Since it’s been months since I’ve written anything longer than an Instagram caption (other than weekly newsletters for my clients) it feels nice to write on this blog again. And since everybody’s been asking what’s going on lately, I thought I’d write a quick update on life, and toss it in with fun links and entertainment recommendations.

Long story short: A lot has been going on lately.

1. I dyed my hair back to my natural dark blonde color and chopped a lot of it off. I feel summer-y and fresh and less annoyed with hiding grays. Yay!
2. I opened a TRX-based fitness studio back in my hometown, Louisville, KY.
3. The hubs and I are launching the next phase of life with us cruising back and forth between Kentucky and the Canadian Rockies.

After trying (and failing) for the last two years to make work happen from our tiny, remote, expensive town in Canada, I decided to jump on an opportunity to get my old studio space in Louisville back and get a new business going. Check out Studio Hustle!

Yes, this situation is hectic. No, it’s not convenient… But we are figuring it out. Situations change, things evolve, and you have to respond by figuring out what works best.There’s a lot involved in this decision (too much to type out now- maybe another time), but in the end, that’s life for ya.

So that’s the short version of what’s been going on the past six months! Here’s some more fun stuff:

Current Affairs

I’m Making: Bourbon Slush for these summer nights on the patio.

I’m Wanting: Mexican food. I might be hitting up El Mundo tonight…

I’m Moving: In and out of the hot tub in the back yard of the house I’m renting. It’s my new jam for about 10 minutes in the morning.

I’m Reading: City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert. I haven’t been able to finish a book for the past few months since the business has been so busy, but I’m easing my way through this one and really liking it so far (“so far” means I’ve made it to chapter 4, which is a huge accomplishment lately).

I’m Writing: On this blog for the first time in months. I’m sad that blogs have been almost completely replaced by Instagram (and the sad fact that most of my favorite bloggers are growing up and not writing much anymore due to families and priorities… damn not being in our 20s anymore), but it’s nice to be back at it today. It’s also nice to write more than just a couple sentences in a social media caption.

I’m Watching: NETFLIX. They’re killing it right now. Over the past few months, I’ve watched a few things: Always Be My Maybe, The Package, & Someone Great were all hilarious. About Time was about the sweetest movie I’ve ever seen and I’m wanting to watch it 5 more times this week. I can’t believe it came out in 2013 and I’ve never heard of it. It’s DELIGHTFUL. You should put it on your queue right now if you’ve never seen it. (And be ready with the tissues for some happy tears.) I’m working my way through Sex Education & Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, but it’s been a pleasant go lately. I’m also enjoying the fact that all these shows are only 8 episodes per season. WAY better.

I’m Listening To: These series podcasts: The Dream (about the MLM industry), Over My Dead Body (a true crime case), The Drop Out (about Elizabeth Holmes & the Theranos scheme) & NPR’s Embedded Podcast is doing a small series on Mitch McConnell’s backstory and how he came to power. Here in Kentucky, people either love him or hate him (I loathe him), so it’s interesting. Here is Episode 1 of that. I just listened to The 2 Princes from Gimlet. It’s for kids, but it’s a super fun 7 episode show that highlights some serious diversity in this adventure story and I loved it.

I’m Drinking: Water, sweet tea, and bourbon. It’s summer in Kentucky…

I’m Eating: Nothing at the moment, which reminds me it’s time for El Mundo soon!

I’m Enjoying: Summer. Lightning bugs. The lake. Bare feet in the grass. Not having to prepare to go outside. Working & making money. Teaching fitness on a regular basis. Feeling productive again.

I’m Hoping: This nice 70 degree weather continues. It’s not been sweltering the past couple weeks and it’s really nice for June in this part of the country!

I’m Needing: to finish getting prepped for the IDEA World Conference next week! I’m presenting 2 sessions there and am almost ready. I’m stoked to see everybody there.

I’m Feeling: Excited to have just had 6 really fun days with the family here. It was awesome to show the boys my hometown. They’ve never been to Kentucky before so I got to take them to so many fun places. The visit wasn’t long enough, but it’ll be nice to see Fras again next week in California.

I’m Wearing: Tanks and shorts are pretty much the uniform here once May hits.

I’m Noticing: How much of a regional/cultural thing it is to go out to eat to visit with friends. When I first got back to town I was meeting friends out nearly every night to catch up. I’ve had to mandate walks, workouts, or cooking meals at home as ways to socialize so I don’t throw away money every night of the week eating out… or gain a ton of weight.

• If you’re in the same boat, here’s an article I wrote a while back about this very thing: 8 Alternative Ways to Be Social (without Going Out for Dinner/Drinks),

I’m Smelling: Grass being cut nearby.

I’m Pinning: This Flat Iron Wave tutorial from the Kristin Ess Instagram page. I’m having to find new ways to style my really short hair (because I can’t get it into a ponytail anymore).

I’m Loving: My people.

What’s up with you guys out there? Any book or Netflix recommendations? Any good recipes for meals or summer cocktails? Let me know!