Rise and Shine

I often have a difficult time getting out of bed in the morning. The combination of my husband, our dog, cozy covers and warmth are just too hard to give up!

So I'm proud of myself this morning because I got up early and went for a run. It wasn't a particularly long or good-looking burst of exercise, but I'm glad I did it. The air was cool, the early sun was shining and it was neat to see my neighborhood while it was still mostly asleep. 

My old high school cross country coach once shared a quote about the greatest accomplishment in going running is the simple -- but often very difficult -- act of putting on the running shoes and stepping out the door. I agree with that sentiment this morning!

Just as I was getting tired, I heard the cruel sound of an alarm clock blaring out through a neighbor's window. And I felt so fortunate to have already gotten over the getting out of bed hurdle and to be out enjoying a beautiful morning. 

But I'm hoping this whole getting up early and running thing gets easier as I do it more often!

Photo from here.

Summer is Here

The weather this weekend was gor-ge-ous! It set the stage for a fun day of grilling, sipping beer and hanging out with friends.

I hope many weekends to come are just as perfectly summery.

Photo from here.

A Natural

It may sound strange, but I have really been digging those television commercials for cotton featuring Zooey Deschanel.  

I love her ladylike, slightly offbeat, softly vintage style and the fact that she always looks original -- but also very much like herself. 

And natural materials like cotton, linen and silk are what I've been craving as the weather has warmed. 

Here are a few pics from cotton's "Fabric of My Life" campaign. Cute, no?

All photos from here. 

Simply Gorgeous

A few years ago, I lived in an area that was home to a lot of Eichler houses. I liked the simplicity of the streamlined, straightforward designs found in these post-war developments. 

So I was quite excited that the beautiful Alkemie blog devoted a "Real Estate Stalking" post to an Eichler home. 

I personally never saw such an exquisite Eichler, but I loved drooling over these photos. Enjoy!

Photos from here. 

Pretty in Pink

I had a simple bliss moment this afternoon.


My boss let me take home a bouquet of peonies from the office. They look gorgeous and smell divine. I might have discovered my new favorite flower!

I have to say, I might just have the best boss in the world. No, not just because she gives me flowers. But because it is so great -- and really quite rare, I think -- to work for someone you respect and admire both in and out of work. A person you can consider both a friend and a mentor.

She's taught me, shown me and given me so much. And now I can add beautiful pink flowers to that list!

Photo from here.

Four-Ever

There are three special girls in my life whom I've been friends with since the third grade.

The four of us have seen each other through ups and downs, phases, fashion choices good and bad, and many accomplishments. As we've spread out and moved around we've had as many girls' weekends around the country as we've been able to hold. And one amazing get-together took place yesterday and will continue this weekend.

I am so fortunate to have these smart, funny, beautiful, successful, kind and encouraging women in my life -- and I am confident that I always will.

Here's to great girlfriends!

Photo from here.

Monday Musing

Oh, I wasn't ready for this weekend to be over! 

So when I saw this great print by Shaun Sundholm on the fantastic site 20x200, I thought, "yes, let's do!" 

I want to run outside and enjoy this sunny day! And getting lost in this gorgeous day would be absolutely wonderful. 

Photo from here.