happy, muddy NC weekend

This past weekend, Chris and I headed to Charlotte with our friends Chris and Kristina for the boys to do the Tough Mudder.

Friday, we got into town late and were starving. We immediately headed to Whole Foods for dinner. Charlotte just got a new location and it was a.m.az.ing. It was the nicest one I've ever seen besides, of course, Austin :) 

Saturday, we drove out to the mountains for the boys (#teamchris) to race. 

Kristina and I had so much fun watching them! They were absolute champs and I loved the Mudder model. It was all team oriented and everything was in good spirit - nothing was about winning or competing. Next time, I'm absolutely participating! 

Saturday afternoon and evening, we explored Charlotte and got to know the city a little better. I've not spent much time in the city and loved it! It was great.

Sunday, we went back to Whole Foods for breakfast and coffee, then headed back to sweet ole Atlanta. 

I hope you've had a great week! :)

the little things

I mentioned yesterday that things have been the kind of busy that wears you down instead of fills you up. The kind of busy where you actually forget to eat lunch, drink water or go to the bathroom. Which is saying a lot because those are three staple activities for me. 

That being said, on Monday I didn't want to let the wear and tear of the week get to me. After such a great weekend, I wanted to hold onto my peacefulness - to cultivate more awareness of the good, the beauty and the happy.

So I decided to quickly note throughout the day all of the little things that I'm so fortunate to have - and rarely think twice about - to drive a little more awareness and gratitude. 

Let's start from the beginning: 

Waking up in a warm bed in my cozy house. 

Driving in with the windows down, heat seats and heat blasting. 

That my dad is at work early enough for me to call him at this hour.

No commute, because I left early!

Time for a morning workout and having an able body. 

Having teeth! (I had a dentist appointment)

Getting a good parking spot at the gym and the dentist. 

A friendly receptionist. 

No cavities! 

Treating myself to Starbucks. It was my first pumpkin anything all season. YUM! Nonfat latte + one pump pumpkin yep!

Jesus jams on in the car.

Homemade, leftover soup for lunch. 

Having food to eat!

Pictures of my family in my cube. And, obviously my family. 

Warm, sunny fall. 

Remembering to buy peanut butter and mascara at the grocery.

Being busy at work. I know - it's counter intuitive based on my intro, but job stability is nice, eh? 

Fall sunsets - the best! 

My bible study, even if I was an hour late. 

My bed. It is so comfortable. 

What little things are you thankful for?

PS I compiled this list late last night when I was pooped and it put me in such a happy place. I highly recommend it :) 

hilton head wedding

Normally, a too-busy schedule fuels me, but lately life has been a little too crazy. In the way that tires you out instead of fills you up. After going, going all week and not seeing friends, family or Chris much at all, I threw a bunch of clothes in a bag and jumped in his car Saturday morning. We had coffee and snacks and four hours ahead on our drive to Hilton Head. I sat down in his front seat and felt immediate relief. Four hours to talk, drink our coffee, listen to music. Four hours to just be. There was nothing I wanted more.

When we got to Hilton Head, we had a few hours until the wedding, so we had drinks poolside, laid on the beach, swam in the ocean and felt the kind of relaxation that only the beach can bring.

Saturday night, we went to watch my sweet friend, Stacy, get married. We danced and laughed with friends and couldn't have been more grateful for the weekend away. 

And now, as the week begins, I'm feel rested & reinvigorated. Ready to begin again. 

I hope your weekend was wonderful!

PS: I am selling my Canon Rebel T3i. Email me if you're interested.

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.