design dreams: map decor

I have been drawn to maps used as decor lately. I love traveling and geography in general, and I think maps are both fun and stimulating when used in the home. A whole wall covered in map wallpaper is a bit much for me, but I like some touches here and there. What do you think?

All images: my Pinterest

(belated) weekly gems

Hi, everyone. Sorry about the delay in this week's weekly gems. As you may know if you read this blog often, I've been sick on and off for about three weeks. Over the next couple of weeks, I need to pull back and rest a lot to ensure I get fully better/don't get worse. I want to thank you for continuing to read even though posts have been a bit unpredictable. Posting will be a bit sporadic this week as well, but should finally be back on track the last week of March.

• This ravoli, spinach, and bacon dish looks delicious! And this love letter to Paula Deen looks interestingly yummy.
• Yoga moves to help you sleep.
• An adorable spring wreath!
• My favorite Makeunder My Life posts of the past several weeks: saying no, MML Korean edition, I can do better and needing a little more PT.
• Love Emma Watson and this slideshow of her looks.
• Ways to beat the woes of Wednesdays. And another way - Lonny's beautiful Watercolor Wednesdays.
• Awesome tool for getting things done.
• Why dog owners are healthier people.

Images: my Pinterest

pet love: dogs are a (wo)man's best friend

I'm sorry for the lack of a post yesterday and the late post today. I stayed home from school yesterday and had an adventurous experience at the health center, but I'm doing much better today. How are you all doing so far this week?

I have always deeply loved my family's pets, but for some reason this week I have been especially grateful for my dog, Madison...probably because it's been rather stressful and tiring. In any case, I was very excited to discover a few articles about pets (especially dogs) that seem to be popular this week.

• Sharing a bed with your pet
• The dog's role in the modern family
• Animals aiding in therapy
• Dogs motivating healthy habit

Have you read any interesting articles about animals lately? Or about special things in your life that keep you happy?

Photo 1, author original

Photo 2, Pinterest

anyone else having a busy tuesday?

When you feel like this:

Take a deep breath and:

Images: my Pinterest

things that are making me happy

Hello, everyone! How was your weekend? Mine was pretty darn good. The next couple of weeks before my spring break are going to be relatively busy, but I'm feeling very optimistic about them. So, in the spirit of positivity and starting the week off on bright note, here's my latest list of things that are making me happy. What is making you happy today?

1. Starbucks skinny vanilla lattes. Sometimes with a chocolate chip cookie.
2. The movie Death at a Funeral (streaming instantly on Netflix!)
3. Hearing birds chirp outside in the mornings.
4. Hosting a yummy pasta and wine dinner for friends Saturday night.
5. A kind neighbor returning my iPhone to me when I lost it this weekend.
6. This amazing, inspiring article about a teenager whose leg was amputated (you must read it!).
7. Finally starting to feel better after being under the weather for a few weeks.
8. St. Patrick's Day on Thursday giving me the opportunity to wear a cute new green top.
9. Already having my lesson plans for the next two weeks outlined.
10. The weather starting to get nice enough to go for long walks in the park again with Dan and Madison.

P.S. Sorry for the accidental, not-complete posts

as of late. I swear I'll fix my posting problem!

weekly gems

Hello, everyone! How was your week? Mine was extremely busy, filled with lesson planning and trying to catch up on grading since I was sick all last week. I actually had to go to the doctor's again - turns out I have an ear and a sinus infection! I should finally be getting better over the next few days, which is good because this weekend I have to take an exam for my teaching license. I'm also having dinner with friends and resting a lot. What are you doing this weekend?

Some lovely links for you...

• Please keep Angie behind the baking blog Bakerella in your thoughts and prayers!
• For those who love the 80s: A Ferris Bueller's Day Off board game. Awesome!!
• For those who love the 90s: Classic Nickelodeon!
• Welcome to the most adorable digital picture book ever - The Shy Bears: Make New Friends. Love!
• You know what looks delicious? Raspberry crumble squares, Starbuck's new petite treats, and this vintage cake recipe.
• Love this journaling idea, and this blogging planner.
• Why you should be nicer to yourself.
• Fun Mardi Gras-inspired finds.
• I couldn't decide on just three favorite wedding posts this week - these are four are all just so sweet and/or creative! You can tell they were celebrations full of fun and love. Wedding number one, two, three, and four.

Image source: my Pinterest

outfit envy

Earlier this week, I had a post about office envy. Today I'm feeling some outfit envy - I guess I'm just having a daydreaming sort of week! I really like all the elements of the outfits featured above (source: my Pinterest). They're providing me with some definite inspiration for my New Year's All Year Challenge goal of building a wardrobe with intention. What fashion finds are inspiring you lately?