Linger Moments No. 9

lin·ger

/ˈliNGɡər/

verb

to stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave.

You know those moments: the ones often catching you by surprise, causing you to pause a little longer than perhaps intended.  Whether your upcoming weekend is one filled with activities or has the promise of being a relaxing weekend, you are invited to take a moment to linger before heading to the end of the week.

Trader Joe's Chocolate Coconut Almonds

I stumbled across these tasty little treats a few weeks ago and immediately fell in love.  It combines three of my favorite flavors into bite-sized deliciousness.  The almond is coated with a sweet coconut layer and covered in milk chocolate.  Added bonus: the serving size is 1/3 cup which contains approximately 20 pieces, definitely enough to satiate a sweet tooth.

When Life Gives you Lululemons

It's been 12 years since The Devil Wears Prada came out to movie theaters.  After seeing the movie, I decided to read the book which was great as well.  Apparently, ten years later, a sequel came out: Revenge Wears Prada.  I missed that sequel but somehow heard about the third book in the series, When Life Gives You Lululemons.  The characters include Miranda Priestly's former executive assistant, Emily Charlton, who spends a stint in the suburbs helping a new friend make a come-back from wrongly-accused police charges.  Ms. Weisburger's balances light and fun with suburban-suspense in her new book which would be a great quick pool read (and this was obviously originally written during the summer months).

Yoga with Adriene: 30 Days of Yoga

I stumbled across this YouTube channel when searching for a Yoga video I could watch and practice at home.  I do belong to a gym with yoga classes (both hot and not) that I love, but lately, things have been so active that stopping everything to go to a scheduled class just hasn't worked out.  While a 60-minute session can be an amazing addition to any day, it can take a whole lot of planning to coordinate the class schedule with carpool, chores, and other activities.  I was so excited to find Yoga with Adriene and started one of her 30-day yoga challenges.  After a little research, I found that she has a gazillion videos of every type of yoga imaginable (yoga for runners, weight-loss yoga, yoga for zombies (?!?)), and at least four 30-day yoga challenges, each with different themes.  She also has over 4.5 million subscribers, so chances are, you already know who I'm talking about.   I'm enjoying working through the one linked above and LOVE the flexibility of being able to roll out my mat and click on the video whenever my schedule allows.

Linger Moments No. 8

lin·ger

/ˈliNGɡər/

verb

to stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave.

You know those moments: the ones often catching you by surprise, causing you to pause a little longer than perhaps intended.  Whether your upcoming weekend is one filled with activities or has the promise of being a relaxing weekend, you are invited to take a moment to linger before heading to the end of the week.

1. Flora Forager

I stumbled across this Instagram account a few years ago and completely fell in love!  Bridget Beth Collins is a floral artist that used flowers, foliage, sticks, twigs, moss, mushrooms, and so forth to create magically whimsical art.  Some of my favorite creations of hers are her castles, her mermaids, and her winter scenes.  Check out her books and prints on her website and definitely follow her Instagram account for daily doses of beauty and magic.  Thank you to Bridget for the use of the above picture!

2. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's FREE Concert at Piedmont Park!

The first outdoor concert of ASO's I heard was years ago when Chris and I were dating.  They had come all the way to Alpharetta to play at Will's Park.  We packed a picnic of Rachael Ray grilled swordfish and tuna steaks and set off to watch these world-class, Grammy-winning musicians play in a covered horse arena (that is also used for rodeos).  This year, ASO offers another FREE concert at Piedmont Park on Thursday, June 14, 2018, at 7:30.  If you've followed my Instagram account, you know how in love I am with our orchestra and their music.  They will be performing Bernstein's Overture to Candide and Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.  Additionally, some "crowd favorites" (my favorites, as well!) of Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, Variations on a Rococo Theme, and the 1812 Overture.

3. Gourmet Sandwich Company Premier Catering

Speaking of sandwiches... y'all, this one has my vote as the best sandwich in Alpharetta/Roswell/Milton area.  Heck, it has my vote for the best salad, too!  At this point, I've had the Gourmet Sandwich Company cater at least a dozen music teacher events and we have never been left wanting.  My favorite sandwich that is offered is definitely the "Lab Experiment."  Founder/Owner Travis puts turkey, bacon, tomatoes, gouda, and avocado on a JALAPEÑO-cornmeal bread.  It is ahhhh-maz-ing.   

Linger Moments ~ No. 7

lin·ger

/ˈliNGɡər/

verb

to stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave.

You know those moments: the ones often catching you by surprise, causing you to pause a little longer than perhaps intended. You are invited to take a moment to linger as you complete the first half of your week and look forward towards the second.

1. Anne With An E

Like many young girls (though no others in my family) Anne of Green Gables was one of my favorite movies as a child.  Recently, it seems the beloved book and movie seem to keep coming up.  A blogger-friend frequently mentions how she uses the original film score as a backdrop to her writing.  An Instagram account that I enjoy following also brings up in her desire to just live in a simplified "Anne of Green Gables" world.  At every mention of the story, I felt a longing to go back to those childhood days.  Then, just like that, Netflix created the series Anne with an E.  I watched one back at the beginning of summer and decided to wait to watch them with my daughter.  We are only a few episodes in, but we are loving it!  I love the values it is helping to teach my daughter including the importance of friendship and of loving oneself.

2. Dave's Killer Bread "Good Seed"

We first tried this bread at a friend's house during the impending Hurricane Irma.  Sandwiches were made for the children; however, my particular child decided not to eat on this occasion which meant I had the pleasure of eating the deliciousness that ensued.  This bread is some of the most flavorful bread I've ever had on a sandwich, and you probably don't know this about me but I'm quite the sandwich aficionado.  It's thick with nutty-flavored seeds without tasting dry at all (which is exactly what I was expecting).  Some of the seeds featured in "Good Seed" include whole flax seeds, sunflower seeds, ground flax seeds, un-hulled brown sesame seeds, and un-hulled black sesame seeds.  It comes in a full-sized loaf or a thin-sliced loaf.  I've found it at our Publix here in Roswell, but it took our Milton Publix a little while longer to get it in... I've heard that if you request products they do their best to stock them, though.  Try it out- seriously. 

3. Burt's Bees Basil Leaf Natural Soy Candle

I've been a long-time user of Burt's Bees' products, from their amazing (non-addicting) Beeswax Lip Balm to their soothing Baby Bees' products, and have generally loved them all along. When I discovered their candles at our local Publix (for Buy-One-Get-One, nonetheless), I decided to try one and picked out a "Basil Leaf" scent.  It smelled fresh and clean and I decided it would be perfect for our kitchen.  The first time I lit it, I continued throughout my day and upon returning to the kitchen, was greeted with a fondly memorable scent of the old Harry's Farmer's Market.  I was shocked at first because I always had assumed what I was smelling at Harry's was in fact lavender from their soap bar display.  However, the nostalgic feeling the scent gives me is enough to make it an instant favorite as well as keep me burning it all day.

Linger Moments ~ No. 6

lin·ger

/ˈliNGɡər/

verb

1. to stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave.
2. 
   

You know those moments: the ones often catching you by surprise, causing you to pause a little longer than perhaps intended. You are invited to take a moment to linger as you complete the first half of your week and look forward towards the second.

1. White Ginger Pear White Tea from Tea Fortē

I discovered this tea at our local Mugs cafe in downtown Alpharetta.  Generally not one to order tea, I found it when looking for a chilled drink that wasn't super sweet as all of the cold coffee drink options.  This tea was recommended to me over ice and I was quite pleasantly surprised.  No sweetener was needed- the sweetness from the pear was plenty without over powering the delicate white tea.  When I looked up the tea online to order some to enjoy at home, I admit the price tag (in addition to the shipping costs) was a bit more than my normal tea allowance (and by a bit more, I mean about three times more).  I've been putting off purchasing it for a while, and I am glad I did as I found it at a boutique while visiting my parents in Ball Ground.  I've since enjoyed it hot and it was just as delicious as the iced version.  Tea Fortē's description of the tea is as follows:

"Rarest Pai Mu Tan white tea is plucked in early spring from a special varietal tea bush called "chaicha."  This tea is blended with the sweet taste of juicy orchard fresh pear and tingle of spicy ginger for a delicate and delighting infusion."

2. Aquiesse Candles

I've enjoyed burning these candles for quite a few years, but recently encountered two new [to me] scents.  They're both so delicious and so very different.  The scents I've been burning recently are "Luxe Linen" and "Vanilla Orchid."  The following descriptions are from Aquiesse's website:

"Luxe Linen: The joy of sun-drenched linen.  Relaxing sandalwood and herbal tea infusions create an essence as warm as SoCal summer.  Sweet and intoxicating.  Warm Linen, Herbal Tea, and Smooth Sandalwood."

 "Vanilla Orchid: Set the mood.  Erotic flowers embrace notes of woody amber for a sensual twist on a timeless classic.  Smooth and flirtatious.  Sugary White Floral and Sensual Woody Amber."   

While I normally lean towards elements of both of these scents ("Clean" scents and "Floral" scents), the warmth of each is a bit outside of my normal candle-purchasing comfort-zone.  I enjoy their luxurious warmth and especially love the added detail of the match compartment in each of the lids!

3. Vintage Glass from Target

If you've swung by Target at all this spring, you may have seen their vintage inspired colored glass accessories in the bargain bins at their entrances.   So far I've seen pinks, greens, and clears.  I picked up pink and green mini cake stands a few weeks back and recently found matching pink and green pictures!  They were each $5, which is quite a steal for some quick Spring decor elements!

Linger Moments ~ No. 5

lin·ger

/ˈliNGɡər/

verb

1. to stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave.

1. 
   
2. You know those moments: the ones often catching you by surprise, causing you to pause a little longer than perhaps intended.  You are invited to take a moment to linger before jumping in to the start of a new week.
3. 
   
4. 
   

1. The Grove Christmas at Passion City Church

The Grove is a monthly gathering for the women of Atlanta and is an extension of what Jesus is doing in and through Passion City Church.  Hosted by Shelley Giglio and The Grove Team, these gatherings are centered on Jesus and focus on being a place where women can be Rooted in the Word of God, choose to Flourish where they're planted, walk in Freedom in Christ and truly live, and offer their lives as Shade to those with whom they come in contact.  

The Grove is hosting their annual Christmas Gathering on December 5th and 6th!  Their gatherings take place at Passion City Church in Atlanta (515 Garson Drive) and begin at 7:30 (although the doors open way before that and I've heard people start lining up as early as 4:00!!).  I was fortunate to receive an invitation to one of these gathering from a dear friend for the Grove's Christmas Gathering back in 2013.  I've enjoyed attending their other gatherings over the years and always leave completely encouraged.  If you're in the Atlanta area, these events are DEFINITELY worth checking out.

2. Mozart in the Jungle

You know those shows- you see them pop up again and again in your "Top Pick for Ashley" category on your TV viewing source... You've probably even seen friends talking about them on social media.  Then [a few years later] you decide to finally check them out and think, "Right on, Amazon.  This was a good pick for Ashley."  My most recent encounter with this cycle happened with the Amazon original series, Mozart in the Jungle.  The title intrigued me enough to try the show out and I was instantly drawn in.  The story line is about a young maestro taking over the New York Symphony and his developing relationship with his assistant, an oboist trying to make it in the orchestra.

What I really love about the show is not only the hilarious story line (and obvious musician jokes I can totally geek out to), but also how I felt motivated to intentional piano practice.  Teaching so easily takes over my music time each day, and it's nice to have a reminder that's it's a good thing to work on my own craft.

Seasons 1 and 2 are available on Amazon Prime with a Brand New Season 3 premiering on December 9, 2016!

3. Amy Snow

I finally finished the book that was on my October reading list (gulp).  Y'all, this book was one of the best I've read in a while.  The story is set in England in the late 1800's and begins with eight year old Aurelia finding baby Amy outside in the snow.  Against her parents' wishes, Aurelia helps to raise the orphan baby, never to discover from where she had come.  Fifteen years later, when the Aurelia passes away, Amy is banished from the home but not before receiving the first clue to a secret treasure hunt, created for her by Aurelia before she passed.  The treasure hunt takes her all over England and ultimately reveals Aurelia's secret.  Don't let the fact that is took me so long to read this book trick you- it really was a page turner, and I highly recommend it.  

Linger Moments ~ No. 4

lin·ger

/ˈliNGɡər/

verb

1. to stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave.
2. 
   
3. 
   
   
4. You know those moments: the ones often catching you by surprise, causing you to pause a little longer than perhaps intended.  Whether your upcoming weekend is one filled with activities or a weekend in which the only thing on the agenda is relaxation, you are invited to take a moment to linger before heading to the end of the week.

1. Ceviche: The Best Mexican Restaurant You're Not Eating At.

I know, I know.  Ceviche's Roswell location has been there for quite a while.  I've even been there a few times for margaritas.  Honestly, I didn't put two and two together (that it was the same restaurant) until after we had our Sunday lunch at the Alpharetta location.  Guys, this place was SO good.  SO. Good.  I was told by our server that anything on the menu bearing the name "Poblano" was highly recommended so I went with the chicken poblano tacos.  If that was the only thing on the menu, I'd keep going back.  ALSO, they have the NFL Sunday Ticket.  So there's that.  

2. Donald Davis's TedX "How the Story Transforms the Teller" 

Donald Davis is an amazing story teller and has been featured at the National Story-Telling Festival.  While perusing online for one of his stories we listened to as children, I found this TedX talk he gave in 2014 and was once again instantly sucked in.  Take a listen and be transported.

3. May Designs Rise Art Collection

The Rise Art Collection of May Book covers gets an update just in time for Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  Four new covers were created by students of the Rise School in Austin and are available for the wide variety of books offered (from standard date books to fitness and nutrition journals).  100% of the proceeds from this collection goes to raise awareness and provide better education for children with special needs!  You can read even more about the process in creating these beautiful covers here. Special thanks to May Designs for allowing me to use the above picture :)  

What's caught your attention lately, causing you to slow down and linger?  I'd love to hear from you!

ALSO- Make sure to join the GIVEAWAY in celebration of the blog's 10,000 all time page views!!!

Linger Moments ~ No. 3

lin·ger

/ˈliNGɡər/

verb

1. to stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave.
2. 
   
3. 
   
   
4. You know those moments: the ones often catching you by surprise, causing you to pause a little longer than perhaps intended.  Whether your upcoming weekend is filled with activities or a weekend in which the only thing on the agenda is relaxation, you are invited to take a moment to linger before heading to the end of the week.  

1. Gwyneth Paltrow's Tribeca Apartment is for Sale!

Ya'll, please take a moment to check out of reality and check into this gorgeous New York City apartment, complete with a SWING in the living room (you know, for reading and stuff), a bed so large it needs custom sheets, and a view of the cobblestone streets below.

2. Pearls, Lace and Grace

I discovered this lovely lady on Instagram and have loved following her inspirational posts!  We share a love for the finer things and she has great tips for planning out our weeks to ensure they unfold smoothly.  Her blog's tagline is, "The Pursuit of Refined Living," so I'm sure my readers will see how I was naturally drawn to her!

3. Atlanta PlanIt App!

As an avid 90.1 WABE listener, I'm quite familiar with Atlanta PlanIt and the many Atlanta events they promote.  However, I just discovered this week that they also have an App (!) that displays the events under categories (museums, music, dance, theater, festivals, family and *free*), allows you to select specific dates (or date ranges), and allows you to find these events, save these events, favorite events, and receive event alerts. Sold!