Throwback Thursday: When Sleep Takes Over

This week I am beginning to feel the effects of an earlier work schedule, the minimal daylight and the added carpool factor into my daily life.

With days full from start to finish, the hours pass by without notice yet the week drags on like months. Dan and I will have a conversation in the morning on the way to work and before you know it, we are driving home talking about our days and we will both pause to say "That was this morning when we were talking about that?" Scary times.

I really am a fan of my 'free time' and enjoy feeling like I'm doing more than just the drive-work-drive-run-sleep routine, so sometimes I try to fit more into my schedule or stay up a little later than I really should 9:30 is pushing it. Nothing out of the ordinary exciting or demanding, but I'd like to catch up on shows I've DVR'ed, consciously read all of the blogs I follow and work hard on my next day's post so I don't fall behind with my own writing schedule. I remember the days when I could do all of this in addition to seeing everything in my Facebook feed, enjoy what's out there on Twitter and finish a hardcover book in the span of a few days.  Sorry, twitter and real books, it's not you - it's me!

I average close to 7 hours of sleep on a work night but with my active lifestyle and demanding workday I find myself daydreaming about a 8, 9 ... dare I say 10 hours of sleep. To get 10, that equates to a lights out time of 7:15pm and I don't think I'm comfortable with approaching that old lady status just yet.

That said - I'm really looking forward to a 3 day weekend and the following four day work week. No alarms for this girl and maybe I'll even treat myself to a nap or two.

Today's Throwback Thursday is brought to you by some sleepy siblings and family members caught in the act:

^Brother and sister sleeps^

^Little Bailey sleeping on dad^

^ Apparently Bailey and I snooze the same?^

^Dan MID pedicure^

^We'll blame the Jet Lag^

^Sister with no shame after an early morning airport drop-off^

^The sleeping seat^

Time for pot of coffee #2! 

<3 JE

Wearing Lately

Disclaimer: This is not an outfit post.

Since starting my new job I feel like I've learned how to step up my overall look. Whether it's to appear older, more mature, put my best foot forward or to mask my inside awkward feelings - it's making me feel more comfortable on a daily basis.

My new take on my style isn't temporary, it's the beginning of creating the personal branding that I've needed for some time now. When I can expect to have a new first impression each day I feel the need to do what I can to be memorable in a good way and subliminally send the message that I've got it together.

• Doing my hair in curls every morning.


• Planning outfits that are clean, simple and classy.


• Strategically choosing accessories (including jackets and purses) that go best with my outfit.


• Avoiding sneakers, casual wear and my beloved hoodies and zip-ups at all costs.


• Carrying my moleskine planner everywhere with me - shows that I'm organized!!


• Sticking to neutrals and earthy tones to avoid the risk of my outfit being louder than my words.

Look good, Feel good!

Lucky me I have a knack for finding great deals, only buy what I love and a mother who knows what I like and loves to add to my wardrobe.

Thanks to instagram I have a few photos to show you what I mean:

Grayling Jewelry (gifted) + scarf (gifted)

Fossil Bracelet (gifted) + Michael Kors watch (gifted) - similar

Kate Spade love (discount!!) Sold Out - options here

Kate Spade double love (gifted)

Bracelets: DIY

Society 6 iPhone Case

Seychelle's booties

Steve Madden booties 

Steve Madden Booties

It makes me happy to 'play dress up' and has truly given me an additional layer of confidence lately.  Hoping to share more with you guys soon!

<3 JE

Restaurant Review | Laughing Planet

This post is long overdue but I think it's absolutely worth sharing if you're looking for a quick, healthy and delicious restaurant option in Portland.

Laughing Planet is near and dear to me because it's within walking distance from my home, the ingredients they use are always fresh and they source locally when possible. Their menu is always evolving and new tasty dishes are constantly adding to the already incredible lineup of options.

The reason for the visit below was a few weekends back over the Christmas holiday I was getting Dan acclimated to the East side by showing him some of the amazing local food options so that I don't have to cook when I'm tired to increase his excitement over the big move. I think this may have worked. A wide variety of Vegan, Gluten Free and Paleo options are prominent within the menu but can be easily worked around as well for someone like Dan who wants everything you can put inside of a burrito. Everything.

Quick, hot food and even an impressive lineup of beers on draft will make Dan and I frequent customers - plus now knowing that they give the dinosaurs a nightly bath makes me even more excited about returning.

What We Ate:

1 Nacho Mama ($5.75) + Guacamole

A bowl of our homemade veggie chili, topped with Tillamook jack cheese, jalapeños and freshly made pico de gallo.



1 Bollywood Bowl ($7.50)

Grilled Draper Valley natural chicken breast, fresh veggie medley, spinach and chickpeas on a bed of brown rice served with a Southern Indian spicy coconut sauce.



1 Spanky's Bowl ($6.75)

Organic mashed potatoes topped with steamed broccoli, local Food Alliance certified corn and Tillamook cheddar cheese.



NOT EATEN, but adored and photographed:

Cuban Bowl ($5.75)

Plantains and sweet potatoes on a bed of brown rice and Smart black beans topped with fresh pico de gallo (served with your choice of fresh salsa).

Know Before You Go:

• You can call in your order ahead of time if you know what you want and just want to pick it up.


• There's new dinosaurs at the Woodstock location that are fun to play with, but beware - you will likely have to share with kiddo's that come in.


• There's a guide on how to properly eat your burrito pictured above. I recommend following these instructions!


• They're Social - Check out their Facebook or Twitter for weekly deals and specials!


• Address: 4110 SE Woodstock Blvd Portland, OR 97206 or several other Portland areas here


• Hours: Most locations are open everyday 11am - 9pm, checkhours by location here
  


• View their drool-worthy Menu here
  

I love trying out new menu items and hopefully you'll feel the same way when you pay them a visit at one of the many PDX area locations!

<3 JE