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)

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)

wandering the web: have a great (hot) weekend

We made it — happy Friday, dolls! Anyone got any fun plans for the weekend? I'm doing a 5k with a friend bright and early tomorrow (hopefully before the thermometer hits 95 degrees!) and tomorrow night I'm going to Shakespeare on the Lawn with my sister. They're doing "King Lear," which I've never seen before. Then we're heading out to the lake for a little pontoon fun on Father's Day! Very excited for a fun-filled weekend ahead :)

I hope you all have a great weekend, and here are some fun links to prep you for summer (which starts officially on Monday!)...

1. I loved this piece on choosing what music to play for your kids. (Cup of Jo)

2. Nine tips to walk for weight loss — love the first one! (Pop Sugar)

3. Where to find "Old Paris." (World of Wanderlust)

4. Only the most perfect summer treat ever! (I Heart Naptime)

5. Found — the best nail color for toes! (Essie)

6. Hacks for finding cheap flights — definitely bookmarking this! (Refinery29)

7. Pretty sure I need this bracelet in my life. (Gage Huntley)

8. A great article on how to beat "imposter syndrome." (The Everygirl)

wandering the web: have a great long weekend!

Happy Friday, loves! Hope you've all had a great week, and cheers to a long weekend! Got anything fun planned? I will be soaking up the sun on my dad's pontoon and having a grill-out with the fam on Monday. And after that I'll just be counting down the days (and hours, and minutes) till I head down to Florida and the beach! While I plan to thoroughly enjoy this three-day weekend, my newsletter will be going out Tuesday instead of Monday (you can sign up for it here) and I'll be back with regular posting next week! I hope you all have a wonderful long weekend! 

1. I want to go to Boston just to see these. (Atlas Obscura via Cup of Jo)

2. Blackberry gin slush...yes please. (The Speckled Palate)

3. Not sure I can get behind this type of ice cream. (ASOS)

4. Five things healthy sleepers don't do. (Huffington Post) 

5. Whoa. This is trippy. (Buzzfeed)

6. Four ways to find yourself in a new city. (The Everygirl)

7. Nordstrom's half-yearly sale is happening now, and I'm crushing on this top. (Nordstrom)

8. If cat's had pickup lines. (Pinterest)

wandering the web: have a great weekend

Happy Friday babes! How's your week been? I feel like it just started, and yet we're already to the weekend! Definitely not complaining though ;) Tonight I'll be doing some much-needed cleaning around my apartment, and then tomorrow I'm having a girls day with my mom and sis. We'll be going through the Des Moines Farmers Market and getting pedicures and I. can. not. wait! I hope you all have a great weekend, and here are some fun links from the week...

1. In the summer, I just crave fresh foods. This chicken mango lettuce wrap would make the best meal. (PopSugar)

2. "Really seeing oneself, and really seeing other people, are probably the hardest things any of us will ever do." (Refinery29)

3. Watercolor mugs would be a fun weekend project. (I Spy DIY)

4. Would you decorate with patterned wallpaper? I kind of love it. (Apartment Therapy)

5. I keep hearing great things about this workout program. Have any of you tried it? (Kayla Itsines)

6. Just ordered these palm print workout tights and I'm SO excited to get them! (Fabletics)

7. Invisible Instagram stories are inspiring and so creative. (Bustle)

8. Is it summer yet? (Pinterest)

wandering the web: have a beautiful weekend

Happy Friday babes! I am so ready for the weekend; my sleep schedule has been a last priority this week, and it's definitely taking a toll...I'm ready to make up for it in the next few days! Do any of you have fun plans for the weekend? Adam and I are probably going to see Captain America: Civil War at some point, and I'm so excited! I've been waiting for it ever since I saw the first preview. Have you seen it yet?

I hope you all have a beautiful, fun, relaxing weekend, and here are some links I liked this week...

1. Rainbow smoothie anyone? (FitSugar)

2. Majorly crushing on these shoes. (Express)

3. This avocado caprese chicken salad sounds perfect for summer cookouts. (Joyful Healthy Eats)

4. You go girl. (Refinery29)

5. And, how body fat has become the new religion. (Buzzfeed)

6. Guys, I don't know what's wrong with me, but I'm starting to like pink.... (Nordstrom)

7. I really love Brooke and Meggan's #WhatWeWore series. (Somewhere, Lately)

8. Would you care for a chickpea-goo cocktail? (Huffington Post)

Wandering the Web: have a wonderful weekend

Happy Friday lovelies! It's been rainy all week here in Des Moines and today is the first day it's supposed to be dry and sunny, so you know I'm excited. This weekend Adam and I are headed to Iowa City for a 5k race (and by race I mean leisurely walk for me ;). I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and here are some links I liked this week...

1. Twenty-seven yard games to play this summer. Especially love #24! (Buzzfeed)

2. Loved this inspirational message from Jessi. (The Darling Detail)

3. Just bought this Bite Beauty lipstick in "Dragonfruit" and am completely obsessed. (Sephora)

4. I love the fun simplicity of tassel wall hangings. (Bloglovin)

5. Chocolate + lasagna? Yes please. (OMG Chocolate Desserts)

6. The most anticipated films of the summer. (Forbes)

7. These would certainly dazzle on a night out. (ayucicca.tumblr.com)

8. And lastly, RIP Prince. (Vulture)

P.S. Thank you so much for your comments and kind words on this post. I know a lot of you are feeling or have felt the same way, and I'm so happy and appreciative to hear that my words resonated with you.

Wandering the Web: Have a sunny weekend

Happy Fridayyy! You know what? I can't even say I've been waiting for the weekend that much because we're finally feeling summer in the air here in Des Moines, and that makes me happy enough. Patio season, here I come! But really, because I will definitely be sitting on a patio and sipping some sort of cocktail tonight ;)

I hope you all have a great weekend, and enjoy the sunshine! Here are some links I liked this week...

1. Anyone else pumped for the new Suicide Squad movie coming out this year?! (Refinery 29)

2. Speaking of...here's the problem with superhero movies. Interesting read. (NY Times)

3. Just added this dress to my cart. (Asos)

4. Have you seen Elizabeth Banks' new site, WhoHaha? Down the hilarious rabbit hole we go... (WhoHaha)

5. Party essentials for your next soiree. (Domino)

6. Have no fear pizza lovers, you can make your own pizza oven. That's right, oven. (Esquire)

7. Julianne Moore makes some interesting and enlightening points about gun control. (Lenny)

8. These pink lipsticks are so pretty and perfect for summer.

Wandering the Web: Have a fun weekend!

Happy Friday, y'all! This week has been cold and dreary here in Iowa, and I am so happy it's finally over. This weekend Adam and I will be staying busy with birthdays, going away parties, shopping trips and probably some other things I've already forgotten. The next few days are going to fly by, but I'm excited for them nonetheless! What do all of you have planned for the weekend?

I hope you have a good one, and here are some links I liked this week...

1. Currently starving as I write this, so naturally I'm drooling over these buffalo chicken bowls. (Pretty Providence)

2. Just tried this makeup primer for the first time and LOVE it. I'll have a full blog post on it soon! (Nordstrom)

3. Have you heard the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. these days? Um, no thank you. (Who What Wear)

4. Loving this idea for a statement art wall. (A Beautiful Mess)

5. Think you're smarter than a teenager? Probably not. (Business Insider)

6. Makeup hacks for the lazy girls — aka, all of us. (The Everygirl)

7. This dress looks stunning, don't you think? (Cupcakes and Cashmere)

8. Ellen's monologue in response to the new "Religious Freedom Bill" in Mississippi was absolutely wonderful. (Refinery 29)

Wandering the Web: Happy Easter!

Oh, hello again! Fridays really are the best, aren't they? Especially when Friday is pay day, and there's a major sale at your favorite store, am I right? ;) Let's just say I've sufficiently killed my budget for the month of March...oops! So that's what I'll be doing this weekend — how about you? Any fun plans for the first full weekend of spring? No matter what you do, I hope you have a good one, and here are some links I liked this week:

1. Photos of beautiful and unusual wedding themes. (Apartment Therapy)

2. Funny tweets in honor of Twitter's 10th anniversary this week. (The Blonde Salad)

3. Loooove this quirky manicure. (Because I'm Addicted)

4. Express is offering 40% off in select stores and online, and I have my eye on several items! Excuse me while I apologize to my wallet ;)

5. Can't get enough of this blogger's beautiful Instagram shots lately! (The Darling Detail)

6. Hashtag 90s problems. (Esquire)

7. Speaking of the 90s, what are your thoughts on the choker trend? (LaurenConrad.com)

8. And in case you needed any ideas for April Fools Day... (Buzzfeed)

Wandering the Web: have a fun weekend!

Happy Fridayyy! I have the whole weekend off, and I'm ready to both relax and spend some time catching up on all my to-do lists. Are you doing anything fun this weekend? There's a little snow in the forecast, but I won't let that stop me from partaking in a little post-St. Paddy's Day fun ;) I hope you have a good one, and here's what I'm reading this week...

1. Mint Julep milkshakes are the perfect thing for St. Paddy's Day weekend. (A Beautiful Mess)

2. Penguin bar, anyone? (Apartment Therapy)

3. The most influential people on the Internet. (Time)

4. Why you should skip the post-wedding honeymoon. (The Everygirl)

5. Eight tips for taking beautiful photos. (Cup of Jo)

6. A '90s boy band SyFy movie is coming out...for real. (Cosmopolitan)

7. Interesting tips on how to raise a more confident child. (Business Insider)

8. Dancing With The Stars starts again on Monday night, and I am beyond excited to watch Antonio Brown crush it every week! Will you watch? (ABC)

Wandering the Web: have a beautiful weekend

The Friday vibes are strong this week... I have so much to look forward to in the next couple days, including a Fall Out Boy concert on Monday — yay! This week has been a little crazy, with some personal ups and downs (more on that later), and I am ready to have a little time to relax this weekend. I hope you all have a good one, too!

1. The most beautiful home makeover I think I've ever seen. (Cup of Jo)

2. Looking forward to reading this book very soon. (Amazon)

3. Two essential stretches to improve flexibility. (Fit Sugar)

4. I'm starting to love the look of lace-up tops lately. What do you think? (Nordstrom)

5. Six things that affect your quality of sleep — No. 3 was a surprise to me. (Refinery 29)

6. Turns out, people's thoughts on gender stereotypes haven't changed much. (Science of Us)

7. I've been looking into better pre- and post-workout fuel, and this green smoothie looks so yummy. (Corals and Cognacs)

8. These Lucky Charms Rice Krispies treats would be great for St. Paddy's Day! (Shay Mitchell)

Wandering the Web: have an awesome weekend!

Fri-YAY. I am SO ready to get this weekend started. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 60s, and I only have to work for a few hours so I plan to get out for a nice jog/walk in the afternoon sun. I let the snowy days of early February get the best of me and stopped working out for a couple weeks, but I've exercised six out of the last seven days and I feel so great and ready to keep the momentum going. It's amazing what consistent workouts can do for your mood :)

I hope you all have an extra-wonderful weekend, and here's what I'm reading this week:

1. Bourbon caramel popcorn sounds like the perfect Oscars viewing party snack. (Feast + West)

2. A 29-year-old man takes lessons in Snapchat from his 13-year-old sister. Hi-larious. (Buzzfeed)

3. In love with all the strappy sports bras at Forever 21 right now. (Forever 21)

4. Lauren Vandiver always creates the best colorful outfits. (VandiFair)

5. A tip to help ensure you work out — I actually do this and it works so well for me. (Because I'm Addicted)

6. I really want to try eating like Chrissy Teigen now... (Refinery29)

7. How cute is this yoga outfit? (Carrie Bradshaw Lied)

8. What do you think of Facebook's new emoji reactions? (USA Today)

Wandering the Web: have a fun weekend!

Finally, Friday is here again. Honestly, this week felt like it went by pretty quickly, which is always great. The temperature has been warming up majorly around here (hello, 60 degrees in February!), and I'm very excited to take advantage this weekend. I'm planning to head outside for a few walks and then catch a movie with Adam. He's dying to see Deadpool and I've heard only good thing about it, so I'm getting excited too. Have you seen it yet?

I hope you have a good one, and here are some fun links from the week...

1. I've been seeing these earrings everywhere lately and loving them. (Baublebar)

2. Caitlin's recap of her trip to St. Lucia makes me want to pack up and head to the beach. (Southern Curls & Pearls)

3. Tips on how to undress a woman made me laugh. (Maxim)

4. The (almost) whole cast of Friends reunited for a tribute to director James Burrows, and Ross hasn't changed at all. (Buzzfeed)

5. Hallie's weekly post, Link Love, is one of my favorite reads each week. (Corals + Cognacs)

6. I'm really loving the ombre lip trend right now. Thinking I'll test it out with this white matte pencil first. (NYX and Sephora)

7. Love love love this anti-bullying campaign. (Refinery29)

8. Follow this Instagram account if you need a good laugh. (Instagram)

Wandering the Web: happy Valentine's Day

What are you up to this weekend? Got a hot Valentine's Day date? I'm planning to stay in and test out a few new beauty products, read this book, and maybe watch the movie Her, which I still have not seen somehow. However you're spending the weekend, I hop you have a great one, and here are some things I liked this week:

1. The most intense closet envy I've ever felt. (Damsel in Dior)

2. A great beauty tip for the driest time of the year. (The Everygirl)

3. If you live in the Des Moines area, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to the best dessert of your life. (Thelma's Cookies)

4. Honest Valentine's Day cards made me laugh. (Bored Panda)

5. "Breasts: The Odd Couple." (Cup of Jo)

6. I feel like this movie is going to be my guilty pleasure screening this spring... (Refinery 29)

7. Seeing everyone go on tropical vacations has me seriously craving summer and swimsuits. (Aerie)

8. Loving this Galentine's Day gift guide. (Alicia Tenise)

Wandering the Web: ready for some football

Happy Friday! Anyone else excited for the Super Bowl this Sunday? I'm not a fan of either team, but that's never stopped me before! I'm planning to make a lot of unhealthy food, watch what Coldplay can do for the halftime show, and see which brands have the best commercials. Do any of you have big plans for the game? Or just the weekend in general? Whatever you're doing, I hope you have a great one.

1. Loving these ideas for alternative Valentine's Day plans. (Cup of Jo)

2. How to stand in heels. (Who What Wear)

3. Signs you're an older millennial. (Buzzfeed)

4. My latest beauty obsession: learning how to wear brown lipstick. (Bustle)

5. How returns really affect the retail industry. (The Washington Post)

6. Did you tune in to Grease: Live on Sunday night? (Vulture)

7. My favorite facial cleansing brush just got a new design update and I want it! (Refinery29)

8. Spending my free time trying to master different smokey eye techniques. (Lulu's)

Wandering the Web: have a sunny weekend

Hey hey, it's Friday! I'll be honest, this Friday feels pretty lame compared to last week when I was heading to New York, but it's still the first day of the weekend, so I can't complain too much ;) I promise to get back to regular posting around here soon. It's been a crazy couple of weeks, but I'm so ready to get back on a normal schedule (both in the blog world and the real world!). And, next week I will be sharing part of my weekend in NY, so stay tuned!

I hope you all have a great weekend (and a warm one if you're in Iowa!), and here are some links I liked this week...

1. Next up on my travel bucket list: Chicago. (Nany's Klozet)

2. Barbie just found out what diversity looks like. (Forbes)

3. Edible cookie dough, party of one. Yes please. (Carrie This Home)

4. Major hair envy right here. (Pinterest)

5. Interesting, little-known facts about Central Park. (Food and Wine)

6. Just bought this book and I can't wait to start reading it. (Amazon)

7. I love this little pin. (More Than Ideas)

8. Finally, 57 small things to do for yourself — in lieu of resolutions. (Food 52)

wandering the web: have a warm weekend

Happy Friday, friends! I hope you all had a great week! The last few days have been really nice here in Iowa, but the weekend is supposed to be close to 0 degrees again, which I am not looking forward to... On the bright side, Adam is coming home from New York for the first time in two weeks! We are planning to cook a few meals together, work out and maybe even see a movie. (What movies are good right now??)

Have a great weekend, and here are some links I liked this week...

1. Fifty-two places to visit in 2016. (NY Times)

2. This detox drink made with pink salt sounds interesting. (LaurenConrad.com)

3. What your sleeping habits say about your productivity. (Refinery 29)

4. In love with every piece of this outfit. (Cupcakes and Cashmere)

5. How sweet are these wine glasses? (Shopstyle)

6. I'd love to try making these beautiful candle votives. (This Heart of Mine)

7. Now that I'm getting back into the workout groove...how cute is this sports bra?? (Aerie)

8. My heart breaks for Professor Snape this week. (The Atlantic)

Wandering the Web: Welcome to the new year

Happy Friday everyone! How was your first week of 2016? Anyone still sticking to their New Year's resolutions? So far so good over here, but I think the real test is week two! And speaking of next week, my first newsletter is coming out on Monday and you don't want to miss it! You can sign up right here.

I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend and curling up with a good book. I'm currently reading this one and loving all the advice so far. I hope you all have a great weekend, and here are some great links from this week...

1. Everything new on Netflix this month. I'm stoked for season 4 of New Girl! (Racked)

2. Ass-kicking women from 2000s movies — who's ready for a movie marathon? (GQ)

3. Have you seen this hair tie bracelet? I'm digging it. (The Grommet)

4. This article is fascinating. (The Atlantic)

5. "A letter to myself on my wedding day." Beautiful. (The Huffington Post)

6. Very interested to try this whole grain strawberry breakfast cake. (A Cup of Jo)

7. Art made out of everyday objects is absolutely stunning. (My Modern Met)

8. Love this. (Pinterest)

Wandering the Web: have an awesome weekend

We made it! It's Fridayyyyyy! Anyone else as excited as I am? This week has been a little crazy, and it doesn't look like the weekend is going to slow down much for me... I still have so much Christmas shopping to do! Am I the only one procrastinating? I still have no idea what to get for all the men in my life. It's always the hardest part, therefore always the last to be done, haha. What do you have planned this weekend?

1. A neurotic's guide to small talk — the second one is my favorite. (NY Times)

2. Why jackets are the best shirts. (The Cut)

3. Five myths about wine debunked by a sommelier. (Food52)

4. Tips for making and keeping you're NYE resolutions. (My Domaine)

5. "In defense of being average." (Mark Manson)

6. This student made an art project out of telling people they're beautiful. (Lost at E Minor)

7. Why Drew Barrymore believes women' can't have it all — at least at the same time. (Forbes)

8. And for a hilariously true laugh: Instagram Husbands. (YouTube)