Happy Holiday Weekend

I've been spending most of my time here.

Enjoying these.

And of course, snuggling with this guy.

I returned to CrossFit last week and was able to do 40 Rx pull-ups on Tues. I am so sore but feel so good.

J. Crew is having a big sale. Save up to $75 this weekend! Ordered this top and love these shorts.

Arrested Development returns to Netflix on Sunday!

The Big C came to an end. A beautiful, touching, and perfect end to one of my favorite shows.

One of my favorite bloggers was on The Everygirl yesterday.

Watch this video. It will make you cry, but it's beautiful. "Just try to make people happy."

I love Ellen. So, much. Oh, Fitch please...

Looking forward to the weekend. Plans with friends, partner WOD with my friend Lindsey , and a little down time.

What are your plans for the three day weekend? Hope you all have a great one!

Looking forward to a three day weekend!

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Take it Outside

I love having plants and flowers in my home. It must be a miracle, but somehow, I've managed to keep my fiddle leaf fig (seen in my home tour) from Jayson Home alive since August! So now that I'm practically a gardener, I decided to bring some life to my little deck. Because the weather has been lovely, and I want to enjoy as much time as I can outside.

Earlier this week, Alaina and I took a trip to Home Depot to pick up their new Miracle-Gro premium plants. These are exclusive to Home Depot in Chicago, so if you're in the area, you have until the end of may to grab one (or enough to fill your garden!) before they're gone. I (surprise, surprise) went with white. Bought a cute little pot, planted it myself, and set it up on my patio table. I really love having these flowers on my balcony and may go back for the ivy seen here.

There's nothing like working outside with a little fresh fruit on a warm summer day.

I cannot wait to watch this little guy grow!

It's always better when I have my little work buddy by my side.

Do you have any plants? Any tricks when it comes to keeping them alive?

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Be Sun Savvy

In honor of National Skin Cancer Awareness month, Alison and I want to remind you to take care of your skin in the coming summer months (and throughout the year). I first "met" Alison when she read my skin story, left a comment, and linked to her skin story. We started talking, launched Sun Savvy, and have met twice–both in Chicago and Boston.

To give you a brief recap, I found a spot on my forehead a few years ago and went to the dermatologist the next day. It wasn't anything, but the mole on my back that I didn't even know existed until that day needed to be scraped and the results came back as severely atypical. I was told by not one but two dermatologists that it would have eventually become cancerous. Alison's mole was cancerous. My sister recently had a "severely atypical" mole removed. So, I need to ask you for not one but two favors. I know–so demanding. Please wear sunscreen every single day (not just during summer) and please, please see your dermatologist for an annual exam. Make it happen.

J. Crew Panama Hat // Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Moisturizing Balm with SPF 25 // Bobbi Brown Extra SPF Tinted Moisturizing Balm // Alba Botanica Natural Sport Spray Sunscreen // Supergoop Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C // Jergens Natural Glow (my go-to product to give my legs a little color) // Perfekt Beauty Body Perfection Gel (instant bronzer/self tanner) // Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment with SPF 15 // Ray Ban Outsiders Oversized Wayfarer Sunglasses // Ray Ban New Youngster Sunglasses // Warby Parker Everett Sunglasses // J. Crew Summer Straw Hat // Supergoop Acai Lip Balm SPF 30 // Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder

I know it's just a TV show, but the series finale of The Big C couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. I watched the finale on Monday night and have never cried so much (or sobbed so hysterically) during a TV show.

Speaking of skin care, we're sharing 18 Beauty Essentials for The Everygirl today.

How are you being extra sun savvy this year? Share how on twitter with the hashtag #sunsavvy--or with a comment below! Check out Alison's post today, too. Be safe. Take care of your skin.

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Currently Loving

kate spade phone case // soludos espadrilles // j. crew top (sold out online) // j. crew keyhole top // 2 penny blue jacket 

illume candle // daschund letter holder // // gorjana earrings // zoku slush & shake maker // cb2 zemi stool 

modesty soap dish // teluca pouf // the weekend calendar // lacquer tray // marni glass // supergoop sunscreen 

copper tea kettle // chanel rouge coco shine

A random assortment of some of my favorite things. What are you loving right now?

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Lately

After a particularly exhausting week, I found myself in desperate need of some fun. I still feel pretty overwhelmed and know there's a lot I need to deal with, but the warmth of the sun, time with friends, and long walks with the pup did wonders for me. I was reminded of how lucky I am. Life is not easy, but if you take time to enjoy these moments, you'll likely be reminded of the fact that the good things far outweigh the bad.

Met Alaina, Caitlin, and Allyson at Benchmark for dinner + (lots of) drinks // Shopping with Gina on Saturday. Treated myself to some flowers // Went for a run by the lake Saturday evening // Citizen with Briana and Gina on Saturday night // Lots of long walks and rolling in the grass for Buddy // Watched Pitch Perfect. Again // I pulled out my juicer and have started juicing again // Brunch with Amanda on Sunday and a walk by the lake.

And Sunday night–Caitlin's farewell dinner with C + Alaina. I'm going to miss Caitlin like crazy but am so excited for what is in store for her. She was the first person to join our little team, and will always hold a very special place in my heart. Take a moment to read this beautiful post and check out her new site! You can also see her home tour on The Everygirl.

Wishing you all a very happy Monday!

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the good stuff

While it has been one thing after another this week, it really helped to get it all out there yesterday. Yes, I am still fairly overwhelmed, but things will be alright–hopefully sooner than later. I do want to thank those of you who left comments or took the time to email me. Your support and the fact that you shared your stories  means a lot to me, so thank you. I know many of you can relate to what I'm going through. Just remember–we are all in this together. And now, let's talk about the things that have made me smile this week. Because the good stuff always makes the bad stuff feel a little less horrible.

First, there's Buddy. I was working with the TEG team yesterday and  he was literally spinning in circles (it's what he does when he gets excited) by my patio door. He just wanted to be outside and enjoy the warm weather. I love him.

And CrossFit. Sure, my endurance and strength are shot to hell and I've had to scale back, but I worked out Monday and Wednesday without any back pain!! I'm seeing my PT first thing this morning and am fairly confident that he'll give me the go ahead to work out a third time this week.

Went to lunch with The Everygirl team (Darlene, Brianna, Meghan, and Alaina. Jessica, we miss you!) on a patio yesterday. Yes, they work for us, but we've become good friends with these girls. I hope we'll always stay in touch. Once an Everygirl, always an Everygirl. Speaking of our team, Brianna adopted a sweet little rescue pup last weekend and she's the cutest thing ever. I can't wait to meet Pita. And that's pita like a pita pocket. Not Peta (animal organization) or Peeta (hunger games).

Highs in the 70s and 80s. Long walks with the pup. Sunshine. Sleeping with the windows open. Feels like summer. 

My fancy new dropdown navigation bar. I really like it.

I have been watching very little TV recently, but do still watch The Little Couple. I love those two, and am so happy that their little family is growing.

Good friends. My friends have been checking in on me–saying hello and seeing how I'm doing. Just letting me know they're here for me. I love my friends and feel so lucky to know each and every one of them. And...one of my best friends/favorite people on the planet told me she'll be coming to Chicago to visit this summer! 

I just got this cookbook. The recipes look and sound phenomenal. I'll be baking paleo scones ASAP.

Mentioned it yesterday, but Gizoogle.net may be the best thing that has ever happened to me.

I finally caved and bought Pitch Perfect. Why is that movie so good?! Fat Amy and good music. And more good music. That's why.

Tell me about the good stuff in your life! What's making you smile this week?

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plans and dreams and stuff

It has been an emotionally and physically exhausting week. The kind where one thing goes very wrong, another feels impossible, and then everything sort of seems to go from there. I was sure the letter from the IRS telling me I owed even more money than I already paid was a mistake, but I confused two payments (leave it to me to do this), and the letter was correct. So that sucked. With most things, it took a day to wrap my mind around the fact that this was happening, and then I moved on. No point in letting this ruin my life.

I haven't gone into this and don't know how much I want to share, but it's an important part of my life, so I'd like to fill you in. This relationship that I am in is actually long distance. I usually keep this part of my life private, but wanted to let you know that I have been struggling lately. I'm sure some of you have been through this or are going through it. It isn't easy.

I started CrossFit one year ago this week. Certain parts of my body were overcompensating for the fact that other parts of my body weren't being used properly (like my core and lats) so I started PT, took 3.5 months off, and am finally back. The past few months were very, very hard on me, and while it feels great to be back, I am now facing the fact that I am starting over, and that sucks. I know I'll get back to where I was, but it won't be easy. My endurance and strength are basically gone. It's going to require patience, so I'm n trouble.

I'm glad I've been able to experience moving across country, living alone, and starting not one but two businesses. But my twenties have come and gone and I'll be 31 in a few months. Turning 30 forces you to face the fact that you don't have forever to do everything. I don't want children tomorrow and I know I'm only 30, but my time is not unlimited. That stupid clock is ticking ticking ticking.

I know I have a lot to be thankful for and that my problems are nothing compared to what most people in the world are going through, but this is what I'm dealing with right now, and lately, it's felt like a lot. So I'm doing my best to take care of myself. To be productive. Exercise. Take long walks with the pup. Give myself a little break when I need one. Watched the sun set on my beautiful city last night, and in that moment, felt truly happy. I love this city. Especially when it isn't 5 degrees and snowing horizontally with wind so cold it feels like it could cut through you like a knife. Spoken like a true LA native. I do have moments when I wonder if I am where I should be, and then I see that skyline and know I belong here. But it is still a struggle.

And when I'm feeling really down, I just gizoogle my blog, twitter, and anything I can think of. It gets me every single time.

image from my instagram

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