Have I mentioned I’ve been busy? Ha. But really. Work is great. I’m learning and challenging myself every day. It’s a lot but I’m feeling like something big is happening and I’m ready to see where it takes me. I’m so lucky that I was able to turn the things I love already – food, design, writing – into something I love even more at Cava. It feels incredible to love what I do and who I work with every day. Remember where I was a year ago? Funny how long ago that seems and how different I feel. If I take a second to stop moving, I might even look back and realize I’m proud of myself.

Other than work, life is a little strange. I guess I haven’t figured out what it is right now and who I am. But I’ve learned to accept that’s ok. The one good thing about this though is timing. It’s spring. And allergies aside, I honestly walk out my door every day excited about the world. The fact that giant green leaves can grow back on cold trees and we can eat the most flavorful food that comes from the ground nearby. Sure, it’s cheesy, but these are some of my favorite solo moments recently. When I find a break to take a walk through the farmer’s market or read a magazine in the park (like actually read the articles too) or make a tomato sandwich with fresh ricotta. My moments.

Some big projects aside – wedding coordinating, filming a cooking show with Joey from NSYNC, redesigning my website – most of the things I’m doing outside of work aren’t very challenging I suppose. Might not have the headspace for it. (Although I totally just marathoned the entire Dawson’s Creek series again. So that’s something right?) But one thing that has been a fun challenge is learning to use my DSLR camera. I’ve been told it’s a powerful little guy and I’m slowly uncovering it’s potential. I’m learning the technical bits at work but I’m also just pushing myself to get out and use it. We all know that’s the only way I’m going to feel more comfortable with it. Make it a habit, try different lighting, actually learn what ISO means and when it has to be adjusted.

I guess one of the things I want myself to know is that even if I’m not blogging here or baking a cake regularly or keeping my apartment clean or going on several dates a week, I’m still being creative. It just doesn’t stop. It’s not a rut. It’s something new. It’s me changing and growing up and challenging myself. It’s happening at work now…with my team, with new projects, which I couldn’t be more excited about. It’s happening a little more quietly right now. On my mornings at the market and long walks around the city. As I’m learning more about ramps, morels, little gem, and growing herbs. As I slow roast garlic. As I edit photos while listening to Coasts. While helping a friend decorate her apartment. When I make a simple tomato sandwich.

spring denim | peonies | glitter type | honey crullers

Glitter type and denim jackets and glazed doughnuts…these are a few of my favorite things today. After a busy few weeks, and a few busy ones ahead, I’m looking forward to soaking up spring this weekend. Farmer’s market, iced coffee walks, reading in the park, a glass of rosé outside. It’s the best time of year! (minus the allergies)

When I was 11 I wrote in my journal that I was feeling very confused because I really liked my new boyfriend but I felt like it was overtaking my love for NSYNC. “I have one problem though. And this is VERY hard to say. I still LOVE NSYNC but I don’t know what to say. I just feel like I’m about to grow apart from 5 GREAT GUYS.” I was torn. How could I be obsessed with two things at once? Needless to say, a few days later, I wrote that I got my NSYNC love back and I was feeling great. And clearly I haven’t grown apart from those five guys yet, even with a handful of boyfriends along the way.

So I’ve been through this before. It’s a balancing act. I can spend all day with my job that I love and still make time for my blog (and my friends, and cooking, and yoga, and exploring, and dating) which I love too. I’m going to refocus on this balance this spring. It’s the most special thing to be able to choose to what and to whom you connect with. And to have multiple passions, well, aren’t I just lucky? Those things – spending mornings in the kitchen, long walks with my dad, learning more about photography for Cava projects, knowing the It’s Gonna Be Me dance after 14 years – those are me. Live, Work, Create. Let’s do it all.