Weekend Loves | 2016 Volume No. 2

Hello friends!

It's already Friday? Of course I say that today, but on Tuesday I was absolutely longing for Friday and I felt like it would never come. It was a long, cold, trying week for me in many ways. Migraines, website issues, technology frustrations, gas leaks during school pickup making the afternoon route take so much longer than normal, and one mess after another here at home. But there were such high points along the way, too. I must not, and will not, forget about those. 

They carry me.

For example, I got to deliver beautiful artwork to really wonderful people this week. I hugged them and met their new puppies and got to see my artwork that is already hanging in their homes. I got more kisses and snuggles from my amazing kids than I can count. I smiled with gratitude as I slipped into their room and watched them sleep under their twinkly lights, wearing the sweet eye masks that they got for Christmas. Charlotte walked through the house in her bedhead and fluffy Minions robe this morning, and I almost fainted at her cuteness. Lila brought home straight As on her report card again. Parker completely rocked his National History Day presentation, and I got texts all week with kind words about him that made me so proud. I have the privilege of photographing a kids' campout tomorrow evening at a client's beautiful home. And we have the Friday Night Dance Party at our house tonight. (It's just the five of us cooking dinner and listening to Pandora, but I think it's Chris's favorite part of the week. And there will be wine, so it's my favorite night too.) ;)

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What I loved this week...

I'm a bookworm who is short on time, so audiobooks (whether via CDs or phone app) are my favorite thing ever. Whether you listen to CDs or use a phone app, audiobooks can be a wonderful resource for your commute, the carline (I spend a minimum of 2.5 hours every day in the car, just dropping off and picking up my kids), or while you're editing or working at home. I use this one.

Speaking of audiobooks, I'm listening to this book right now and it's fantastic. So many great lines already. Elizabeth Gilbert's voice is warm and spectacular, so it's like chatting with a wise friend over coffee. 

And speaking of chauffeuring and refereeing, a friend texted me this article today and I was a blubbering mess by the end. What a beautiful book we are writing in these loud, messy, wonderful days.

Super cute Valentine ideas for your kiddo to share.

I love when kids want to help in the kitchen. William's Chocolate Chip Cookies. My favorite kind of recipe. My friend Bree creates the most wonderful videos. And recipes. And photographs. And children. :) 

Rest easy, Snape. So many great and talented human beings left this world just this week alone. My kids and I are particularly sad about Alan Rickman's passing. He brought that complex character to life so beautifully in the Harry Potter movies, and we all loved to despise him until his agonizing secret was revealed in the end. "After all this time?" "Always." You never know where you'll find a hero.

Great shirts. Even greater message.

What do you do first thing in the morning? 

These women have changed my life. I grew up reading the Bible, of course, but I was always stumped on how to apply the right lesson to my present day life. Sometimes it's hard to not see a particular passas as just as story about a guy who made a mistake or did something great. But the writers at SRT beautifully explain God's word in a way that I can grasp, and in a way that makes His Word still relevant in my life as a wife, mother, artist and human. And I love that.

365 days of coffee. I love everything about this. And I've followed Cindy's work for years.

If you're in the Tampa Bay area, one of my portrait families owns this beautiful art gallery that you need to visit. They're also having a lovely sale for the month of January, so go quickly or browse online, and get some gorgeous art for your home. Your home should be a beautiful and inspiring place to be.

Happy Friday, friends! I hope your weekend is fun, relaxing, and fires you up for whatever comes your way next.

xo,
Stacey

Weekend Loves | 2016 Volume No. 1

Happy New Year, my sweet friends! Can you believe the first week of 2016 is officially over? 

I almost didn't want to take the Christmas tree down this year. It was the last piece to go. 

We waited until mid-December before choosing a tree this year, because we are tired of sad, crispy trees on Christmas Day. But this lovely girl was still green and lush and beautiful on New Year's Day. It was a shame to take her to the curb to await her demise.

I do love the open, airy, clean feeling of an uncluttered living room, though. Although we are in need of a tiny bit of sparkle and glow around here to take the place of the tree. 

Just maybe not something 7 feet tall. ;)

Have a gorgeous weekend, my friends!

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My lovely friend Bree sends the most wonderful emails out on Fridays. She calls them Friday Happy Mail. I look forward to reading them every week. I have wanted to do a weekly list here on my blog for years now, and one of my goals for 2016 is to blog seriously and regularly. So maybe with this fresh start that is the new year, I'll be able to keep this feature up! I'm a researcher and a sharer by nature (INFP all the way), so this is super fun for me. 

Here goes Volume No. 1 of Weekend Loves!

• The only Christmas tree I like better than my own is this one. Because it's dreamy.

• I received this gorgeous bag for Christmas and I am smitten with it. It is so well made, and I've gotten several compliments on it already. I really love that it was handmade by a woman who has been given grace and a second chance. Read this company's story. It's pretty amazing and definitely a company I'd like to support. I have my eye on this wallet next.

• It's been 6 years since I wrote this article. And the calling out still happens, times three now. Can you relate?

• An organized workspace. And my goal for this weekend.

• I'm a paper planner gal. I just can't get into an online calendar no matter how hard I try. I bought both of these planners this year and I cannot decide which one to use. Parker's teacher says "over-analysis leads to paralysis," and it's so true... I haven't written in either one of them yet! I've used the Day Designer for 3 years straight, and have absolutely loved it, but was super tempted by the Simplified Planner. What do you use to plan out your days?

• This beautiful invention is my sanity saver every single day. I'm even starting to dislike coffee from anywhere but my own kitchen these days. And the slowness of the routine is just what I need to reset during the morning rush. How do you take your coffee? Are you a slow-pour coffee drinker or do you like your coffee fast and NOW?

• My beautiful friend Angie is fixing up a very special dollhouse for her daughter, Quinn. She has a sewing/art room and everything! Make sure you read her story; it will tug your heartstrings. (And watch for a collaboration and very special project with Quinn and Co. here on the blog very soon!)

• My friend Haley (and my first hairstylist when I moved to Florida) has released a book / series of workouts for moms and their children, to help regulate emotions and lift your mood. Here is her news feature from yesterday -- so excited for her! Definitely a great thing for a busy mama.

• Dark chocolate peanut butter smoothie bowl? Oh I think I'll be trying this tomorrow.

• Four habits for an uncluttered home. Yes please. Currently my "outbox" is the entire garage.

Did you find anything fun in my list? Let me know which was your favorite, and which idea or product or perspective you're going to try.

That's it for this week. Make some memories with the ones you love most this weekend!

xoxo,
Stacey