A Dose of Pretty | a dose of pretty

{The sweetest chickens who I love to meet on our evening walks.}

After a month off to celebrate my birthday, wrap up the semester, and enjoy some much needed rest, it feels great to be back. Summer has never been my favorite season – I prefer the cold to the heat – but this summer feels different. It’s not that I have any plans to travel or have an adventure. Rather, I’m just excited to continue with my current schedule: spend time moving every day at the gym and with our evening walks {to see the chickens, obviously}, play with my three boys, make pizza {with my 2020 pandemic sourdough starter} as often as possible, watch movies in the middle of the day {my guilty pleasure is a made-for-TV romcom from Hallmark or true crime thriller on Lifetime}, and create something everyday {be it a drawing, a poem, a painting, a meal, or something else that brings me joy}.

This weekend I’m excited to continue with my all of my same, aforementioned summer plans, make meals at home {cooking is one of my love languages after all}, and of course, celebrate the fathers in my life. I hope you have a wonderful one as well! x

{Yellow roses with a pink paint splatter look are the perfect combination of my favorite colors.}

{Pastel blue eggs that make for the prettiest brunch. P.S.: The only difference between these blue eggs and the classic white and brown ones is the yolks are a deeper orange hue.}

{The yummiest virgin cocktail, topped with Chardonnay grapes.}

{Ripened apricots, still on the tree.}

{Fragrant pink roses on our walk that beckoned me to stop to literally smell the roses.}

x Paris

{A sunset-hued rose + late afternoon sunlight.}

Editor’s Note: With my upcoming birthday and the semester ending soon, I will be taking a short break to celebrate properly and wrap up the school year. I will be back on June 10th with plenty of new content. x

When I was in high school, our college and career center had a sign that said: “The days are long but the years are short.” At seventeen, I understood what the quote was saying, yet I didn’t get it. But, at thirty-five, I get it.

The days are long: As I get closer to summer vacation, I understand that it will be here before I know it even when it feels a million miles away from me.

And the years are short: Because when I remember high school, I realize it was half my life ago even though it sometimes feels as if it was just yesterday.

With yet another year flying by {how are we already over five months into the new year, or um, rather should I just say year?}, I’m striving to truly savor each day. Because the days are long even if the years go by far too quickly. This weekend I plan to celebrate Mother’s Day by going to brunch with my son, and spending time with all three of my boys. And I’m excited to head to San Francisco to celebrate my birthday next week. I hope you have a great one as well and I’ll see you back here next month! x

{A playful kitten who reminds me everyday that dreams do come true – since being a cat mom was my dream for about three decades before I met him.}

{A summery color combo that gives me tropical vacation vibes: pink blooms + green leaves.}

{The sweetest afternoon drink: a creamy caramel boba tea + crème brûlée foam.}

{The prettiest shades of purple: from lavender to violet.}

{A new, mini fragrance to try out for my birthday. Should my new motto be new age, new signature scent?}

x Paris