Category Archives: Friday Link Love

Have you ever had one of those weeks that leaves you feeling like the musical dance number from the 1989 Batman? No? Is that weird? Anyway, this week has left me feeling a little frantic. Work is crazy stressful, so I am to try combat that by being creative and engaging in my down time, though I am feeling like I am more acting like “Julie” than actually being Julie. I don’t completely understand it, and I don’t think I’m explaining it well, but there it is. On a lighter note, my fur babies have been super cuddly this week. They’ve been enforcing down time by laying on my chest and staring at me. I am incredibly susceptible to fluffy-guilt, and they can usually wrangle about 15-30 minutes of ear/chin scratches before I make them move. Even longer if it’s Octavian. I just can’t say no to him. He’s been with me since I was 18, and he is old, slightly blind, diabetic, and has arthritis in his hips. One plaintive “meow”, and I am using heated towels to create a nest and giving him kisses on his nose. Yes, I know I am being manipulated, but it doesn’t keep it from being effective.

I’ve been holding on to a Sephora gift certificate the birthday fairy brought me, but I think I know what I want to spend it on now.

Who would’ve though that giving up on your dreams might just be what you need to be happy and live your best life.

It’s true; these are the best sandals in the world. I have three pairs, and I’m not sorry.

I’m not a festival person, but I am very much a festival makeup person. All the glitter.

Normally, I don’t like my cookies to be overly complicated, but after the week that I’ve had, these extra cookies might be just what the doctor ordered.

Some good tips for utilizing tableware you already own for your next dinner party table.

There will never be enough posts about cats on the internet.

Image from here. 

It’s Easter weekend! Andy and I have big plans to go watch our nephews hunt Easter eggs for the first time. They’re pretty small, and I don’t think they’re going to get the “hunting” concept, but I think that’ll make things even more fun. Plus I get baby snuggles, and that’s always pretty great. I say this every year, but next year I want to have brunch for my friends and host a grown up egg hunt. Still put candy in the eggs, except for one that’ll contain a $20. I figure that will be incentive enough to get everyone to participate 😉 Here are some links to get your weekend going:

Andy and I got an Instapot for Christmas, but neither of us has been brave enough to try it out yet. I think these recipes for “10 Things You Didn’t Know Your Could Make in an Instapot” might just be the push we needed.

I am thinking about whipping up this little wreath to brighten up our new purple front door.

This charming lemonade bar is charming and perfect for this warmer weather.

Some ideas and recommendations for a quick and easy Easter brunch.

Coming from humbler beginnings, this article on class anxiety really resonated with me.

I picked up this pretty purple dress a couple of weeks ago, and I have been LOVING it. Super comfy, and I get complements every time I throw it on.

This before and after on the renovation of a childhood home is heartwarming. It’s wonderful to see an old place given new life by people who really care about it.

Kids always have questions; here is some great advice on how to positively talk about something that might be considered “different”.

Image from here. 

Well you guys, I’ve been 32 for a whole 24 hours now. Doesn’t feel that different from 31, but I genuinely enjoyed being completely spoiled by my friends and family yesterday so I can’t say that I have any complaints. I have two and a half days of birthday week left, and I am a bit torn on how to spend them. On one hand, it’s been a busy week and the idea of “doing nothing” is immensely appealing; on the other hand, there are lots of spring festivals and other community things happening and Andy has to say “yes” to whatever I want to do… So I’ll probably do what I always do which is “wake up and see how I feel.” Not the most orderly way to go about things, but it mostly works. I am also going to finish writing my 32 before 33 list so I can get things started and share it with you next week. I hope you all have a wonderful spring weekend!

Let’s be honest, everybody poops, but things don’t always “move” the way that they should. Here are some tips to help you stay regular and relieve any blockages.

Punch was always something my mom made for very special occasions, and after reading these recipes, I am thinking about cobbling together my very own mix the next time I have people over.

Normally I am not a huge fan of wallpaper, but I think this cute cat print would be paw-some (I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it) in a small space or as an accent wall.

I’ve always though 3D printing was some next level “we’re living in the future” coolness, but I think it’s even more amazing that people are utilizing the technology build homes for communities in need.

I always take online quizzes with a grain of salt, but this one on “Which Tarot Card Are You?” was eerily accurate.

Some wise words about being responsible for our own feelings and releasing the expectations we unfairly put on others.

It’s been years since I’ve dyed Easter Eggs, but I might give it a go this year so I can try out these natural dye options.

My massive canopy bed was one of the first purchases Andy and I made when we moved into our house, but as much as I love it I also find myself getting wistful and inspired when I see non-traditional headboards.

These are supposed to be funny, but I think life would be a lot better for all women if we just tried to treat each other a little more like this.

Image from here. 

This weekend is a very special weekend, you guys. It’s the weekend before Birthday Week! Originally, I hadn’t planned on doing any special, but Andy asked me the other day what I wanted to do to kick off the festivities and I’m not going to say “no” to additional merriment and indulgence.  There isn’t a set plan yet -he and I have both been a bit under the weather the last few days-, but I have some ideas. There is a list of potential restaurants and activities that I am carefully compiling and I’ll make my final selections after we wake up and take stock of how we’re feeling. So keep your fingers crossed. I like a relaxing weekend at home as much as the next girl, but I’d really like to get out and do something a little special while Andy is inclined to give me my way.

Andy and I are both very scent sensitive, and a lot of the spray-able “fresheners” are frankly a bit much, but I am interested to try this DIY version.

If you haven’t already, go check out A Wrinkle in Time. It deviates from the book a bit, but the costuming alone makes it all worth it.

I’ve heard of missing things about your ex, but I’ve never heard of missing his water filter.

These PB&J petit fours are adorable and worthy of the Great British Baking Show.

How cute and inspiring are these free phone backgrounds?

I picked up these amazing glitter shoes on super sale at Urban Outfitters. They needed to be stretched a bit, but now they’re great.

Some good social tips on how to talk about money.

I love all of the Easter decor that’s out right now, and all of the amazing crafts that everyone is planning. Awesome things like this rainbow egg wreath diy.

Image from here. 

Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve done one of these. I’ve given you guys sporadic updates, but it feels like my life turned into a crazy merry-go-round November last year, and as hard as I am trying, I can’t seem to get off of the damn thing. I’ve been really lucky to have friends and family that have reached out with help and support to keep me from going crazy. Right now my mom is in town to help me get things back on track and (hopefully) start off my 32nd year on a more stable note. She also, very generously, bought us a new washer and dryer which made me ridiculously giddy. Which then in turn made me feel super old. I’ve recently found myself contemplating some life changes, and I think it’ll be interesting to see how they turn out and how they affect this space. Even though I’ve not be posting as regularly, I KNOW I want to keep blogging. Whether you know it or not, you guys have made a huge difference in my life. You push me to try new things and keep me accountable. Now to the important part, the links!

I just purchased this little cutie to wear for my birthday dinner.

Fresh flowers are always a great way to brighten up a space; here are some tips for making a beautiful arrangement with store bought blooms.

I am the worst about letting my work stress follow me home, here is some advice on how to care less about your job.

This article is supposed to tell you how to be more likable, but I think some of these things are just good life lessons to learn.

It’s never too early to start thinking about swimsuits when you live in Florida; this Amazon round up has some great options. I am thinking about being brave and giving #5 a try this year.

I am thinking about hosting a movie night, just so I can have an excuse to try out this delicious looking dip. And to make sure there are people around to keep me from eating it all…

Image from here.