I took an unexpected but pleasant break from most blogging and social media (ahem, twitter) last week. It turned out to be just what I needed as I refine the direction of this space. I had some time to work on a few new ideas and spent a lot of time helping a friend launch her blog and business!

But I’m back again to say a few Hellos with Lisa Leonard this week.

Hello Downton Abbey! I’ve been sucked down the rabbit hole and I wonder what took me so long to start watching it. I guess the blessing in this is that I’ve got three seasons at my fingertips to watch. My husband is watching too. Matthew Crowley. SWOON.

Hello family time. As I write this, I’m sitting in my mother in law’s den. We took a few extra days around the Easter holiday to spend time with her. We enjoyed a big meal with extended family on Saturday night and after church on Sunday went to the beach. It was chilly, but my toes were so happy to finally be in the sand. It makes me long for summer time on Cape Cod, when we can fully enjoy all that the beach has to offer!

Hello wonder! Malone was ripe with excitement this weekend over the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, Easter Basket, and Sunday morning Church Service. 3 turning into 4 is such a wonder. Everything is exciting and fun!

Hello relaxation. This weekend on Cape Cod has reminded me how much I enjoy a slower relaxed pace. So much of our time at home is spent going, doing, and seeing. I never feel like there are enough hours in the day. I need to work harder to foster a slower day. We are all more relaxed because of it.

How was your weekend, friends? What are you looking forward to this week?