A few months prior, I emailed save the dates to our family through Paperless Post. I had some free credits in my account, so this cost approximately ZILCH American dollars. It was super easy and efficient, plus I saved a tree or two in the process.

Instead of purchasing the generic invitations offered by the university, I designed custom graduation announcements for Jason. I was sneaky and scanned most of his long-lost school photos when he wasn’t watching so that I could include them on the brunch invite. I was surprised that I was able to find all except 9th and 11th grades. What a cutie pie Jason was then….and still is! More than 25 years later, he looks exactly like he did in his Kindergarten pic!

I also designed custom placemats to decorate the tables at the brunch I hosted in honor of Jason’s graduation. Everyone enjoyed seeing his old school portraits from Pre-K all the way through law school. The brunch was at La Villa in the Philbrook Museum of Art, which is such a beautiful venue that it doesn’t require much decor at all. The placemats were perfect because they were easy to transport in my suitcase from Colorado to Oklahoma without Jason even noticing. I’m not sure if he was more embarrassed or surprised that I was able to dig up all of those school pics!

We were fortunate to have so many of our favorite people join us for brunch and graduation. It was such a memorable weekend! If Jason and I have learned anything at all over the past 3 years, it’s that we are blessed beyond measure with supportive family and friends. I don’t know how we would have made it through law school without them!

Law School Tuition: $96,168

Books: $9,300

Hours Spent in the Library: 8,760

Doctoral Graduation Tam: $60

Watching Husband Fulfill His Dream: Priceless

Uno. Old Navy Compression Active Wear

I first learned about the awesomeness of Old Navy’s compression active wear from one of my favorite blogs, Big Mama, when she featured it on a Fashion Friday post. Since then, I’ve acquired two pairs of yoga pants, a pair of capris leggings and a jacket. Surprisingly, the quality is really great which typically isn’t the case with Old Navy. In fact, it looks and feels like Lululemon but at a fraction of the cost. Case in point, earlier this week I happened to be wearing my Old Navy gear (and while I’d like to pretend that I was coming from yoga class, in reality I had just been to Starbuck’s for coffee) when I realized that the mannequin in the Lululemon window happened to be wearing my same outfit. The only difference was the price tag – Lulu wanted $108 for her jacket and I only paid $30 for mine. I win.

Dos. Citizen Cope

Let’s talk about my latest music crush for a second. I wouldn’t say that I’m really all that into music to begin with, but when I find a new musician that I love, I fall hard. Then I proceed to listen to everything by that artist on replay until I absolutely wear. it. out. and can’t stand the thought of listening to one more song. Fortunately for Citizen Cope, I’m still in the crush phase. My current favorite tracks are “Sideways”, “Son’s Gonna Rise”, and “One Lovely Day”. I know there are more, but I can’t remember the titles right now. Blame it on the margarita.

Tres. Physician’s Formula Bronzer

I’ve never been able to achieve much of a tan to begin with, but after a long, cold winter my skin is more pale than ever. The other day while grocery shopping I was perusing the beauty aisle and spotted this fun, shimmery bronzer. It’s super versatile – there are five different strips of color that you can blend together or use individually as highlighter, blush or eye shadow. With the simple sweep of a brush, I feel like I’ve been kissed by the sun!

Quatro. Organic Coconut Oil

Talk about multi-tasking, coconut oil can be used for everything from frying chicken to shaving your legs! I’ve shared before that I even use coconut oil to make natural homemade toothpaste. Most recently, though, I’ve been using it as my facial moisturizer. All winter long my skin has been so dry and this is seriously the best thing I’ve found to combat feeling like an alligator. I’ve read that coconut oil is also a great conditioner for hair, so that’s my next experiment. If I smell like the tropics next time you see me, you’ll know why.

Cinco. Busy Buddy Food Puzzle Toys

This last one is for the fur babies. When we consulted a dog trainer about Oliver’s obnoxious tendency to lick everything in sight, she suggested that we start making Ollie “work” for his food instead of giving it to him for “free” in a bowl. She explained that in nature dogs have to hunt, forage, and scavenge for their food. And that often domestic dogs will develop behavioral issues when their problem solving skills aren’t challenged. At first I was skeptical that the food puzzle toys she recommended would have much impact, but I’ve noticed that Oliver seems much calmer now that he has to work so hard to earn his kibbles – he’s using up all that energy that is usually reserved for naughtiness!

I could keep on going, but unfortunately I can’t count much higher than cinco en Español. Fortunately, you can always find more design finch faves in my Amazon store.

It’s only a 6.6 mile trek from the trailhead to the hut, but it feels like an eternity when lugging a heavy pack full of food and supplies uphill through the snow. The entire time I felt like Cheryl Strayed in her memoir Wild. Except that I snow shoed 13.2 miles in one weekend amongst friends while Cheryl hiked more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (from the Mojave Desert in California, through Oregon, all the way to Washington) over the course of 3 months…..completely alone at the age of 26.

But, otherwise, pretty much the same thing.

Sidenote: If you haven’t read Wild yet, I highly recommend it. I loved it so much that I read the entire book cover-to-cover within a day of picking it up. At first glance, Wild appears to be a book about hiking, but it’s actually so much more. You can watch the book trailer or listen to Oprah’s interview with Cheryl Strayed to learn more about her journey. Earlier this month I had the pleasure of hearing Cheryl speak in Aspen at Winter Words. I was thrilled to learn that Reese Witherspoon has signed on to bring her adventure to life on the big screen!

Ok, back to my weekend….

There are dozens of backcountry huts in the mountains between Aspen, Vail and Leadville that were built by a group of cross-country ski enthusiasts. The cool thing is that anyone who is willing to make the trek can stay at these huts (although reservations are required in advance and often hard to come by). On this trip, our group stayed at the Harry Gates Hut which is nestled at the foothills of Sawatch Mountain at an elevation of 9,700 feet. Completed in 1986, it is the largest of the huts in the system and has gorgeous views of Avalanche Ridge to the east. We had a great time lounging on the deck, playing games, drinking wine and making new friends. Hopefully this was just the first of many hut trips to come!

Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Snowmass Village, Colorado

Denver, Colorado

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park, Montana

Charleston, South Carolina

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

San Antonio, Texas

Guadalupe River, Texas

Charleston, South Carolina

Basalt, Colorado

Glacier National Park, Montana

Los Cabos, Mexico

University of Tulsa – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Enchanted Rock, Texas

Yellowstone River, Montana

Boston Public Garden – Boston, Massachusetts

Keystone Lake, Oklahoma

Vail, Colorado

Beavers Bend State Park, Oklahoma

Aspen, Colorado

Siesta Key, Florida

Now ask yourself, how have your favorite places been impacted by pollution and climate change? What are you doing to be part of the solution? Commit to celebrate and protect the environment! For more ideas on making every day Earth Day, read these previous posts: reduce : reuse : recycle : reTHINK and Clean Green.

Radiolab

Radiolab is a podcast that weaves scientific curiosities into sound-rich documentaries. Each episode investigates people, stories and experiences centered around One Big Idea. Sounds pretty boring, huh? Actually, the topics are quite fascinating and presented in such a light-hearted, engaging way. Give it a listen – I promise you’ll be entertained even if you’re not a science nerd!

Satellite Sisters

The Satellite Sisters are five real-life sisters (Julie, Liz, Sheila, Monica and Lian) living very different lives in different cities. The premise of the show is that the sisters “get together” via satellite to talk as if they are meeting for coffee or talking on the phone. They discuss the sorts of topics that sisters really talk about – current events, fashion, family, celebrities…..you name it, nothing is off-limits. Their knack for finding humor in everyday life keeps me laughing out loud.

TED Radio Hour

If you love TEDTalks, then you’ll love this podcast! Based on riveting 18 minute talks from the world’s most remarkable minds, the TED Radio Hour interviews the speakers to further explore fascinating ideas, astonishing inventions, and new ways to think and create. Sometimes only portions of the original TEDTalk are played; other times you hear them almost in their entirety. I always feel a tiny bit smarter after listening to these talks.

The Dave Ramsey Show

The Dave Ramsey Show is about real life and how it revolves around money. Dave takes calls from listeners and, in the process, gives advice on how to manage and budget your money, get out of debt, build wealth, and live in financial peace. Jason and I were fortunate to go through Financial Peace University at our church early in our marriage and it drastically impacted the way we manage our money today. If you want to learn more about Dave’s financial principles, the free podcasts are a great place to start.

The Big Boo Cast

Two Southern mama-bloggers, Big Mama and BooMama, talk about all the important stuff in life: faith, family, friends, fashion, food and football. Plus, of course, their hair. They rarely record new podcasts, but when they do they are hilariously funny! If I’m having a bad day, I fire up The Big Boo Cast and feel like I’m having a conversation with friends that I’ve known forever (although, in reality, I just regularly stalk their blogs).

This American Life

This is my favorite podcast of all. Each week the producers choose a theme and put together a variety of stories on that theme. Mostly they are true stories that are touching, funny, and surprising – often all at the same time.

Vicky & Jen

Co-hosts Vicky and Jen are two busy moms committed to helping families make life simple in order to enjoy what really matters. They interview experts in parenting, health, nutrition, self-care, organization, relationships and more. This is another one of those podcasts where I feel like I’m having a good conversation with girlfriends over a cup of coffee. I especially enjoy their series of shows featuring professional organizer Monica Ricci.

Now it’s your turn. I’m so curious to know about your favorite podcasts! Which ones should I add to my iPod?

This morning we took the gondola to the summit of Aspen Mountain for “crunchy” church. Today was the 40th annual sunrise service hosted by Aspen Chapel on the mountain. It was definitely not the traditional service that we’re accustomed to attending on Easter morning. For one thing, we wore our ski gear! The view was truly awe-inspriring, though, and I felt so thankful to be worshipping the promise of new life in such a spectacular setting.

After the church service concluded, we skied over to Bonnie’s for breakfast on the deck. Then, we decided that since it was such a gorgeous bluebird day, we’d stay and ski Ajax for a few hours. It was so warm and sunny that we didn’t even need jackets. Cheers to spring skiing! I think we may have a new Easter tradition….

The dogs didn’t miss out on today’s festivities. The Easter Bunny laid fresh golden tennis balls for Denver and Ollie, so we went to the park to play fetch this afternoon. It’s crazy to think that a week ago the park was still mostly covered with snow. We hope the sunshine and blue skies are here to stay!

I hope you had a Happy Easter, too! He is risen!

Okay, maybe I am a little bit nosy. I just find it so fascinating to see how other people live. My idea of a perfect Saturday involves browsing local real estate listings while sipping my morning coffee, then hitting up as many open houses as possible before settling in on the couch to watch an HGTV marathon. Ironically, that same scenario is Jason’s definition of a weekend from hell. Husbands are funny like that.

So, I entertain myself by playing a fun little game that I call “pick one”. The rules of this game are simple: you’re given 3 homes to choose from and you must pick the one (and only one!) where you’d most like to live. In this game, money is no object! Price does not even matter – you can afford them all, but you can only choose one. See, it’s a fun game! Wanna play?

Here are the 3 homes you have to choose from:

Eclectic Estate – Aspen, CO

Price: $19,500,000
Square Feet: 10,109
Bedrooms: 7
Bathrooms: 10

The combination of a new stately home with an impeccably restored 1888 Victorian guest house with historical significance make this property a rare gem and legacy property! Features include 5 fireplaces, Waterworks white marble bathrooms, Smart Home wiring, wine room, media room, radiant heat, and a two car garage. Enjoy year-round entertaining on the large flat lawn & snowmelt patios with English country garden landscaping, and spectacular views of Aspen Mountain and beyond from virtually every room of the main home. 

Modern Mansion – Snowmass Village, CO

Price: $17,900,000
Square Feet: 13,167
Bedrooms: 7
Bathrooms: 9

A modern twist on traditional mountain living. Incredible views from Snowmass Mountain to Aspen Mountain, 40 pristine and private acres, fabulous outdoor entertaining areas and water features surrounded by private meadows and rolling hills. Exposed steel and massive timbers are the framework of every room. Other highlights include an expansive master suite with attached exercise room and huge walk-in closet, his and her vanities and steam shower in the master bath, guest master suite with private deck, and a chef’s kitchen.

Rustic Ranch – Snowmass, CO

Price: $25,000,000
Square Feet: 12,000
Bedrooms: 9
Bathrooms: 6 Full, 2 Half

Set against the red-rock spires in Snowmass Canyon, Meanwhile Ranch offers 56 manageable acres with a 12,000 sf, 4 bedroom, 6 bath main lodge; a new 4 bedroom 2,500 sf guest house; 2 caretaker apartments (2,160 sf); and an 1886 settler’s cabin. The ranch includes a new 7,000 sf equestrian facility, a 3-stall barn with tack room; an auto showroom/woodshop; riding arena, roping pen, silo, hay barn, loafing sheds. Senior water rights and extensive landscaping.

So, which home would you choose – the Eclectic Estate, Modern Mansion or Rustic Ranch? Leave your pick in the comments.

For me, it’s a tough call between the Eclectic Estate and the Modern Mansion, but I’d ultimately have to choose the Estate because of the adorable little 1888 Victorian guest house that comes with it…all for the bargain price of $19.5 million. I guess the main house isn’t too shabby either.

In February, we went on a twilight cross-country ski tour with the Roaring Fork Conservancy. Our guides shared interesting factoids about the riparian ecosystem along the Rio Grande trail. We also learned some local history, watched Dippers bobbing along the river and even saw a frozen waterfall. It was nice to get a little exercise and eduction all at the same time. Not a bad way to spend a random Tuesday evening!

Another memorable cross-country skiing excursion was at North Star Nature Preserve. The preserve is a really pristine, peaceful open space with gorgeous views of Independence Pass. Apparently it’s also supposed to be a great place to see wildlife, although I was too busy admiring the mountains to notice any critters.

One Sunday afternoon we took the dogs to Red Hill’s Mushroom Rock trail to burn off some energy. This is a popular hike for it’s incredible views of Mt. Sopris, the Roaring Fork Valley and the town of Carbondale. It was pretty muddy on the day that we went due to snow melt, but the dogs seemed to enjoy it nonetheless. They weren’t quite as thrilled about the bath that followed once we got home, though.

One of the most scenic hikes we’ve been on recently was along Maroon Creek under the Tiehack pedestrian bridge. (As a Fightin’ Texas Aggie, I’m obviously partial to anything with “maroon” in it’s name.) We were there on St. Patrick’s Day and had the entire trail to ourselves. It still seems so surreal that we actually live in such a beautiful place where we can go on amazing hikes like this on a whim.

So, those are a few of the fun things we’ve been up to. There is always something to see and do in the mountains, that’s for sure!

The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl by Karen Burns

Working Girl’s Eternal Truths (my favorites are highlighted in pink):

• Self-confidence is the memory of success.
• Life is supposed to be a little bit dangerous.
• Unmet unconscious expectations are the source of much unhappiness.
• Don’t let the occasional rotten egg ruin your egg salad.
• A mistake stays a mistake only until you correct it.
• It’s easier to work for money than it is to worry about not having enough money.
• It’s as important to know how to manage your boss as it is to know how to do your job.
• Make friends before you need them.
• If you don’t ask for something, you will never get it.
• How you actually do your work is as important as the actual work you do.
• Just because you can do a job doesn’t mean you want to do – or should do – that job.
• The first rule of showbiz and the first rule of careers are the same. Always leave ‘em wanting more.
• The farther out of your comfort zone you leap, the more people will step forward to catch you.
• If you refuse to tell little lies, no one will ask you to tell a big lie.
• Authority isn’t given to you; it comes from you.
• Things seem impossible only until you do them.
• It’s the stuff you don’t do that you regret the most.
• You achieve happiness by being more of who you are, not less.
• No one is indispensable, but some people are a lot more dispensable than others.
• Believing you know everything is a sure sign of ignorance.
• Money is funny. Once you have enough to take care of basic needs, it loses its power to make you happy.
• Just tell yourself, Duckie, you’re really quite lucky! – Dr. Seuss
• It’s never too late to be the person you were meant to be.

Uno. San Pellegrino Sparkling Fruit Beverages

These are so refreshing! The Aranciata and Limonata flavors are my go-to spring and summer beverage. They also come in a can, but I feel fancier drinking from a glass bottle. I like to close my eyes, sip slowly and daydream that I’m at a trattoria somewhere in Italy. Although, if that were the case, I’d be drinking wine. Lots of wine.

Dos. Denim Shirt

If you have a pulse, then you know that denim and chambray shirts are all the rage right now. I’ve had my eye on this one forever, but just couldn’t justify it’s $98 price tag (clearly J. and his Crew are really proud of their goods). When I saw that American Eagle had a similar version on sale for $30, I immediately added it to my online shopping cart and then proceeded to stalk the FedEx guy daily until it finally arrived on my doorstep. Best purchase ever! I could do an entire post just on outfits I’ve put together with my beloved denim shirt. It’s the perfect transition piece for your spring wardrobe. If you still need convincing, just look at these cute outfit ideas:

Clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Tres. Budget Blooms

Despite the snow still on the ground outside, it’s springtime on my desk! I picked up these happy yellow Spider Mums for $4 at Whole Foods this week. Actually, I handed them to the hubs and subtly said “Here, I think you should buy these for me”. He did because he’s sweet like that. Until there are flowers outside, I plan to treat myself to some inexpensive blooms. And you should do the same. You’re worth it!

Quatro. Madsen Cargo Bike

I’m in the market for a new bike and I think this one is adorable. These are my criteria – it must be: 1) retro-looking, 2) aqua or green, 3) accessorized with a wicker basket. Is that too much to ask? I have grandiose visions of peddling downtown to the Farmers Market to buy fresh flowers and produce. Or to the park with my picnic lunch. We all know that trying to tote my dogs around in that bucket would be a recipe for disaster, but a girl can dream.

Cinco. Cadbury Creme Eggs

Obviously. My love for that ooey, gooey goodness extends beyond words. Hold the Peeps, give me the Creme Eggs! I predict that the Cadbury bunny will be making many stops at my house this spring.

Remember, you can always find more design finch faves in my Amazon store.