Muffy's Sweet 60th

I thrive off of routine - off sameness and checklists and a consistent rhythm. It keeps me calm and gives me a perceived (though often false) sense of control. But sometimes? All I need is to break free from my routine. To stop checking things off and to just be. To let go of control and to give up the grind. 

And that's exactly what last week looked like for my family.

My dad planned a 60th birthday trip for my mom, so all of my siblings + their babies headed down to Rosemary Beach to celebrate her.

I was fortunate enough that the trip fell between my old and new jobs, so I was able to completely unplug and focus on this beautiful family of mine.

Our days consisted of coffee by the pool in the morning, followed by family runs, poolside workouts, Nuke 'Em, ocean swims, bocce ball and, of course, afternoon iced coffee. We talked, we read, we laughed, we ate a lot.

  

Our nights consisted of dinners grilled by my dad, relaxation and early, early bedtimes. 

Ever since we were little, my parents talked about creating a bunk bed room for us to sleep in together, because we always wound up in one another's rooms growing up anyway. This house made our dreams come true, with two bunk rooms - one for the adults and one for the kiddos.

Every night when our 9:30 bedtime rolled around (not kidding), it was so fun to cruise up to the same room. 

We were lucky enough to celebrate both my mom's, as well as Duke and Ryan's birthdays while we were there.

We wanted to shower my mom with extra love on her 60th and, as part of it, we brought Chinese lanterns. We thought we could each make a wish for her year ahead as we let them go. 

But, even the best laid plans can go awry. And ours did just that.  

As soon as the first set of lanterns took flight, they bee-lined for the trees surrounding the pool. One lantern made it into the abyss, while the others got caught in the height of the branches. Instead of saying wishes for her year, we were hosing the trees down while praying we didn't light the entire community ablaze. 

Duke and I hosed the trees down, while Ryan climbed up in one and shook a lantern out.

I wish we could have sent off well wishes for my mom, but the memory of us all scrambling and getting ready to stop, drop and roll is a way better memory.

The entire week reminded me how good it feels to slow down and that the checklists aren't what give us worth. It reminded me that our relationships and the way we love and connect with one another are the most important thing. And it reminded me that the vacation life sure is the good life. :)

I hope you had a wonderful week!

happy nashville weekend

How is it even possibly Friday? This week was a tiny, baby blink. Not to live in the past, here, but I haven't even gotten around to sharing pics from our amazing weekend in Nashville.

My parents so kindly rented a house and Chris, Sam, Duke (+his girlfriend, Michelle) and I met them, along with Sam's girlfriend, Abbey, halfway between Atlanta and Indiana. It was a wonderful weekend. It was both restful and energizing, which is my favorite way to feel after a weekend away. 

The funny thing is, I completely forgot that I'd made a Nashville city guide a few months back - so it was so fun to look back yesterday to see how our actual weekend matched up with the guide. 

Here's what we did from the list:

Barista Parlor, which I loved. It might be my favorite coffee shop ever, which is saying a lot, a lot. It's so experiential, the coffee is unreal AND they have gluten free biscuits + almond milk. I mean. Come on. I was all set. 

Mas Tacos Por Favor, which I also loved. I know. I seem kind of easy right now. But it got me for the same reasons - totally different than Barista Parlor but a true experience. It's a food truck turned hole in the wall, in the best way possible. From the food to the decor to the prices, they never veer from their brand and I loved it. 

Frothy Monkey. YEP more coffee. You could have probably guessed there would be a few stops for java.

Fido for breakfast. I'd been before, but it was still great to go back. 

Imogene + Willie: toooo good. This is Sam's favorite store, so I was so excited to have the chance to see it in person. It was everything I imagined and I really am craving a pair of their jeans now. And I don't even like jeans!

12 South Neighborhood for strolling and shopping. Loved it! Adorable.

Here's the new stuff we found:

Las Paletas: If I made another Nashville City Guide, this would absolutely be on it. You know how I feel about popsicles (/ice cream/dessert). I take it seriously. I was a little worried I had too high of expectations but they did not disappoint. The Salted Caramel was from my dreams.

Savant, White Mercantile and Hip Zipper for shopping: Fun, happy, rainy day activities.

And that's how we Nashed! Thank you all for a happy, happy weekend! And, especially thank you to my constantly generous parents for making it happen. It was the perfect fall weekend! :)

PS: In restrospect, my 48-hour guide is way aggressive because we fit all that + a few more in and were completely out of time. 

happy VA weekend

This past weekend, Chris and I headed up to Virginia to visit Court&Co. We realized it had been exactly one year since Oktoberfest, which was pretty much when we both admitted we liked each other. It felt like a happy little milestone trip to commemorate one year of I-like-you-more-than-friendship-but-not-yet-one-year-of-dating. Nahmean? 

The weekend was full of great festivities: apple picking, exploring some farmland, a family dinner and a double date, lots of good workouts and convos and a little wine here and there.

  

{A Della Selfie. A #Delfie, if you will}

It was lovely.

Thank you, Court and Ry, for an amazing fally weekend!

and i'm back!

 I'm back from a beautiful weekend in the Bahamas! 

We couldn't have had more perfect weather to celebrate our girl Abby. I'm dreaming of that clear blue water today from my cube. Is it too soon to head back? 

Thank you, Abby, for letting us celebrate you! Next stop: the wedding!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

irish this weekend wasn't over {st. pat's in chi}

During the last few years it has become a tradition for Katie, Sara and I to spend St. Patrick's Day together. Two years ago, they came to Atlanta for Lucky Fest and last year I went to Chicago. 

Although we'd all admit Atlanta is a touch warmer in March, Chicago wins for St. Patrick's Day. First of all, the city does it up much bigger. Second of all, there are about 57,000 people I love seeing in Chicago each year. And third of all, the cold is negated by how much warmth I feel being around all those people. 

So this year, I headed north and took Chris with me. It was our first time flying together (!) and I was beyond excited for him to meet so many of my friends that mean the world to me. 

Unfortunately, we were delayed Friday so we didn't get in until around 11. We had a late, late dinner and crashed into bed. We were up early the next day for Katie's (amazing) hot yoga class. It was incredibly hard and just what we needed to start our Saturday.

After that, we went to Protein Bar for breakfast. Chris (OK and I) have a large obsession with (1) protein and (2) eating healthily in large quantities. We were both on cloud nine with the good, hard workout follow by lots of healthy foods. The Wrigley Peel smoothie blew my mind. Banana + peanut butter. Need I say more?

After that, we got ready for the day with simultaneous coffee and mimosas. I told you Chicago does it right. 

We headed over to our friend, Austin's, house for his annual St. Pat's party.

Then went to Homeslice for pizza. And visited a new bar in Lincoln Park called Fairways.

And the best part of starting the day early? Early to bed! 

Does that make me old? 

Sunday, Chris and I went to breakfast with my IU crew at Meli and saw my dear friend Jamie's new place that she bought (rockstar) and headed to the airport.

As always, it was a total whirlwind and after we sprinted to our gate (typical), I landed in my seat and thought: back on the plane already!? we just got here!

Ah, my friends, it is never enough time. One of these days, I'm buying an island for all of us. Until then...I love you all.