A Healthy Balance

I haven't done a "Top 9" yet. I want to reflect on my own, first, without being swayed by how many "likes" a photo got. Some of the biggest hurdles and successes of this year never showed up on Instagram, anyway. The most notable excitements of the year include getting engaged and buying a townhouse--two things I've wanted for so long but was unwilling to take the plunge if it didn't feel right. God whispered to me to look at Stafford, and I finally had the lightbulb moment of "This is the one!" when I found our end-unit, wooded view house in a diverse neighborhood that felt spacious and calm, and oh! So many windows to let in natural light! I stretched my budget more than I like (frugality suits me better) but it was the right choice, and I have no regrets.  The summer was tough, being in a new place without friends and too much free time. (Patrick doesn't believe that too much free time is a thing, but for me, it definitely is...

I recently finished two inspiring reads that I feel compelled to share. Neither of these books are new , but I am very glad I finally decided to give them a chance. The first book is Born a Crime , by Trevor Noah. This book is equal parts informative and soulful. Noah lays the context of his childhood by describing apartheid culture in South Africa, where people of different races are systematically pitted against each other and hatred is fostered so that those in power can maintain power.  Trevor's mother was a strong woman who ignored some of these structures, taking Noah to churches of different denominations, living in a white neighborhood, and exposing her son to a world outside of the invisible fence where he was supposed to stay. Trevor describes his journey of racial identification (being mixed), his scrappy entrepreneurial ventures as a child and teen, and ultimately why he decided to leave the bubble of South Africa and move to the United States.  ...

Hey guys! It's been a while! As many of you know, I've moved to Stafford, VA. We LOVE our quiet, conveniently-located neighborhood but I am driving a bit longer to connect with friends and family. Lucky for me, I've discovered a few new podcasts to spice up my drive! 1. Work, Play, Love with Lauren Fleshman and Jesse Thomas : This podcast is great for runners or athletes trying to find a balance between training and work/relationships. Lauren is a retired professional runner (now coach) and Jesse is a current professional triathlete. Together, they run a company called Picky Bars . Oh yeah, and they're married! Each episode, they discuss what's going on in their personal lives and then answer questions from listeners.  What I love: Both Lauren and Jesse are candid about their experiences: the ups and downs of business, athletic careers, and their own relationship. They don't come across as know-it-alls or experts, but rather as kind friends willing to sh...

Why do we enjoy certain reality television shows and not others? I can't stomach The Bachelor but I adore Real Housewives, despite objections from family members.  When I lived with my parents, my Dad would notoriously ask, "Do you feel dumber after watching this?" If it's The Kardashians , my answer is yes. I will watch 20 minutes every now and then but do feel brain cells slipping away. I don't usually feel the same way about The Real Housewives , however, and I've taken some time to consider why: 1.  I enjoy analyzing the social dynamics. Who would I be friends with? On which side of a disagreement would I stand? Would I have reacted the same or differently in a specific social circumstance? It's fascinating to see the different levels of vulnerability within the group, the range of communication styles and skills, and the ladies' ability (or inability) to forgive and move on after conflict. Watching reminds me of how I want to behave and treat...

Hey guys! It's been too long! I was scrolling through my photo album this morning and thinking about all kinds of things to share. Sometimes it's hard to pick. If you haven't heard, I've ended my part-time job at Muse Paintbar. The time commitment was too much, and the hours became very draining. So here's what I've been up to instead... 1. Selling children's books! I've become a consultant with Usborne Books and More, since I can't get enough of these books! I've been avidly reading the chapter books and watching youtube "peek inside" videos in order to become an expert on the range of books we offer. Check out my personal collection below! Let me know if you want to host a pop-up party, need recommendations for reluctant readers, or really want to talk books in any way. I'm obsessed. You can check out my online store  here. Just some light weekend reading I love opening a box of brand new books! 2. Working on my...

FLOWER Beauty is a makeup line by Drew Barrymore, banking on the fact that this information alone will be enough for customers to open their wallets. That's actually the marketing strategy; by eliminating traditional advertising, the brand can cut costs and sell "luxury" products at prices affordable for everyone. Walmart was chosen as the sole retailer when the brand originated in 2012, which supports this vision. Later, FLOWER opened an online store, and just this month (Jan. 2018), FLOWER products are available at Ulta.  Drew promises not to hike up her prices, so I'm excited to watch this brand evolve. Products I Tried and Love: Lip Suede Velvet Lip Chubby  (<$10)-This product was featured on several "Best of 2017" videos I saw by beauty gurus/editors online. The design is simple yet stylish, and the lipstick glides on easily. I love the moisture-rich formula, especially in winter! I decided to order online, and chose several colors to tr...