Simple Joys of the Week, June 15th Edition

Another week just cruises on by, doesn't it? And now it's mid-June? Wow. So why don't we stop--pause--and look back on our favorite little moments, or sensory details, from the past 7 days--before the whole summer passes by without our realizing it. What added that little something to your week? My SJOTW are below...

Image via directcurrentmusic.com

Hear: "Boy With a Coin" by Iron and Wine

Before we talk about this song, I just have to say, what do you think of Iron and Wine frontman Sam Beam's hair situation? Crazy, right? In all of the pictures of him online he looks like this--sad or non-expressive facial expression, and tons of hair everywhere. He actually looks rather cleaned up and slightly summery in this image that I found of him, so I had to use it. Anyhoo, I obviously like Iron and Wine's music a lot, and this week, am enjoying the song "Boy With a Coin," which I added to my June playlist this month. I find that it's soft yet engaging style make for a really nice yoga song. You'll have to decide for yourself whether or not you agree...listen to it below!

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Image via imbd.com

See: HBO's Girls

Without a doubt my favorite show on TV right now, I look forward to watching the newest episode of Girls in the same way that I once looked forward to watching Sex and the City. Well, almost. But yeah, it's that good. Lena Dunham's writing is so witty and so real, that I just can't get enough. Are you with me? What I love so much about this show--besides the amazing writing and acting--is the fact that each of the women are portrayed so realistically. They don't always wear makeup, or even look very good, they make mistakes, they do stupid things, and they get mad at each other in very normal, friendship-y ways. And of course, men are a very important part of the show and of the girls' lives, but you immediately care about these girls in a wonderful, very SATC kind of way, and don't want them to get hurt. If you don't already watch it, I highly suggest you start! 

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Taste: Homemade Iced Tea

I finally found the world's largest pitcher (have been looking for it for a while now!), bought it for $1.99 (yes!!!), and made a HUGE batch of iced tea yesterday. I boiled up a bunch of water, used a handful of bags of Trader Joe's Peppermint Herbal Tea, 2 bags of Celestial Seasonings Wild Berry Zinger (for a little extra flavor), and a touch of honey to add a bit of sweetness. Then I let it cool for hours, put it in my gigantic pitcher, and voila! I have a fun new beverage that should last through the weekend. Sometimes, it's just these tiny little things that make life so enjoyable. Finding the time to make iced tea also feels like a great luxury these days :)

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Most dramatic picture ever! Via mauitanningla.com

Smell: Airbrush Tan (read before you judge me!!!)

Although I absolutely HATE to admit it, I have to tell you that I got my first "airbrush tan" last weekend while I was home. I know!!!! I did it because I've heard that its a great, safe way to have a little glow on your wedding day, so wanted to try it out while I was home, before I showed up looking like an oompa loompa on October 6th. Was it one of the most awkward experiences ever? Yes. You have to stand basically naked (I know!!!) in front of someone while they spray down your entire body with some sort of "all natural" crazy tan paint. This takes about 15 mins. Then, you have to go stand under a huge fan (yep, still naked) holding handles above your head while it dries. And yes, it's freezing. But--but!--when you're done, you're tan (and for those of us who are pale, freckly, and don't tan EVER)-- it's magical!!! If I had more time, money and really cared enough about being tan (which I don't), I could get totally addicted. But for now, I'll just stick to a light dusting for my wedding. The things we crazy brides will do, huh? 

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Touch: Shiseido Eye Moisture Recharge

I know I complained about having to spend money on a new "skincare regimen" last week, but I have to admit, I'm really loving it--especially my new nightly eye cream, Shiseido's "Eye Moisture Recharge." As it was explained to me by my makeup artist, the skin under our eyes is very thin, so it dries out much more quickly than the skin on the rest of our face. When skin is dry and thin, it wrinkles very easily, and obviously, shows those dark circles much more easily. So, this eye cream is supposed to help, and I'm convinced that it does, as I feel like I've already noticed a difference (or maybe I'm just wanting to, so I'm looking for one?). Plus, it feels really good and I love the ritual of applying it every night. OMG, do I now have a skincare regimen? I'm so grown up!

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So that was my week. Other fun moments were starting to address all of our wedding invites (yep, I'm doing the calligraphy on my own!), seeing Meg Biram's sweet Washingtonian mention, spending time with my family last weekend (obviously), and getting back to yoga and CrossFit after a weekend away. Ahhh, the little things!

I hope you have a weekend full of relaxation, yoga, sunshine (wearing SPF, of course!), and simple joys :)

Namaste!
Mary Catherine