More from Grits & Gravy

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Saturday in Pictures

I have been admiring those folks who are taking one photo for every day of the year. I am not sure that I could manage to remember to do that but I thought it would be a fun project for a Saturday.

The past couple of weeks have been full of long work hours and not much  of a break, even on the weekends, so I planned out a fun R&R weekend for myself to rejuvenate my spirit. I wanted to bring a little of me back into the hurried schedule that has been occupying my life as of recent. Taking photos throughout the day helped me be more present and appreciate how I was spending my day.

I kicked it off at 7:14am with a little cuddle time with Atticus. I stopped letting the cats sleep with me because its weird and they have started to wake me up in the middle of the night. Being that Atticus is shut out all night, he is ready to mingle in the morning and eagerly awaits me at my bedroom door.


My very own Atticus Finch

I had some time before my morning yoga class so I drank a warm protein shake and caught up on reading The Eleusis and The Hunger Games. Have I mentioned how much I love this book? I finished it yesterday and it was so good that I have to go this week to get the second installment.



I got so involved in my book that I had to quickly get ready for yoga with Ms. Jimmy. I have not been to a class in a bit so I was really looking forward to it this week. Of course, it was full of openers, ab work and deep stretches - exactly what I needed. In fact, I am a little sore today. I was so relaxed that I totally passed out during savasana. I rarely get my mind that calm these days so that was an extra special treat.


After yoga, I took a little joy ride in the car and jammed out to Adele's new album. I am over the top obsessed and am constantly listening to it at home and work. "One and Only" is definitely my new favorite song and I sing it.. loudly...over and over and over. Here is a little video so you can enjoy it as well.



I wrapped up the morning with a tuna sandwich and BBQ Popchips. Saturday had a summer feel to it for me and so a tuna sandwich was completely necessary. It actually reminds me of summers with my Momma at the beach - it is one of our favorites.



I spent the afternoon getting a massage, brow wax, and mani/pedi. The mani/pedi was definitely a highlight. I met a very sweet girl, Miranda. She was just precious and I was so relaxed that she told me I should stay and enjoy the massage chair while finishing up my book... so I did. It was lovely. Normally, I would be rushed but I just let myself be in the moment. Nothing like enjoying a good book in one of those chairs with a yummy starbucks. And my nails look fabulous!

When I got home I popped in my latest Netflix and watched a few episodes of Law & Order: UK. If you are a devoted Law & Order fan, as I am, you will love this new edition to the family. Crown v. ....



Although I had a full day, I was still ready for more. Quincy and I headed to Joses to partake in some ice cold beverages and chips & salsa. Perfection.


The whole day felt like the best day ever! I just enjoyed being able to do all of the things that I love. I feel restored and ready for the next couple of busy weeks. Here is a little photo that got snapped of me - I hope I look as happy as I felt.

xo. jm

Sunday, March 6, 2011

A Few of My Favorite Things: Week of 3.6.11



Collecting Inspiration for Redecorating My Bedroom

I have never actually "decorated" any room in my house. More like, I have collected leftover items over the years. I am having a great time drawing inspiration from blogs and magazines. My colors are deep turquoise, grey, silvery blue, white, and pops of yellow. More photos to come on this fab project.


Adele, Adele, Adele

I'm obsessed with her new album! I cannot get enough of it.


Home Away From Home

I have been spending lots of time at my desk lately so I'm glad that it is filled with so many memories and things I love. One of my favorite things in my office is a block that I got at Riffraff with the quote, "She believed she could, so she did" and that is serving as my daily inspiration.



The Hunger Games Trilogy

I have just started the first book, which is April's Book Club selection, and I am already devouring the pages. I also discovered that the series is slated to made into a movie... Can't wait!

Have a great week y'all!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Portrait of A Leading Lady: Kira

A few weeks ago I posted about a new series that I was introducing entitled Portrait of A Leading Lady. When I began to jot down who I wanted to feature I was pleased to realize that I had so many wonderful ladies in my life.

My first post will feature a woman that I have been friends with for ten years. I met Kira when we became roommates my freshman year of college. At first, Kira was unsure of this new freshman with a bubbly personality who was going through sorority rush but I soon won her over and we developed a great friendship. When I lived in DC, Kira and I got to spend lots of Sundays together over brunch or evenings meeting up for drinks or supper. The thing that I admire most about her is that she is strong and vulnerable all at the same time. If you are lucky, you see her in those rare moments when she lets her guard down and shares herself with you. Kira and I may have been unlikely friends in the beginning but we soon realized that we are so much of the same that we just get each other. I adore her and hope you appreciate her as much as I do.

I am thrilled for Kira to be my first Leading Lady.... Enjoy!



Age: 28
Occupation: Executive Recruiter
Location: Alexandria, VA

Describe yourself in one word: Is it sad that Awesome was the first word that popped into my head?

What is your favorite book? City of Thieves

Favorite music? Alternative/ Classic rock

What inspires you? Greatness

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment? Buying my first place at 23 and not going into foreclosure :) and being a damn good aunt kiki

What do you feel is the biggest misconception about you? That I am not compassionate

What is the best advice you have received? A job is a job and will always be there with our without you, live your life don't live your job

What would you tell your younger self? Don't rush into adulthood and learn to love

What do you love most about you? My emotional strength

Describe your idea of a perfect day: One with spontaneous adventure with friends that make my life full of laughter and if my dog can be involved that would indeed be perfect!

What do you consider to be your greatest adventure, so far? I would say moving away from home to go to school in Florida and creating some of the best friendships ever...next adventure would be to move across the country
I feel most beautiful…after I have finished running and all sweaty and gross

My favorite guilty pleasure is…doritos and peanut butter :)

Happiness is…living without restrictions and never worrying about tomorrow

I would change…my wall and make it easier to breakdown

Something people would be surprised to know about me is…i am insecure

I feel fearless when…it comes to protecting those I love and standing true to my convictions

My Life…is the and that I was dealt and I can either accept it or fight it and I made a conscience decision years ago to accept all the bumps and mishaps as what makes me and makes my life as it is today. I could either see some of my past as an excuse to be a victim or a reason to be stronger and make my life just that MY LIFE.