Music: Saturday Songs

It's a rainy, chilly day in Seattle and I'm thoroughly enjoying myself.  It's the perfect time to use my homemade stock for veggie stew, cuddling with Phoebe by the fire, reading the books I so desperately want but cannot seem to pick up during the week, and listening to music.

Here are a few songs on repeat today:







Oh and here's a fire in case you don't have one (or can't be bothered). I picked a subtle one that isn't HD or using professional sound equipment because this is closer to what my fireplace really sounds like:



Enjoy!

Take me back

I miss being on vacation.

I miss really good truffle brie and foie gras and bulots.

But mostly, I miss my husband.

Photo credit: this awesome photo was taken by our new friend Liz. She's an American living in Europe and takes wonderful photos. She and her family have been living abroad for a long time now, and I just really loved hearing her stories and perspective on life.  Follow her on IG at @lizzylinder or @brandotheiggy to see what I mean!

Fresh Face, Fun Mornings

I stopped wearing makeup...like, any at all.  I've gone about my life (including work!) for 2 whole weeks completely bare-faced, and it's really impacting the way I see/feel about myself.

A couple years ago, I started noticing that lots of the women I know and work with were ditching makeup and going au naturale.  And at the time my only thought was:

But in Dubai I had a lot more time for introspection. I knew I wasn't confident enough to feel completely at ease without makeup, and I didn't like that about myself.  But for various reasons, Dubai is not the kindest place to suddenly stop wearing makeup in public. So while I continued my inner dialogue about my self esteem, I was still going through my morning makeup routine.  

Fast forward nearly 2 years later, and I'm in a different place - mentally, emotionally, and globally.  I've done a lot of work to be a more "whole" person, and to feel content and happy with all the other parts of myself.  And long story short, our recent France trip was just the push I needed.  The trip uplifted me in such amazing ways - most importantly, reinforcing that I am enough, just as I am.

I know that's an incredibly simple statement, but it's a powerful one too. And these days, I'm really feeling it and am trying to live by it. So 2 Fridays ago, I stopped wearing makeup. I know that I don't need it, and I was willing to push myself to really get comfortable showing everyone what I am without it. 

So I did it and it's been two whole weeks.  And you guyyyyyyyyyys - it's amazing!  

One interesting and awesome side effect is that my mornings have been soooo much better. Logistically, I get an extra 20 mins each morning and I am fully utilizing it for a little extra sleep, or to sit and peacefully drink my coffee before leaving for work. And throughout the day, I feel so liberated and confident about being totally bare-faced. But what I didn't expect was how much happier my mornings would feel - it's like a mini party every time I remember I don't have to put on makeup. It's a fantastic way to start to my day. 

The end. (i.e. it's past my bedtime).

Snow and Snuggles

It's snowing (a teeny bit) in Seattle this weekend.  So naturally, I ditched my plans (I actually had some if you can believe it), lit a fire, roasted chestnuts, and snuggled with the Pheebs all weekend.

My entire life should be this cool.