Life by Design

Hello lovelies, I hope your week is sparkly like a new pair of shoes! 

* I promised a photo of our new "dining room" feature wall so here you have it... Is it not the most dreamy thing you've ever seen?! I still can't believe this actually exists in our house. Though I'm not sure how much more morning swooning the hubs can handle :)

* Last week was National Dog day so I had to throw Woodley a bone. And golly -he's got such star power on social media, it's cray!

* You guys! This was just one of those DC weekends full of happy. Friday night at Yards Park with my besties picnicking with our new Gathre mat. Saturday: paint testing for our stairwell (OMG you guys are going to flip over this moody dark navy with our white paneling) and a hike in Great Falls to celebrate the National Park Centennial; followed by drinks with my girls. Sunday: brunching with another pair of faves at Convivial (high-five hubs for being so up on DC food scene). Just drop what you're doing and order the pickled rockfish already - okay?! It's too good to miss! And then we followed up brunch with Buttercream Bakeshop where I did not buy baked goods but instead flowers from Darling & Daughters that are spot on. Sunday evening was full of even more love with a friends family dinner at Great Wall. 

Someone pinch me - my face hurts from smiling! 

Currently Coveting... August '16

Here's a short list of my favorite things I've been perusing, using and coveting... I can't help but squeal in delight at this roundup!

Coasters | In the heat of summer, our drinks have the sweats. These coasters may be a keen solution.
Sconce | Modern with a side of brass - sheesh! I'm in love.
Lip Balm | Fantastic color and shine... It's no surprise this is a product of Paris.
Burnished Blazer | Orange and hot pink have long been one of my favorite color combos... It's (almost) a sure thing this jacket joins my closet!
Filson Collar | Our Woodley boy needs a new collar and something that won't get ruined by running in and out of water.  This coated nylon collar might just be the winner!
Table Fan | This African saeple wood fan makes me want to do the Marilyn Monroe -wheee!
Catch All | The hubs is in need of a valet tray and this little guy with the monkey is a cutie.
Carry-On | Last week was my new bag's grand voyage and I have to say I stood a little taller rolling this baby through the airport.
Kitty Flats | These velvet gems will be a sure addition to my fall wardrobe!
iPhone Case | I've been playing with fire these last few weeks going careless, it's time to take the plunge and you know how black and white just gets me...!
Ark Clutch | I preordered this two months ago and keep hitting refresh on the shipping status... I can't wait!!
Umbrella Stand | If it has to rain you might as well crack a smile on your way out the door with this sleek little number.

Weekday Musings

Eating | Too much bad food... It's time to start clean eating and maybe finally take the plunge and do a detox? I do need to cross off another to-do on my 101 in 1001 list... I'm just nervous about taking such a strong action. Any tips out there?

Home*Work | I hope you caught a glimpse of our new and improved "dining room." This new feature wall has got be calling "hubba hubba!"

Crushing On | Far from a recent obsession... I cannot get enough of Pencil & Paper Co. And their house is what dreams are made of... FOR REAL! (This photo above is just the tip of the iceberg!)

Reading | The Girls... I'm only 100 pages in but it's so dark and creepy - it's definitely very Gone Girl/Dark Places!

Thankful For | The hubs and I hosted a little shindig to celebrate the closing of the Olympics last weekend. Full of the expected red, white and blue (U-S-A, U-S-A) but also so full of love - our hearts almost burst in pure glee! The District really feels like home... (sometimes!)

Thinking About | My mind has been pretty busy lately. After reading about the "Nightly Routines of 14 Successful Women," I've taken a page out of Gwyneth's book and been taking an evening tub instead of just our regular TV time. And you betcha I bought these sea salts to enhance my soak! It's only been a few weeks but I do think my new routine may be working.

Watching | The Night Of and it's spooky good! It's a new suspense filled HBO series. Think True Detective meets Law & Order. It's totally worth the HBO Now subscription!

Wearing | These gladiator sandals on repeat. They're comfortable, stylish and I may just be buying another pair so that I can wear them for a fourth season. 

Now... What's new with you pussy cat?

Weekday Musings

Eating | I've been crushing some bread these days and just can't get enough! Just one of my 101 in 1001 day to-dos but now I'm wondering why I haven't been making it all 1001 days! Want to give baking bread a go?  Try this recipe - it's delicious!

Home*Work | The hubs has been putting his time in on the dining room feature wall and hot damn does it look good! I can't wait for the big reveal and while you're waiting... take a gander at Serena & Lily's Big Tent Sale - SQUEE!

Crushing On | I've fall hard for this spotted little number to protect my new phone. Hard to beat black and white - am I right or am I right?!

Reading | Still paging away on Cadillac Desert but I'm starting to dream of beach reads again. Any recs out there?

Thankful For | Turning 31 feels just right but easy tiger - don't starting calling me m'am or middle-aged! Thankfully on the big day, I was surrounded by love ziplining with my besties and feasting on keylime pie with the hubs and family. I'm truly thankful for my health and all the love I have in my life.

Thinking About | Upcoming work travels. You guys, I'm basically not here in September. Do you have any tips for traveling? I'm a little nervous but at least my luggage will be the cutest on the runway. Have you seen my new carry on? Check it here.

Watching | Team USA! It's hard not sporting red, white and blue every day during the Olympics. What's your favorite event? Gymnastics? Swimming? I'm partial to diving, shooting and the equestrian sports but I do love a good swim and somersault!

Wearing | Bugspray like it's perfume! I mean who isn't nervous about Zika?! And it doesn't help I'm seriously allergic to mosquitos - ouch!

Now how is your week lovely?

* Photo by Simone Nieweg of Gallery Luisotto.

Life By Design

Hello lovelies, I hope your week is sparkly like a new pair of shoes!

* Werk, werk, werk.  Starting a new job is haaaarrrd. New people, new space, new content, new information - it can be a little overwhelming. Sigh, I miss my old team too but the new team is pretty darn good...

* My day job did get me to the Democratic National Convention... Before you ask, no I did not see Snoop Dogg and, yes, I shed a tear or two!  Regardless of your politics, it's exciting to see a woman nominated to hold the highest position in our land.  And gahd damn it... #IMWITHHER and I'm not going to apologize for it! Plus I got to see my brother who had traveled to the DNC all the way from the Big Sky State.

* Our homework has been getting real y'all.  We finally have a light fixture above the window seat and we are so so close to finishing up our feature wall in the dining room. And it's pure love. Our house makes me so happy!

* You guys! I finally got to baking some bread too and proudly crossed that off my 101 in 1001 list.  Sheesh! I'm running out of time... September is right around the corner... Zip-lining is happening this weekend but I need to schedule more adventures STAT.

What's on your list??