Friday Five!

{max is home... content}

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Yesterday was 90 degrees (at least according to my car). Oh sweet warmth. How I’ve missed you so! That pretty much sums up my week. It’s been a good one.

Tomorrow I'm running the10k in the Riverbank Run! I signed up for this back in October. As much as I will be happy I did it (once it’s done) I have repeatedly regretted it since signing up. 1) I stopped running over the winter while doing Insanity and due to the truly horrendous winter weather, 2) I really don’t like running to begin with, although, I’m trying to grow into it(?)… and 3) signing up for something 8 months in advance always seems like a good at the time, but not so much come time to actually do. Needless to say, I think I’m ready, but am praying for perfect weather conditions. And if not, I walk. That’s still participating, right? Will I get a metal? Even for last? 

Immediately following the race, I’m looking forward to some beer tent action with my fellow racers (and Max!), followed by celebratory bloody’s downtown. Sunday Mom and Dad are coming to Grand Rapids for mother’s day, where we will brunch, chit-chat and toast my mom from the comfort of our very large couch! Perfecto!

Friday Forte:

(on the Riverbank playlist! stay tuned for the full list next week)

{three cheers for Cinco de Mayo}

{6 year GFS anniversary bagels – time F.L.I.E.S.}

{enjoying the heat wave with Founders on the patio – can’t wait to do landscaping in the coming months}

{yogi rainbow}

Country Living

This past weekend was the Wild Game dinner, which, as I've said before, is definitely an event I look forward to every year. The festivities have become more and more kid friendly as the years go by, but we've rolled with it. For example, this year there was a bouncy house! So entertaining to watch Aunt Megan jump up and down with the kiddos (as they videoed her and laughed). But hey, it was all in good fun! Once the kids were wiped out the adults had their own “kid” fun. Somewhere along the way it was decided to burn a tree in a box. It really was quite entertaining to watch… A few years ago we blew up a toilet and slid onto an icy river (not smart), last year there was some bow-and-arrow action (Katniss style!) and this year we are burning tree’s (in a safe and controlled environment). What will next year have in store for us?!?

Sunday Max and I decided to cross another brewery off the West Michigan list. As we were heading home we stopped by Paw Paw Brewing and had a ball talking with the locals at the bar and watching the place slowly fill to the brim with mug club members. Then of course we decided to make more pit stops on the way home, cause, WHY NOT?! 

All in all, a great weekend with family and friends!

{don't worry... his man beard days are over. he's now back to the sexy scruff that i know and love}

{sibling love}

{blurry picture leading up to the shenanigans}

{there she blows}

{look familiar?)

{yup, i have flowers on my pants... max can't decide if i look trendy or like an 80 year old tablecloth}

{began my Riverbank Run carbo-loading early!}

Ann Arbor Bachelorette Weekend

Two weekends ago, Jenny and I traveled across Michigan for Laura’s bachelorette party, which, went off without a hitch. It was a small gathering (mostly because the smarty pants Yale friends live 1000’s of miles away), but it didn't matter, we loved it that way. Literally her gymnast gals and sisters were the party. I loved it. It truly made for a memorable and eventful evening. An evening full of laughs, arts and crafts, Mexican Tapas, bachelorette-appropriate straws, Jersey Shore-ish bars, bubbly cocktails, boozy cupcakes, picture posing and random Polaroids.

I don’t know when I’ll have the opportunity to go to another bachelorette party, but this was one to remember and will tide me over for quite some time!

Next up, NEW YORK CITY!!

Bicycle...Bicycle...Bicycle...I Want to Ride My...

BICYCLE! 

Hopefully someone recognized--or thought of--the classic song , Bicycle Race by Queen, when opening this post. Seems like every time there's a story on NPR about someone riding their bike or entering a cycling race--whatever--they bust out that old track. Maybe there just aren't enough songs out there about bike riding...

Anyway, after much delay, I've finally gotten my trusty Schwinn out from her winter's slumber in the shed and on the streets. This time, however, instead of riding it just for exercise, my goal is to ride by bike as a supplemental means of transportation at least a few times a week. 

Few reasons: 

1. great additional exercise, always a reason to add to the routine

2. gentler to our earth than driving everywhere

3. I consistently spend upwards of $70 to fill my gas tank. not cool.

So...after a quick stop by Gerken's to pick up a top-rated, city-friendly lock, I was rolling all over the city, traveling for both errands and to indulge in pit stops at my favorite NOLA parks. 

I had these shoes already, for walking & for work, but I've found they're pretty perfect for biking as well! 

In the middle of my maiden voyage, I stopped by local book shop, Octavia Books to pick this up. Already finished and anxiously awaiting Looking for Alaska by the same author. 

Friday Five!

{got bored & crafty and decided to spice up my keys…}

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MAX COMES HOME TODAY! MAX COMES HOME TODAY!

This week went by fast despite my lack of after-hours social interaction… Work has been kicking my ass recently, but in an exciting-running-around-like-a-chicken-with-your-head-cut-off kind of way, which is a good thing (right now… ask me again in a month!). At night I’ve been keeping myself busy with lame to-do list tasks and Netflix to pass the non-work time. Life is good. Period.

Tomorrow is annual the Wild Game dinner in Dowagiac. I plan on eating everything! No more lent means I don’t have to deprive myself of chips! This means The Maxey Family taco dip will fill my belly, washed down by a flow of mimosa loving convo’s with the sister-in-law and a plethora of grilled and fried goodness from my better half.

Bring it on, May!

Friday Forte: 

 

(appropriate title)

{flower power in the Harmony howler}

{obsessed with the big chunky necklaces, but also loving dainty on dainty layers (Court started the trend!) horseshoe necklace from here and longer necklace from here}

{memories of last weekend just keep showing up everywhere! from my back seat, to the kitchen counter, to the bottom of my purse, and now my planner – more to come on the Ann Arbor bachelorette party!} 

{fruit pizza & coffee – perfect mid-morning pick me up}