I saw a lot of Don’t Mess With Texas memes this week. That saying has been long-lived and loved. But what feels even more fitting in our experience down here, and not just in crisis mode is Love Thy Neighbor. I felt that lesson wholly and feel so thankful to be surrounded by people near and far who truly care for each other and their wellbeing. I’ll get to more about that, but can’t wait to share Scrolls with you today. We have a Pulitzer Prize winning book that will blow you away, a cocktail bringing all the vacation vibes, and incredible inspiration to take us into the week ahead:

Scrolls are coming…but first.

I need to say thank you. We were without heat and power for more than three days, but we were some of the lucky ones. I have been moved to tears many times in this past week, but I want to tell you a quick story. I put out the word on Instagram about the real suffering happening in our state. Specifically the lack of food and water for people in need. One of my good friends Kathleen Joyce in Syracuse so thoughtfully Venmo’ed us to add supplies to our run to the food bank. She lifts me up daily, and this week inspired me to reach out to neighbors and friends to make the truckload even larger. These donations are so greatly needed and appreciated and I will forever be grateful for having a community of compassionate, empathetic, loving people in our corner. We are so very grateful for you, and please know that small acts of kindness aren’t really small at all, they are so big to us ?.

Make It.

Not In Cancun ? Colada| All Cancun jokes aside ??, we were feeling ready for a sunny kind of cocktail and any excuse to cheers to a new week without a natural disaster:

Blend together & Enjoy!

• 1 banana
• A 10oz pack of frozen pineapple
• Can of lite coconut milk together with a loose handful of shredded coconut
• A shot or two of your favorite rum
• Garnish with additional shredded coconut & a frozen cherry

Watch It.

We are not a big Disney family. In fact, Jon has a video from before Grey was born where I say “we’ll never go to Disney” ?. Who knows if I’ll eat my words some day, but I will say I felt no pull to get the Disney app until I found out about this movie. With all of the loss that Grey has suffered in his short life, we wanted something uplifting that would align with some of the concepts we talk about on a daily basis at home. The moral is so beautiful, and is easily digestible for these tiny humans (along with us big ones as well).

Read It.

I’m not sure I can think about this book without weeping. I truly mean that. The Overstory is exquisite in every way. I hadn’t even finished a quarter of it when I felt this massive shift in perspective. You know when you’re at the eye doctor and they say can you see 1 or 3 better? You see 1 that is fuzzy but 3 is crystal clear. That was the shift I felt. And it is still vibrating within me and I am so deeply grateful I was able to not only see these glorious words, but really feel this incredible piece of literature. Promise me you’ll consider reading it. I wish I could read it all over again for the first time. 10/10 spectacular ⭐️.

Listen to It.

I listened to this podcast when Oprah first released it back in 2018. I know Tom Brady is a polarizing figure, but not being a football fan, I didn’t really think much about him in either direction. She re-released it this week on her SuperSoul podcast and I found it incredibly impactful. Isn’t it funny to read or watch or hear something a few years later with fresh ears and it just hits differently? There were some beautiful pieces of wisdom shared between the two of them – I love the way he approaches fueling his body and mind, the way he speaks about his family, and his work ethic. Highly recommend for inspiration this week ??.

Feel It.

This is where I would normally share small wins of the week. Only this week, I didn't think the wins were that small. They felt so very big. Navigating the challenges that came with losing heat and electricity was a big one, but more than that, the closeness of our little triangle was something I hope to never forget. Close in proximity and close in spirit. I am so lucky to have them ?. 

Try It.

I aspire to be more like this hero. Without a doubt, one of the biggest lessons we felt deeply this week. This video brought both of us to tears ??

See anything you’re hoping to try this year? 2021 Home Decor Trends

This book has been truly impactful for Grey, and all of us, really. It has some exceptional ideas on how to master mindfulness for little ones – how to be present, manage emotions, and improve concentration.

The loveliest little cocktail glasses. I grabbed these for a Valentine’s Day surprise for Jon and they look far nicer than their price tag would suggest ?.

Something I am focused on being a lot more intentional about. Thoughtful ways to be on your phone less ?

Albion just launched new swimwear and it is so beautifully made and the perfect mix of modest and chic! So proud to be an #AlbionMaven & thinking spring! ?

Vegan & Gluten Free Donuts that are totally doable and delicious!

Charcuterie boards were huge for a while. Now it’s all about Jarcuterie!

Will you be buying these for your pups?

A life changing challenge anyone can do, no matter their situation ??. Thank you for sharing with me, Michelle & Kathy!

What is a carb sweet spot and how to find yours?

I may share pajamas each week, but aren’t we all wearing them on repeat?! ?. These are so soft and a great price tag! Also fully responsible for helping to keep Grey warm this week.

God Bless you and your people. We are sending love, gratitude and joy your way!