family.
Challenges
Continuing to challenge myself is what keeps me motivated and excited for each new season. This year I have challenged myself to learn to ski. After four seasons doing the lodge bunny thing, I am ready to be part of the fun. While I don’t see black diamonds in my future, it has been such a thrill to ride the chair lift with my boys, chatting and talking without any interruptions. That time alone is worth the embarrassment of learning something new at 41. Here’s hoping for an injury free season.
Adventure
At this time last year a trip to Argentina was not on the calendar. I had never heard of Iguazu Falls. How wonderful to have experienced this amazing spot with my sweet husband and to have this “after” picture to remember it. Not all adventures need to be this grand {or so far away}. Where will our next adventure take us?
Health
Continued health for my family and myself is always at the forefront of my mind. Being healthy trumps all else, doesn’t it? Lucky for me being active makes me really happy. And spending time with my friends is a really great bonus! I am looking forward to more fun surrounding being healthy together. A highlight of 2015 was breaking the 1:50 barrier at the Lululemon SeaWheeze Half Marathon. This video perfectly sums up the energy of the race. {Pay close attention around the 1:04 mark!} Can’t wait to run it again in August!
Family
Actually, time with this crazy crew is all I really need! We are not perfect. It isn’t always pretty. But building memories with my three boys is what fills my heart. They make me feel most complete. They are my best friends in every sense of the word.
