GOOD READS

I thought it might be a fun Saturday activity to share some of my favorite reads from the week.

1 - The image above is from ignite light.  This blog contains some of the most inspiring, breathtaking images on a daily basis and makes me feel so happy and so alive.

(Also, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I think the splashing waves above kind of resemble a heart..)

2 - Victoria of VMAC & cheese fame created a gorgeous graphic with a killer quote.  She consistently delivers quality content with stellar design.

3 - If you think the above inspiration board is lovely, be sure to check out Design Bright's new look.  Written by none other than my best friend, this blog is full of fresh ideas and amazing creativity.

4 - Wardrobe Oxygen is one of my favorite fashion blogs.  This post in particular was just so well written.  She does a great job of mixing and matching classic pieces into fun, work-appropriate looks for any body type.  AND she did a post admitting she was a huge NKOTB fan.  Not gonna lie, I like the Remix, too.

5 - Thoughts by Natalie is another wonderful blog written by a strong, intelligent, beautiful young woman who seeks to inspire other young women to live enriched lives.  This week's post struck a chord with me because, let's face it, we've all been there.  Loving her challenge this month.  I'm doing pretty well so far!!

What are your favorite reads?  I'm always looking to build up my Google Reader repertoire...

Have a wonderful weekend.

THE LITTLE THINGS 3/10/2013

Another week, another list.  It's good to have a grateful heart, you know.

Here are a few of the little things that have made my week:

- An amazing first experience with acupuncture.  More relaxation, please!!

- A free top-off on my glass of wine during a mini girls' night weekly ritual.  Extra tip for you, sir.

- I wore a white shirt on Wednesday and didn't spill my green juice, my coffee, or any drippings from my delicious turkey burger on it.

- Whole green juices.  Just wow.

- We get longer days.  Not super excited to lose an hour of sleep, but extra sunlight after work makes me so happy.

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TIME TO DECIDE

First of all, a huge AMEN to Bill Cosby.

That man is hilarious, fashionable (I mean, how many people have a type of sweater named after them?), and just so insightful.

Anyway, this quote (and such a lovely design from such an inspiring site) really resonated with me this week.

I'm facing a major life decision right now and have all but fully committed to taking the leap, but am struggling with the fear.

I know I'm being vague, but it all boils down to this:

happiness vs. financial success

At what point is financial reward not worth the sacrifices in quality of life, free time, self-worth, and overall happiness?

I know I'm not alone in trying to strike the right balance.  I have several close friends going through the same soul-searching process.

In either extreme, the "right" choice is obvious:

Would I bring physical/mental/emotional harm to another human being to be set for life?  No.

If I was truly happy sitting around all day earning zero income would that be a good idea?  No.

But most of us are somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.

I myself have been in this same situation before - not all that happy with my career, but lured in (or trapped in) by financial stability.  If I were to do what I truly love (whatever that may be), I'd probably take a huge pay cut.

I do believe that, in the long run, if you do what you love, then the money (or, I should say, the success) will follow.  Notice how I qualified that statement by saying in the long run?  My concern isn't five years from now.  Goodness knows I'm not now where I thought I'd be five years ago.  My concern is next month's rent.  And the month after that.  And, well, you get the point.

How did I start this rant?

Oh, right.  I'm "all but fully committed" to taking the leap.  I'm this close.

So stick with me, folks.  It's going to be quite a journey, and I'll be right here to share it with you.

What do you want?  What's holding you back?  I'd love to hear from you!!

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THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE

Oh apartment living...

Before I step up onto my soapbox (let's just save that for another day), let's just cut to the chase and say I'm looking for nightstands and table lamps.

Based on the post title, you probably figured out that today I'm looking at lamp options.

Let's just dive right in:

I know, I know.

I'm all over the place.

If I told you one of them only cost $16.99, would you immediately tell me to get that one no matter what?

Which is your favorite?

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WEEKEND RECAP

On Friday I told you I was going to have a "me" weekend... and I told you I'd check back in to let you know how I did.

That's what this is.

Friday:

- exercise

- Trader Joe's

- Tiki Bar

Saturday:

- walk to gym, yoga class, walk home

- quality time with niece + sister

- hike in Oakland wilderness (see above image) with new friend + pup

- date with my love (walk to/from dinner at a local brewpub)

- pass out at 9pm

Sunday:

- church

- cleaning frenzy (looooove this - no, really)

- time with friends

- new laptop shopping

- delicious, healthy dinner at Herbivore (no, I'm not vegan)

I'm going to go ahead and say I won.  It definitely helped me ease into my week.  Four more weekends in March to go... hopefully I can keep up with this trend.

What are your tricks for making sure you maximize weekend time?

I'M GETTING READY

I promised myself a self-indulgent, (relatively) quiet weekend.  I'll let you know tomorrow how I did, but just in case you need a quiet, easy way to coax yourself into another long week, here's a beautiful song that I think will do just that.

Rather than a flashy music video, I thought I'd share his wonderful live version.

Simple and good.

"Oh Lord, I'm getting ready to believe."

All religious discussion aside, I think if I were to answer honestly, I'd say I'm getting ready to believe in myself.

The question is, what are you getting ready to believe in?

THE LITTLE THINGS 3/3/2013

Good morning, March.

I, first and foremost, am shocked (or shamrocked?!  okay, that was bad) at how quickly this year is flying by.

My primary goal for March is to take it easy.  I have an insane couple months ahead of me and feel no guilt about being self-indulgent this month (in a time spent on myself kind of way, we can talk about budgets some other day).

Here is a brief list of the little things I'm thankful for this week:

- I get to see my beautiful niece tomorrow.  In two months she has absolutely captured my heart and I feel so blessed to be able to watch her grow.

- I get to see my sister tomorrow.  One year ago today she wasn't even pregnant yet.  Today she is a fantastic mom.  I am so proud of her.

- For the most part, I have a great boss.  He had a financial adviser come talk to us this week to give us an overview of the various types of investment accounts (both retirement and otherwise) and some broad suggestions on how to set ourselves up for financial success.

- New friends.  It is so hard to make new friends once you're in the groove of real life and not only have I made a few lately, but they are proving to be amazing women that totally inspire me.

- Old friends.  I got to spend some much-needed quality time with two of my best friends this week.  I am so lucky!!

- Pedicures.  Oh my gosh, yes.

- Alone time.  I walk the fine line between an introvert and an extrovert and, for the most part, only meet the needs of the latter.  I would love a Friday night that includes yoga, a bath, a glass of wine, and a book.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to pencil in a date with myself on my calendar for tonight...

Have a self-indulgent weekend ;)

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p.s. so not a coincidence that the image this week is from Ireland

p.p.s. so not a coincidence that the image this week is from a retirement website (planning ahead...)