Lately I've been feeling like I'm on a never ending roller coaster.  Climbing up and up, trying to go push myself to tackle anything and everything that is within my reach.  Arriving at the top to take in my surroundings; only to realize that the path down requires me to let go and fall. I like being in control of my life and on this roller coaster, I'm not the one in charge.  Over the past year I have slowly started to learn to relinquish that firm grip, but this is a constant challenge... and against my nature.  Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and exhausted, I have been looking forward to those few precious moments where I can see a friend, drink a cup of peppermint tea, cuddle with Zach, or just sit and be. 

This past weekend was another non-stop, go till you can't go anymore, weekend. 

The saving grace with meeting up with friends and not having to worry about the next loop I'm climbing on the roller coaster called life. 

Coat: Dress Code, Top: The Limited, Shrug: Hot Mama, 

Skirt: Thrifted, Tights: Ann Taylor Loft, Shoes: Naot

 Zach and I were stoked to visit with our friend Meghan, who had just arrived back home from India! 

It was so interesting hearing all her stories and to see her passion for the Indian culture. There is such a great need in Nagpur and it was astounding to hear how the Nav Jeevan Santha project she was apart of has helped the local children there.  If you are interested in supporting this program, I strongly encourage you to check it out here. 

I was so glad Anna put this night out together.  Seeing a few of our college friends all together and having a good time always makes me happy. So crazy to think that it's been almost three years since I've graduated college! 

This week I've decided to slow down a little bit in an attempt to save my sanity and my nerves...and to prepare myself for the next two months of crazy wedding planning and chaos that will inevitably ensue. 

When you are riding that roller coaster, how do you get yourself back to solid ground? 

I'm thinking a wine and chocolate night is in the future. 

Here's to a care free week!

-KateLainey

As a vegetarian and vegan "flirt," I'm constantly looking for new meals that pack a ton of nutrients, flavor, and depth to them.  Since shying away from meat, processed food, and most dairy, the list of what I can purchase at a grocery store has become quite small; which definitely has it's pro's and con's. Experimentation and willingness to try new foods is a must for my lifestyle.  So when my Mom made this amazing new quinoa salad for me to try, I knew I had to feature it on here.  Thanks Mom!  

To take on a DIY is somewhat ingrained in my nature. I've always been a very independent lady; my parents can attest to my strong willingness to do everything on my own when I was very young. I wanted to dress myself, attempt headstands on my own, and ride my bike for the first time with no help. Apparently I liked to tell my parents, "I do myself!" when asked if I needed help. At the time, this attitude might have been somewhat of a struggle, but it has transcended well into my adult life. I like to take on new adventures and seek endeavors on my own. But sometimes I need the help of others for motivation along the way. 

This is where Indiana Adams, Made This / Love This, a DIY collective comes in.

This is a great project that Indiana recently put into play to help others get motivated to try new DIY's and to showcase your projects.  I'm hoping it will eventually give me that extra push to bring out the sewing machine more often. But let's not get to ahead of ourselves. :)

Here is a look at the first project! 

An easy t-shirt scarf.

Dare to take the Made This /Love This Challenge? Sign up and join the community. 

Plus, it will be fun to see everyone's finished projects on the site! 

Anyone interested? 

What a weekend I've had! It flew by, like most treasured weekends do. 

Truly, nothing is better than beautiful weather, stuffing my face with delicious food, and spending time with the most beautiful lady in my world, my Mother.  After running eighteen miles Saturday morning the first thing I wanted to do was eat! So Zach, my Mom, and I headed over to Marie Catrib's for lunch. I feared that after the run I would be dragging the rest of the day, so I ordered a half pot of Turkish coffee and ended up drinking all of it myself. Yeah, it was that good. Doesn't it look so yummy in these baby cups?!

Mom and I got right down to business with discussing wedding plans and where we were going to go thrift store shopping. I love styling other people and my Mom is so fun to shop for. She gives me a few ideas of what pieces she is looking for and knowing what she looks best in, I usually end up with a armful of outfits for her to try on. I think she is pretty lucky to have her own personal stylist. :)  I hardly have any pictures of my favorite lady, so I insisted she pose for some. 

To top off the weekend we got way ahead of my wedding task list! Granted there is still tons to do, but those dang details really do add up and take tons of time to accomplish.

I hope everyone had a splendid weekend as well. Did you enjoy the nice weather? Zach loved it so much he decided we were both going to wax our vehicles. I think I actually got a slight tan.

 Crazy Michigan Weather.

-KateLainey

What I love about this recipe is that as long as you make the same sauce you can add anything you want to the rice noodles and call it Pad Thai! Next time I'd like to throw in more veggies like broccoli and bok choy.

What is your favorite version of Pad Thai? Or do you have a different Thai dish you'd like to share? 

I'm slowly becoming better at these types of dishes. Zach is a good test subject, so it works! 

I'm really excited about all the great food I'll be munching on this weekend. My Mom is coming up to work on wedding plans, so on Saturday we are heading into Marie Catribs for lunch, then Little Africa for dinner. Plus, I get to try all the homemade goodies that she is bringing with her. I love that my Mom enjoys ethnic cuisines and willing to try anything. I know this weekend will be a blast! I hope yours is too. 

-KateLainey

p.s. I just created a Facebook page for this blog, so feel free to check it out! 

Great mix of patterns and use of bold color! 

Don't you just love when you create a list of things to do and almost everything gets checked off? 

My Saturday looked oh so daunting on paper; running 12 miles, finishing off the invites, starting wedding favors, working on bridal party gifts, trying on my wedding dress, and doing the last of the spring cleaning seemed overwhelming.  Upon getting home that night after a delightful dinner with our friends/wedding photographers Bryan and Mae, I sat and thought about how wonderful the day had been. 

Does anyone else feel this way? Or is it just me? 

With a lot of running around on Saturday I kept my outfit pretty causal. I did up my hair for my gown fitting and called it good. It put a smile on my face to be wearing my spring coat and no tights/socks!

 Hence the extremely white feet. :)

My co-worker's wife was so sweet to give me this awesome black dress, I love the asymmetrical neckline on it and how soft it is. It looks great with leggings too. Thanks Debbie! 

Needless to say, I do get burned out if I'm in a constant mode of needing to accomplish things. Sunday was my chance to unwind and not really do anything...except clean which is a stress reliever to me. :) 

Do you feel like the weekends are your chance to be productive, unwind, or both? 

Here is to a wonderful week ahead and hopefully warmer weather for Michigan! 

-KateLainey