Hi there!

Hi friends! How was your weekend? And entire last week, for that matter? spring essentials

Daylight saving time had me up until the wee hours of the morning and considering I’m usually asleep by 10 most evenings, I’d venture to guess I’ll be running on fumes today. However, springing forward means more daylight and I’m beyond ready to get outside and take advantage of the extra sunlight with walks in the evenings again!

I’ve got a bit of a hodgepodge of random thoughts for you today…

WEARING: This LWD came in the mail last week and I’m itching to put it to good use! It has pockets, a slight flare and will look amazing with these sandals (or these wedges) and crossbody bag come summertime. I’d been saving a gift card for a rainy day and ended up splurging on this Kate Spade striped dress (more sizes here) which I plan to pair with a gauzy popover tied around the waist and a pair of tennis shoes or with a white oxford and pink flats – stripes mean endless possibilities! This sailor tee also caught my eye, but I refrained.

striped ruffle shirt

RECHARGING WITH: One of my favorite ways to relax and unwind before a new week is a little self-care Sunday. After giving my nails a break for the past few months, I brought back one of my favorite polishes (Cajun Shrimp) and gave myself an at-home mani. The trick to making it last? Swiping a Q-Tip soaked in polish remover over the nail before applying the first coat and allowing an ample amount of drying time in between coats one and two, and the grand finale – the top coat. I capped off the evening by flipping through the pages of one of my favorite magazines (and then proceeded to toss and turn until 1:30 a.m. My relaxing evening was no match for the time change, apparently).

REDISCOVERING: It’s been a while since I’ve used anything to track my steps and activity. I picked up a new Fitbit over the weekend and I’m hoping it will be the boost I need to take the stairs at work and get moving again outside of the fitness classes I take!

RELISHING IN: …The fact that I have so many great people in my life. Friday night I had dinner with my best friend from high school (hi Meg!) which quickly turned into a four hour catch up session on all things life. I can’t express how grateful I am to have her friendship, support and listening ear.

READING: An Appeal To Your Humanity and Why I’m Voting For Humanity. The majority of the comments on this first piece are positive and I couldn’t help but notice the number of people who reside outside of the U.S. expressing genuine concern for the way this election could go.

INCORPORATING: Warm lemon water into my nightly routine.

PLANNING: SO MUCH. We just booked a trip to Vegas in October to celebrate Pete and my good friend Whitney’s 30th birthdays! That plus our trip to Table Rock Lake in August was justification enough to invest in these floaties.

MEDITATNG ON:

Anything exciting going on in your world? Happy Monday!

SHOP THE POST:

Photo #2 via Kate Spade | Linking up with Life of Meg

Leave a Comment

21 Comments

  1. alissa wrote:

    YAY! You are going to have so much fun in Vegas Jess! I can’t wait to see the photos!
    The Adored Life

    Posted 3.14.16 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      I’m excited to visit again!

      Posted 3.16.16 Reply
  2. Priscilla wrote:

    Great Items! Love the bag! 🙂
    http://hairandvibes.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.14.16 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Thanks Priscilla!

      Posted 3.16.16 Reply
  3. Nicole wrote:

    I love that new dress Jess! I didn’t notice the waffle material at first, but you are going to look so cute in it! Can’t wait to see pics and congrats on booking a trip to Vegas. Incredibly jelly girlfriend.

    Posted 3.14.16 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Well thank you!! 😉 It’s always nice something to look forward to! (but I might have a little bit too much of that going on in my life right now haha)

      Posted 3.16.16 Reply
  4. Love this post 🙂 I have been trying the lemon water thing too – I’ve ready too many great reasons not to try it!!

    Posted 3.14.16 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      🙂 thanks girlfriend! I’ve heard that as well – just hoping that kicks in soon haha.

      Posted 3.16.16 Reply
  5. Erica wrote:

    Thank you for sharing the articles you’ve been reading. I generally stay out of political discussions because I’ve rarely seen any good come out of it. I do believe this is no longer about politics, but right and wrong. I am trying to figure out this parenthood stuff, but I do know I want to teach my son the exact opposite of hate, bullying and violence. I want him to grow up in a society that values differences and can rationally speak about them. I think many people are at the same point and finally speaking out about what has been going on the past several months.

    And that LWD is darling!

    Posted 3.14.16 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Same here. Things always escalate too quickly and it’s overwhelming, but I agree, this is no longer about politics, it’s about morals. I can’t imagine how you feel as a mother! Let’s just hope everyone exercises their right to vote.

      As for the dress, I’m just waiting for it to be warm enough to wear it 😉 I hope you’re having a great Wednesday so far!

      Posted 3.16.16 Reply
  6. Gigi wrote:

    I adore that little striped top and I think you need to head back and pick it up 😉 xx

    Posted 3.14.16 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Well, if you say so 😉

      Posted 3.16.16 Reply
  7. Jessika wrote:

    Hi Jess, I hope you have a wonderful week!

    Posted 3.15.16 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Same to you! 🙂

      Posted 3.16.16 Reply
  8. Lanae Bond wrote:

    You have some beautiful picks!

    Posted 3.15.16 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Thanks Lanae!

      Posted 3.16.16 Reply
  9. Love the little ruffle on the striped shirt. Have fun in Vegas!

    Posted 3.15.16 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Thank you!

      Posted 3.16.16 Reply
  10. Brooke wrote:

    Vegas is going to be so much fun!! I’m loving the LWD you just got in the mail!

    Brooke
    pumps and push-ups

    Posted 3.15.16 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      I’m pretty excited to visit again! Thanks, Brooke 🙂

      Posted 3.16.16 Reply