Weekday ...(ALMOST Weekend)... Musings

EATING // Fall soups on repeat. Although the District's heat is unrelenting despite the newly arrived season, I can't help but pull out some of our cold weather favorites like butternut squash soup and Ina Garten's easy tomato soup! There's nothing that beats soup as a comfort food. Go ahead, challenge me!

HOME*WORK // Are you tired of having your mailbox stuffed to the brim with catalogs you never signed up for? I know I am! Although I recycle, I still feel guilty from all the unnecessary waste my loyal postal service delivers. Start your own catalog diet by signing up for Catalog Choice and opt out of the catalogs you never wanted.

CRUSHING ON // All the sweaters! Much like my love song to soup, I can't wait to layer on cozy sweaters. Chunky and soft, cashmere and wool! Please weather gods, it's FALL and by gahhhd it's time to "Make it work!"

READING // There is no denying Reese Witherspoon has a sharp eye for a good book and because we already had devoured so many of her recommended page-turners, my BFF Katie and I have pledged our loyalty to the #RWBookClub. Our first book we're reading together? The Alice Network by Kate Quinn... And you guys! This fast-paced fictional story with strong female leads is a must read! There is no doubt this book is headed for the big screen so you better start reading now!

THANKFUL FOR // Woodley. There are no buts about it, our faithful pup makes our life so much fuller. And his heart is SO BIG! Maybe too big, if that's possible?! Recently on one of our daily constitutionals at the Congressional Cemetery (yes, there is a dog walking program, promise!), we shortly crossed paths with our occasional pet sitter John and his dog Marley. Woodley immediately ran to John and Marley with a big smile and lots of wagging. It melted our hearts! Who doesn't want their dog to adore their caregiver? Given it was a workday, we were short on time so after a quick hello we continued our walk. That's when the chaos ensued. At a full sprint, our boy kept running the distance between us and John until his beloved friend left the park. Dare I say Woodley was a little heart broken? What are we to do as fur parents to help ease his worry? And I am admittedly jealous!

THINKING ABOUT // The 10 Kardashians that will soon be 13 - gahhh! Can you believe Khloe, Kim and Kylie are pregs?! My head is still spinning... If we're not careful, KUWTK is sure to last another decade or more!

WATCHING // Eeeek! Fall TV is back and we are fully indulging... Mindy Project, This is Us, Modern Family and to the Hubs' dismay Grey's Anatomy! We also stumbled upon HBO's Deuce and are totally captivated. James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal sparkle as they tell the story of America's budding sex industry. The show has already locked in a second season, so buckle up and get watching!

WEARING // I'm obsessed with these Nike Air Max sneaks and boy are they made for walking! I've happily retired my Nike Juvenates for these babies and relish in their daily support and extra cush. If you're a Nike loyalist like me, check these tennis shoes out STAT!

* Graphic via DesignLoveFest !!

Life by Design

August and the first half of September were real whirlwinds with the Hubs and I both on the move. We stayed in Montana for almost two weeks and my heart couldn't stop swooning over the familiar old western street signs and crisp dry air (of course, when the wildfire smoke didn't get in the way!!) We snuck in a day trip to Yellowstone, which I've frequented since I was a tot. That place is still magic and everyone needs it on their bucket list. Is your pencil out yet?

We then headed back to DC for the work week but were back out West for a short but memorable wedding weekend of two very dear friends in Denver, Colorado. Before the wedding festivities, we brunched with a fellow GirlBoss and her daughter at the Denver Central Market, where I'm 100% positive I ate the best breakfast burrito to date. For real! The chorizo, egg, potato and green chili ratio must be a secret of science.

Knowing our schedules were a little hectic when we landed back in the District, I snagged an early weekday reservation at the Dabney to ensure the Hubs and I took a moment. And you guys! This restaurant is such a gem, it's one you can't miss. The food, decor and people were on point and I was fully delighted by the sneak entrance through the alley. The Dabney is the perfect date night but would also be great for visiting friends and family. And it was #22 on my 101 in 1001...

Pre-Fall Edit '17

RW BOOK CLUB // I've joined Reese Witherspoon's book club cult! I swear this woman knows how to pick the next thriller and she says Little Fires Everywhere moved her to tears! Good enough for me, it's time to AmazonPrime!

VERONICA BEARD BASIC // I'm obsessed with everything from this American sportswear brand. And although the price tags are steep, it's easy to find great sales on this women led clothing line on multiple websites. Each piece is made to be versatile and classic with a hint of bohemian and is high quality. I'm keeping a close watch on this Schoolboy Jacket with the Hoodie Dickey as it's clearly a perfect addition to my fall wardrobe.

IKEA PENDANT LAMP // This cozy "sinnerlig" light is only $59.99 and a total stunner! Perfect for a family room, entry or a little bambino - I know we'll find a place for this pendant in our home.

3.1 PHILLIP LIM MINI BUCKET BAG // I picked up this little bag for our trip to Japan and have been carrying it nonstop. It's the perfect size to hold just the essentials for a day out and about.

CHEETAH CARD SET // Even if the temperature is starting to get cooler you can keep it wild with this little card set from Mac & Murphy. And in case you're totally paper obsessed like me and already thinking about your 2018 wall calendar... this one is a keeper!

TATA HARPER CLARIFYING MASK // This tiny pot of magic has been added to my weekly beauty routine and it's non-toxic and all natural to boot! I love that it tingles so you can feel it working and you know it's getting the bad stuff!

TURN TABLE // I love this modern coffee table with extra storage capacity for your remotes, matchbooks and more - its simple lines make my heart sing!

NIKE AIR MAX // These shoes were made for walking and I can't wait to put some miles on 'em!