Currently [Vol. IV]

Thinking about // Pumpkin patches. Turning leaves. S'mores. Chunky sweaters. Mocassins. Hay bale rides. Now that October is right around the corner, I can let myself think about the next season. I haven't even decided what we're going to be for Halloween. My self-imposed deadline is October 1. Any suggestions? 

Reading // The Goldfinch. Oh my gosh, you guys. This book is so engrossing, I haven't been able to put it down. It's rather depressing, and I can only hope the end is somewhat bearable.
 
Enjoying // Faux camp outs in Anabelle's play tent before bedtime. Daddy gave her the lantern and I bought a rug and pillows to cover the carpet debacle. The first time she walked in with the lantern, she said, "ooooh!" I can't wait until Halloween so we can all shove ourselves in there and tell toddler-friendly ghost stories. Every time I look at this picture I think of a s'mores camp out. We may just have to bring the ten outside to make that happen. 

Thankful for // Stumbling across this link up. You guys inspire me so much. The encouragement and inspiration I see throughout this community is heart felt and real. Thank you for being a community of women that support each other. Seriously. Thank you.

Loving // This post from Caroline. Those pieces are beautiful. She shows you how to minimize your wardrobe with essential + fun pieces for each season. We are so bombarded with advertising, marketing and pushy tactics to get us to buy the latest and greatest. If we don't, then somehow we fall short and are lacking. Why do we need 14 pairs of jeans and 3 pairs of brown ankle boots? It's silly if you really think about it. I've decided to really try to get a capsule wardrobe for Fall, which will likely roll over to Winter. I'm really excited to try it. My husband just dropped off eight garbage bags of clothes to goodwill. His portion was about half a bag. Has anyone else tried a capsule wardrobe or are you thinking about it?

Currently [Vol. II]

Thinking about // Anabelle's current growth spurt. Her new words are "ow," "no" and "um." I feel like I blinked and she's nearly a year and a half. I can't even believe it. I remember holding her when she was barely six pounds in total awe of this new being in my life. Now she's telling "no" when I ask if she is ready to get dressed for the day. Her first "no" was Saturday, and the husband and I were in total shock. Dear time, please slow it down. 

Reading // Too many children's books. We have at least 25 that we rotate through. Lately, we've been reading We're Going on a Bear Hunt and If You Give a Pig a Party every single night. They are both adorable books for children, but when I can read the words without looking at the pages, I think it's time to switch it up. Is there some kind of book swap I don't know about? Please tell me there is.  

Watching // What I eat. Vacation count down is TWELVE DAYS. I.can't.wait. I have a weakness for ice cream, so I compromised by getting coconut and chocolate frozen yogurt with Anabelle during her bedtime hour. We're such rebels. 

Thankful for // Local kid's gyms. I didn't realize how enjoyable these gyms were until Anabellies and I visited one this past the weekend. She was incredibly clingy for the first 20 minutes and then warmed up to the obstacle courses they had. She even received a hug from another little girl and a hug and kiss on the cheek from a little boy. She was shocked by both signs of affection from kid strangers. Her reaction was even more hilarious - frozen in disbelief until it was over. She reminds me of myself, closed off to strangers until they gain her trust and respect. I'm hoping this is a personality trait by nature and not something I'm subconsciously teaching her. 

Chambray top  - similar here \\ Gap polka dot shorts - sold out

Enjoying //  Our new garden. We transferred our veggies to the garden on Sunday, and I'm praying they don't die. Anabelle mostly just ate dirt, pulled out new growth and harassed the cat. You know, normal toddler fun. 

Loving // Growing top knots + outside play + splash pad + jungle gyms. 

Striped swimsuit 

Weekly goals: 

1. Smile more. I'm incredibly blessed and life is too short to walk around without a smile. I should frame that.

2. Spend less time on my phone.

3. Drink more water and less coffee. Iced coffee is just so dang good. 

4. Study every day this week. I made it 4 out of 7 last week, which isn't good enough!

5. Get some oil pulling in. 

Currently [Vol. I]

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Thinking about // Goals and aspirations as I truck along in my 30's. I've finally decided to make some much needed changes in my life and do what I want instead of what everyone else wants me to do. The more I think about it, the more excited and motivated I allow myself to become. I have some many other ideas, that I often find myself running to my planner to write them down before I forget. The future is bright and inviting!

Reading // Aside from reading my ACSM textbook, I've been reading the new book in the Rose Gardner series, Thirty-Two and Complications. Oh my gosh, you guys, this book is just as thrilling as the previous four. I really love this author. 

Watching // Pretty Little Liars. I know, I'm secretly a teenager on the inside, but this show is so dang good! I just can't help it. Every time I think I know who A is, they flip the script on me. 

Thankful for // My husband. He has been so supportive in my recent decisions to change my career path. He listens to me ramble on and on about my ideas and random thoughts. He's been my rock for nearly 7 years, and I think he gets better with age like a wine :) I love him so. 

Enjoying // My daughter (duh). She knows so many animals sounds, it's hilarious! This past weekend, she brought me several books by name, slid down the water slide at the pool and went underwater on her own. She is definitely not a little baby anymore.

Loving // All things summer! And this swimsuit. I la-la-love it! Our upcoming family vacation has allowed me to flood my Pinterest board too many things that look so delicious to buy. Last year, Anabelle was only 4 months and teething during our vacation, so it she wasn't too happy to be out of her element. I think this year is going to be a blast, since she's so much older and mobile. Three more weeks to go!