This was a week of HIGHS and LOWS. I’d honestly prefer to just coast right down the middle of life, but sheesh, it was a trying week. Thankfully I ended the week with the highs and I think it’s safe to say that it sort of made those lows worth it. I’ll do a longer post later, but I had a serious flare of perfectionism that was just a nightmare.

Garrett’s brother Rob and his boyfriend Carlin came down from Rhode Island because they had a few days off work. It’s always a good time when family comes to visit! We decided to head into the city for dinner for dumplings. (If you haven’t been to Joe’s Shanghai for the soup dumplings, you are missing out my friend.) And then ice cream. We spent a bit of yesterday exploring Connecticut and showing them around before they had to head back home. Honestly, it was the perfect 24 hour break and exactly what we all needed to decompress. (Is there something in the air? Everyone seems to have overloaded plates right now!)

Anything fun on your radar this week?

Instead of the typical workweek, Garrett and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful pre-summer weather and hit the road. We decided on Cape Cod and literally had the best 36 hours. When my family lived in Boston, we used to go to Cape Cod, but I was so little and I don’t have a ton of memories of the place. (My most vivid memory is being freezing cold, bundled up in sweatshirts and towels in July! I remember the wind hitting my face and thinking that this couldn’t be right.)

A little adventure like this was something I really needed. Nothing like a change of scenery to reinvigorate your drive!

I’ll be sharing more photos from the trip later, but for now… Here’s what’s on my radar:

ONE // Princess Diaries 3

“Princess of Genovia!” Okay, so I originally read that a third Princess Diaries movie was in production… and then I read that it was just a rumor and not actually happening. Way to play with my heart!!! My hopes is that the movie is legitimately happening or that this pre-buzz ends up kicking off the project… The first Princess Diaries is definitely one of my favorite movies and I even love the soundtrack!

TWO // Tampa International Airport Surprise

I thought this story was the sweetest thing. A little boy’s stuffed tiger was left behind in the airport… And TIA employees made sure that Hobbes, the tiger, was not only safe and sound but that he had an adventure of a lifetime.

THREE // The Secret to Everlasting Love

Look, I’m not a relationship expert and I do believe that every person and every relationship is different. I also typically hate “relationship” articles/posts online– especially when they’re written with 20-somethings in mind. However, when I read this article, I was pleasantly surprised! It’s practical and relatable and would be valuable to bookmark it.

FOUR // Scalloped Neckline Dress

Remember my coral dress that sold out in three hours?! I find a super similar option. It comes in a coral (looks more light pink online?) and a dark navy!

FIVE // Amazing Dance Recital

This video has almost 50 million views on Facebook. FIFTY MILLION, for good reason. This tiny six year old nails her dance recital routine, completely channeling Aretha Franklin. Happy Friday!

This week simply flew by! I feel like I was just in Florida for Thanksgiving, but I’m already completely ready to back this weekend.

Here’s what was on my radar from this week:

Garrett sent me this video and my response was, “We have our work cut out for us next year.” If this doesn’t make the usual holiday card look lame, I don’t know what will. It’s incredible!!! In addition to the “how do they do that?” question, I would also like to know how to get on their mailing list!

FOUR // New Moleskine 

I’m super intrigued by this new Moleskine! Because of the pen that’s used and the way the notebook is lined and set up with “buttons,” you can backup your notebooks to your iPad! I really want to try this out. I feel like the opportunities are endless with this. Plus, it’s just a great way technology and tradition are coupled together.

FIVE // Apple’s Holiday Ad

Ending on a sweet, high note, Apple’s holiday ad is (as always) amazing. I teared up and it brought a huge smile to my face! I like that it doesn’t seem crazy or unrealistic, it’s just sweet and happy!

Anything fun on your radar this week?

Two words to describe this week: roller coaster. Life is a series of ups and downs and it seemed like this week was just all over the place on the emotional front. Sometimes it’s easy to gloss over difficult days and just go straight through posting great and happy content. But it’s the farthest from the truth, not just for me… but for everyone. One of my favorite quotations is “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Someone might be struggling with an internal battle, or she might be overwhelmed with work, or she might have lost a good friend.

I logged some extra-late night hours to pull myself out of the trenches. Planning and organizing paid off… one minute it “clicked” and I finally didn’t feel like I was in over my head. (Not to mention that my spider bite is almost completely healed with a miracle-working medication.)

There are quite a few videos today. This is because I think there’s nothing better than a fun video for a quick distraction and an easy smile.

ONE // Quvenzhané Walliss’ Secrets

Not only is this little girl downright adorable, she is incredibly talented. Quvenzhané Walliss is the child actor known for her role in Beasts of the Southern Wild, but that was just the beginning of what is sure to be a long, long career. Unlike a lot of interviews with child actors, Quvenzhané’s answers are age-appropriate and not prompted by publicists or mom-agers. Very sweet!


 






TWO // Fun “Shake It Off” Videos

Okay, I am so loving Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” These two videos above are hilarious (the first one) and amazing (the second one). I love Taylor’s original song, but Meghan Trainor (who sings “All About That Base”) absolutely kills it with her cover– such a unique spin on the song. And who doesn’t love boys lip-syncing to a girly song?

THREE // Puppy Surprise

Need a good cry?!?! Like a good-happy kind of cry? Watch this. I literally teared up. I’m such a sucker for surprise videos, but gosh, add a puppy and cute kids and I’m a puddle. This kids’ reactions are priceless; I love that they keep thanking their parents over and over again!

FOUR // THE iPHONE 6

I can’t wait to get my hands on the new iPhone. (I’m actually way more excited about the watch, but the camera on the phone will be ah-mazing!) I watched The Verge’s review of the phone and it just made me really excited. If you’re not sure whether upgrading is worth it or not for you, I definitely recommend their review. If you need a cute case for your new iPhone 6…. The Minnie and Emma collection I did is available for the new size!!! (Reese Witherspoon was spotted again carrying hers!)

FIVE // Nourish Snacks

My friend Julia works for Nourish Snacks, a new healthy snack company founded by Joy Bauer. She originally introduced me to the brand and I’m obsessed. Mr. Popular is my favorite; I could eat fourteen packages of these they are that good. All of the snacks are healthy (and gluten and dairy free!!!) and under 200 calories. I like to keep them by my desk for a quick-afternoon-pick-me while I work. Perfect for dorm rooms (moms: great care package!), lunch boxes, and snack-drawer alternatives. For 10% off, use “COLLEGEPREP” at checkout. Get all the Mr. Popular snacks… seriously, you will be addicted in the best way possible.

What’s on your radar this week?