Blogger Love v.40

Here we are on Friday again, and yet another week I am saying it went too fast.  I am extremely happy about the weather we had yesterday - 80's and not a cloud in the sky.  Too bad I was in an office all day!

This weekend I am co-hosting a baby shower for my sister in law and am so excited!  This baby will make me an auntie and I can't wait to spoil her - although I sort of have already started, oops!

Speaking of co-hosting, this week for Blogger Love, I have Christine co-hosting with me.  You might already know her, or remember her from this post, where she shared with us her love for amusement parks and how some tips for real estate.  Christine is part of my #tribe and I'm happy to have her here today!

"On Telling Your Story" by Living in Yellow.  I can't pinpoint why, but Erin's post spoke to me.  Tell your story - you never know who is listening, and who needs to hear it at that moment.

"My Mother-Daughter Bucket List" by Macaroni and Mascara.  I absolutely love this idea.  I plan on making one myself, after reading MacKensey's list!

"Where Are All the Mediums?" by Venus Trapped in Mars.  100 times yes.  I love fashion, the random fashion post, but find that post of the items don't apply to my body type.  I am craving a size 8-12 fashion blog!!

"Tell Me About Your Town Reminder" by Amanda Moments.  This month's prompt is fun - local food choices!  I often hear that what I grew up eating was "different" or "weird", so I can't wait to hear what is normal for others.

Want to link up with Christine and I?  Please share at least one post by a blogger other than yourself.  Click around below and find some new-to-you bloggers!

An InLinkz Link-up

In case you missed it this week, I shared what I was currently up to, and reasons why May is awesome.  I also tweeted that I am ready for a complete redesign of the blog.  It's been about a year, is that too soon?  I don't want to keep changing things up on you!  Who are your favorite designers - for a reasonable price?  Do tell!

The Awesome List - May

Am I right??  I hope that most of you wouldn't argue this fact - there are just too many good things about this season.

Based on the types of days I've had this past week, focusing on something fun like summer is good for my soul.  Luckily, my friend Anne hosts an Awesome link-up on the first Tuesday of every month, so let's dive right in!

|| Sunshine.  Sure, there is sunshine in the winter.  But I've found that the sunniest days are usually the coldest.  In June, July and August, bring on the sunshine and hot days!

|| The lake.  Have you been to a beach in Chicago on Lake Michigan?  So much fun.  I also enjoy Lake Michigan on the other side, on the shores of Michigan.  For a moment, it feels like you could be on the beach somewhere!

|| June birthdays!  Not only my birthday, but my Dad's, sister in law's, my Mom's, father in law, brothers in law are all in June.  And A's follows up in early July!

|| Drinks in the backyard.  Nothing better than sitting in the back, eating dinner with my family, putting the kids to bed and sitting around the fire.  Drinks with neighbors can't be beat!  (No driving and no babysitters needed.  Win-win).

|| Big Brother.  This is by far Amanda and my favorite show.  Can't wait!

|| Weekly play dates with my besties.  Three of them have summers off - so getting together is much easier!

|| Cottages and Boats.  My husband's grandparents have a lakehouse not too far from here.  We don't make it up as often as we should, but when we do the days are full of sun, boating, beers and family.  Perfection.

|| Flip flops and pedicures.  It's pretty nice to be able to just slide sandals on and go.  Long gone are the days of taking five minutes to bundle up, just to walk to the car.  Twenty if the girls are with me!

What are you looking forward to the most this summer?

Currently...

Sometimes, my mind goes in a million different directions and I can barely remember to put on deoderant in the morning.  (That really happened yesterday - good thing I realized it on my way to work and made a detour to Walgreen's!) 

When my mind is racing, I find it calming and grounding to take different aspects of my life and just focus on them, one at a time.  Today, that comes in the form of a Currently post!

Currently, I'm...

Reading:  Summer Island by Kristin Hannah.  I just finished the first chapter, so I can't say whether I like it or not.  I just finished Sharp Objects, and was a little disappointed.  Unlike Gone Girl, I predicted the ending about half way through the book.

Listening:  To Shark Tank.  These entrepreneurs are so inspiring!  I also like seeing new products, and meeting their creators.  I've bought a few things that I've seen on the show! 

Thinking:  I'm still thinking about my budget, and I'm still trying to figure out what a decent number is for me.  I have an idea, so I'm going to tally my spending for May and see how close I am.

Wishing:  That everything will work out the way they are meant to be. 

Hoping:  That I can believe in the above, and trust in the timing.

Loving:  My new Kate purse that arrived today.  I bought it on a whim when they had an additional 25% off clearance, and am so in love!  I'll share pictures in another post.  Who says you can't buy your own Mother's Day gifts?

Wanting:  Peace, Happiness, and Clarity.  Is that too much to ask?!

Needing:  A good nap.

Eating/Drinking:  I just had a peanut butter Snickers - I don't get peanut anything too often because of A's allergy.  Also drinking water - I'm trying to focus on drinking more!

What are you currently up to?

Blogger Love v.39

I have been thrown off all week.  I changed up the days I was out of the house, which had me thinking that I was a day ahead all week.  No bueno when you love weekends!  So needless to say, I'm happy that today is finally Friday - even if my mind thinks it's Saturday.

This week, I wrote one of my favorite posts to write - a birthday letter to celebrate E's fifth birthday.  I can't wait until she is older, I am planning on sharing the letters with her!

Also... April ended and so did my spending freeze.  And the most surprising part?  I didn't fail.  Seriously!

This week for Blogger Love, I wanted to share Becca, from Becoming Adorrable's post "7 Tips for Being Productive While Working at Home".  I work from home often, and always find myself procrastinating by "just watching one show" or "taking a little rest".  I loved the tip about putting shoes on - who can get comfy on a couch with shoes on?

Do you want to share your favorite posts by bloggers other than yourself?  Link up below and tell us what you loved this week!

An InLinkz Link-up