a productive monday.

The other day I was chatting it up with Monica about blogging and picking her brain about what she likes/dislikes about blogs these days. She and I actually met inadvertently through GML, so I always like to hear her thoughts and advice.

One of the things Monica said she misses about blogs in general is the old school “day in the life” posts. I’ve definitely gotten away from them, mostly because I think who even cares? or that I should produce more “professional” content. But what Monica said really did make sense, especially considering I get a ton of email questions about what my daily routine looks like.

So, you asked…I’ll answer! I’m going to start giving more peeks into at what my daily routine(s) look like, which can really vary day by day.

So to follow up a lovely Saturday, here’s my productive Monday.

Mondays aren’t thee most exciting days for me, as they’re typically focused on getting a lot of work done and preparing for the week ahead. As always, I spend the first 45-60 minutes of my day reading, journaling, and praying.

Sometimes I’ll have time before work to go to the gym, but today I finished up some Speakable necklaces instead.

(For the new Valentine’s Collection, launching tomorrow!)

For breakfast I had a quick (and not photo-worthy) bowl of oatmeal with fruit before starting my “official” work day.

From 9-5 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays I work remotely for my dad’s real estate appraisal company doing office administration, client/appraiser relations, and some accounting.

On those days I’m usually in sweats or workout clothes. Today that looked like…trying to convince spring to come a few months early ;)

While I’m working I usually watch my favorite talk shows and catch up on blogging/social media here and there. Around lunch time I usually take a break to run errands or go to the gym, but today I spent about 30 minutes photographing the new Speakable collection.

Fineeee, I’ll give you a sneak peek!

(Be sure to check the Speakable website and Instagram tomorrow for the full collection!)

For lunch I made a salad of things I had leftover in the fridge, and it turned out to be delicious!

In a bowl combine 1 cup chickpeas, 1 cup chopped kale, 1 large ripe avocado (mashed), and salt & pepper to taste. The result is so tasty and really filling. Definitely a new favorite (and simple) meal of mine.

Throughout the day I also snack on roasted almonds, on a fancy paper towel.

I ended up finishing work 10 minutes early today so I could run to a jewelry supply store before it closed. That’s right – I’ve swapped shopping for clothes with shopping for…anti-tarnish lacquer.

When I got home I spent a few hours editing the new Speakable photos, and writing this post. I also made a dentist appointment, scheduled movers, and cleaned out my five email inboxes.

Finally, it was time to relax. I treated myself to Blossom Du Jour for dinner, then I kept things as girlie as possible by painting my nails and watching The Bachelor.

(I went with the 2nd and 4th ones – Nude topped with Gold Star)

At least this pic isn’t awkward at all…

And for a very #LEAN14 dessert, I took a lazy girl’s approach to PB Banana Bites. The coconut butter hiding under there is what takes this from a snack to a (quite rich) dessert.

So there you have it! My typical productive Monday.

What does your usual Monday routine look like? Anyone else have spring fever already?

a lovely saturday.

As usual, the weekend couldn’t have come at a better time. After a couple of crazy weeks with planning to move, Speakable, etc., I was so ready to have a few days to relax and spend time with my friends!

If I’m being honest, the days I work from home are spent makeup-less with my hair in a ponytail, so yesterday I took the opportunity to get a bit more dolled up.

Aaaaand POUT.

Then I met up with the girls for brunch at Diablo Royale in the West Village.

I had been wanting to go there forever, and it was great! I loved the look and feel there, and you can never go wrong with Mexican.

Afterward we went to Hudson Clearwater, where we ended up spending the remainder of the overcast day. I tried to be all fancy with my new camera by snapping Monica’s espresso shot…

…I’m getting there, right? ;)

But don’t worry, I’ll never be above taking selfies.

The night ended early for me since I had a busy day (today), so I wrapped Saturday up by watching documentaries on Netflix. I’m cool like that.

Last but not least is this great devo from yesterday. “Gain happiness by letting go of this life…”

(from the daily devotional God’s Promises Day by Day)

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How did you spend your Saturday? See any good documentaries lately?

girl meets: 1.17.14.

fashion.

It’s not too soon to bring out the summer clothes…right?

I kid. Sort of. When I get bored of my winter clothes, I like bringing out summer rompers/shorts and “winterizing” them with tights, boots, and a long sweater.

romper: H&M. sweater: Macy’s. boots: Etienne Aigner. watch: Nixon.

And of course, I wouldn’t leave the house without rockin’ Speakable :) I layered DREAMER with some of my other favorite necklaces.

fun.

Last night I met up with my good friend Rachel for dinner to chat and prepare for our NEW APARTMENT. That’s right, say hello to my new roommate, whom I’m sure you’ll be seeing a lot more of!

(Rachel also has a new blog, check out A Life Feast)

I haven’t gone into much detail yet about the move because I wanted to wait until it was a sure thing, and…well, it’s a sure thing now! I’ve been living in midtown for about two years and dying to move downtown, and I finally am. Not only that, but it’s pretty much our dream neighborhood. January 29th can’t come soon enough!

food.

Rachel and I met up for dinner at one of my favorites, Westville. I always get a combo of the four market sides there, and this time was no different.

I went with sautéed kale + shallots, roasted butternut squash, fried plantains, and roasted honey dijon brussels sprouts.

Rachel got the market sides too, so we had quite the veggie feast going on.

faith.

As someone who is quick to go to my confidants before God (hi mom and Jessi :)), this was convicting and comforting at the same time. It’s pretty incredible that I can go directly to the God of the universe in time of need…

(devotional excerpt from Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith)

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Are you a fan of “winterizing” spring/summer clothes?
Any fun plans for the weekend ahead?