8.22.2014

Loving...

Happy Friday readers!


Fun plans for the weekend?

We don't have much of anything on the agenda, but I am really looking forward to it.  Bryce and I have been needing some down time, just the two of us, and I think this weekend will provide it.

I mentioned last week that I've been struggling personally.  I'd be lying if I said 2014 had been a good year so far.  It hasn't been.  In fact, I think it's been the toughest year of my life thus far.  The first week of the new year went wonderfully, but since then things have been tough.

While I'm not comfortable sharing the details of my problems on the blog, I will share some of the emotions I've been facing.  It feels good to get it out.  If you haven't gathered from reading my blog, I'm pretty Type A.  I know what I want out of life, I set my mind to that, work towards my goals, and typically things go as I would like.  When they don't, I struggle.  For nearly nine months now, despite any and all efforts, my life hasn't felt on track.  I've felt completely out of control and helpless.  I've also had some major pity parties.  In fact, just last week I was joking that I was going to start just being a negative person.  Whenever I try to be positive and hope for the best, I end up feeling disappointed.  I joked that perhaps if I just expected the negative, I would be pleasantly surprised.  I soon realized, however, that is completely the opposite of who I am.  So instead, I am trying to push through and not focus on people and situations I can't control.  I am going to focus on being the best "me" I can and eventually (*hopefully*) things will work themselves out.  Shew...that was long winded, huh?  It needed to be said, though, and leads into the first two things I am loving this week, here goes!

The first way I am trying to improve myself, is by exercising.  To say my exercise routine is sporadic would be an understatement.  I feel better when I exercise regularly, though, and like the routine of it. That being said, I decided to try a new exercise regimen.  About two weeks ago I signed up for a package at Richmond Barre and am loving it.  The routines challenge my body in a way it's never been challenge before and I'm really enjoying the classes.  I'm also loving these Zella pants I got for barre:


To add to that, I am loving this post, 100 Thoughts I Have During Pure Barre, that my friend Ruby sent me after taking our first class! 

Second up on the Allie Improvement agenda, and loving list for the week, is keeping up with current events via The Skimm.  Throughout high school and college, I was pretty good about knowing what was going on in the world.  Since then, I've honestly been embarrassed at times when someone brings up a major news story in conversation that I know nothing about.  The Skimm makes it effortless, though. Simply sign up, and each morning a quick skim, or summary, of major news events is delivered to your inbox.  In less than 5 min, you'll be informed!


I am loving this kitchen workspace.  Simple, elegant, glam...swoon!


I am really loving this Old Fashioned Print for a bar area.  Not to mention, I have found a new site to love, adore, obsess over in Katie Kime, the site that sells the print!


And finally, rather than ending with an eCard per usual, I couldn't resist this funny in honor of going back to school on Monday!


What are you loving lately?

How do you cope with difficult times?

Have a great weekend!