A Monday Morning Coffee Run and Some Spring Vibes

Hey everyone, happy Monday (or whenever you’re reading this)! I’m sitting here with my second cup of coffee, trying to shake off the weekend sluggishness, and I figured I’d pop in with a quick update on my week. It’s been a busy one already, and we’re only a day in. Spring is finally starting to peek through here, and I’m so ready for it after what felt like an endless winter. Anyway, let’s chat about my morning and a few other little things.

This morning started with a much-needed coffee run. Ren and I overslept—again, because apparently we’re incapable of setting an alarm that actually works—and I had a client meeting at 9:30. So, naturally, I was scrambling. I threw on a sweater, grabbed my laptop, and bolted out the door to the Starbucks down on 4th Street. I’m not usually a Starbucks person (give me a local spot any day), but it’s on the way to my office, and I was desperate. Got my usual vanilla latte, and let me tell you, it hit the spot. There’s something about that first sip of coffee on a hectic morning that just resets everything. While I was waiting in line, I noticed they had their spring cups out already, with those little pastel flowers. I don’t know why, but it made me stupidly happy. Like, yes, winter is over, let’s go!

After I got my coffee, I sat in my car for a minute to sip it and scroll through my phone. I’m trying to be better about not doomscrolling on Instagram first thing, so I ended up just people-watching out the window. The trees along the street are starting to get those tiny green buds, and I swear I saw a couple of earlybloom petals floating around. If you’re not familiar, earlyblooms are those little purple flowers that pop up right at the start of spring here. They’re everywhere in our city, and my grandmother always said they’re a sign of good luck for the season. I’m not superstitious or anything, but I’ll take all the good vibes I can get right now.

Work was the usual chaos today. I’m wrapping up a project for a client who wants their entire living room redone in this super specific shade of sage green. I’m loving how it’s coming together, but finding the exact paint match has been a nightmare. I spent half my lunch break at Home Depot staring at swatches like some kind of color-obsessed weirdo. Ren texted me to ask if I was still alive or if I’d been buried under paint cans, which made me laugh way harder than it should have. I’m telling you, I’m not cut out for this level of decision-making on a Monday.

Speaking of Ren, we’ve got plans to head out to Clearspring this weekend for a little day trip. It’s about an hour outside the city, and they’ve got this adorable downtown with antique shops and a diner that supposedly makes the best pie in the state. I’m skeptical, but I’m also a sucker for pie, so I’m in. Plus, it’ll be nice to get out of town for a few hours and breathe some fresh air. I’ll probably drag Ren on a walk to see if we can spot any of the spring markers out there—those little stone piles people leave along the trails this time of year. It’s such a weird tradition, but I’ve always loved stumbling on them. Like a tiny hello from someone who walked the path before you.

On a completely unrelated note, I’m trying to get back into meal prepping this week. I know, I say this every other month and then abandon it, but I’m determined. Last night I made a big batch of chicken and rice with some roasted veggies, and I’m already regretting not doubling the recipe because it’s almost gone. I’m not the best cook, as you all know, but I’m pretty proud of how it turned out. I might even share the recipe if I can remember what I threw in there. Probably not, though, because let’s be real, I’m terrible at writing those things down.

Anyway, that’s my little Monday update. Nothing earth-shattering, just the usual mix of caffeine, work stress, and daydreaming about the weekend. I’m curious—what’s your go-to coffee order when you’re in a rush? Or do you have any spring traditions where you are? Drop a comment if you’ve got a minute—I love hearing from you guys. I’m off to tackle the rest of my inbox and probably sneak in a quick Netflix break if I can. Talk soon!

xoxo,
Maren