Hello from sunny Boise, ID! With just two more glorious days of vacation ahead, it’s almost time to transition back to the rhythm of reality. This summer has truly been a gift, especially with our team at Fit Foodie Finds embracing a wonderful 4-day work week, taking Fridays off. Honestly, it’s one of the best decisions we’ve ever made for our productivity and overall well-being. Knowing I have a shorter week ahead motivates me to be incredibly focused and efficient from Monday to Thursday, ensuring all tasks are completed before the weekend beckons. This improved efficiency has been further amplified by the growth of our team. Life with three of us now on Team Fit Foodie is absolutely glorious. My stress levels and anxiety have been remarkably low since Emily joined us full-time. Before her arrival, the workload was spread quite thin between just Linley and me, and now, I honestly can’t imagine navigating our daily operations without Em’s invaluable contributions. Her presence has brought a new level of balance and collaborative energy that has transformed our work environment into something truly special.
It feels like ages since I last shared a personal update, so today, I thought it was high time to give you a little glimpse into what life has been like lately, covering everything from our exciting travel escapades to ongoing home projects and a few current obsessions that are bringing me joy.
Exploring New Horizons: Fall Travel Adventures
Our recent adventures have been nothing short of inspiring. Currently, I’m soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Boise, ID, where I’m visiting one of my dearest longtime friends, Sam, her husband Jake, and their adorable little one, Enzo. Instead of flying directly home after a fantastic week in Washington, we decided to make a spontaneous and rewarding pitstop in the Gem State. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Boise a few times before, and I always enthusiastically tell people that it’s such an incredibly underrated city. Its charming downtown, access to beautiful outdoor spaces, and burgeoning food scene make it a hidden gem worthy of exploration. Sam and Jake recently embarked on an exciting journey, building their very own tiny house, and I’m thrilled to be getting some exclusive sneak peeks while I’m here. Make sure to keep an eye on my Instagram for some exciting behind-the-scenes glimpses of their minimalist yet functional living space!
Speaking of picturesque destinations, the photo below captures a magical moment from our travels in Leavenworth, WA. Mark and I spent the entire past week immersed in the enchanting Bavarian-themed village and its breathtaking natural surroundings. Leavenworth is a place straight out of a fairytale, nestled in the Cascade Mountains, offering stunning scenery, unique shops, and delicious German-inspired cuisine. We absolutely fell in love with its charm and the myriad outdoor activities it offers. One of the highlights was an unforgettable hike to Colchuck Lake, an 8-mile out-and-back trail that rewards you with turquoise glacial waters and dramatic mountain backdrops. The challenging ascent was absolutely worth every step for the panoramic views and pristine wilderness. The crisp mountain air and vibrant autumn foliage made it an experience we’ll cherish forever. I’m brimming with excitement to compile a comprehensive travel guide about Leavenworth, sharing all our favorite spots, must-do activities, and insider tips with you all soon!
Upcoming September Adventures: Wedding Season in the Midwest!
As the leaves begin to turn, our calendar is quickly filling up with wedding celebrations, and it just so happens that all of our commitments are clustered in Milwaukee! This means we’ll essentially be embarking on a delightful back-and-forth journey between Milwaukee and Chicago for the entire month of September. Whenever we plan a trip to either city, we always make an effort to visit the other. My family resides in the bustling city of Chicago, while Mark’s family calls charming Milwaukee home. Fortunately, the drive between these two vibrant Midwestern cities is a manageable hour and a half, making it perfectly convenient for us to maximize our time with loved ones in both places. We cherish these opportunities to reconnect with family, celebrate joyous occasions, and explore the unique cultures and culinary delights that each city has to offer. It’s a busy but incredibly rewarding time of year filled with love, laughter, and family bonds.
Home Sweet Home: Renovation Progress and Future Plans
Oh, the joys and challenges of home renovation! Honestly, the process of obtaining quotes for various projects feels like a full-time job in itself. The endless calls, comparisons, and decision-making can be quite daunting. However, I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that we’ve finally signed with a window company, and I never thought I’d be this excited about new windows – but I genuinely am! By mid-October, our home will be graced with brand new, beautiful, and most importantly, energy-efficient windows. Our current windows are quite vintage, complete with original trim and charming cross hatches that, while aesthetically unique, unfortunately block out a significant amount of natural light. I’m incredibly eager for the transformation, anticipating a flood of glorious sunshine pouring into every room. The difference these modern windows will make, not just in terms of aesthetics but also in energy savings and comfort, is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.
And with new windows inevitably comes the exciting prospect of fresh paint and trim! We strategically planned for the windows to be installed first, ensuring a seamless process for the subsequent painting and trim work, which is also scheduled for October. These three elements – paint, windows, and trim – were at the top of my “immediately” must-do list when we first envisioned our home updates. Of course, as is often the case with renovations, “immediately” gracefully evolved into “before the end of the year.” I’m absolutely delighted that we’re on track to achieve this significant milestone, transforming our living space one carefully planned step at a time. The impact of a fresh coat of paint and updated trim on the ambiance and brightness of a room is truly remarkable, and I can’t wait to see our vision come to life.
Get ready for some exciting reveals! I’ll be doing individual room tours for each updated space, and the master bedroom is first on the list. If you recall, I shared an empty home tour video a few weeks ago, showcasing the blank canvas we started with. Now, prepare yourselves for some truly big changes! It’s incredible what fresh paint, new trim, and thoughtful decor can do to completely revitalize and elevate a space. We’re aiming for a serene and inviting sanctuary, and these foundational changes are going to make all the difference. The master bedroom, being one of the most personal spaces, is getting a special touch, and I can’t wait to unveil it!
Current Obsessions: My Favorite Finds and Joys
I’ve mentioned many of these delightful discoveries on our Instagram stories, but I wanted to compile them all in one convenient place for you. These are the things that are genuinely making my life a little bit brighter and more enjoyable right now, and I hope you’ll find some new favorites among them too!
- **Coconut Peanut Butter Perfect Bars**: These are, without a doubt, the BEST bars on the market. The combination of rich coconut and creamy peanut butter is pure bliss, offering a satisfying and nutritious snack that keeps me energized throughout the day. They’re packed with whole food protein and taste like a treat, making them my go-to for a quick pick-me-up.
- **Lululemon On the Fly Pant**: If you’re searching for the ultimate casual pant that doubles perfectly for travel, look no further. These pants are incredibly comfortable, stylish, and versatile. They resist wrinkles, are lightweight, and move with you, making them ideal for long flights or simply running errands while still looking put-together.
- **Clue App**: This is the period tracking app I swear by. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive features allow me to accurately monitor my cycle, predict upcoming periods, and understand my body better. It’s empowering to have such detailed insights into my health, all within a sleek and user-friendly design.
- **Buying Plants on Amazon**: Who knew Amazon could be a haven for plant lovers? I recently purchased a beautiful fiddle leaf fig tree for an incredible $55, and it arrived healthy and thriving. It’s an affordable and convenient way to expand your indoor jungle, offering a wide selection of stunning houseplants delivered right to your door.
- **Brooks Levitate 2 Running Shoes**: Mark, Emily, and I all upgraded our running shoes to the Brooks Levitate 2, and they did not disappoint. The responsive cushioning provides an energized feel with every stride, making long runs more comfortable and enjoyable. They offer excellent support and durability, proving to be a fantastic investment for anyone serious about their running.
- **All Things IKEA!**: My latest trip to IKEA was a treasure hunt, resulting in some fantastic additions to our home. I snagged a new plant stand, three stylish frames, a bunch of gorgeous new plants, and a sleek full-length mirror. IKEA consistently delivers on affordable, modern, and functional home decor that perfectly complements any aesthetic.
- **Zella Fusion Sports Bra**: This sports bra has become an absolute staple in my activewear collection. It provides exceptional support without sacrificing comfort, making it perfect for everything from high-intensity workouts to everyday wear. The fit is fantastic, and it holds up beautifully wash after wash.
- **AncestryDNA Results**: My AncestryDNA results came in, and I am literally telling EVERYONE about them! Discovering my ethnic origins and connecting with distant relatives has been an incredibly fascinating and deeply personal journey. It’s amazing to learn about the tapestry of my heritage and piece together my family story.
- **Lively D/DD Busty Bralette**: This bralette is a game-changer for anyone with a larger bust. I LOVE THIS THING. It offers incredible comfort and surprising support for a bralette, moving away from restrictive underwire without sacrificing shape. It’s chic, comfortable, and makes me feel confident and at ease all day long.
- **Siete Nacho Chips**: These chips are pure HEAVEN. If you’re looking for a delicious, grain-free alternative to traditional nacho chips, Siete delivers on flavor and crunch. They’re perfect for dipping into salsa or guacamole, or simply enjoying on their own for a satisfyingly savory snack. The nacho seasoning is absolutely spot-on!
I hope this “life lately” update has given you a fun and insightful peek into what’s been happening behind the scenes. From adventurous travels to exciting home transformations and discovering new favorite things, life has been full of wonderful moments and exciting progress. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey and for having you all along for the ride. What are some of your favorite things right now, or what exciting plans do you have for the fall? Let me know in the comments below! Stay tuned for more updates, including that Leavenworth travel guide and master bedroom reveal, coming soon!