Washington DC

It's hard to believe that summer has come and gone already but fall is here. With the cooler air rolling in, I've been reflecting on the past several months and all the places we've traveled and memories we've made. It's been challenging at times but mostly it's been wonderful.

We had the opportunity to spend some time in Washington DC where we tried new foods, explored new places and met lots of really great people. While I only took a handful of photos with my real camera, these images remind me of a summer well enjoyed.

Our time in Washington DC reminded me of how much I love cities for all the interesting ways like - the smell of brake dust in the metro and the density of buildings packed into every square inch, which in turn drives people to the lush green open spaces where they flock each sunny day. If this isn't proof that we all (even city-dwellers) crave fresh air and greenery, I don't know what is.

The juxtaposition of old and new buildings makes my architectural heart sing and Washington DC gets this balance right. There is a variety of cultures and languages and with such a strong artistic presence, it's not uncommon to see an entire band break it down street side. The energy is contagious and smile-inducing.

Sure the incessant honking at midnight and 6am wakeup calls from the motorized street cleaners gets old but eventually it all feels familiar and without it, everything feels too quiet. And then there's all of this goodness too.

harnessing the sun

Recently I rediscovered my love for cities. I mean, they really energize me. More on that tangent another time though.

Fortunately, a design conference provided me with an opportunity to visit Boston for the first time. Well my first time, with the exception of flying into the airport to then drive to a wedding in rural Massachusetts nearly four years ago. And while the wedding was loads of fun, this time I was able to stay in Boston proper a little longer and really take it all in.

The weather on my first day was BEAUTIFUL and such a warm welcome for this southern girl who prefers moderate temperatures with a baseline of 70, plus or minus five degrees. I don’t ask for much, really... With every step I took, the sky and I both beamed with sunshine. I wanted to spend every minute outside breathing the fresh air and people watching to my heart’s content.

Can you recall how great you feel on the first sunny day of spring when all of the flowers are in bloom and you think to yourself, how could life ever be tough? Well, that is the sort of bliss I experienced on Monday.

If traveling has taught me anything, it’s to make the most of the weather forecast. This makes sense, doesn’t it? On rainy days visit museums and on sunny days get out and explore. Intending to live by this lesson, I launched a mobile weather app to check out the seven day forecast. Quickly I realized that this sunny day I was thrilled to have might be the only one during my stay. In that moment, I grew determined to squeeze the very last drop of goodness out of the day by spending as much time as possible outside. I observed outside. I ate outside. I read outside. I ran outside. You get the point. I literally stayed outside until the sun set and then some.

As predicted, the weather the following day was cold, windy and the sun was nowhere to be found. Instantly, I felt grateful that I chose to enjoy the previous day to the extent I did. This made me think even more. If my awareness of the impending bad weather allows me to fully appreciate the good weather, then is it possible to harness the sun on pretty days to keep us feeling good on the not-so-pretty days? To some extent, I think the answer is yes. We can’t literally bottle up the sun and dispense it on those overcast and dreary days. However, when we make the choice to fully appreciate the pretty days, it fills our cup. It energizes our spirit. It fuels our soul. It allows us to harness the sun for the inevitable, dreary days ahead.

Of course this idea translates to our lives on a grander scale as well. If we can whole-heartedly appreciate our over-the-moon, life is good days then we’ll have a positive reservoir ready for dispensing on the why me, life is so tough days too. Food for thought.

restful adventure

While the phrase "restful adventure" may sound like an oxymoron, that's exactly how I would describe this past weekend. It all started on Friday afternoon when my sister and I piled into the car and headed east for the coast to spend time with our family. We had no agenda at all, only to enjoy the scenery, each other's company and the beautiful weather to come.

Both Saturday and Sunday mornings we woke to gorgeous blue skies and a burning desire to seize the day. And, that's exactly what we did.

We ate well, dug our toes into the sand, played horseshoes, flew kites, cruised on bikes and even initiated impromptu dance parties. It was just what I needed. I think it's what we all needed, to be honest. Life is busy and it's tough for us to put aside our to-do lists and have real conversations without any distractions, but taking time for a restful adventure is so worth it.

Here's to your next restful adventure, big or small!

snowpocalypse 2014

Over the last 2 weeks the south has seen snow quantities of historic proportions. It's been unreal. For the most part, the snow has been truly beautiful but Wednesday's snowpocalypse was a little stressful. Lots of snow fell very quickly leading to metropolitan gridlock and extremely long commutes, leaving some stranded and cell towers maxed out. Fortunately, everyone I know eventually made it home safely!

On a lighter note, I've learned a thing or two during the snow of 2014.

1. Snow days really are more fun when you have good company.

2. Invest in a sled, even if it means storing it in your attic for three years before putting it to good use.

3. Stocking up on food and the essentials at the last minute is really worth it, even if doing so leads to chaos and glares.

4. Invest in a well insulated pair of snow boots. Two layers of socks and breathable tennis shoes just don't do it.

5. Shelter and heat are both things for which we should all be grateful.

6. While technology has made it easier to check in on loved ones, it's important to charge these electricity dependent devices.

7. Always prepare a hot dish, like chili, before a big snow so you'll have something to enjoy after building a snowman.

8. Make the most of the daylight hours, just in case the power goes out. Wake up early. Go to bed early.

9. If possible, attempt a mini-adventure outside everyday to avoid cabin fever.

10. Communities are really powerful in a crisis. Bonds are formed as a result of helping each other. What a sweet reminder of the power of love, during the week of Valentine's Day.

I've enjoyed the snow and quiet-filled days but I'm looking forward to spring. I'm even tempted to start spring cleaning early, in hopes of prompting its arrival.

everyday adventures | july

Weekends can be pretty awesome. While it has taken me a while to fully appreciate them, I do now. I think this change is because I have greatly reduced the amount that I work during the weekends. Of course this means working a little smarter during the week, but I've enjoyed the result immensely.

This summer Ben and I have made a point to enjoy ourselves and really explore our city, like tourists. It's pretty amazing to see your city with new eyes. Every weekend we engage in what we call everyday adventures. Our adventures are pretty low key, like trying a new restaurant or walking to the park for an evening concert, but these experiences form memories and help us recharge for the week ahead. Here are a few highlights from July:

We checked out exhibits at the local science museum.

We even had a picnic, which happens to be an item on our summer bucket list. In fact, I feel like I should institute a bucket list for every season. Why not? I'm already dreaming up adventures for fall.

I made coconut granola for the first time. I've really wanted to do a better job of eating breakfast everyday. Having healthy options like granola on hand is just what I need for pairing with my favorite berries. The great thing is that I can take it on the go or enjoy it at our kitchen table with my coffee, to ward off the jitters when I get to carried away with my caffeine habit.

Wishing you a fun-filled weekend ahead!