May, you my BAE.
Gosh, I crack myself up.
I don’t even know if I used that term correctly, because, umm…little sheltered, suburban girl. Regardless, May has always been one of my favorite months. Something about the (unofficial) start of summer and all the excitement that ensues, it makes me want to pause time. It kind of feels like the build up to Christmas. Not that everything after May is a let-down, but the start of the season is just more fun. Does that make sense?
Lame weather-talk aside, May was a winner. Similar to my recap of April, here are some highlights and favorites from this month.
May Favorites
Running
Starting with the photo above, May was a great month of running. My definition of “great” isn’t a number of miles, but instead the quality of runs. I think the workout balance I mentioned last week has paid off big time. I type this as I’m on the cusp of MCM training…like it starts next week. The good news is 1) I have a fantastic coach who knows I like this balance and 2) not much will change immediately mileage and routine-wise. I’m debating how I want to recap my training…weekly, bi-weekly, monthly. I’m not too sure yet (any preferences or suggestions?). What I do know is that this training cycle will differ from past cycles for many reasons, which I’ll detail soon. I couldn’t be more excited.
A new camera lens
I hinted at this in my recipe last Friday, but cooking and food photography has suddenly become a lot more fun. Who knew that a proper lens would do the trick? Um me, but I didn’t want to part with my money. After reading forums and blogging-tips, I bought this Nikon lens. Luckily my mom already had the camera body so I didn’t have to $ell my life away. I’m teaching myself as I go but I’m already more motivated to create recipes and just improve in my photography overall.BTW, the above picture is obviously taken with my iPhone, considering the camera is in the photo.
I don’t know how often I’ll post recipes (that’s just how I roll) but as long as it’s fun, I’ll keep it up. On that note, there will be one tomorrow!
Memorial Day Weekend
First, nothing I can say will remotely convey my thanks to our servicemen and women for protecting this country. MDW is truly about honoring you, your families and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I often feel silly writing about things like my time at the beach during MDW because it pales in comparison.
MDW was a quintessential summer weekend: beach, sun, family, friends and watermelon. My family and I went to Anna Maria Island (our favorite beach town in FL) and two of my best friends joined! A quick note on that topic…I’m so grateful to have such constant and supportive friendships. Even with distance and time apart, nothing will change. Get yo’self some friends like that.
I was forced to disconnect from social media, for the most part. My phone service was spotty so I decided not to push it and just enjoy the weekend (mostly) phone-less. DO THIS, PEOPLE! Seriously.
Oh, and let’s just say I got my fair share of time in the sun. SPF 30 was not enough. I managed to sneak in one morning run, which I ended on the beach. Funny enough, after spending the day at the beach, my face was as red as it was in this photo post-run.
Also, what a great photo of me: I look half-asleep and my hat, shirt, headphones and face all match. I give you guys the best.
Hockey playoffs
Unfortunately this highlight ended poorly last week (with playoff elimination) but my family and I, along with everyone in Tampa, went crazy for the Lightning this month. Tampa hasn’t won a championship in any sport in 10+ years so when we get close (last year we made it to the Stanley Cup), everyone goes all-out with gear, watch-parties and banners. Even the priest would give us game updates during mass (I don’t know how he did that…). As I’m used to my sports teams losing, the saying “there’s always next year” is all too familiar.
My favorite posts from the month
From my blog:
Little Things My Mom Did That Made A Lasting Impact
From other sites:
Life Lessons From Twitter- Susie @ Suzlyfe
SEO Is Boring and I Just Want to Talk About Books– Julia @ Drops of Jules
25 Things I’d Rather Do Than Adult– Nina @ Hugs and Lattes (technically from April, but April 30th)
If Meat Eater Acted Like Vegans– JP Spears (via Good). This guy’s videos are hilarious.
Favorite Tweets/Graphics/Funny Things I Had to Share
I just made this category up, if you couldn’t tell…
Source
I tagged my mom...(Source)
Actually, my 76th. Source
I cringe looking at this. Source
Click To Tweet
And that’s a wrap on a great month. June is actually starting off on a very exciting, energetic, cute and possibly loud note. I’ll be able to fill you in next week :)
I’m so excited that you are so excited about your training. And exactly–we aren’t changing everything all at once, but rather working your into the plan (thus why the 20 week is a better option for us). I have been threatening to get a new lens for my camera for a while now. But then, I’ve also been threatening to get a bike,. For 2 years. Hmmmm.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Discovering The World Beyond
Ooooh tough call. Both would be great additions to your life! If it wasn’t summer I would say camera, but…
You are always shining in such a beautiful way Emily! :)) I see such joy in your eyes, in that running selfie. And friends that you can connect with NO matter what, are such a precious gift from God. I’m so thankful for friends.
Your pictures look SO good, and I need to learn from you when it comes to picture taking. I don’t really have budget for a camera, but I need to learn how to do better pictures with my I-pod. The Instagram course from Georgie and Christina was definitely helpful, and I’m learning from other bloggers everyday.
Emily recently posted…Self Harm: Why Do We Carry Guilt?
You are the best, Em! Running really does bring out such a happy side of me :) That Instagram course is really helpful!
Haha YES, I love the funny things at the bottom. Especially that last one. I can basically feel that in my mouth right now. Thanks, Emily!
I’m happy to see you had such a beautiful weekend! I worked this weekend, and also went to a beer festival and had dinner with a friend. I can’t wait to follow along with your MCM training!
Sam @ See Sam Run recently posted…It’s All About That Base (5/23-5/29/16)
Glad you got a laugh :)
Sorry you had to work, but glad you got to balance it out with time with friends!
I love May too! Looks like a fab weekend :)
Thanks, Madeline! Here’s to a great June!
Yessss to excellent (even long-distance) friendships and new cameras. And boo for bad sports teams. I know those all too well :) I’m so glad you had a fabulous May, and here’s to an excellent rest of the summer!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Five Friday Favorites 05/27/16
The sports-teams thing is just assumed at this point haha. Anything else is a welcomed surprise. And same to you, Ellen! Hope you had a great weekend at home :)
Lots of sunshine, burgers, ice cream, and time with friends! It was a good MDW and I am so confused as to what day of the week it is right now…LOL! Glad you had a great month and love your running shots…beautiful scenery! :)
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…Thursday Thoughts
I was confused all day! Better to be a Tuesday than Monday though :) Sounds like a perfect weekend!
I hope that June will be the month where I get back into running! I miss it but life has gotten in the way :( June is my favorite month so hopefully it’ll be good :)
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…Resolution and Goal Update : May
You’ve had so much going on that not running is totally understandable. There are seasons for everything :)
P.S. So happy you made it to Whole Foods today!
I bought that same camera lens (well, for my Canon) back in March and it totally lit that spark in me to improve my food photography. It really makes all the difference in my photos and I love playing around with it.
Yay for some exciting news!! Can’t wait to hear about it :)
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Chicken Sausage Sweet Potato Pasta
Couldn’t agree more! It’s so fun to play around :)
My Memorial Day was relaxing because I was traveling home from a race. I stopped at relatives house and stores on the way because I didn’t feel rushed. I can’t believe May is over! It was the fasted month ever for me because of a race at the end of the month. I’m ready for a slower June :-)
Ellie recently posted…My First 26.2: The Buffalo Marathon
Girl, you are a speed demon! I hope you just relaxed this weekend post race :) Congrats again!
Glad May was so good to you! To be totally honest May was a bit of a roller coaster for me, and I feel like the same is going to be said of June, and maybe this entire summer. The key to handling it is relaxing and disconnecting with weekends like your MDW :)
The summer tends to be that way…I feel like January-March is the most “low-key” for me. Couldn’t agree more with how to handle it :)
That hair tie instagram caption is on point. I have one around my wrist right now. My memorial day was so random. I did a little packing, spent some time with friends, went running, hiking, yoga-ing, and watched more movies than I have all year ha I was bummed to be missing Memorial Day at home with the fam, but it’s the last holiday EVER I won’t be home for so I can’t complain :)
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…10 Things I’ll Miss About Baltimore
I have a permanent tan-line from my elastic and my Road I.D. Pretty much sums up my life :) I totally get that feeling, but I’m so excited for you to have so many more holidays at home! SO SOON.
UGH SO JEALOUS OF THE BEACH. I had a lowkey holiday weekend at home that involved some running and brunching and lazy Netflixing! I also need a fancy camera. Yay for marathon training soon. I’m starting to up my miles in preparation!
The Florida beaches make it SO hard to ever want to leave. The Gulf is too pretty. That sounds like a perfect weekend to me! I won’t run more than 20 miles for a few weeks (slow build up with injury precaution) but I’m getting mentally prepared :)
Ha I totally get what you mean about loving May since it’s leading up to the big event (summer!). What a great weekend you had and I’m jealous of that ocean water, it’s so clear! In California we have beautiful beaches, but not water like that! xo, Kristina
Kristina @ Ms.Modify recently posted…Weekend Recap
I think I said “this water is incredible” like a million times. I feel so lucky!
I shivered looking at that impression picture! NOT FUN! I’ve gotten those done four or five times in my life, and I always try to psyche myself up by reminding myself I’ve been through it before and it can’t possibly be that bad. I’m wrong every time. It’s the worst.
Looks like a wonderfully productive May! Cheers to a thriving June, July, and August for your summer as well. :)
Thank you for including my post as well!
Julia @ Drops of Jules recently posted…Dealing with Loss Mental Health Monday #3
I remember just counting slowly and thinking about how I would treat myself after the appointment haha. Bleh, not fun though! Thanks for sharing your post! We tend to be on the same wavelength :)
Usage of bae? NAILED IT. *fist bump*
[email protected] recently posted…Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bites [vegan + gluten-free]
Haha thanks :)
Ahh Suz for a coach!! So so fantastic! I can’t wait to follow along your journey :) What a great weekend! I do need to unplug more. I did for the most part Saturday with my family but need to put the phone down more often. Fun (gross) fact but I could never do those impressions and puked everytime.. and they kept the impression in as a I puked. Aren’t you glad you know that? lol
So excited to work with Suz! I don’t think I managed to get an impression until middle school because I gagged so much. I think I might have cried too haha
Sounds like such a fun MMDW! Putting your phone away for a bit really can do wonders. I need to look into getting a camera! I just don’t feel like spending the money right now, but I know it will be a great investment for my blog! Have a great day Emily!
Alyssa recently posted…Mental Health Monday: 8 things to do when you’re feeling down
I’ve been putting the camera lens off for months! I’m thankful my mom is letting me use her camera body, because that is expensive and (obviously) more necessary.
That last picture brings back so many horrible memories from the orthodontist! SO TRUE. Your beach weekend sounds like so much fun! This weekend I got my car fixed (!!), shopped, ran a race and went to a surprise birthday party. Aka it was wonderful:)
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…Currently: May
Right? Gah I gag at the thought of it! That sounds like a great weekend- I love surprise parties!
Oh my gosh Emily this post made my day. I really appreciated your colour co-ordination, so thanks for that. Also, I love the graphic you made at the start of the post, it looks really pretty!
Haha it took me so long to work out what bae even meant oops.
Megan recently posted…Monday must-reads!
I’m so glad you liked it! I have fun with graphics, but should really spend more time working on them :) Hope you’re having a great week!
I was at Anna Maria Island this weekend too! My favorite beach ? Would have been awesome to meet you!!
Have a great week
Ah, I wish I had known! Seriously, the best beach around. Hope you have a great week too :)
Oh how I remember getting the mold of my teeth! Eek!
One of those “I can laugh about it now” memories ;)
It sounds like you had an awesome MDW!
I cringed at the photo of that teeth mould, too! Whilst I’ve never had that done, it did remind me of one time I had a dentist do some kind of treatment on my teeth where he filled these teeth well things with foam and stuck them over my teeth. Welllll, I have a teeny tiny little mouth and that paired with the disgusting fake flavoured foam made me gag and I was scarred for life from then on :P
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…How Healthy Living Bloggers Like to Spend Their “Me Time”
Oh yes I’ve had that done before! I think that’s worse because the foam goes everywhere.