top / shorts / chacos / sunglasses / pack 

My time in the mountains is sadly over, but I don't think I could ever forget a trip like this. Hiking through the Smokies is something I've been so looking forward to, and getting to experience Grotto Falls was a dream (p.s.- it's the only waterfall in the Smoky Mountains you can actually walk behind)! I honestly don't know when I'll stop posting pictures from this hike... Whoops! 

Monday Musings

Hi friends! 

Real quick, just wanted to brag about my own chaco / kayak pic- I feel like I've finally made it in the adventure season... anyways, here are the musings: 

Mountains // I am 110% convinced that everyone needs to get some mountain air in there lungs at least once in their life. I feel refreshed and itching to get back onto some trails after my week in the smokies. Stay tuned for some pics coming this week! 

Dreamin' // After watching an episode of House Hunters & hearing about a family who visited all 50 states before their children graduated, I decided that is something I definitely want to do. There's so much to explore in the US alone, and I think it would be awesome to say I've been to all 50 states (especially wanting to head to the southwest!). 

Bastille // Good Grief by Bastille is my new jam. I'm obsessed. This song makes me feel all types of feels, I can't even explain it. Check it out (and the rest of my summer playlist) here! 

Crispy // After spending Saturday on the water & exploring a park nearby with Auj, I can confirm that I am a little overdone. My skin has undergone shades ranging from lululemon bag red to flaming hot cheetos red. Don't even ask how much aloe I've gone through... 

Listen // I've been making more efforts to become more in tune with my body, and I've really taken to listening to my body. Between lifting weights, working more than I maybe ever have, and just attempting to be more active, it's been really important for me to keep a balance on pushing myself and pushing myself too far. Take rests when you need them, eat when you're hungry, and learn the difference of not wanting to as opposed to not being able to- it has made the world's difference for me already. 

Countdown // My best friend + soulmate Abby comes home from her European travels at the end of this week and I cannot wait. We're a package deal in most people's eyes, so the fact that I have only had the ability to facebook message her a handful of times over the month that she's been gone is extremely weird to me. I cannot wait for her to come back home! 

Fun fact // For those of you who didn't know, it's my birth week! (Yes, I'm totally one of those girls who attempts to celebrate all week long...) Since my birthday falls insanely close to the 4th of July, I try to spend a whole week on myself, whether that mean meeting up with friends, or ordering a fancy drink at Starbucks that I normally would never get. It's nice to treat myself for a week, especially considering nobody is ever around for my actual birthday anyways. Any other July babies feel my pain?

Where's LJ? {Update + Current Favs}

Hi friends! 

Long time, no post- am I right? 

Life's been just short of crazy the last couple of weeks for me, but I'm not actually upset about it. I'm one who needs/likes to have a busy schedule, so a little bit of scrambling isn't a bad thing. Over the year I've become pretty accustomed to what I call my "drop-and-go" lifestyle, and by this point I've just about got it down to a "t." 

Between taking on more hours at work and trying to create some sort of summer routine for myself, I've been out of the blog-o-sphere. Being one who isn't a fan of just creating content for the sake of posting, I've been taking my time with the posts I'm creating. As the summer is carrying on, I've realized that my style is changing- in writing, fashion, and just about every other aspect you can imagine. 

So far though, this summer has been treating me great! I can honestly say that I cannot remember the last time that I've felt so at peace and in-tune with my mind and body, and it's really been quite a nice occurrence. A change has definitely been needed, and despite how much I love this little corner of the internet (and social media in general), unplugging has been just so enriching to my soul. 

Since I've been out of touch for so long, I thought I would share some of my current favs with you. In the short two weeks that June has been in swing, I've come to grow fond of many things, and here's a few: 

+ kanye in my workout playlist 

+ stairmasters 

+ my new hydro pack- perfect for my upcoming hikes 

+ foam rolling my entire body

+ lush's lemony flutter hand/cuticle cream

+ wireless headphones 

+ chipotle's sofritas 

+ chaco season 

+ the intstagram explore page 

+ old navy everything 

+lululemon speed shorts

+ stalking my friend's summer adventures via snapchat 

+ talking on the phone

Okay, so maybe that was more than a few, but it's been a while, so totally justifiable, right? 

Hope you haven't missed me too much! I'm setting up some content to be ready for when I'm out of state, so there's some new things coming your way, don't fret! I'm also planning a shoot with my very artsy and incredible talented friend Gabby, so high quality is on the way too! 

LJ's Summer Bops {My Summer Playlist}

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Hi friends! 

Summer is here, and something about the blue skies and sunshine just makes everything better, even music. I've rounded up some of my favorite bops to listen to this season. There's a little bit of everything mixed in- pop, indie, country, you name it. Make sure to scroll all the way through to find some great tunes! 

What songs are you listening to this summer?

Vibin'

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Hi friends! 

Though I've been MIA on LSoM, I haven't been completely off the grid. (Believe me, I'm on the interwebs more than I should be in my down time...) I've been finding things left and right that I am obsessed with, and I wanted to share them with you all too! 

1 // How darling is this dress? I'm completely going heart eyes emoji over it! 

2 // I'm never one to listen to rap much, if you can really call Drake that sometimes, but Too Good has been on constant replay for me. Also, Child's Play (but I really just like the Cheesecake Factory reference). 

3 // Bess' blog has had me totally hype for my trip to the mountains. Can we talk about these views though? She lives the dream- maybe Colorado is calling my name? 

4 // I recently bought a hydropack for hiking (obsessed, clearly...) and I am so jazzed about it. It makes me want to go on way more hikes. Maybe I'll convince Matt to hike pictured rocks with me? Hmmmm...

5 // How gorgeous does this travel diary of Costa Rica from Aspyn Ferris look? I'm completely in love, and it's definitely landed a place on my wanderlust list!

6 // Though I've previously felt that Lululemon has outrageously priced activewear apparel, I've recently come to love and appreciate it. What sealed the deal for me? These shorts- talk about perfection. (This is next on my list!!)

7 // If you ever feel lost in the gym, this instagrammer is perfect for some hints! Cristina's videos and tips have seriously changed my gym game and helped me kick my workouts up a notch!

8 // Apparently one pieces are hot for the summer, and if that's the case, I'm lusting over this one! Scallops, a halter, and the always classic black? Yes, yes, and yes!

9 // I'm thinking of restarting BBG, or at least throwing some of the workouts back into my routine. I've done portions of this program before and I love the results, I just sometimes lack motivation when nobody can see me workout. Anyone else suffer from the same problem?

10 // I'm torn- I really want an activity tracker, but I just can't make up my mind. Apple sport watch, Polar a360, or the Fitbit Blaze? I can't make up my mind. Anyone have an insight?

Midweek Motivation

Hi friends! 

In efforts to keep this week both positive & productive for us all, I've rounded up some of my favorite quotes to provide some midweek motivation!

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I know I sure needed an extra dose of motivation and positivity, so I hope this does wonders for you as well! 

Monday Musings

dreaming...

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The week ahead // I have a good feeling about this week. I've got plans (shocking) other than work, I'm seeing my lovely friends, and I even get some bae time. I'm also planning on spending some time not only in the pool, but hopefully kayaking this week. Let's hope the weather is feeling the same vibes as I am. 

Me Before You // This movie wrecked me. And I loved it. Obviously I couldn't stand not seeing it opening weekend, it was just too hard to resist. It's stuck with me since I've seen it, and in all honesty I will probably go see it a second time in theaters. No shame there. 10/10 recommend you see it. Also 10/10 recommend you bring some tissues because I sobbed. 

Bend // Over the course of the last week and a half, I've gotten back into some free flow yoga. It's been not only beneficial to my muscles after a hard workout, but also beneficial to my headspace. My time on the mat clears my head and helps me set my intentions for the day. I'm also currently looking into finding a studio near my house so I can take a few classes while I'm home for the summer to learn some new moves to throw into my flows. 

Adventure // Adventure is awaiting me this June! I am very excited to be planning a trip down south to spend some time out in the Smokies. Everything is still in the works, but I'm very hopeful that some hikes are in my future! 

Lenny & Larry's // After following one too many fitness accounts on Instagram, I decided to seek out a Lenny and Larry's Complete Cookie. Completely unplanned from my search, I stumbled upon them in a 7/11 (of all places) and snatched one up. All I can say is wow. This thing was good. Normally protein packed snacks have an odd after taste to them and can sometimes feel gritty, but this was surprisingly delicious for a protein cookie. If you ever stumble upon one, I recommend trying the snickerdoodle kind! My favorite so far! 

Kicks // I am proud to say I finally purchased myself some new running shoes. It's made all the difference in my milage, and my shins are no longer screaming at me! Oh happy day! My new Nikes look like cotton candy and just make me so happy to look at, and I am totally obsessed. Also- I'm totally on a running shoe kick right now and cannot get enough! Someone stop me, please. 

Here's to a good week ahead! 

Fitness Wishlist {2016}

Hi friends! 

If you've been following my blog for a while, then you know I've already made a previous fitness wish list. (It was actually around this time, and you can find it here!) Lucky for you, or maybe unlucky if you don't enjoy fitness, I'm back with a brand new round up of fitness gear that I've been dreaming about lately.

There's something about fun workout wear that just motivates me a tenfold more to push through a tough workout. I've been looking to get some new gear recently, and the obsession with activewear is real guys. Also- thoughts on the Apple Sport Watch? It's super intriguing to me, but I'm not sure if it's worth the investment. Let me know if you have any opinions on it, or suggestions for other sport watches!

Also, can we talk about the Reebox ZPrints I have shown below? I'm DYING over them. They need to be mine very soon (personally obsessed with the maroon pair).

Happy sweat sesh!