Happy Monday!

I always find Mondays to be a time of fresh starts. Who ever starts something during the weekend? No no no, Monday is the day for new beginnings. Therefore, I think it quite appropriate that I stumbled upon Buttoned Up, a fantastic site with tips and tools to help one get organized.

I love organization. In fact, I made a to do list about getting organized using one of their organization tools! How's that for over-thinking something organization?

Here's my new to-do list for getting the house decluttered and organized in preparation for our move:

This month in my yoga teacher training we're learning about aparigraha, or non-grasping. One of our suggested tasks was to clean out a drawer or storage space and donate what we no longer need. I think it is no coincidence that themes of simplicity and non-attachment keep floating into my life (especially as I find myself more and more burdened by all the excess junk in our home!).

So here is my pretty list with manageable items for decluttering my life home!! What about you--do you have any spring cleaning tips or stories?

♥ Shannon

Unplggd Top Link!

My workspace was the top tech tour this week. Thank you to everyone who checked it out!

And thank you once again to Unplggd for such a lovely feature!

♥ Shannon

Jazz Night at Great Sage

I've been in Maryland for three years and I just finally got around to going to Jazz Night at the Great Sage! Sometimes it just takes a Bucket List, right?

Matt ordered a few Dark and Stormys, I had myself La Rosette (rose champagne with organic elderberry liqueur) and a decadent chocolate cupcake (vegan and to die for), we listened to a fun jazz band that threw in a flute, and it was just perfect.

I love Date Night, don't you?

♥ Shannon

Ombre Nails

Ombré (pronounced, as best I can tell, ahm-bra--it's French for shaded) is in for totes, scarves, dresses, even hair! Why not play with fun summer nails, too?

It's really easy to do. Just make the pinkie your light color, your thumb the dark color, and blend between the rest! For a more detailed tutorial, click here!

♥ Shannon

Unplggd Tech Tour

Remember when I said I was working on a little something?

I tried to play it cool when Gregory from Unplggd contacted me about doing a tech tour, but let's face it--I was amped!

For those of you who have come here from Unplggd, welcome to my blog--please make yourself at home! Everyone else, check out the tech tour here (don't forget to enter the tour)!

And thanks to the whole team at Apartment Therapy, not only for making my day, but for being awesome and inspiring all the time.

♥ Shannon

Genius Wedding Invitation

I really think it speaks for itself, don't you?

♥ Shannon

Oh Summer!

I just got back from a week of sun in SoCal. This Southern California girl knows what's needed when you're pool-side, at the beach, on a boat, or maybe just lighting the BBQ and throwing on the sprinklers. Here's a round-up of items you should not leave home without!**

1. This cute suit from Ruche will keep you comfy in and out of the water.
2. Try some Ecco Bella vegan lipstick in an unexpected shade.
3. These ModCloth shades provide style and protection from the sun. Yes!
4. Badger Sunblock uses skin-friendly zinc-oxide instead of chemicals to give you sun protection.
5. Don't forget a floppy hat (this one from Urban Outfitters)! It looks adorable, and it'll keep your face and neck young.
6 & 7. If you haven't read Committed or Eat Pray Love from Ms. Gilbert, you have to! You just have to!!
8. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is this summer's addicting read

**I don't have a link for finding a sexy man, but once you do, snag his old button-up for a hot and versatile cover-up!

(Friends, did you notice the emphasis on protecting yourself from the sun while still looking devastatingly yummy?  Monique Reavis would be so proud!)

♥ Shannon