Happy happy Monday! Here is a charming and poppy song for your morning by the lovely Dia Frampton. As much as I love the song, I’m also digging (yep, i said digging!) the fuschia and green color combo today. 

{ 1. } Bracelet - LAKLAKparis  { 2. } swimsuit- Skomoroki  { 3. } Sunglasses- Old Cute Things  { 4. } wool magnets- Parl Design  { 5. } card- little low  { 6. } coin purse -humoresque

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This weekend the fam and I were in Baltimore for our beautiful cousin, Jen’s, wedding. Okay so technically I am a cousin by marriage, but one of the best things about marrying into a big, friendly Italian family is that everyone is welcomed and embraced just as if you they see you every weekend. Imagine lots of big hugs, animated conversations, and delicious food. This weekend had a lot of that along with some Baltimore sightseeing musts.

My husband, Jon, and my brother-in-law, Marc, spent the first 11/12 years of their lives living in Baltimore, and while they have spent the majority of the following years in Georgia, these two still have a great affinity and tie to the great state of Maryland.  And with the majority of their family still living in Baltimore, we get to travel back to the lovely Charm City at least a few times a year. This time Marc’s girlfriend, Kelly, (yay for another girl in the family!) was along for the ride, so we had to show her what Baltimore is really about. Fell’s Point, the Harbor, steamed crabs, and marshmallow topped snowballs were all on the itinerary, and while we only had a little more than 24 hours, we were able to check everything off our list as well as thoroughly celebrate in Jen and Corey’s big day!

From my instagram feed, it appears that everyone and their brother (or sister) had a wedding to attend this weekend. Did you go to a wedding, too?

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When you were a kid, was there anything you were really afraid of doing? Maybe learning to swim or walking into a new classroom for the first time or maybe it was just eating your broccoli.

For me, I was terrified of riding a bike. Why? Because in my mind they were these big contraptions that sped too fast, relied on my way too unsteady balance, and were flat-out dangerous. (I may or may not have been a tad cautious and overly responsible during my childhood days.) Sure, I had a shiny, new purple bike that Santa brought me that year, but for all I cared, that thing could have sat in our garage unused until I turned 18. I had no desire, and to this day, I would probably still not know how to ride a bike if it weren’t for my aunt who forced encouraged me to learn so I wouldn’t be made fun of by the other kids.

So off we went to a little parking lot for me to face my fear. Bumps, bruises, and tears were definitely shed that day, but a couple of hours later I was triumphant. I faced my fears, and albeit I was wobbly and still a bit lacking in confidence, I was able to ride a bike. And as I reflect back over the years, I was pretty dangerous as I destroyed two bikes, a helmet, and on many occasions my knees, but I survived and better than that, I had pride in my accomplishment.

So why the heck am I talking about my biking experience? Well, I just came across a this captivating clip produced by the folks over at leanin.org, the organization established by Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg, author of Lean In: Women, Work And The Will To Lead. And in this clip, they ask woman “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” That’s a pretty powerful question, right? Well I have been pondering it for the better part of a week know and as I was thinking of that question today, I began to think back on the many things I have done in life that I have been afraid to do (and for an anxious, scardey cat like me- the list isn’t too short). While learning to ride a bike was one of the first experiences I had with challenging my fears, I hope my life is full of these challenges. I want to ask myself regularly, “what would I do if I weren’t afraid?” and do it.

Here is my current, modest, working list:

- I would be direct and clear as opposed to always sugar coating my opinions

- I would boldly share my innovative ideas in the workplace

- I would speak louder and be less poised

- Creativity would be my main job

What’s on your list? What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

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This weekend was jam-packed with blissful best friend time in my beautiful home state of Tennessee. One of the many perks to my job is that it is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which just so happens to be where my family is located as well as two of my best friends in the entire world. See those two beautiful blonde women in the right hand picture below? That’s them- Sarah and Tera. The moment I finished my work Thursday night I met up with them for al fresco sangria and tapas amidst the fireflies and the setting sun (Fun Fact: Im taken back to childhood immediately whenever I see lightening bugs or smell honeysuckle. sigh…) After dinner, we decided we still needed more catch up time, so we walked across the Walnut Street Bridge, ice cream in hand,  giggling obnoxiously, reminiscing, and reconnecting our souls. Sounds like a pretty perfect evening, right? Yea, it was, but the good girl time kept on coming.

Friday, I embarked for Nashville for even more girl time. I lived in Nashville for two years during grad school and while I was there, I was lucky enough to make friends that changed my life forever.  One of those friends so happened to be my first Nashville roommate, Lindsay, who just gave birth to the most precious little girl- Tessa Marie. So I say “just” but Tessa was born 2 and a half months ago, so my visit was long long overdue.  I also was able to spend a great deal of quality time with my friend Lauren and Kim. And while I was only in Nashville for less than 48 hours, I was able to squeeze in some of the staples as well as some fun new, experiences. Here was the agenda: delicious hand-crafted lattes with Lauren at the Red Bicycle Coffee Shop, then a yummy omelet for Brunch at Germantown Cafe, followed by shopping at OMG (aaaaaaamazing vintage and eclectic stuff. its a must!). After some more quality time with Baby T, Lauren, Lindsay, Tessa and I all embarked on a journey for banana and honey ice cream at Jenni’s. Then I met up with Kim for fish tacos and margs at Taqueria del Sol in 12th South then drinks outside at Red Door in midtown. I ended my weekend with a quick lunch with my dad and time with sweet baby Josalynn before driving back home to finally spend some much needed time with my sweet hubby.

Tonight, I’m exhausted but feeling very blessed and happy. Brene Brown (yep, ANOTHER BB reference!) says that we are all so lucky to have a few “move-a-body” friends. You know- the kind of friend that would help you move a body if you just so happen to kill someone. They are the type of friends who would drop everything in crises to show up, give you a hug, and ask where the heck you want to put the thing. They are nonjudgemental, offer unconditional love, and “see” you for you- flaws and all. I’m getting teary eyed right now as I type this because I was lucky enough to spend the weekend with 5 of these friends. I’m so blessed in knowing that I have even more than just those 5. That is number one on my gratitude list today: “I’m thankful for my “move-a-body” friends.

{ 1. } Coffee date with Lauren at Red Bicycle Coffee { 2.} Time with Tera and Sara at Terra Nostra { 3. } Mesmerized by the shop Old Made Good { 4. } Frothy caffeine at Portland Brew { 5. } One of my gifts to Tessa- Just Being Audrey  { 6. } Tessa Marie enjoying the rays { 7. } Lauren, me and Lindsay with T { 8.} Lauren and I enjoying mimosas at German Town Cafe
{ 1. } Red Bicycle Shop decor { 2.} Home is where the heart is state necklace (TN, GA, SC) from Old Made Good { 3. } outside with Tessa { 4. } Banana and Honey ice cream from Jenni’s  { 5. } Time with my doggy cousin- Benji { 6.} driving home from Nashville { 7.} Baby Josalynn { 8. }  Carona & Marg at Taqueria del Sol

How was your weekend? Did you have anytime spent with a “move-a-body” friend?

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Here is a confession- I’m kinda obsessed with a lady named Brene Brown. She is an author, researcher, and storyteller out of Houston, Texas, and she is absolutely amazing. I first learned of her in 2011 when I was frantically searching the internet for a topic for one of my counseling groups. Thats where I stumbled across her captivating TED talk on Vulnerability and to be quite honest, I have been reading everything she has put out ever since.

Seriously, everything out of this woman’s mouth is gold to me as it resonates on such a deep level. And one of her topics that I have been tossing back and forth in my spinning mind lately is that of creativity. She profoundly states that unused creativity is not benign, but instead it metastasis- turning into anger, rage, anxiety, depression, etc. Okay… I will let you catch your breath on that one as you let it really sink in. What a statement. But when I think about my life, I can confidently state that my lowest points were certainly void of any creativity. Instead, they were filled with constant, methodical movement. Overworking and overthinking, I had no time to play or create, but maybe that would have been the perfect antidote to those bleak times.

As Im entering into another time in my life that seems to be full of a hectic schedule and waining working boundaries, I’m striving to be intentional in making time to create, play, and engage my free-spirited side. This week I met that goal by making a flower crown at the mixer on Saturday and then playing dress up for a short and silly photo op. With my maiden-esqu Maxx Studio dress, braided wedges, and flowers in my hair, I felt like a cross between a woodland fairy and a kid playing dress up. Talk about my free-spirited side coming out to play… she showed up in full force.

“There’s no such thing as creative people and non-creative people. There are only people who use their creativity and people who don’t. Unused creativity doesn’t just disappear. It lives within us until it’s expressed, neglected to death, or suffocated by resentment and fear.”- Brene Brown

I hope you can make some time for creativity and play this week.

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Father’s Day is a little less than 2 weeks away, so today’s Music Monday is devoted to gift inspirations for him. And what better song for Dad’s day than Ivan & Alyosha’s “Father’s Be Kind.” Hope you are having a happy Monday, friends. 

{ 1. } Beard Oil: Beard Oil  { 2. } leather pouch:  modulem   { 3. } man cave journal: Istria Design  { 4. } vintage watch: timemaker  { 5. } Globe @ the white pepper

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Yesterday evening my friend, Natalie, and I set out on our journey from Atlanta to Rome, Georgia to attend the much anticipated Maiedae Mixer for fellow bloggers and creatives.  Under normal circumstances, this is a quick little hour trip but with the horrendeous 285 roadwork our trip turned into a journey! Eeek. Road worn and a bit anxious about meeting so many new and talented people, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But let me tell you- Savannah and Jenny of Maiedae exceeded all expectations and were the most gracious and welcoming of hostesses.

How perfect does all of this sound: Gorgeous decor, yummy desserts, pour-over coffee, lively music, flower crown making stations, book signing by the lovely Barb Blair, an amazing swag bag, and of course a photo booth by smilebooth. Pretty ideal, right? Then add in the best part, which was being able to meet and connect with woman with similar passions and love for creativity. It was food for my soul.

Here are some pictures from the amazing night:

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Well friends, I know it’s technically Tuesday, but it feels like Monday, right? Monday holidays always throw my inner clock into a topsy turvy mess, but boy oh boy am I thankful for that extra day off. Jon and I joined two of our dear friends in Delaware for a relaxing, beachy Memorial Day weekend.  Sleeping in, good music, and lots of crab… it was pretty blissful.

For today’s Music Monday   Tuesday, I am sharing a recommendation from a trusted music buddy. Just last week I discovered Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, aka Aly Spaltro. She may look like a cute 20 something, but her music is anything but cute with its raw lyrics about young love and energeticly, soulful vocals. Aubergine is my favorite. Hope you enjoy!

{ 1. } vintage fan: Two Story Vintage  { 2. } watercolor : bijuterra  { 3.} coin purse : Vas Ilinka Store  { 4. }  bags : Mels Eclectic Supplies   { 5. } wrap bracelet : jcu design 

 
<3
 

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Nanette Lepore Floral: Anthropologie $86

Volcom Chevron: Sundance Beach $76

Marysia Molokai: Anthropologie $285

Lauren Moffatt: Modcloth $198

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“I read a quote somewhere that said something like, “if you write from the heart, you’ll sing from the heart and people will listen from the heart”. I suppose I just stay true to what I want to write about and sing. The music seems to find its way to the people who are open to it. I also believe that people have a greater capacity and desire for depth and feeling than our pop culture gives us credit for. A side note and confession: I do love a 3 minute pop song…when it’s good. For example, I could play Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You’ve Been Gone” on repeat and sing it at the top of my lungs like a school girl.”- Matthew Perryman Jones.

How can you not love a man that appreciates the emotions behind music but also acknowledges love for a good pop song. MPJ’s Only You is one of my favorites.

 { 1.}  1970s tote : Omnia VTG  { 2.} Feather Earrings : Love at First Blush   { 3.} Arrow Stamp : Native Bear  { 4.} Book: Rank and File Vintage  { 5.} Mustard Bow Tie @ Fox and Brie

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