It’s Fri-YAY! And obviously, I’m very, very excited about it. I’m happy that I don’t have too many plans this weekend, but I am looking forward to going to the Randolph Street Market tomorrow to celebrate their 15th anniversary season! They always have so many cute antique furniture, finds and decor, and I’m hoping to pick out a few goodies for my apartment when I swing by tomorrow!

I’m going to make today’s post short and sweet, but I wanted to share some of my most recent reads as I’ve been attempting to trade in my computer and cell phone for books more often. After spending morning through night on devices, its nice to take a break and read a real book (the novelty, right?!). While I can’t say I’ve devoured too many books in the past few weeks, below are a few of the highlights I can recommend (and a few books I’ve heard through the grapevine are excellent too!).

The Inspired Home Journal: My sweet friend Lauren Kelp is the best – the best friend, cocktail maker, wellness sensei and creative spirit – and I just can’t say enough good things about her. AND to top it off (kinda annoying she’s good at everything, but whatever…), she was one of the founders of this incredible new magazine, The Inspired Home Journal! It’s chock full of inspiration, wellness advice, new cocktail recipes, seasonal ingredient recommendations…I could go on and on and on, but it’s good! You can pick up the inaugural copy at Whole Foods and Barnes and Noble and it’s worth every penny.

One Day You’ll Thank Me: I couldn’t say enough good things about this book if I tried, but I could be a little biased because the author David McGlynn was my English advisor in college and one of my favorite people during my undergraduate education. David’s book shares small (and usually hilarious) moments that make up modern American fatherhood – whether it’s finding out unexpectedly that you’re going to be a father a little sooner than expected (twice!), attempting to sleep train a rowdy 3-year-old, having the “Santa Claus” talk and other relatable moments to any dad learning how to be a parent without an instruction manual. What’s beautiful is David’s vulnerability throughout the book – always trying to do the right thing, but never totally being quite sure. It’s really a beautiful, humorous and witty read – and it would make the perfect Father’s Day gift for any book-loving dad!

The Little Book of Lykke: I stumbled across this book while taking a walk around the neighborhood a few weeks back and found this book sitting in the window of a store on Armitage. After feeling pretty emotionally exhausted from my last job, I thought it would be good to gain some perspective on what makes people most happy around the world, so I picked up The Little Book to Lykke (which means Happiness in Danish) which explores what the elements are that make the Danish the most happy people in the world. I thought it was interesting (a very light coffee table read), and I’ve already been practicing a few things that have helped make every day a little brighter. If you’re looking for an easy, but tangible way to give yourself a little more happiness, I’d definitely recommend this book!

The Originals: I’m a sucker for a good self-help book, but this one is really a case study in people professionally and personally who champion new ideas in a culture that might not always support innovation or change. The book celebrates the non-conformists, the people who questioned the status quo, and from it made big steps forward for their companies or industry. Being someone who’s worked in big companies in years, it really makes me think not only about what changes I can make – but also how I can help champion the thinkers around me who also want to break from the norm. A truly thought-provoking book, and one that I know I’ll be reading over and over again.

Give A Sh*t: I’ve known Ashlee for years, and she is one of those magical people who lights up a room with her spunk, infectious laugh and pure kindness (clearly, I adore her). She’s been a staunch advocate for animal rights and doing what’s right for the earth for years – and I’ve loved her commitment to championing green beauty, a vegan diet, and protecting the earth with practical ways to make a difference. With her infinite wisdom (and wit!) she put together an amazing, practical handbook to giving a shit about your health, footprint and planet – and I’ve heard nothing but amazing things of her first book. I can’t wait to buy it when it comes out on June 26th, but you can pre-order it on Amazon here!

A few other things I’ve been loving:

• Workouts at Salt Fitness: I took my first Barre class a few weeks ago (holy hell was that hard!) but it was a blast and I loved checking out the new Salt fitness studio in Bucktown – it’s beautiful. If you’re looking for a new spin, Barre or FIT class – you’re going to love the studio. Bonus points: they have childcare if you need some place to drop off the kiddos while you work out too!
• This beautiful post from my friend Cassandra over at The Calm Collective about how to let go of things or people in your life that aren’t meant for you. Letting go is one of the hardest things we can ever do, but one of the most powerful ways to move forward in life – whether it’s letting go of a relationship, a toxic friendship, scrolling through your Instagram feed too much (guilty…), her post really resonated with me and inspired me to make a list of things I need to let go of to make myself happier and heartier. Give it a read!
• Classes at CorePower: I’m finally back on the workout train (I needed to work on my summer body, let’s be real…) and I’ve been loving C2 classes at their Lincoln Park studio, especially with Brianna!
• Flowers for Dreams, one of my favorite places for beautiful bouquets in Chicago, gives back to local charities for every bouquet they sell. Next month in June, they’re teaming up with Aspire Coffeeworks, a charitable organizations that sells delicious coffee and gifts that benefit people with disabilities. Every bag of coffee they sell helps people city with Autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other disabilities to help give them the services and support they need to succeed.  I’m so proud of the organization, and I’m excited that they’re partnering with Flowers for Dreams and I hope you support them by ordering flowers next month!

Alright, that’s enough for a Friday! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend full of the perfect mix of fun and relaxation! xx