until we meet again

Okay everyone, time for another dose of tough honesty. For the last six months, my posts have been few and far between, and I have to admit, not always my best quality. When I started blogging, I thought it was perfect for me — it connected my love for writing with the freedom to write about anything and everything I wanted.

But, as life often does, things changed somewhere along the way, and blogging became more of a stressor than a creative outlet. It got to a point where I was choosing between girls night or finishing up a blog post, and cooking dinner with Adam or taking outfit photos. I know there are plenty of bloggers who run a successful business on top of a full-time job, but for me, curating my online life was taking away from my real life, and that's the last thing I want.

The idea of taking a break from blogging has occurred to me a lot in the last few months. I've spent a lot of time weighing the pros and cons, and I realized the decision was even harder than I thought. So a few weeks ago I just stopped everything blog-related — writing, picturing-taking, planning — just to see how it felt. And I have to be completely honest: it felt SO GOOD. Instead of leaving dinner early to finish a post, I spent all night cooking, eating and playing games with friends. I prepped my lunch for the next day, went to bed stress-free, woke up, went to work and did whatever the hell I wanted the next night.

For those of you who have finished school, remember how awesome it was those first few weeks of starting a new job when you would come home from a day of work and realize you were just done for the day? No homework to do, no projects to work on — the whole night was yours. That's how the last month has been for me.

It's not that I don't like blogging anymore — there are certain aspects I already miss about it. But I really don't believe that this is a permanent break. It's just that for the stage I'm at in my life now, it's just not right for me. I found a job that I love, I have a renewed passion for fitness, and I'm genuinely happy with where my life is going at the moment. Blogging is such a great hobby and job, and it can be so fulfilling. But at the point where it's taking away from creating those fulfilling moments and memories in everyday life, there's a problem. So, for the foreseeable future, I won't be posting any new content. You can still find me on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest — and someday, I think, you'll find me right back here again.

xo,
Eleni

wandering the web: happy 4th of July!

Happy Friday! Giving myself a small pat on the back for making it through the most Monday-filled week ev-er. Thankfully, it ends with a 3-day weekend, and that is a straight mood lifter right there. Do any of you have exciting plans for the Fourth of July? I think we're going to catch a live band one night and we'll definitely find some fireworks to watch, but I'm looking forward to a mostly quiet couple of days. I hope you all have a great one!

1. The mental, emotional and physical effects of three workouts. (The Coveteur)

2. And speaking of workouts, I'm giving this 30-day plank challenge a try this month! (Refinery29)

3. Drooling over this healthy chicken salad lettuce wrap recipe. (Southern Curls and Pearls)

4. American Eagle has a killer sale on shorts right now. (American Eagle)

5. Ten ways to make your mornings suck a little less. (The Stripe)

6. In L-O-V-E with this new series. (Man Repeller)

7. These chambray shorts look so perfect for summer. (Prosecco and Plaid)

8. Celebrate the Fourth of July with three amazing sangria recipes. (A Southern Drawl)

transitional fitness clothes

Double-strapped sports bra / S'well water bottle / Mesh paneled tights / Nike Dunk Sky Hi hidden heels / Spiritual Gangster muscle tank / Gray pullover / Free People tie-dye leggings / Carbon38 snakeskin sports bra / Nike Roshe One Hyper Breathe shoes

As you probably know by now, one of my favorite motivators for a good sweat sesh is a killer outfit. But one thing I look for especially in workout gear is a transitional element that I can take from the gym to the street. Two pieces I can't get enough of right now are cute tights and strappy sports bras — the perfect duo in any athleisure look, if you ask me.

I've been doing a little shopping around (natch) for some great transitional pieces and had to share some of my finds with you today. I've had my eye on these tie-dye leggings by Free People for weeks; they went on sale for 40% off over the weekend and sold out yesterday (go figure) — I'll keep watching for a restock and post an update.

I hope you're all having a great week so far! Yesterday was the most Monday-ish Monday, so I'm extra happy that we're one day closer to a 3-day weekend!

What kind of workout gear do you wear most? How do you like to transition your gym clothes? 

P.S. affordable workout gear and how to work out anywhere

wandering the web: have a fun weekend

Another week is in the books, and I have to say this one really flew by. After falling off the workout wagon a little bit toward the beginning of the month, my body is feeling refreshed and strong after a week of solid exercise — and it really is the best feeling. It's just like Elle Woods said, you know?

On that note, here's to a fun, healthy weekend!

1. How to start a succulent garden — the only plants I'd actually consider! (The Everygirl)

2. Fiction for feminists. (Daily Worth)

3. Chic Fourth of July outfit inspiration. (Hello Fashion)

4. Drooling over these pretzel chocolate chip bars. (Just A Taste)

5. Getting major kitchen inspiration. (Pinterest)

6. I'm loving the new Cupcakes and Cashmere bedroom collection. (Nordstrom)

7. How to improve your mental health. (Man Repeller)

8. I don't like pink, but I love this room. (Refinery29)

summer to do list

Summer is officially here — though if you ask anyone around here, we've been sweating it out in 90+ degree temps for weeks now — and with it comes our bucket lists of everything we want to do before the snow comes again. I mentioned last year that even after a year in Des Moines, there's still so much that I haven't done or seen in this city, and the same is true this year.

Of course, I was able to venture out and find some new things to do in the last 12 months (exhibit a and exhibit b), but this year I want to keep adding to the list. Some of my goals are Des Moines-specific, but many of them can be done wherever you live.

1. Rent bikes to ride by the river.

2. Take a tour of the botanical gardens.

3. Go on a hiking trip.

4. Join an outdoor pop-up yoga event.

5. (Try to) learn how to golf. ;)

6. Plant my own succulent garden.

7. Picnic at a winery.

8. Read a classic novel.

9. Make a fun summer cocktail treat.

What's on your bucket list this summer? Would you try any of these things? I'd love to know!

P.S. here's to new adventures and my travel guide to Des Moines