Unplugged.

I was inspired by this post from Taza about "unplugging" for a bit.  I wanted to actually be able to enjoy and live more minutes of my life.  (And talk about timing, our church was fasting from social media for the week for Lent.  Win win.)  I wouldn't consider myself a huge social media addict, but the fact of the matter is I'm addicted to Instagram.  There I said it...that's the first step, right?

Instagram is by far my favorite social medium, and I get sucked in so quickly that I lose 15 minutes of my day more often than I'd like to admit.  So, my challenge was to give it up, cold turkey.  And do you know what?  It was pretty nice.  (And it wasn't even hard!)  I felt like I had more time, I was able to enjoy extra moments with the hubby and I didn't have anyone else's life to judge mine against.  I don't think Instagram (or any social media for that matter) is bad, but I do feel like it lets us portray this glamorous "life" that we would like others to think we have when in fact we don't.  Not many people post those rotten moments in life, but when they do, those filters make it seem better than it actually is, right?

I'm not writing this saying that I am giving up Instagram for good, but I do feel less tied to it now.  I don't have to check it all the time to see every picture on my feed.  It's ok if I miss a day, and I'm really not missing anything life changing.

That's my take away from this little activity.  What's your thoughts on social media addiction?  Are you addicted or couldn't care less?

quote via here

What's for lunch?

It's no joke that I'm a plain jane when it comes to lunch.  If I could have anything for lunch, most days I would chose a turkey sandwich.  (And most days that's exactly what I have...a turkey sandwich.)  But lately, I've been a little bored with my standard lunch choice.  My tastebuds are needing something different, something exciting.

My challenge this month is to come up with fresh, easy lunches to replace my standard turkey sandwich, and these options above (from my pinterest board) are not a bad place to start.  (I'm drooling over those black been tacos as we speak.)

Do you have any good options for quick lunches?  What's your favorite go to lunch during the week?

Tight Quarters

This little kitchen space gives me butterflies, lots of butterflies.  You should know by now that I'm a huge fan of brick and white, and then you add in some industrial appliances...I'm sold!

On Sundays, my domestic housewife-ness comes out in full force.  The week night meals get planned and prepped, the baking gets attempted, the house gets cleaned, the laundry gets done, yada yada yada. I don't know why it is, but Sunday is the day I turn into "Super Martha Stewart."  I guess you could say I'm nesting for the week ahead!  (Is that a thing?)

So, on these Sundays I find myself mostly in the kitchen, and although my "dream" kitchen involves a huge island, tons of cabinets and an open layout, I would be perfectly content ecstatic to have this little beauty as my kitchen forever.  There is something about a charming space that gets me every time.  I forget about the cramped quarters that will come to light when two people are trying to prepare a weeknight dinner in a hurry and the crowd that will inevitably gather when you have friends over (because everyone always ends up in the kitchen, right?)

I'll take it anyway.

via here

BAM!

I am a magazine junkie through and through.  (If you could only see the stacks of Vogue in my bedroom, you'd understand!)  And when great design comes together with two of my favorite actors, I swoon.  Michelle Williams...swoon.  Ryan Gosling...swoon.  But, Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling with beautiful design and creative layouts...BAM...major swoon!  Just how good are these covers?  Some of the best, right?

They are oldies but definitely goodies, and I will forever be drawn to them.

found via here and here

Paris...Oiu, Oiu

Oh, Paris!   How I dream of thee!  And for some reason, you're all I can think of lately.  The romantic strolls, the impromptu lunch dates, the wine that never runs dry, you sweep me away just thinking about your joys.

Who knows what prompted this love affair? (To tell you the truth I've always been an Italia girl...until recently!)  But here I am, head over heels in love with the city of love.  I am longing for a trip to make my dream a reality.

Until then, my love!

via here

All Things Pink and Lovey Today

All things pink and lovey dovey today because it's Valentine's Day, you know!  And I wouldn't want to spend it with any one other than my man.  He is my one and only, and there aren't enough words in any vocabulary to express just how much I love him.  He makes every day better!

images via here and here

Valentine Wrapping

The week of love is upon us, and I can't help but be giddy.  I know Valentine's is typically a "spoil your lady" kind of holiday, but I always like to do/get a little something special for the hubby.  (I'm a complete sap when it comes to love!)

And this year I might even try this cute wrapping paper idea?  (Love it so much!)  And even though it's probably more for me than the hubby (he doesn't get as excited about package presentation as I do) I know he'll enjoy it.  (It's the thought and effort that goes into a present...right?)

via here