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Friday Favorites

Hello, my friends.

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I’m so glad this week is over. I’m also happy that for the second time in a row I have a free weekend. (Prior to these past two weekends we were so swamped!) This week K has been off on business, so I’ve been flying solo. And since the Grinch was away this elf was at play 🙂 I started listening to Christmas music this week and I’ve mostly transformed our house from spooky graveyard to winter wonderland.

(I know some folks out there feel like Thanksgiving gets the short end of the stick when it comes to people like me. Not true, guys. My dining room table has a festive little fall centerpiece and I fully welcome Turkey-Day in the whole “holiday season” club. I get the same thankful, joyful vibe all through November and December, so I’m not going to fight the urge. No harm in decorating the mantel and hanging the stockings.)

In November I try to establish some kind of social media thankful-post. This year I’m sharing a weekly Instagram pic that sums up a few things I’m thankful for each week. I’ve done blog posts and Facebook statuses in the past, but I think I prefer the weekly post (vs. daily) and I enjoy sharing a picture from my week!

I’m still not ready to talk about the election. I deactivated my FB this week because I’m upset and I just need to avoid the gloating/hate/fear/anger/sadness. I’m worried about the next four years. I will never quietly tolerate xenophobia, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, or racism. I know a lot of people feel the same way, but I’m just not ready to talk about this.

Ok, so I promised some favorites from the blog-world. Here they are:

I hope you have a fantastic weekend! Like I said, I’m 100% plan-less, but that doesn’t mean I won’t end up in Columbus or Indianapolis for a few hours this weekend. Who knows?  🙂

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Some Friday Favorites

The world has me in a constant state of rage & I have nothing new to say today. I’m trying really hard to send positive vibes into the world, but I’m struggling.

Please know that you are enough. Whatever you’re struggling with, you’re enough. Please also do your very best to spread love and understanding and compassion. It seems crazy to have to say that, but this world is crazy.
And now I leave you with thoughts from other bloggers that had me nodding my head and throwing my hands up in praise this week…

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  • Steph said it all. I honestly couldn’t agree with another human more right now. Enlist me in that army.
  • Chelsea is also spot-on. Why is being a female so controversial?!
  • I really love Elyse’s movie + meal pairings; especially #10!
  • I can always count on Julie to share some encouragement & art!
  • Chelsea (a different one!) shared her incredible birth story and I am so in awe of her. Check out part 1 first, then move on to the intense part 2!
  • Reading about the folks Rebecca Jo met while “catching” at the Louisville IronMan was so heartwarming!

And from the non-blog world:

I’m hoping and praying our weekend events (gender reveal party, wedding, birthday shenanigans) distract me from my political rage for a bit. Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

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Favorites & Love

Hey. It’s Friday.
On Monday I posted a picture of my planner showcasing the totally free, unscheduled week I had ahead of me. It was nice and relaxing and I only forced myself to do a little housework. This weekend is open, too. And K’s home for once. My little simple heart is quite happy.

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So before I point you in the direction of other bloggers, let’s chill here for a minute.

Over the weekend DCI (Drum Corps International) had its finally competition in Indianapolis. K went, I stayed home. Here’s a super short clip from the 2016 Champs (The Bluecoats from Canton, OH!) that makes me laugh every time:

Maybe you saw this clip circulating the internet this season. That’s another drum corps.
Also, the cart she’s playing behind was built by my husband’s company 🙂

Moving on.

This week I got a GoodReads notification that Shilpi Somaya Gowda liked my review of her book! So that was cool. (Are we friends on GoodReads? Because we should be!)

And now some blogs for you 🙂

  • Rebecca Jo hits the nail on the head when it comes to life-timelines!
  • Christine takes her first whack at bullet journaling and it’s pure perfection! When I finally pull the trigger I’m looking to her for organization & artistic inspiration!
  • My IRL good friend Aubrey started a blog! Remember I talked about her in this post? Now she’s a fitness goddess and cooking guru!
  • Emily’s advice on parenting one’s self is so, so good!

Fingers-crossed that today flies by and I’m on my front porch with a glass of wine before I know it! What’re you doing this weekend?

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Audrey Life

My People

First of all, thank you to everyone who commented on and shared Wednesday’s post. You all totally reinforced my point about the blogging community. I honestly believe every single one of you is great and I’m so happy to know/”know” you! ❤︎

Onward with the good vibes (and Chelsea‘s Tell Me Something Good link-up)!

Last weekend K and I attended his cousin’s wedding. His entire paternal family came from Texas, Tennessee, and parts of Ohio to celebrate the bride. I also knew the groom’s family because his sister and I were really close in grade school. He was also friends with my brother. Plus we all went to the same church. #SmallTownVibes. Needless to say, I knew a lot of people at the wedding.

There was one point during the reception when I was off to the side, standing between K and his sister. On either side of them were my in-laws, as well as K’s brother (and maybe his wife? I can’t remember). For whatever reason, in that exact moment, as the group of us stood there watching the party around us, I became aware of how ridiculously fortunate I am to call those people my people. I felt so special to casually stand among them- like there was never a time that I didn’t fit into that group.

*I wanted to insert a ridiculously adorable throwback photo K’s family here, but I didn’t know if they’d be ok with that. Just trust me on this one- it’s an adorable picture!*

I enjoy weddings. They give my an excuse to drink a lot bit and dance. I get to see friends and family that I don’t normally see. And more than anything else, I love watching two people exchange vows while I sit next to the guy that I promised to love +3 years ago. Additionally, sometimes a wedding joins two families. I know that’s not always the case- it depends on the family dynamic- but that was the effect of our wedding. I honestly don’t believe there’s anything that my mother- or father-in-law wouldn’t do for me. I love splitting a glass of wine with all my siblings-in-laws. My heart flips inside my chest when I see my dad and K hanging out. I loved that Fred & Christina asked both K and me to be a part of their wedding party. I honestly try very hard not to take for granted the family that I was born into and the family that I was blessed with through marriage. I know I’m lucky.

And standing among that tribe at the reception with K and his my family just made me feel it 10xs over. Whether it’s friends or family, I hope everyone has a group like that. Remember to be grateful for them.

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Tell Me Something Good Friday!
Audrey Life

Coming Up For Air

I thought ahead for my entire week of vacation (last week) to schedule posts but apparently I didn’t have the foresight to anticipate the serious lull that would take place the following week (this week). Sorry for my weird absence.

So here’s a brief rundown of my life: Nearly two weeks ago (7/10) I left for vacation with K and my parents. We were gone until this past Monday (7/18). We went to Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. I plan to recap that on Mon. and Wed. next week. Then this week I worked T/W/Th plus a quick run to the mall up north for last minute stuff, a hair appt to cover my roots, and a spa appt with my mom to pamper ourselves before…. MY BABY BROTHER’S WEDDING THIS WEEKEND. So right now I’m on my way to/in Columbus, Ohio to decorate and prepare for tomorrow’s wedding. The last two weeks have been a serious tornado for me. Thanks for your patience here in Blog-land.

Since this post offered little content, check out these bloggers instead:

  • Meagan asks that you not call her daughters beautiful.
  • I can’t get over Rebecca Jo‘s gorgeous photos…
  • If you plan to travel lightly this summer you need to check out Stephanie‘s carry-on bag for her 9-day Alaskan cruise!

See ya Monday, friends!

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