Happy Friday!!! Who’s excited for the long weekend? I know we are. I thought it’d be fun to do a quick life update post to kick things off. I like to think of these posts as a virtual coffee date because if you and I were to meet up and grab coffee, this is stuff I would talk to you about. 
1. Isaac went back to school this week so it’s really sinking in that summer is officially over.
2. We’ve still been doing some home projects — nothing huge but my office is coming together. It looks much better than it did in the photos I posted back in June.
I ordered some artwork through Minted and made a little gallery wall next to my desk. It’s amazing how much artwork can really brighten up a room.
I also set up a station for all my food photography props. Luckily the built-in shelf was already there so it was an easy solution. I really like the way it looks.
So my office is definitely coming together but not finished yet. I’m still on the hunt for a good rug to go under my desk and I LOVE my sit-to-stand desk but it’s not the prettiest — especially with all those cords in the back. I’m trying to figure out how to tidy those up so it look less messy.
We’re still debating what to do with the master bathroom. It’s functional but really small and outdated. I’d love to update it but I think the kitchen it my top priority so next week we have an appointment with a designer about renovating. We’re pretty clueless about how much it would cost to renovate our kitchen so I’m not sure it’s going to happen anytime soon, but I’m still excited to chat with someone and get some ideas.
3. A couple weeks ago I had my first infrared sauna experience at Purify here in Richmond. The shop recently opened and I’d heard about the various health benefits of using an infrared sauna so I was really pumped to check it out.
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The space is absolutely adorable and very spa-like. You can go into the sauna alone or with a friend so naturally Alyssa and I decided to go in together.
Alyssa already shared a detailed recap of our experience on her blog so I won’t repeat everything, but I will say that I loved my first infrared sauna experience. I left feeling completely relaxed and my skin was super soft. I’d really like to go regularly to reap all the stress-relief and detox benefits.
4. In terms of working out, I’ve stopped running completely but I’m still doing Pure Barre, yoga, walking and Isaac and I are doing the 21 Day Fix workouts together at home. I really enjoy the 21 Day Fix workouts because they’re quick (only 30 minutes) and challenging, but not super intense. Isaac and I both feel like we’re getting stronger. I already need to order some heavier dumbbells.
5. We’re not following the 21 Day Fix eating plan but I ordered the Fixate cookbook to get some new meal ideas. I haven’t made anything from it, but I already have a bunch of stuff bookmarked. Autumn is Italian so there’s a bunch of healthy Italian dishes I want to try — sweet potato ricotta gnudi in pumpkin sauce… yes please!
When I ordered the cookbook I splurged and got a new bag of Shakeology. I don’t buy it that often because it’s pricey but the vegan chocolate flavor is my favorite. It’s the only protein powder I can mix with only water and ice and actually enjoy. I introduced Isaac to it two weeks ago and I’ve created a monster. He’s had a shake for breakfast every morning since. I’m just happy because now he’s actually having something for breakfast rather than drinking coffee and skipping it.
6. TV wise I’m still hooked on Fixer Upper (can Joanna just come and decorate my house?!?), but Isaac also convinced me to start watching Hard Knocks and I actually really like it. If only football games were as entertaining. I’m doing an all-ladies fantasy football league this year and I drafted DeAndre Hopkins solely because of the show. I’m obviously a pro at fantasy football drafting.
7. Olive recently got a hair cut and she’s been doing the most adorable things. Gah! I can’t get over her cuteness.
8. I don’t know if it’s the Labor Day sales or all the catalogs I’ve been receiving, but I’m totally in fall fashion mode. I’ve been pinning things like crazy and I want to go buy a bunch of new boots, jeans and sweaters. Although now that I think about it, we’re going to Aruba next month so I should actually buy a bunch of the summer stuff that is on sale right now. If you need me, I’ll be doing some online shopping.
What’s new with you? Any fun plans for this weekend?
The post Recent Happenings — Office Update, Purify and More appeared first on Eating Bird Food.
