So it appears that I’ve been totally slacking here, but (and there’s always a but, isn’t there?) in my defense it’s totally just been one of “those weeks” - you know, the ones where you don’t hear from the people you wish you would, you spill your lunch on your brand new white James Perse shirt, you can’t find parking anywhere at anytime and the cookie just doesn’t crumble the way you think it should. Oh, AND the Loeffler Randall booties that you were psyched to score at more than 70% off last week finally arrive, only for you to discover that they just don’t fit. Like at all. Okay, maybe these tragedies only happen in MY life.

But seriously (all jokes aside), I do know that things are pretty freaking fantastic…so I’m celebrating Friday by forcing myself to turn off the endless loop of John Mayer’s “Stop This Train” that’s been playing for most of May, grabbing a third cup of coffee and starting the weekend with the resolve to keep on keepin’ on…

It’s been so incredibly warm in the city during these past few days which makes me the happiest girl alive. Not only did I really enjoy my sunny walk home from the event I attended downtown on Sunday, but I was able to spend the majority of last night writing from our lovely little back porch. As if it could get any better, my tickets for Train & Mat Kearney at the UC Berkeley Greek Theater came in the mail today. Woohoo!

Of course, with the nice weather and summer concert schedule comes a serious need for a windows down/sunglasses on kind of playlist.  Since I am a mix master, I thought I’d put together a list of the oldie-but-goodie type tunes/new favorite tracks that I’ve had on heavy rotation during my recent commutes. In true nerd fashion, I whipped up a faux album cover in Photoshop with one of my recent Instagram shots of the city:

I know, I know.  I just couldn’t help myself!

While the 80 degree temperatures are sure to fade away as quickly as they came, I’ll be rocking out to these jams while en route to Los Angeles, Monterey, Sacramento and Lake Don Pedro in coming months. So tell me: which songs will grace your playlist for summer 2012?

Leave a comment or tweet me with your favorites - I love discovering new music!

One of the best parts about my job is that I get to spend my time helping women share their passions. While it might seem trivial that my work encourages ladies to create digital lists, the truth is that building tools that enable women to share the things they know and love is incredibly rewarding.

I had the pleasure of attending an afternoon tea at The Green Room yesterday to support Help a Mother Out, a wonderful Bay Area based charity that advocates for young moms and provides them with things they need. Not only was it fantastic to be a part of the tea (the venue was absolutely gorgeous!) but it was really neat to meet some of our local SkinnyScoop mavens who joined us at our table to support the cause.

I’m consistently inspired by the different bits of knowledge and skills that individuals bring to a group. We always say that SkinnyScoop helps women to “unleash their Inner Oprah”, so to be seated among women of diverse backgrounds who are doing just that was stimulating.  I have so much admiration for people who have found their niche and use it to make a difference.  Sometimes that difference is as small as compiling a list of resources that can save another friend time or energy and sometimes it’s as big as hosting a fundraiser that helps young mothers in need. Knowledge is power, and I’m proud to help spread the word.

For more about Help a Mother Out and their favorite causes, check out this list.