Coffee Culture in CLT

Location: Pure Intentions Warehouse | N. Tryon

Y'all, did you know there is a whole really awesome coffee scene in Charlotte?  I had no idea how amazing this collective is until I was invited to an event.  This night was a latte art competition and coffee warehouse space opening.  I felt so cultured and honored to explore a new [to me] aspect of Charlotte.  These photos by no means do the event justice as I was only armed with my iphone after a yoga class.

I have an obsession with coffee.  I love writing over a cup of coffee, it truly helps my process and flow. After getting to see the talent and passion there is for coffee at Pure Intentions I am excited to truly explore charlotte's coffee scene a little more.

There is a whole group of people out there who love coffee even more than me.  They are educated about the origins and were rocking some coffee trivia at this event.  I find this whole world fascinating.  I am so grateful for just a small glimpse into learning all about the ins and outs of coffee.

I am now on the hunt for the perfect spot to blog and admire latte art in Charlotte. The atmosphere of coffee shops capture my heart. Any recommendations?

All of these photos are from Pure Intentions new warehouse, you can find this delicious coffee in various places all over Charlotte.  He also just starting canning his cold brew [pictured above], oh my goodness, once this goes on sale you have to get some. Talk about the perfect way to have a coffee on a hot day.  This will be my go to afternoon summer drink for sure! If you do try any Pure Intentions coffee let me know about it and be sure to use the hashtag #pourPure on social media!

What is your favorite thing about coffee? Besides drinking it of course!

The Importance of Friend Dates

Location: US National Whitewater Center

Details: Top [Target, not online] Similar | Shorts | Sandals

As I have gotten older, I am truly learning the importance of friendship.  I constantly crave community, a group of people to just simply do life with.  With moving as many times as I have in the past I feel like I am pretty good at meeting people and making friends, it's the keeping in touch that's the hard part.  I have moved a lot of times for career and personal life reasons and with all those moves it typically means leaving people physically behind.

Sometimes, I get so caught up in everyday life that reaching out to people makes it to the bottom of my to do list.  One of my goals for this year is to change that.  I love my friends and my people, it's so important to me that they know that too.  I realized that often times other people are like me, going through the tasks of daily life and waiting to be invited.

If I want the community that I crave I have to reach out and make it happen.  That's why it's crucial to schedule time with friends.  Go out for coffee, meet up for drinks, catch a workout class together, or just invite them to hang out at the pool with you.  I always feel so much better after calling a friend and planning a friend date.

Life has a funny way of making everyone busy.  Time passes by pretty fast.  If we don't reach out and connect with the people that matter than they will start thinking that they don't matter to us anymore.  Call a friend you have been meaning to catch up with today and let them know you are thinking of them.  True friends will always make time.  Support your friends in all they do, don't wait to be asked to do something, and never be afraid to reach out no matter how much time you have let pass.

What is your favorite way to spend time with friends? 

Memorial Day Weekend Vibes

Happy 3 day weekend, sweet friends!

Words can't even begin to describe how necessary a long weekend is for me.  We are in the throws of end of year testing and with that comes high anxiety from staff and students - needless to say the job of a counselor is busy this time of year.

I hope this weekend brings you to some sunshine, near the water, and close to friends and family.  I have a full weekend ahead of me.  Girl time, brunch, fireworks, good vibes, and no alarm for Monday.

With all the fun parties, sales, and celebrations that happen on memorial day kicking off summertime, take some time to reflect and remember the true reason we have memorial day.  We are remembering those who came before us and fought for our freedom. These warriors are the reason that we get to have boat parties and BBQ's at our leisure.  So thank you to those who have served and those who are currently serving our beautiful country. People made the ultimate sacrifice for us to be able to choose the life we want to live.  That deserves time, respect, and remembrance.

How are you spending your memorial day weekend?

Bikini Series 2017 | Halfway Point

source

I have mentioned Tone It Up before, probably way to many times, but my love for the trainers and this program are worth mentioning! I love how flexible tone it up makes working out and eating.  Just follow the rules - but make it your own.  It's a lifestyle after all.  They are constantly coming up with new recipes, workouts, and general life tips that are always positive and encouraging.

We are now in week 4 of the summer bikini series.  Although, I am pretty terrible at check ins.  Which is where you post your meals and workout photos on instagram to keep up with everyone else doing the challenge, and to receive and give encouragement.  My office has NO service so I just don't / can't use my phone then pretty much forget after I am home.

Even though I don't post check ins regularly it doesn't mean I am not following along with the meals and workouts.  I have been loving this bikini series.  I am learning so much throughout this process, especially since this is the first bikini series I have been following.

I haven't noticed too many physical changes or weight changes but I don't necessarily have a lot of weight I need to really lose. The changes I am seeing are more mental.  I am getting better at refusing foods that don't serve me healthy purposes or make me feel like crap.  I have also noticed that I am doing more every single day.  I always have been one to work out - but I also had days or weeks where I just didn't.  Now I am more consistent in doing something every single day whether it be a short video, walk with the pup, or inviting friends to go to bootcamp or yoga. In turn, doing something pretty much every day has incredibly helped my mood. I also find that when I workout I pick healthier options to eat because I want to fuel my body and treat myself better.  It becomes a healthy cycle.  It's so much better than the old spiraling into unhealthy choices that I fell victim to often.

I can't wait to see what the next 4 weeks of the challenge have in store for me.  Just in time for summer!!

What is your favorite way to improve your overall wellness?

River Jammin

I have mentioned before how I like to plan fun things to do with people as a form of self care.  Having something to look forward to, takes my mind off of whatever kind of day I had at school.  Doing fun things in my city, with my people, is one of my favorite things. 

Last week, after a long day at work, I couldn't wait to get to the USNWC for a yoga class in the trees and letting it all go after yoga while listening to some good music.  This was actually my first ever time at River Jam.  I am officially a fan and will definitely be back all summer long, whenever I can get a chance.  It's on my summer bucket list after all. 

I love that they have yoga class before the band starts playing so I can get a workout in and enjoy my evening.  

What is your favorite way to chill out after a long day?