self magazine’s me-time!

What better Magazine Monday to post a day late than the one inspired by Self and the carving out of a little “me-time?”  I took this holiday weekend as a time to relax and rejuvinate a bit before embarking on my crazy travel schedule starting this Sunday!  According to Self, if we want to feel our best we need to get back to “the basics” of sleeping, eating properly, exercising and enjoying some quiet time alone.  I was lucky enough to do just that over the three day weekend!

My mission, according to Self, was to: recharge (sleep!), snack smartly, laugh, exercise and stretch. Mission accomplished!

Recharge.  I was fortunate to be able to sleep in on Saturday and Sunday mornings, but awoke early enough to enjoy the quiet stillness weekend mornings bring.  I spent a few hours each day on a blanket in the backyard with Orvis by my side reading books and flipping through magazines.

Snacking.  While I have a killer sweet tooth and did not deprive myself of brownies & ice cream during Monday’s movie night, we were able to get to the Portland Farmer’s Market and stock up on some fruits & vegetables to enjoy over the weekend.  I’m anxiously awaiting to refill our supply of local peaches and wild blueberries at tomorrow’s market!  This cooler weather has brought me back to constantly sipping green tea, something I always seem to let go in the sumer.  I’m so glad it’s back in my life now!

Laugh.  Orvis, Michael & I had the pleasure of taking a hike with Sarah & The Pointer Sisters this weekend in Robinson Woods.  Good times will be had anytime three crazy, cute dogs get together!  We also enjoyed a Sunday evening dinner with friends, Tim & Allison, who are expecting their first child in one month.  Lots of giggles were shared over dinner there as well!  Monday morning also provided me with lots of laughter as well, as I photographed an adorable family in Saco for their holiday cards!

Exercise.  In addition to the dog walks and hikes that are a part of every weekend, Michael and I made it out to the tennis courts twice this weekend.  Sunday was a monumental day in our relationship as Michael beat me in tennis for the first time ever!  Although I reclaimed my victorious position yesterday, I’m definitely going to have to start bringing my A-game to the court.

Stretch. I always stretch after I exercise, but I made sure to take some extra time this weekend for me & my mat.  Since moving to Maine, I haven’t been able to find a yoga teacher quite like the ones I had in Chapel Hill, but it’s always nice to practice quietly alone.

As I prepare to travel for various shoots over the next four weeks, I’m so glad I did this exercise and returned to the basics of sleeping, exercising, having fun and eating well.  I will call upon these basics in each city I’m visiting to keep my travels stress-free!  Happy Tuesday!