If I go out and have a life, but don't photograph it, do I really even have a life? I went to draft this post and realized how few pictures I took this month.

Where did my time go?

Why is my memory card empty?

Did I even do anything?


I'm back for another edition of filter the fluff! Every now and then, I come across really well-written pieces on the interwebs and get the urge to share. My only criteria is that each article is thought-provoking in some way.

I was thumbing through my bookmarks today and realized I have a few favorites that all center around the theme of womanhood in relation to career, food, and faith. Let's get to it.

~ Where do I go to find more blogs by people who don't blog for a living? I need a Bloglovin' alternative that doesn't show me posts from the same popular 14 bloggers over and over again. One that's just for us non-full-time-influencers who are on a career path that doesn't include sponsored instagram posts and international travel every other weekend. For those of us who cherish vacation in a different way because there's a regular routine waiting for us when we get back home. Where are all my people at?

~ Blogger's comment notification system randomly stopped working a couple months ago, and I never knew. One day recently I was updating my layout and came across a whole bunch of comments I had missed. The problem is now fixed, but I still feel bad for responding weeks later. Sorry! If you're reading this it's not too late.

~ Speaking of blog layouts, it's so difficult to find simple/minimal blog designs these days. All the new templates out there are nicer and fancier than the actual content being posted on the blogs. They have all these special features and sections that are frankly just doing the most in my opinion. It used to be necessary to code a blog template if you wanted a fancier layout. Now? I had to code the template because I wanted a simpler one. :/
I'm hearing lots of chatter lately about fall, and how autumn can't come fast enough, and I am here to object.

Enjoy these last few weeks of summer while you can.

My first visit to Sarah Jeans was over five years ago, and it quickly became my favorite ice cream shops around town - better than Jeni's Splendid, better than Queen of Cream, and better than Kilwins, all of which are considered some of the best spots in town for a creamy, churned dessert. They don't have fancy toppings, chocolate coated cones or anything super special. They keep it simple. It's just good, old-fashioned ice cream.

That summer five years ago, I visited Sarah Jean's multiple times - and many times that fall and winter as well. I would drive out of my way and deal with the headache-inducing parking at the Marietta Square just for a banana split. Also, their coffee and salted caramel flavors paired together taste like a caramel macchiato - so good!

These days, I'm less of an ice cream fanatic. Before this weekend, I hadn't been to Sarah Jeans in a couple years, but when I stepped inside it was just as I remembered. I was mentally transported to the days when I'd make the trek to the square after work for a post-dinner treat. Their coffee and salted caramel ice cream flavors taste exactly the same, and I pray they never change.


My great niece continues down the path of perfection. Crumbs, tears, snot bubbles & all. ❤️

No other fries will do.
The Vinings Village is home to one of the most charming coffee shops I've ever visited.

© the active spirit. +