Happy Friday everyone!
In This Post
This past Monday I had planned a hike with my daughter and her friend and her friend’s mom who has become my friend too. When Sunday night rolled around and I started thinking about my to-do list, hiking was definitely not a part of it.
I had to finish up an eBook design project for a client, continue working on a new project I’ll be sharing so much more about soon (get ready to get organized!), I had blog posts to write, recipes to make with photos to take, and for some reason I had decided the Friday before to clean out and pare down all of my kitchen props so my kitchen still looked like the aisles of Target the day after Christmas.
I almost cancelled going on the hike. But I didn’t and here’s why.
We headed to Park City and Deer Valley Resort and started our hike. Hiking isn’t just about exercise. It’s about connecting. Connecting with nature, with ourselves and with those we’re with.
Lisa and I chatted as we kept pace with the girls as they led the way along our trail. That’s when Lisa shared a philosophy her brother in law has adopted.
He calls it GOAL –> Get Out And Live. After years of working too long of hours, missing out on family events and just life in general, he either came up with or adopted a philosophy he has been practicing every day and documenting with daily Facebook posts.
Get out and live.
GOAL. It struck me. And has stuck with me.
I’m so glad I didn’t put work ahead of self-care that day. That I pushed answering e-mails and finishing up my design work to the afternoon. That I went on that hike. Not only because it was a gorgeous day and I was out being active in the mountain air, but because of the conversation I shared that reinforced how important taking time for ourselves can be. I came home more focused and in the game and actually got more done more efficiently than if I’d been working longer that day, being distracted by my to-do list instead of simply getting it done.
GOAL. Do it.
We’ve been tuning in nightly to get our fill of the Olympic competitions. While everyone is oohing and ahhing over Michael Phelps’ domination and those crazy talented gymnasts, my hero is Kerri Walsh in beach volleyball. I mean, she’s 37 years old, a mom of three and totally crushing it. She is so inspiring to me when I am sucking air whilst doing my workouts versus the likes of her moving and jumping and flailing in sand like she does. Love this article on how she stays dominant in her sport at the age when most athletes retire.
Olympic athletes and their celebrity look alikes. Which leads to the question, would you rather be a celebrity or an athlete?
And just one more thing…
Once upon a time I was a volunteer and on the board of this L.A. animal rescue group where we gave medical attention, rehabilitated and found new homes for shelter animals like our sweet boy Chewy above. I miss him so much.
If you’re an animal lover, the animals of Much Love need your dollars to raise $13,000 that will then turn into a $39,000 grant. Your donation will be matched 3-to-1 if we can raise just $800 more dollars to reach the $13,000 total we needed to raise on our own. Donate here and help a kitty or puppers in need. Thank you my furry-animal loving friends!
And now, let’s get into this week’s Friday Faves.
I’ve seen plenty of posts on Facebook of friend’s whose kids are heading back to school. This video shows why parents everywhere are totally okay with that.
Savory oatmeal. Yes, it is a thing and it’s delicious.
Crushing SO hard on this chocolate chip cookie ice box cake. Perfect after school treat.
and…
Milk and cookies head to a whole new (but still nostalgic) level. Take me here, please.
Have you ever heard of this trick to avoid soggy pies? I gotta try it.
Frozen yogurt in just three ingredients? Sold!
You had me at peach — no,bourbon — no, slushie!
Utah claims to have invented this beloved condiment and I’m telling you, it’s an essential! A brief history of FRY SAUCE — I love it!
The best apps for editing food photos — if they’re not already, these six apps will be your new best friends.
Can’t wait to make a batch of these bourbon-soaked cherries so I can spiff up my cocktails.
Dying to make this gorgeous lemon coconut oil cake.
10 tips to help you meal plan like a boss.
Cosmonaut Volkov and Woodle Orange aren’t Olympic competitors, they’re heirloom tomatoes…so what’s the difference between heirlooms and regular tomatoes? This is the difference.
A museum for ice cream, including a sprinkles pool? Only in NYC…
Martha Stewart and Snoop Dog are going to have a dinner party series? Oh, I am SOOOO watching this.
Just say “no” to bread bowls — you’ll break a bread baker’s heart! This is too funny…
A floating hotel on the Seine? Oui, oui!
We are a Diet Coke fans over here (okay, somewhat addicted) but I’ve been scaling back. Maybe that’s why bottled water outsells soda for the first time ever.
I bought this amazing salve at the farmer’s market last weekend. It is so emolliant, handmade from locally and ethically sourced natural ingredients, free from chemicals, parabens, and other things you can’t pronounce. I am loving it. Plus, the packaging! LOVE.
These are the top home design trends of 2016 according to Pinterest. Do you agree?
and…
This camp chair would look just as good in the backyard. Stylish.
I’m on a copper craze, and I need these salad serving spoons.
Calling all dog lovers…How cute are these cheeseboards?!
Winona forever. Can’t wait to get my hands on this mag.
Seriously…why are French women so cool?
Okay, summer’s not over yet, and I think I may need this as a pool/beach cover up (it looks like the famous wallpaper in the Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge).
Totally getting this classic khaki trench for the fall so I can look like Holly Golightly. Totally timeless.
I know swim season is almost over, but this suit is one to stock up on for next year.
Makeup pro tip: How to get the 5-minute evening eye.
Nail art…these are pretty cool. If only I had luscious nails to do them on.
And the internet is having a field day (errr week) with Michael Phelps’ face. These tweets are pretty dang funny.
Recipes I Pinned This Week
So much goodness, so many Pins! Here are just a few beauties that caught my eye and went to my Pin boards this week.
Cucumber-Honeydew Salad with Feta
Loving the monochromatic presentation of this sweet and savory salad.
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken
All of my favorite briny flavors in one sturdy pan. This is my style of cooking.
Tiramisu Crunch Ice Cream Cake
There’s really only one thing to say about this cake…STUNNING!
Thanks for stopping by friends. I hope you have a great weekend, that you get outside and live and then hop into the kitchen to cook something good.
Peace out ’til next week!
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Shari R. Navarro
Great recipe capturing , Thanks .
Ruth
It is always a good thing to take time out to enjoy your family and friends. I am glad you enjoyed your hike!
Ruth, I couldn’t agree more. Now I just need to make it a regular practice and not let “life” get in the way! Thank you for stopping by.
Laura | Tutti Dolci
Get out and live –> perfect timing on that one! I’m way too good at being a workaholic, thanks for the reminder to mix things up this weekend. Can’t wait for more details on your project, and I’m swooning over that ice cream cake!
Beth
Love this post every week. Thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend.
Sarah
I loved the note about GOAL – needed that today
Kris O.
Have a great weekend! Your column always brightens my week, and gives me a little buoyant lift when I need it most. :)
Kris, that is so great to hear. I’m thrilled it helps add a little something to your week. Have a wonderful one.
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
Got little goosebumps reading about GOALS, so amazing!! And I cannot wait for the secret project you’re working on, I’m ALL about organization and anything you create is just so beautiful that I know it will be a work of art as well! Happy weekend, now I’m off to check out all these amazing links.