Summer Weddings

Mr. Malone and I have EIGHT weddings this summer. What the hell am I going to wear to EIGHT weddings?!

Thanks to Banana Republic, I now have three new dresses, which are also work appropriate. A win-win!

This one is my FAVORITE - I love stripes. It's always the first thing I spot in a store. And it has pockets!

Oh, this was just so comfortable. Nice and light - it will be perfect for summer.

I'm on the fence about this one, as it is potentially the girliest thing I own.

How can I say "no" when Mama Jewski is so excited about it?!

How cute is this skirt? They were sold out... which is probably good for my credit card statement.

Drifting

Lately, I've been feeling as though some of my friendships just are not what they used to be. I realize a lot of this comes with the passing of time and distance apart, but I hate it.

Why is there this natural drift in relationships?

And why does it all pile on at once?

Could I have made more of an effort?

One more phone call?

One more coffee date?

I know it's the nature of things, but it is really lame. Don't you agree?

Ranch Stuff 3.0

Round Up: A Tradition Unlike Any Other.

Thanks for the inspiration, Jim Nantz. Because truly, that is the only way to describe this once-a-year reunion. Mr. Malone's family owns a cattle ranch. Yes, a cattle ranch. And every spring, family and friends come together to... well, ranch stuff.

My first Round Up was in 2009, making this my third year in attendance. To be completely honest, it is one of the weirdest things I have ever experienced. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would run around in the mud or dust, tackling cows and throwing a lasso. But alas, the Malone family has brought out the cowgirl in me - I can even say I have branded a cow. (Or three.)

However, I decided to sit back this year and document it all on the D5100. While it was nice to avoid a hoof to the stomach, it was even greater to capture these memories on film. As Mr. Malone's cousin Allison so perfectly put it, here is (just a brief) glimpse into Malone family history.

The Big Island

Our trip to Hawaii was fantastic. The weather was perfect, the location was stunning and the relaxation was much-needed. We arrived March 31st to an 84-degree day and beautiful accommodations. It never ceases to amaze me how great Mr. Malone's company is to their employees. 

The majority of our time was spent with our feet in the sand and books at the ready. We made sure to treat ourselves to a couple rounds of golf at the nearby Mauna Lani Resort.

For having not played in six and a half months, it was the most consistent golf I have ever played. (I think it has something to do with that warm, Hawaiian air - makes the ball roll for days. I'll take it!) And, it wouldn't have been a trip to The Big Island if we didn't make a stop in Kona.

I took full advantage of having my new camera with me this trip. I've said it once and I will say it again, pictures are so much more clear with a DSLR. I had the best time snapping away. Oh, and those sunsets? To die for.

Until next time, Hawaii. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next year.

Read It: The Opposite of Me

I absolutely loved this book. It was another one that my dear friend Jen let me borrow. (I wasn't kidding when I said we talk about books during our dinners. We also exchange five or six at a time.)

This novel was so easy to relate to. The main character, Lindsey, gives everything to her job, only to be disappointed in the end. She moves back home to Maryland and essentially starts life over from square one. Like many others, it is a book about finding oneself.

The only downside? The ending was way too abrupt. I turned the page expecting there to be more, but I was finished. I understand why it left off where it did, but I wanted to keep reading!

Overall, a quick read that will tug at your heart strings. I found myself choking back tears on multiple occasions. (But I also cry while watching BET, so take that for what it's worth!)

Hawaii by Instagram.

More details and photos to come, but here's a little teaser from our week on The Big Island.