Happy Friday, guys! I’m so glad to be writing this post. I know I’ve said it before but this Friday series I started at the beginning of this year has really become one of my favorite posts on CC. I look forward to it all week. I love having a consistent method for slowing down, taking stock of what’s gone down each week, and reflecting on all the good (especially when I’m perhaps not in the best of moods!). It’s like taking an overall little breather in life.

So on that note…. here’s what went down this week:

• I did a little too much beating myself over work stuff this week. This post via Cup of Jo on what success really looks like was just the reminder I needed.
• Tonight we’re going to a friends for dinner and I made a version of this coconut cake. I’m not usually one for Cooking Light recipes, but this cake is so so good. The full can of coconut milk makes it so moist. I mixed up the frosting a bit and added in some blackberries for color- will share the recipe soon!
• Picked up these colorful sandals from Zara. They arrived last night and are super comfy. Now I just need a pedicure so I can wear them…
• We’re nearing Cinco de Mayo! I’ve got an insane gauc recipe coming to you on Monday, and Lauren put together an awesome recipe for fish tacos and mango margaritas. YUM.
• Did you guys notice our updated comment bar? Huge thanks to Katelyn Brooke Designs for that one. Kate’s actually the one who designed my site and I love having her do little updates from time to time to keep the space fresh. Our comment bar was feeling a little congested, so now it should be much easier now to share and comment on posts.
• We’ve been thinking about travel for next fall and I’ve got my heart set on going back to Paris. I haven’t been since I studied abroad in 2005 and am longing for the food, gorgeous architecture, and strolls down windy streets- hence the photo of the Jardin des Tuileries above.
• Did you guys catch our Mother’s Day gift guide? I’d kind of like all of these items for myself. This post also made me really conscious of our blog growth. Looking back at last year’s guide made me realize just how much our style and aesthetic (and Photoshop techniques!) have developed. It can be so easy to feel like your blog is never good enough, but sifting through the archives is a great way (albeit a little scary!) to see how far you’ve come.
• I had a chance to meet the lovely ladies of Verily Magazine this week. Have you guys checked them out? Definitely add their site to your weekend reading list, and be sure to actually subscribe. Yep- these ladies are printing this magazine, it’s that good.

This Friday is made even better by the fact that the SUN is shining. Do I constantly bring up the weather? Sorry if I do, but this NYC winter has been a tough one! I finally feel like we’re really in spring. We’ve got high 60s temps on the horizon all weekend. I’ve got a bit of work to do, but in between I’m looking forward to some napping, sun bathing, and reading on our newly decked out patio. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! xx

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I knew going into this week it was gonna be a doozy. Wedge a video/photo shoot into a regular work week and you’ve got a recipe for extra long days. But truthfully, after everything that when down in Boston on Monday, my bodily exhaustion feels like nothing. I was hesitant to comment on the event (and have been about events of this kind in general), because I always end up feeling like my words can’t do it/them justice. But the whole occurrence still fills me with an immensely heavy sadness. And then to think about all the other tragedy this country has seen this year, let alone the entire world everyday, and well, it can make things feel kind of hopeless.

I really don’t mean to end the week on a negative note. In fact, these happenings only make me more thankful for everything I do have. I just think it’s important every once and a while, especially in the blog world, to step back from all the curated pictures and donuts and remember there are far more important things in life to be talking about.

In this week’s Biz Notes I shared the calming effect focusing on single tasks has had on my work anxiety. There’s a second component to that feeling of calm- and that’s perspective. Days like Monday really put all that silly work stress into perspective. Things feel like they matter- and they do- but they also kind of don’t. It will get done. It will be ok. All we can do is do our best. And in the midst of it all, we need to stay constantly aware of all we have to be grateful for.

I was in front of my computer far less than usual this week, so sadly I do not have any links for you! But I can tell you next week is going to be extra delicious as I’ve got an apartment to myself this weekend, meaning lots of time to play around in the kitchen and work on the blog. I’ve also got online shopping on the brain. It started with Shop Bop’s friends and family sale this week (hello new white jeans for summer!), and will likely continue with some home decor additions this weekend. Throw in a girl’s dinner, a trip to the farmer’s market and a few sweaty workouts, and I think it’s gonna be a good one.

Hope your weekend is just as wonderful! xx

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