Monday Musings

I guess this would usually be entitled Weekend Recap but I don't have any pictures to post or stories to brag on [although I did see Sam Hunt at South last night.] This post is a little more of a mind dump you could say. 

-Sunday night is the new Friday night. 

Sit at the bar, have a couple beers, amazing cobb salad, people watch, bartender chat, life talk, get home, wash your face, and pass out [no melatonin needed.] 

-The epic music video is back.

Taylor Swift is the new Michael Jackson; the girl killed it with Bad Blood and then took it to the next level with Wildest Dreams. I mean the thing is visually STUNNING.

-Long runs are the best [painful] runs.
Not only does your body have time to hit its stride but your mind has time to work everything out, well try to. Sunday morning runs around the stadium have become my favorite place in the city.

Five on Friday

1.

In case you were on the moon earlier this week, Jennifer Aniston got married.

Yes, married. 16 Candles reference right there.

There are helicopter pictures of the whole shebang but the part that everyone was freaking out about was that her veil was from, wait for it... Jcrew.

Girl after my own heart. 

2.

If you listen to country radio you know how awesome Bobby Bones is. In all my downtown coolness [kidding] I live two streets up from him and we run the same route up and over the pedestrian bridge but I've never seen him. Until Monday! 

I'll practice waving for next time.

3.
One of my all time favorite songs is Noah Gundersen's First Defeat. I cried the first time I heard it.
He's one of those artists who sings some of your favorite songs and you don't even realize it until you look up his artist page on Spotify [guilty.] He's coming to Nashville in October and I already have a countdown on my phone. I'm in love with his new stuff especially Slow Dancer.
call me a snake and a liar, and i will be the fire that keeps you warm



4.
Speaking of music, the VMAs are this Sunday and while everyone's hype'd [or scared] about Miley hosting I'm more excited for the premiere of T-Swift's new music video for Wildest Dreams featuring the always hunky Scott Eastwood. The teaser involved zebras and embracing in the rain, SIGN ME UP.

5.
In one week I will be packing up the bug and heading east for a Labor Day weekend full of football, road trips, fireworks, and printed shorts. Sounds like a pretty good music video idea if I do say so myself.

Friday 8/28

Lately

Linking up with my Pittsburgh/ZTA/Advertising blog soul sister Summer Wind today and giving you a little peek into my life lately:

Thank the good Lord above this week is almost over. This week has been a testament to runs being cheaper than therapy, long conversations with God in the shower, and Target $1 section file folders making work a little better.

Watching: One Direction's Drag Me Down video. They are pulling on my Ben Affleck Armageddon heart strings with that orange space suit walk up scene. This song is catchy as hell and I will admit I get the Harry Styles obsession now.

Eating: Ready Pac's Chef Salad from Publix. These little pre-made salads are amazing and only 270 calories. They were BOGO a couple weeks ago and now I'm hooked. 

Smelling: Clinque Happy Heart, my staple since college

Drinking: La Croix's Coconut sparkling water. The girls in the office swear by La Croix and I discovered the coconut at Target. These are the perfect afternoon treat!

Wearing: This summer jumpsuit from the Target clearance section has to be one of my greatest finds at a record breaking $13. It is the perfect thing to throw on when you're moving slow and have a long day ahead of you!

Reading: Everybody Rise by Stephanie Clifford
This book has been on everyone's Must Read list and now it's on my bed side table. Hoping to put a dent in it this weekend.

Listening: Noah Gundersen. He'll be in Nashville October 9th and I cannot wait. One of my all-time favorite songs is his First Defeat.

Loving: Getting to see my sweet friend Rachael before she heads back to Pittsburgh for school. Afternoon texts with Sara about baby Warren, dead squirrels, and everything in between. Labor Day and football season is only 9 days away!

Wanting: This Jcrew leather-pocket tee dress is to die for. Paired with some strappy nude heels, it would be the perfect early fall date night outfit. 

Pekarsk-ing Around: Live on the Green concert series begins tonight and I cannot wait for Moon Taxi next Thursday.
All day and all night my eyes are open, all day and all night I've been going

What I'm Watching Wednesday

Yep, it's that time again! Checked another two movies off my watch list along with a third [that Redbox second rental for $.50 gets me every time] that was unplanned and hilarious. So let's get to it:

I had previously blogged about Dark Places finally being released earlier this month. Well thanks to it's "limited release" lame I resorted to literally Google-ing how I could find the movie. Enter YouTube. Yes, YouTube. You can apparently rent movies for $6 on YouTube, hollar for a dollar [or six.] While I was less than thrilled with the ending of Gone Girl [the book] the movie did it justice. Dark Places was the exact opposite. For starters riddle me this, why do you have a 40 year old playing a character who is supposed to be in her late 20's. Oh because Charlize Theron produced the movie that's why. The casting was off in my opinion except for Christina Hendricks who did a knock out job of playing Mrs. Day. The book is incredible. The movie fell flat [on it's face.] My recommendation, read the book skip the movie.

This one I had been waiting and waiting for and could not hit play fast enough, The Longest Ride.

Seriously not enough amazing things I can say about this movie. Probably my favorite Nicholas Sparks movie, hands down. Now there's no rain drenched sex scene or 365 letters. And there's no dramatic reunion between lost lovers. This movie is about real life and how messy love really is. I loved it. RENT IT ASAP.

And finally my $.50 rental, The Duff. 

Absolutely hilarious. This is the perfect movie to have on when you're doing emails or bills. Super light and witty. So many one liners I was cracking up at [intramural Wii golf..] I was pleasantly surprised. Well done Redbox recommendations, well done. 

Watch List:

The Age of Adeline

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Southpaw

Tuesday Trending

#backinblack..jeans

Go on, wave goodbye

I am really good at holding things in. 

I am even better at holding things in for too long.

I have had many a meltdown that end with me sitting on the couch [usually with a banana thanks to Mom and a potassium deficiency] with the casual comment "I think I got a little worked up."

I have the great talent of letting things go until I absolutely lose it putting away laundry or making dinner or trying to find my house key at my front door. One little thing lets all the other little things loose. I was at that point this morning. I woke up angry. I could feel it coming. If you asked me why, I couldn't give you one concrete reason. Once again all the little things had piled up. 

I've been talking to God a lot lately, and today his Grace was abundant. The work day was so busy I barely had time to think of anything else. I was able to run home for a quick 30 min lunch and just sit in my little house [I had anger cleaned this weekend.] A random text message had lead to tickets to one of my favorite musicians when he comes to town in October. And I worked just late enough to run home with the sunset. 

There's a post-it I have on my computer at work with a verse from Daniel on it:

And if not, He is still good.

I've learned that if not, He is still good. If so, He is still good. All the time, He is still good.

You have to remember Christ destroyed the temple and rebuilt it in three days.Your little things, and your big things, are nothing compared to his grace and mercy. I promise. 

Five on Friday

1.

I love some Jessie James Decker. I love her show, her music, and her Instagram.
She released her new song Lights Down Low last week and no surprise here, I love it. It is the perfect end of summer/early fall "love" song.

2.

The JCrew Fall Style guide arrived this week and I cannot get enough of it. Early Fall has to be one of my favorite times of the year. Humidity is oddly low this weekend and I plan on cleaning house with the door open.

3.

The Longest Ride has been on my Watch List since it hit theaters this spring and it's finally at Redbox! I foresee a Sunday afternoon movie in my future.

4.

While I love love love my Brittany Fuson prints, Sara introduced me to Lindsay Nichole Designs yesterday and I already have my favorites. She has an Etsy shop too with the most precious prayer cards for only $5!

Sara sent me this specific print and I already am obsessing over it for my new office.

5.

It's a Super Bowl XLV rematch this weekend with the Steelers facing the Packers in some pre-season football. I am already pumped with insults ready to go!

Friday 8/21

Something Monogrammed, Something Jcrew, Something New

You might notice something different about Pekarsking-Around this morning, well for one it's not Pekarsk-ing Around. I had the itch that it was time for a change. You see, I named my blog when I was 21, a college senior drinking seven Diet Cokes a day, and living in the library M-F and in a frat house weekends. Four years later it's safe to say I'm in a different place in life. While I may Pekarsk Around in Midtown every blue moon, these days my life is quite literally monograms and media. I am three years into a career I am owning more and more everyday, discovering more about my personal style every morning, watching my friends change their monograms and create monograms for their children, and most importantly learning that you can't plan life you just go with it.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Tuesday Trending

"Pink is my signature color."

5 on Friday

1. 

Warren Christopher Leitch made his grand arrival last weekend and I had the joy of meeting him in all his tininess. He is absolutely perfect and Sara was a champ! I cannot wait to watch him grow and see my best friend be an amazing mom!

2. 

My girl Brittany Fuson just added a ton of her lovely ladies to the Sale section. The Collegiate Collection is unfortunately retiring but with the promise of tons of new fall arrivals!

3.

Preseason football is officially upon us!! Yes, I am one of those people that gets pumped about preseason games. Hey man, I just went six longgg months without some #blackandyellow on the field I'm gonna wave that Terrible Towel.

4.

One of my favorite bloggers Pearls and Twirls' business partner and bestie finally started a blog! Caroline and Katie own the precious store My Kind of Lovely and now Caroline's joined the blogging world with Peach Love Travel Bug. 

5.

I cannot wait for my Southern Living to arrive this month because Reese Witherspoon is on the cover! I mean could she be any cuter?

Friday 8/14

Wedding Wednesday

Yes, this is an odd topic for me to be blogging on but it's not what you think.

This has nothing to do with my wedding, wedding plans, future "Bride's" cake ideas, or any of that.

Instead this post is all about Magnolia Plantation, blush bridesmaid dresses, and mMw.

The countdown started at 564 days and ended under the most beautiful tree in Charleston, SC.

We have all been dying for pictures to come in and last week they finally arrived [early]!!

JOPhoto not only did an amazing job but made taking pictures in 90 degree heat fun, they are the best. So, without further rambling #MeanttoBeenMynatt

And they lived happily ever after.

Tuesday Trending

I mentioned on Friday that I am now a full fledged Gladiator "It's Handled" and am on pace to finish Season 2 tonight. I described Scandal as a sexier version of CSI to a friend this week and the only thing better than the crisis of the week are Olivia Pope's flawless outfits. Her coat game is on point. And it doesn't help I'm craving fall. I think Ms. Pope would approve of the combinations below.

5 on Friday

1.

If you don't subscribe to the Brittany Fuson newsletter, you should. Every month you get new drink recipes, yummy dinner ideas, outfit inspirations, and a monthly playlist. I have had the August playlist on repeat since the newsletter hit my inbox yesterday morning.

2.

Reese Witherspoon launched her lifestyle brand Draper James in May and has been spotted out and about pretty much everywhere in her precious designs. And now it's been announced the first Draper James store will be coming Fall 2015 right here in Nashville. Thanks for the hometown love Reese!

3.

The latest installment of the Bachelorette may be over but have no fear Bachelor in Paradise is here AND it's coming at you not one but two nights a week! I will be catching up on double the drama this weekend, I heard onion girl is back..

4.
FOOTBALL IS BACK. Well kind of. The Hall of Fame game this year is none other than the Steelers [and Vikings.] AND The Bus #36, after three long years of waiting, is finally being inducted into the Hall of Fame!!



BEEP BEEP!

5.
I have finally jumped on the Scandal train. I know I'm about four years late but I think I made up for lost time with how quickly I marathon'd through the first season. Now I'm just trying to find reasons in every day life to say, "It's handled."

Friday 8/7

Evelyn Henson

What I Watched Wednesday

I haven't done one of these in a while [mostly because I've been binge watching shows on Netflix] but I finally checked some movies off my "To Watch" list and have some new ones to add to the list! 

First up, True Story. 

After a small fight with my cable box to make OnDemand work I finally got to watch this crime thriller Saturday afternoon. I will not lie, it's not what the trailer makes it look like at all. By that I mean it's not super fast paced and there are no cliff hangers. Now there are a TON of questions you're left with after the movie's over. I spent a good 20 minutes after the credits Google-ing about the real life case and trial. Franco does an amazing job playing Longo and if any of you end up watching plllllease tell me what you think the wink at the end means!! 

Last night, with the AT&T/Comcast Outage of 2015, I decided to Redbox it and rented Insurgent. 

I haven't read any of the books but I really liked Divergent so I figured why not. Let's just say I'm glad I waited to rent instead of paying $14 to go see it in theaters. The last 30 minutes are really the best part and after  [once again] some Google-ing I'm really intrigued to see how the third book/lat two movies play out.

Finally, All Good Things.

Hello Ryan Gosling on a random Wednesday night. 

Um, wait this movie is INSANE. 

"INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY of the most notorious unsolved missing person’s case in New York history. ALL GOOD THINGS is a love story and murder mystery set against the backdrop of a New York real estate dynasty in the 1980s. "

I will warn you now, this movie is a weird one. If you want the sexy, cute, and brooding Ryan Gosling get out your The Notebook DVD girlfriend. It did keep me on the edge of my seat for a solid two hours and now I'm really mad at Ryan Gosling for no rational reason. So maybe it wasn't that bad. 

"To Watch"

-Age of Adaline

-Dark Places

-Southpaw

Tuesday Trending

I have been making a consistent effort to run at least three times a week. And while I'm not making moves like 7 milers it's amazing how a solid 2 miles after work makes all the difference.

I have always loved bright running shoes. I used to joke they were my insurance policy that cars could see me [and they make your legs look really tan.] My #1 on my 25 before 25 is to run the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, I've got my Steeler Nike shorts to ensure my thunder thighs are stylin' but gotta give the feet some love too. Now, to pick just one color combination..