{A Friday morning blow-out at Lavender Salon}

Last week was a long week, and by Friday I was exhausted. I’m not sure what made it particularly tiring, it was just one of those weeks where I thought Monday was Wednesday and Wednesday was Friday… you know, always a few days ahead of myself. Never good. I think I felt that for the past few weeks I had been running around, all just to stay afloat… not necessarily get ahead. Anyway, despite that, Friday was welcomed with a visit to a new blow-dry bar. I disconnected for an hour, had lavender oils placed around me while my hair was washed, and enjoyed an amazing blow-out and style by my cute little stylist. When I left, I was rejuvenated and felt like a new person (maybe that was because I had gone a week without washing my hair…. should I admit that??).

On my drive home, as I blared Maroon 5 radio, I got to thinking. When I would meet with my client’s mothers, I would have countless conversations with them about the importance of self care. Of course, I was, at that time, without child, and therefore the statement, “easier said than done,” was fairly accurate. My conversations typically focused on their inability to manage the stress that life (particularly their child) threw at them, because their own personal bucket was empty. Since becoming a mother myself, I have a greater understanding of where they were coming from. When I’m not feeling taken care of (and I mean by myself… hence the “self” care title) I’m not able to be 100% there. So, when Wednesday rolled around, I knew that I needed to do a little something for myself. I called my momma, and she gladly agreed to watch little miss (and try the bottle again… and she had success…) while I took a couple hours to myself. I went into the weekend feeling good….

I guess the purpose of all of this is to say that I’m going into this week a little more mindful of the need to take small self inventories… ask for help when needed, and not focus so much on checking things off the to-do list at the sacrifice of myself. So, here’s to a week of practicing self-care friends! xx

{Headed to LA for the weekend and made a long anticipated trip to Alfred Tea Room… twice. If you go be sure to try their almond milk boba chai tea latte and kombucha on tap. So. Good. So. Pink.}

{Lunch at a favorite Mexican spot (all plant based) Gracias Madre. I had the Dos Bowl with a house margarita…. but really, everything is amazing.}

{Sunday breakfast at Larchmont Bungalow was delish…. tried out the organic quinoa breakfast bowl…. it came with a side of bananas.}

I pretty much indulged big time this weekend (think duck carnitas) so it’s back to clean eating and good workouts. I’m thinking this zoodle + meatball dish might be on the menu this week… and for those nights when I’m wanting a little something sweet, these paleo pumpkin bars (I pretty much made these all season last year!).

I’m pretty much ready for fall. That being said, the weather isn’t. We had a small glimpse of it this Saturday, where the temps were in the low 70’s and I was able to wear my new pink sweater (it was so cozy!). Now, it’s back in the 80’s, but that’s not stopping me from looking for fall clothing. Right now, I’m on the hunt for a good sleeveless sweater (and no, not the one my grandpa wears). I have my eye on this cream side slit version, pretty blue v-neck option, this open knit one, and this side slit olive one. Of course, I’m also looking at transitional sweaters (like I have for the past few weeks…) and stumbled across some great options. I love this off the shoulder white sweater (that also comes in black), this side slit lace sweater, rib knit lace up sweater in grey, stripe pointelle knit sweater, open knit pullover, and this gorgeous open knit cardigan that has just the right amount of fringe.

I’m also having a pink hue moment (blushes are my favorite…) and love this little peplum three quarter sleeve top, peplum tank, knot front tee, pink fedora, and this pink ombre dress.

I’ve also talked a lot about florals for fall, and I found these two beautiful floral dresses here + here. I love their shape, and think the colors are perfect for the fall months. I also found this adorable tie front casual dress, and think this ripped tee is a perfect everyday basic with a little edge. I’m also eyeing these amazing mules, and think this studded belt is a great accessory for a basic jeans and tee.