Ah, long weekend, I love you.It felt so good to get back into the swing of things after being back in Kansas for an entire week! I jumped right into a new consulting role first thing Monday morning and am excited to be spending the next few months working with a content strategy team to help coordinate the initiatives they have in the works.

Aside from that, I felt really, really shitty after I got home from Kansas – too much of just about everything! I feel like a broken record saying this, but I have got to find a better balance when it comes to eating and staying active when I’m away or when I have visitors. Luckily, I’m partnering with Shred415 for the next month to kick things into high gear and get back on track. (Side note: If you haven’t taken a class with them and would like to try them out for free, leave me a comment below and I’ll help you get set up). I made it to a workout each day this week and plan to go this afternoon to round it all out. Yesterday afternoon a last minute opportunity to run a 6k with the Nike Chicago team popped up and even though I was already planning to take an arms and abs class, I jumped at it knowing I not only needed it, but that it would be the perfect kick start to half marathon training!

I’m looking forward to a low key weekend with no real set plans. Those are sometimes the best, no? Other than taking a hot yoga class with my favorite teacher (Sarah P!) at Studio Three tomorrow morning and wrapping up a few blog posts, the weekend is mine to do with as I please.

On to this week’s links! Here’s a look at what caught my eye over the last few days.

Song of the week: Happier – Marshmellow ft. Bastille. Turn it up and listen as you browse this week’s links 🙂

AROUND THE WEB/WORLD:

• Carly’s tips on how to plan your next vacation are incredibly helpful – she’s a girl after my own heart with that Google Doc!
• I always love reading fitness/wellness check-ins from people I admire (it helps to keep me accountable!) and loved getting an update from Meghan this week.
• Have you guys tried Truly yet? Both my friends Hannah and Meg had it in their refrigerator when I was back home and after trying just about every flavor, I’m hooked! I’m not usually a big fan of pre-mixed drinks like this as they’re often packed with sugar and I’d rather just enjoy a nice glass of wine or a vodka soda, but these only have 1g of sugar and with just 100 calories, they’re totally justifiable.
• My friend Jess is heading off on her next big adventure and I’m SO excited to follow along as the next few months unfold for her. Annnnd how amazing does she look in these photos at the Field Museum?!
• I’m a sucker for tortoise accessories and these hoop earrings from BaubleBar are no exception!
• I had major FOMO over the Create and Cultivate Chicago conference that took place while I was back in Kansas City, but reading Jenn’s takeaways from the event curbed those feelings a bit.
• I loved listening to Grace’s presentation at the Blog Societies conference – so many helpful tidbits!

THE BEST LABOR DAY SALES TO SHOP:

• Shopbop – tons of items are marked up to 70% off including the knotted slides I have been living in, my favorite espadrille sneakers (last worn here), and so many cute dresses.
• Serena & Lily – up to 30% off dining furniture! I polled you all on Instagram and asked whether or not you think these Parisian bistro chairs would look good tucked under my Ikea table (linked in this post) and so many of you loved them as much as I do (no better time to pull the trigger!)
• J. Crew – up to 40% off everything, including new arrivals! My ruffle sweater (last seen here) comes in four colors and all are on sale, as is the rollneck sweater I talked about back a few weeks ago, and my favorite field jacket (sadly, it looks like it’s currently only offered in petite!). Also, how good is this tiered maxi dress?!
• Sephora – their beauty insider event is currently going on and it’s the time I always stock up on my #beautyempties! Some of my favorites are: Sunday Riley Good Genes, Sunday Riley Brightening Cream, Tweezerman Tweezers, Living Proof Perfect Hair Day products, the best perfume, and so much more! Highly recommend searching by brand and then replenishing your beauty cabinet from there.

SHOP THE POST:

Any big plans for the long weekend ahead? Whatever you’re up to, I hope it’s the best! I’ll be sharing in real-time over on Instagram stories and Twitter, so be sure to follow along there!