Heather has begun a “J’adore La Vie” project.  More details are soon to come, but in short, Heather summarizes it beautifully by saying:

“J’adore la vie is a movement encouraging everyone to love life, cherish the present, and savor the moments that make our hearts sing. It’s a mantra that represents letting go of every worry or fear in our lives in exchange for love! We’re going to do it through pictures, allowing all of us to connect through each other’s happiness! People (yes YOU!) will send in photos of you in your element – in a state of pure bliss – simply enjoying life. Let’s create J’adore la vie!”

The working mantra is: Breathe. Listen. Dream it. See it. Reach for it. Grab it. Love it. Live it. J’adore la vie.” How beautiful is that?  I love it.

Meg wrote her own J’adore La Vie post this weekend, and since today is Marvelous Monday with Diva Katie, I wanted to combine the two since they go hand in hand.

Friday night, Jonny and I went to dinner at my parents’ house where I made another batch of Monkey Bread.  Saturday, my dad and I went to the farmer’s market to load up on fruits and veggies.  Whenever we go, he buys fresh flowers for my momma.  J’adore la vie.  All weekend was absolutely gorgeous out; it wasn’t too hot, but it was cooler than it had been with just a hint of fall in the air.

People were out, great deals were happenin’ (A case of strawberries for $5! That’s eight pounds of strawberries – yes, eight!), and my daddy-o and I were loving life.

Trader Joe’s and Lululemon bags make the best grocery bags!  Saturday evening entailed a girls night as Jonny went to Mizzou for the big football game.  Girls night ended up being just Diana and I which was just fine with us!  We went to Remy’s Kitchen & Wine Bar.  I’ve heard great things about Remy’s, but never tried it out myself; after looking at the menu online, I knew it wouldn’t disappoint.

Everything we had was delicious!  There were bagel chips on the tabled served with some type of olive paste which I (not Diana) enjoyed.  I started with a Belgian Endive, Radicchio & Walnut Salad which entailed “bleu cheese & mission figs drizzled with white truffle oil and balsamic reduction.”  This was my favorite part of our meal.  The figs added the perfect amount of sweetness while the bleu cheese was just strong enough.

Next, I ordered the Pan Seared Scallops & Spinach.  It was served with a tomato balsamic vinaigrette and crumbled goat cheese.  Diana and I decided to split the Sweet and Sour Sicilian Spinach which ended up being similar to the spinach that my scallops were served on.  Good thing I like my greens!  We were both pleasantly full after our meal and decided we would definitely come back with our boys.  There was an art show going on in the area, so after dinner we walked around.  My best friend, cool weather, and a great atmosphere – a true j’adore la vie evening.

I’m not the artsy type, but there was live music and lots of people out, so we savored the evening.  J’adore la vie.  There was one piece of art that I particularly liked.

Isn’t that sweet?  Our big girls night out ended by us being home by 10:30.  My kind of night!  I woke up at seven (late!), ran to the gym, did a bootcamp class, and leisurely walked home, showered, then headed to a cousin’s bridal shower.  It was a lovely affair hosted by my mom, aunt, and family friend.  Naturally, Stephanie and I got a little silly – itz what happens when my momma leaves her glasses out!

Scholarly, eh?  J’adore la vie!  Sunday evening ended with Jonny and I watching a couple of my students play in their first soccer game of the season.  It was adorable and we basked in the beautiful weather.  Being outside in gorgeous weather is definitely one of my most favorite things to do. 

J’adore la vie, my friends.  Life is busy, but itz finding the little moments and being with the people you love that count.  That is marvelous.  Happy day to you.

What’s your j’adore la vie moment as of late?