Finding a place to pause in the things that I love is often really difficult for me. When I’m on a roll with cooking, I want to stay up all night making the next recipe in my queue. When I’m almost at the end of a book, I want to get to the end no matter what, and when I’m working on designing a website for a client it’s really difficult to get me away from the computer. Because of that tendency (and in spite of knowing myself!) I often work until I have no more gas in my tak and then take a big break.  This weekend I reached that point, took the weekend off to be with friends and family, sleep as much as I needed, and spend a little time offline. It was such a necessary, restorative time and this morning I woke up feeling turbo charged with passion and happiness.

Thank goodness! It was that or curl up in my sock drawer and sleep for days. I would love to know how you keep your self from falling into a full bore + burn out cycle, or if you embrace it as part of how you explore your passions. Any tips?

At the same time, I’m not surprised that I’ve been a bit worn out- there has been a lot on the go, including a string of big news & little pick-me-ups that have been surprising and new:

Amber turned 25 and we had a Mad Men themed party to celebrate her quarter century. I brought a Dairy Queen ice cream cake, the best birthday cake a person can hope for in life, and everyone loved the nostalgia for birthday parties we went to as little kids ourselves. (Happy birthday, love!!)

▲ I discovered what may be the best pizza in the prairies, at “A Little Pizza Heaven”. It’s beyond amazingly tasty & I almost wish I didn’t know about it because I don’t think my will power is strong enough to help me stay away.

▲ Freckled Nest is moving to a new studio this summer! We’re going to be moving to a new space in South Osborne that’s actually right on Osborne Street, one of the coolest stretches in the city.  The space is beautiful, cozy, close to giant parks & within walking distance of my house & favourite restaurants. It’s a little sad to be leaving our current studio but the new space is exactly what we need and I can’t wait to get in there and make it our own.

▲ I’ve found a shade of nail polish that matches my hair exactly, and can’t seem to stop wearing it. [Edit: Becky demanded proof & here it is! :) It’s Essie’s Meet Me At Sunset]

▲ Since our dog guest left last week, my little dogs have been in a power struggle for King of the House. They seem aware that Jesse & I think we’re in control, but are trying to cement their power in spite of it. We are combating the Schipperke Uprising with long walks & asking them to preform tricks. They are not amused.

▲ Freckled Nest has a new online home in addition to the new studio! Our new website launched last month, but I haven’t featured it yet! I designed it, and the header is handmade from vintage vinyl- you can see it here if you’re interested and made a note on the about page that our website is entirely vegan in case anyone thought it was leather :)

▲ Listening to TED talks while I get ready in the morning is a new ritual that makes my days more inspiring & exciting- you should try it out tomorrow morning & see if it makes your day better.

I hope that the start to your week is beautiful! What’s new in your world lately?