dots + stripes

I'm feeling tired and short on words lately, so I'll let my pictures do the talking. I've been drinking orange-pineapple-ginger juice, combining dots + stripes, buying fresh herbs, and wearing lightweight tunics and a hat. AKA things that keep me sane throughout final exams.

this weekend

I slept in super late this morning and William made me breakfast, so let's say that the weekend is off to a great start! Aside from mounds of homework (which probably doesn't interest you), here's what my weekend looks like: the May issue of C Style (my favorite magazine), Rich&Skinny shorts and gilded J. Crew sandals, Alima-Pure-hauls-are-the-very-best-hauls, lightweight cotton J.Crew Factory sweaters. In other news, William and I are going out for dinner tonight and it's 84 degrees outside! Feels like summer to me!

california love

I'm home! I can't tell you how relieved I am to be back in sunny California after three days of snow and sleet in Minnesota. Of course I had a great time visiting friends and family and I learned so much at the conference, but.. I'm happiest in a warm climate, spending time with William and Sadie. Anyway, here are some snapshots from the past week: tulips I bought for my sister-in-law, the much-raved-about Kahina Giving Beauty 100% Organic Argan Oil, my Alima Pure brush collection (can you spot the new addition?), and some rehydrating coconut water (great après-flight!). Sweet things that put a smile on my face. <3

live raw by mimi kirk

Here's what I'm reading today! As a fruit, nut and vegetable lover, the raw food movement has really piqued my interest. Mimi Kirk is a 70-something raw foodist who gives great advice for staying young, vibrant and healthy at any age. In Live Raw, she advocates self-love, meditation, finding your passion, taking mental health days to relax and pamper yourself, getting enough sleep (something I struggle with!), and taking your entire birthday month to "[c]elebrate life and enjoy every minute." Along with great practical advice, Ms. Kirk provides beautiful raw food recipes that I can't wait to try in my own kitchen. The recipes are easy to follow and don't require a million different ingredients. I can't recall the last time I was this excited about a cookbook! :) Some of the recipes do require some machinery (food processors, dehydrators, etc.) so I might start with the simpler recipes and go from there. Anyway, it's a lovely book and if you're at all interested in healthy eating and overall wellness, I would recommend it to you!

study break

Taking five minutes (okay, more like fifteen) away from studying to update the blog. Despite all the school stress and craziness I really am loving life. Proof is in the pictures: William and Sadie at Montara State Beach two weeks ago, me (happy) after giving a Public Health talk on parabens, the first lemon to grow on my new lemon tree, and a new sparkler from Jessica Matrasko Jewelry. What's making you happy lately?