Greetings from sunny Arizona! I got out of dodge yesterday to visit my family in Phoenix. Here’s what’s been going on in my life lately.
Photo Originally From This Post
TGIF! I flew the coop to make my annual spring trip to see my parents and Tommy. It’s been a hectic month for me – from my recent medical procedure to my day job and the combination of James’ and my decor. I already miss James and Riley a TON but I will admit being in the sunshine is doing wonders for my serotonin level.
Reading: It’s been slow-going with everything happening and also I want to stop and take notes every other page. But I’ve been absolutely loving Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee. She talks about the little things we encounter during the day and how they make a big impact on our happiness level. I’ve talked about how with my health stuff * gestures hands dramatically* I have been more cognizant about my stress level and triggers. This book is right up that alley and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying it. My goal over my Arizona break is to finish it! I could tell early on that this would be a repeat read for me.
Eating/Cooking: Shifting from cooking for one to cooking for two has been an adjustment, let me tell you. Mainly because my focus when it was just me was on meal prepping and packing my lunches. When it came to dinner, I was fine with having soup or, many times, eating carrots with Trader Joe’s spinach artichoke dip from the freezer aisle (so good). James eats more meat than I do and, in general, eats more in volume than I do. I’ve been making us dinner/lunch leftovers thanks to The Dude Diet: Dinnertime cookbook and if you are in the same boat as me, I could not recommend this cookbook enough!! Our favorites so far have been the Greek steak with veggies and homemade tzatziki and the spicy Bulgogi beef bowls, so good!!
Shopping: I have been a longtime fan of these Amazon leggings (they wash so well and have lasted me so long, I got them after Katie recommended them!) but I have never tried their biker short version. Ahead of my Arizona trip, I decided it was time to give them a whirl. I ordered the same size I do for the leggings (I wear a size L, I’d recommend sizing up 1 from your usual size). I’ll let you know how it goes! My favorite shirtdress came out with a sleeveless version for this spring with the most absolutely gorgeous floral pattern. I know I have a few of these shirtdresses but this one is just too pretty to pass up.
Bringing Me Joy: The sunshine! After a rainy week in DC, I am ready to soak up every last ounce of sun that Phoenix has. The other week, James and I had our engagement photos snapped and they are beautiful! I cannot recommend our photographer, Ana, enough. She is professional, incredibly talented, and makes you feel so at ease in front of the camera. Please swipe to see sweet Riley’s camera debut!
Looking Forward To: Is it too early to say seeing James and Riley? I missed them about 5 minutes after I left our place! Here in Arizona, I’m excited to go bowling tomorrow with Tommy. He goes bowling every Saturday as part of his routine and his enthusiasm is catchy! Lastly, this week was rough on my exercise routine. I was too exhausted to make it happen. I’m looking forward this week to doing my Melissa Wood Health daily flows – hopefully outside in the sun (with SPF)!
