The house has felt so empty after my parents have left. And the void is magnified especially because the husband and brother are at work all day. But I have been reminding myself of how wonderful these past few weeks have been with my family and have been trying to be purposeful in finding the beauty in the little things - whether it be an email thread with a friend, a good book, or the feeling of accomplishment after cleaning the house, doing the laundry and cooking a meal.

Happy Friday and cheers to the weekend!

Emerald, better known as Emmy sometimes joins me for a [brief] snuggle. This photo was taken after she had been making herself into a burrito with the comforter.

Iced tea break @thinkcoffee during our epic day in New York

A slice of New York pizza for dinner before watching Wicked (also during our epic day in New York)

The beauty in the small things. A midday pick-me-up: Fruit-infused water. Fresh flowers. Dried lavender.