A few months ago, my sis-in-law invited me to join a book club. Despite working in book publishing for 7 years (omg, that seems scary long), I'd become a less than joyous personal reader. I spent my days working with authors, writing back cover copy, working on marketing strategies... I began reading only the books we were publishing and fell into the terrible rut of rarely reading for myself.

As an English major and a lover of creative writing, I missed it. Still, the madness of living in NYC followed by the move, the restaurant and other distractions, provided plenty of excuses to rush on to the next overscheduled moment.

During the past few months, I force myself to read at least a book a month. And guess what? I'm reading even more than that. On the agenda this month?

flowers make you happier...and healthier?

Between the new house and the pregnancy, I've been non-stop nesting. When my energy level doesn't let me "keep on going," I give in to my current obsession: Pinterest. Virtual nesting is my my newest jam.

While pinning away last week, I came across this article from Apartment Therapy. It speaks not only to the emotional upside of keeping fresh flowers in the home, but also to the health benefits.

According to the article, researchers found that hospital patients who stayed in rooms with fresh plants and flowers had lower blood pressure, felt less anxious and less tired. The article also points out that flowers in the workspace increase efficiency. Very interesting indeed...

instagram jams

After much teasing from friends and fam, I finally broke down and joined Instagram. And guess what? I love it!

Here a few snaps from the past week. There has been a ton of celebrating. Birthdays, babies, Libby dog...all things keeping this frigid January bright.

4.5 month bump shot

sweet, sweet Libby dog looking for a morning walk 

birthday baubles courtesy of my stylish mother 

 lunching at Mas Tacos in East Nashville 

a new year

It's a new year! Don't you just love the feeling of a fresh start?

Since my birthday also falls in January, this time of year always seems like the ideal moment to set some new goals and add new dreams to the wish list.

Before diving into what lies ahead, I wanted to take a moment to talk about what this last year has been.

As those of you who have been reading the ol' blog for several years probably noticed, my frequency of posting decreased a ton in 2013. The posts that did make it up included very few personal details or commentary.

After taking some time to reflect, I realized that has a lot to do with the fact that the chaos of our lives recently left us with very little time to reflect on anything in any capacity. It was really taking its toll.

Before we say good-bye to last year, I wanted to share a few important milestones from the most bonkers year of our lives. Read on for a brief (or not so brief...) 2013 recap if you fancy hearing more...

the raleigh hotel, miami

Can we jut say "brrr?"

I'm suffering from a bit of weather whiplash here in Nashville. We had an appropriately chilly Thanksgiving, followed by a burst of springtime weather that led into...freezing rain, freezing temps and a whole week's worth of gray skies. Blech.

I'm escaping my weather woes by researching a spring getaway for me and the Mr. It's been a whammy of a year and a few days on a beach sound so very necessary. Sure a trip to an island sounds great, but what about Miami? It's close, cheap and Miami has the Raleigh Hotel.

Can you say magical?

This refurbished hotel has beach front access. It also stays true to its roots boasting that gorgeous art deco style that is so very South Beach.

nice pony!

Bobs are apparently the jam these days, but I've been growing my hair long for the past few months for one main reason. This girl loves a good ponytail.

Pinterest is filled with beautiful, grown-up versions of the hairstyle that really work for me this time of year. As we know, washing our hair everyday is no longer the goal. Especially in the colder months, the less washing and drying we do to our mane, the healthier (read: less dry and brittle!) our hair will be.

Here are a few gorgeous, messy ponies that work well for medium to long hair. Bonus? They look better a little tousled. So, get out that can of dry shampoo and your hair ties. It's time to whip that hair back and forth...or just pull it back, really.

Goop does brushed back, teased low pony in Elle Magazine. Bonus points for the dainty, unconventional tie. Very 60's.

This blonde stunner keeps the bed head look with part low pony, part bun. She keeps it work ready by wrapping a piece of hair around the tie. Classy move, madam.

This messy side ponytail featured on Cup of Jo comes complete with a tutorial. Click here for details. Jo's pal Caroline has starred in several hair tutorials. She is a stunner!

This is a similar pony to the lady at the top...just skewed slightly to the side.

P.S. New York Mag (we still get our subscription here in Nash) just posted this  fun slideshow of the 30 Best Ponies in History. Enjoy!

it is friday...

and THAT is truly worth celebrating. Have a most delightful weekend!