{The newest addition to the family: Captain our Australian Labradoodle who likes to chew my new favorite shoes… already!}

While I thought last week and this weekend would be a smooth transition back to reality, post vacation, I couldn’t have been more wrong! About  8 weeks ago TJ and I decided it was time to expand our family (which pretty much consisted of the two of us and a few succulent plants…) and began the process of  applying for, and picking out, a little puppy. I consider myself a realist. I knew this was going to be a shock to the system (as I type this I have a furry ball at my feet pulling at my shoes laces and nipping at the throw pillows I just purchased… that’s a first for me) that we had created over the past 4 years… and he didn’t disappoint my realist mentality. The first night was a night filled with yelps and zero shut eye. Since then, I think (hope) we are on the way to establishing a good routine and adjusting our routine to incorporate this new little furry cutie. Yet, what stood out to me the most was the amount of support that was offered from family and friends. After the first morning I was inundated with texts from family and friends asking “How did night 1 go?!” Most of them were veterans in the dog parenting world and offered welcome advice, suggestions, and support. So, as the weekend comes to a close and I reflect on the past several days, I can’t help but be immensely grateful for the loving and supportive people that I am surrounded by daily, through good… and more challenging times 🙂 Wish us luck in this coming week!

{Captain’s first outing was to brunch at Plum’s Cafe. HIGHLY recommend! So many delicious options, it was hard to choose what to order.}

{Watching the race cars whiz by, with a cocktail or two, at the Toyota Grand Prix.}

{Al fresco happy hour: Cheese platter, cocktails, and rose… with a slight interruption from our new friend!}

{Post workout, pre church Sunday breakfast and morning read: Kashi Whole Grain Waffles with strawberries and bananas, with an egg.}

{Adjusting to a new work schedule made working out more difficult this week. It felt good to put these friends on this weekend.}

{The makings of a strawberry basil cocktail! Stay tuned later this week for the recipe!}

{VERY necessary eye treatments (depuffer and concealer)  to cover up the obvious signs of sleepless nights}

With all the changing schedules and routines, fitting in workouts is essential to manage stress and maintain health. Check out the Women’s Health Fitness Challenge & this 15 minute home workout, which I do when I’m in a hurry.

Looking for some cute Easter Basket fillers?? Check out these shoes, candle, bracelet, earrings, and frame. You can check out these ideas below!

Have a great week!