If you follow me on Instagram — which, for the record, is a very normal phrase to utter in 2018 — then you already know I've just returned from an epic European trip. Two weeks, one suitcase, four countries, 11 flights and one (rumored) Cypriot lady mob boss.

It all started with a too-quick weekend in London visiting two dear friends and getting hoisted on the shoulders of a muscly stranger at a Foo Fighters concert wearing a tight-ish midi dress (ladies, you understand the conundrum here). Then, my friend Dana and I ventured off to the Faroe Islands, Paris and Cyprus for a hiking-culture-beach mash-up where we met said (rumored) Cypriot lady mob boss in her taxi, which she drove around the Mediterranean island like she meant Tony Soprano-level business.

The entire trip was a refreshing break from the palpable anxiety of living in the United States at this moment in time. It's tangible, the feeling here. Nearly everyone is on edge with the current political climate (whether you voted for the old Cheeto or not), and sometimes the best way to shed the stress & worry is to literally GTFO.

PSA: running away is not the/a solution but occasionally necessary.

Because it's summer! And though I've proclaimed publicly my intention to finish this website / portfolio of mine, I'm thinking of shirking that responsibility for a bit longer to soak up these warm, berry-filled days with my full, undivided presence. This life asks — demands, if we're listening close enough — we slow down enough to experience it.

Enjoy this collection of links from around the web, and make it a lovely week. xo

The perfect beach dress.

Amazing earrings.

I need a recyclable water bottle and am thinking of buying this one, unless anyone has better recommendations?

Finished this book and onto this one.

This podcast episode is a must-listen.

My friend Megan launched her new men's styling service. Check it! (Shameless plug: I helped design it.)

Wise wisdom.

Finding peace, simplicity & rituals in Italy. A lovely piece by my friend, Emily.

The power of positive people.

The extinction of the middle child when we need them most. Middle children (like me), #FTW.

Raising my child in a doomed world. "I can’t protect my daughter from the future and I can’t even promise her a better life. All I can do is teach her: teach her how to care, how to be kind and how to live within the limits of nature’s grace. I can teach her to be tough but resilient, adaptable and prudent, because she’s going to have to struggle for what she needs. But I also need to teach her to fight for what’s right, because none of us is in this alone. I need to teach her that all things die, even her and me and her mother and the world we know, but that coming to terms with this difficult truth is the beginning of wisdom."

LOL of the week.

Friends, HOW R U??? I know, I know — it's been awhile since I've written here. If you're reading this post however, then you may have seen my site got a facelift! Or shall I say, partial facelift? Over the past few years, updating my design portfolio has rightfully taken low priority to the amazing clients who've come my way. But as a designer who'd like to keep working with amazing clients, the time has come to finally revamp this space for the first time in 3 1/2 years.

While the nagging perfectionist in me would prefer to debut my new portfolio finished and dripping in that Bruno finesse, it's not my reality. For a long time, I used this inability to devote large chunks of time as a reason not to do it. However, procrastination is just fear in a very lazy disguise. (Brené, I see you, I hear you.) I've been working to combat my own fear by becoming friends with incremental progress. Small, consistent steps do not form the sexy route, but I'm finding almost always, they do form the more successful one.

(I think that last sentence officially means I'm growing up. Are you happy, mom???)

Enjoy the few projects I've uploaded and stay tuned for more to come later this month. In the meantime, here's a long-overdue collection of links I've loved . Happy, happy June and all the impending summer things. Strawberries, we're comin' for you.

Spring lusting.

Maybe a pair of these too.

Speaking of spring clothing, a guide to responsibly made underwear.

A lovely poster.

A subscription service I can get behind.

How five single women save money.

Stacy London on her year of going broke. "I imagined parties and places I'd go, the people I'd be with, and when I bought this one last dress, shoe, bag or necklace, my image in these imaginary scenarios would somehow be complete...or whole. I realize now it was just a fantasy future, to distract me from an agonizing present." (via Rachel)

This is a must read — the intersection of the gun control debate & masculinity.

The last conversation you'll ever need to have about eating right. "We don’t know, because the study to prove that any one diet is “best” for human health hasn’t been done, and probably can’t be. So, for our health, the “best” diet is a theme: an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and plain water for thirst. That can be with or without seafood; with or without dairy; with or without eggs; with or without some meat; high or low in total fat."

Ten amazing entrepreneurs who had accomplished nothing by age 30. And, part two. I love this.

How to get focus.

The ultimate cabin guide. (via Cup of Jo)

Take me here immediately.

Warm fuzzies. (via Cup of Jo)