she goes stumbling through her memories ...

2012-02-01T08:30:00.000-05:00

Dear February,

Let's do it to it, ok?

xo.

2012-01-30T22:19:00.006-05:00

enJOY it is one of my very favorite blogs. I relate to Elise. I relate to coffee & creativity. I relate to the love of the water. I can relate to missing a military man. I relate to yoga. I relate to the magic of quotes & words. I relate to strategically organized bookshelves. I relate to instagram obsession! I love the honesty of her blog. There has yet to be a post I thought wasn't worth my time. And that's why I am sharing it with you! I hope you enJOY it, too.

[all photo credit to elise & her blog]

2012-01-29T08:24:00.001-05:00

Whoa. What a good week on the interwebs! I had a really hard time choosing posts not to include! Everyone was so insightful and inspiring - I love it. I also needed it. It was an up and down sort of week ending with a Saturday off that was SO FULL.

I did yoga and drank coffee and had real life talk with my boss. I walked along the beach and watched the surfers surf and the water surround me. I drank mimosas at lunch and shopped for things that smelled wonderful. I had lovely dinner with lovely people and half priced wine. And I cried while watching Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close - the kind of cry where the tears stream down your face as if it's completely natural for you to be openly weeping.

I hope you had a day that was that good, too. You can tell me all about it if you want. I'd like that.

But until then, here are the Links I Love:

1. There was a day this week where I wasn't happy. It's ok to not be ok. Eat a macaroon and let it go.

2. I am obsessed with yoga. Last year, I mastered Crow Pose, so maybe 2012 is the year of the headstand? [Lululemon has a showcase store in Charleston. It's the cutest little place ever.]

3. Writing help. Real writing advice. Direction and inspiration for Bold Types.

4. I am not the best at giving or receiving compliments. I'm self-conscious and awkward, but I try to be good at it anyway. Here are a few tips & tricks if you have a hard time with it, too!

5. I WANT TO JUICE CLEANSE.

6. Oh dear goodness. Trust me, you want to listen to this podcast. I wouldn't steer you wrong and neither would Joy & Tracy.

7. A friend sent me this link because she loved it. She thought I would, too. And I did. My eyes filled with tears and my heart filled with hope. Love is alive.

"They’ve set the bar high, but there’s no need to lower it; this isn’t limbo, it’s life. Nothing good has ever come easy, and I love a good challenge."

8. Elise reminded me to be in the present. What are you doing right now? I would love to know.

9. Clearly, I will soon be making Raw Chocolate Milk. And I'm going to want to store it in a mason jar.

And my final piece of information: Listen to Lana Del Ray - Video Games.

Gosh, I hope you enjoy these links as much as I do. And I hope you enjoy reading this post as much as I loved writing it.

xo.

2012-01-28T18:24:00.001-05:00

"If you can't connect with yourself, how are you going to connect with someone else? If you have walls built, then you'll never be able to communicate and find out that you're not alone." - my yoga instructor, Caryn.

2012-01-26T23:49:00.000-05:00

day twenty six via instagram

2012-01-25T22:42:00.002-05:00

Today,

I wore my new cardigan. Hi, Cardigan! I like you.

I let myself get overwhelmed.
I don't think I'll make that mistake again.

Then I walked around and ate macaroons for lunch.
That part I would definitely do again.

For dinner, I ate at a bar.
Reuben + Duck Fat Fries + Purple Haze.

(I really love Abita beers.)

I also scored some produce from a box.
Thank you, Wellness Group!

Someone described me as "exhausted looking".
I have to find a way to combat that. More water & green smoothies?

Oh sleep.
I could do that, too.

This time last year, I was quitting my job and beginning a new one. I was also learning about Florence + The Machine and how to make chicken soup from scratch. Oh how the time flies!

Tomorrow, I need to pay bills, finish laundry, call Megan, go to yoga, paint my nails, visit the brother, read and bake cookies. At least. I also need hair product. Feel free to remind me of these things randomly throughout the day.

Listen to Origins - Tennis and We Are Young - Fun.

2012-01-24T22:01:00.002-05:00

I have posted this before, but it's definitely the sort of topic that has been up for debate a lot recently with someone I know. I'm of the belief that when the time is right, you'll know. Fate will take you where you need to go or keep you where you need to be. It will open your eyes and your heart to the right person. (After you make yourself ready to be open to such things...)

That's not to say be a hermit. That's also not to say go all out crazy while you wait. I think there's a happy medium.

But until the moment finally comes, grow your own avocado tree. And chin up!

LORELAI: Someday you'll meet someone, and you'll just know it’s right. You won't want to hesitate. You'll just know.

RORY: I hope so.

LORELAI: I really do believe it.

RORY: So I guess no avocado trees.

LORELAI: Well, no avocado tree.

RORY: You know, I think I'll get my own avocado tree.

LORELAI: See? You could get your own cherry tree, get your own peanut tree, just have peanut butter all day long.

RORY: Peanuts don't grown on trees. They grow under the ground.

LORELAI: Whatever. My point is you can have anything you want.

RORY: Oh, yes. It’s wide open.

LORELAI: What do you mean, peanuts don't grow on trees?

RORY: Mom, trust me. I'm a college graduate.

xo.

(PS. Part of/most of this script sounds strange out of context. Go watch Gilmore Girls!)

2012-01-24T20:51:00.001-05:00

2012-01-23T22:38:00.000-05:00

via everyday musings

2012-01-23T21:35:00.002-05:00

"Take this time to breathe deep and let whatever is on your mind go. You can't make someone do something. You can't make something work. Sometimes, you literally have to just let it go. That doesn't mean give up. It means let it go." - My yoga teacher, Harriott.

2012-01-22T23:34:00.000-05:00

twloha. [subject: me, photo credit: katie gandy]

I've decided to turn Top 5 Friday into "Links I Love". Why? I don't like the constraints I put on myself for Top 5 Friday. It's both a limit and a deadline. No thanks. So, welcome to the first edition of Links I Love! I just couldn't make up my mind, so it took me all weekend to narrow it down from the hundreds of posts I probably read this week.

Enjoy!

1. Sometimes you need an attitude adjustment or a perspective shift. Sometimes life seems glass half empty, but you can definitely make it half full.

"You'll do fine. People have phenomenal capacity." // Project Life Week 2

2. I am slowly but surely learning this trait - How to Say No (Without Being an Asshole).

3. An old friend and I discussed the idea of my blogging "seriously" or maybe writing professionally one day. This post on Organizing Inspiration may be an excellent place to start.

4. This week, Black Eiffel hit me with two motivating posts. One about Pretty Closets to jump start my cleaning project! And another about Alt Summit and Up & Coming Blogs - the inspiration is endless!

5. We often think about the things we wish were or could do. If you make a list, it might come true. A lot of these things are the kind of woman I want to be, too.

6. Meg also reposted this Dear Sugar post. It's quite intimate. "What you resolve will need to be resolved again".

7. Oh hi, Blue Print Cleanse. This is just another reason to convince me to spend my life savings on a juice cleanse. Thanks, Nicole!

8. Secrets don't make friends - especially if you tell ones that don't belong to you. End of story.

9. Once I make my closet pretty, I will be hitting the pantry. How could I not want to after seeing these before & after pantry photos?!

10. Gentlemint - Pinterest for boys.

11. This moved me to tears - Why I love Jesus, but Hate Religion.

12. Find your Daily Dose of Pretty at The Beauty Department. I realize this is incredibly girly.

13. Apple just changed the game. Again. Watching the iBooks Textbooks video made me want to go back to high school. This is how we do.

PS. I just found out my dear friends Charles & Myron had a free range chicken named after me at the Keegan Filion Farms Barn Raising today - how fantastic & flattering!

2012-01-20T02:15:00.000-05:00

But seriously...

Listen to this song because I almost got into an accident Shazam-ing it.

And this one, too. It almost made me cry on Gossip Girl.

Haters gonna hate.

You're welcome.

2012-01-19T00:16:00.001-05:00

I'll trade the moon for the sun, but this feeling for no one.

2012-01-18T23:48:00.002-05:00

Do One Thing Everyday That Scares You.

Go back to school. Make a new friend. Join the military. Quit your job & get a new one. Write a song. Read a book. Rock out in your car. Stand alone. Say what you mean. Dye your hair. Hug someone. Let someone hug you. Get married. Have a baby. Ask a question. Wear purple eyeliner. Say NO. Say YES. Keep your mouth shut. Call an old friend. Do a new workout. Go to the doctor. File your own taxes. Take care of someone. Start a new business venture. Move to a new city. Try a different food. Treat yo self. Cut up your credit card. Wake up early. Go to a concert. Laugh at yourself.

I am constantly in awe of the things we can push ourselves to do. My friends and family are quite inspiring in that respect. I love that the people in my life are constantly moving forward/re-arranging their lives to be better. Sometimes that brings them very close. Sometimes that takes them very far. But luckily never more than a comfortable phone conversation away.

What are you doing right now that scares you? Or is about to change your life?

And the only solution was to stand and fight.

2012-01-16T07:45:00.002-05:00

My friend Tony has been through so much in his life and despite everything manages to have such a beautiful perspective on life. It's truly inspiring.

"And when I look back upon times that should be painful, all I see is beauty from the Love that I have received. I leave you with an applicable Mumford quote: "In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die. And where you invest your Love, you invest your Life." - Tony Alessandro

I am blessed enough to find myself in the same place as him. It's hard to keep yourself down when you find yourself surrounded by such a large and supportive cheering section. There will never be a way to repay my family and friends for everything their love has done for my life.

2012-01-15T15:02:00.000-05:00

working on a resolution // via instagram

2012-01-15T03:05:00.002-05:00

So, this is a pretty revealing post and I am about to admit a couple of things about myself that may sound bad and/or cocky, but I don't mean to be that way. I am really a nice person... I swear.

A few (yeah. yeah. over three...) years ago, I broke up with someone who crushed me. (It happens, I know.) Most people get over that sort of thing quickly... I did not. I think I may have, but up until now I was like a serial dater. Literally, I would go out with guys one to four times, then find something horribly wrong with them or the situation and then find a way to stop seeing them/just ignore them.

Either I didn't find them entertaining or intelligent or attractive or nice enough. Or I was too busy or tired or bored. I always managed to wiggle my way out of the dating situation and leave them hanging.

How terrible is that? I KNOW. I AM SUCH A BAD PERSON.

But I wasn't ready. I didn't know them. I didn't trust them. And I didn't want

to. At all.

via instagram

So, for three years, I have basically been leading guys on and mentally dumping them before they have a chance. To be fair, I have dated some real douchebags, but I have also dated some really (really) nice guys, too. (Hi, I'm really sorry if you're reading this....) I let them all loose.

Recently, I have gone out with a few different fellas and have mentally pulled the plug - as per my usual (subconscious) plan. (I swear it's not my intent when I start going out with them.) But for some reason, this time... there was this one guy where it didn't seem quite fair for me to do that. More so, I didn't want to stop talking to him. (Ok, so that's sort of a lie. I did try to pull a fast one and ditch him, but then my friends called me out on it.)

At first, I sort of freaked out. He was super attentive. I got a book on our first date and my favorite flowers on the third. I got texts at least every morning and every night and we visited each other every weekend. I was really overwhelmed and ready to bail, but after a lot of thought, and being called out, I decided not to... I found him to be thoughtful, intelligent, attractive and funny. All at one time. That's crazy, right?

And then you know what happened? He did the same thing to me that I did to all the other guys. I got let go. Karma, eh? Except he was much nicer about it than I have ever been and he even explained himself to me. (I'm just a bitch when I do it - I never give an explanation.) And while the reasons are neither here nor there or for any sort of public forum... Ouch.

(This part is going to sound cocky....) This is the first time in three years, that I have been upset about a guy. I mean, I have always been the one to cut if off and that leaves you feeling pretty confident. But now, whoa. I don't know what to do. I'm not upset with him. I'm not upset with myself even. I am... disappointed? Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about it at the moment.

What I do know is that I am happy to know that for the first time in over three years that I let myself feel something and be open to the idea of someone else. That is such a huge thing for me - even though I definitely got shut down.

I guess I just learned a lot about myself through this whole experience.

I also learned that I should never feel like I am convincing someone that it's a good idea to date me. My friend said to me "I want you happy like in the movies." And I feel like if he feels that way that someone who wants to date me should feel even more than that. Clearly, that was not going to happen in this situation.

I spent a lot of time in my life dedicating myself to someone else. And don't get me wrong, I absolutely wanted to do that at that point in my life, but now I know that it should be reciprocated. I should only be dating guys who are head over heals for me.

I should never settle.

So, that's what I learned today.

It hurts when someone says they don't want you whether you've known them for three years or three months. You need to treat people the way you want to be treated. And, above all else, remember how much you deserve and never think that second place is an ok place to find yourself.

[Disclaimer: I am not mad at this guy. I do not hold this decision against him. He did nothing wrong. It's not a big deal. We may even turn out to be friends - certainly stranger things have happened.]

2012-01-13T20:11:00.003-05:00

I feel like the two weeks (ah!) of the New Year went by crazy fast. I have had so much going on - work, being sick, cooking, baking, eating delicious meals, sleeping enough, not sleeping enough, training at the gym, getting speeding tickets, reading books, plant care taking, getting an iPhone, hanging out with friends, meetings fellas, discussing life, building relationships. Everyday, I learn a little bit more about myself and then throw it all into the next day.

Life is so uncertain. There's not really time to dwell on it. You just have to do what you feel you want to do. Put yourself out there. Sometimes it works out. Sometimes it doesn't. It's ok. You have balance happiness and pain.

Deep, right? I think it's my Happiness Project Calendar. Or I'm just getting wiser. Or I'm too tired to think about uncomfortable things.

via instagram

So, without further ado, Top 5 Friday! I skipped last week, but these ones are thoughtful for you...

1. Like cheese & wine, relationships get better with time. I can't even begin to tell you how much I liked this post about relationships. Just a few points to consider.

2. Thought Catalog brings a spot on post about Things We Need to Be Happy. Read it and tell me it's not true. I dare you.

3. I just recently discovered Lululemon & their blog. Love. This post about challenging yoga was both informative & entertaining. Make sure you watch Sh!t Yogis Say.

4. It's time for January's Network of Nice Hook Ups!

5. My mom suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder and I've always suspected that I have a part of those genetics. I'm longing for summer already! Here are a few tips & tricks to beat the winter blues! And I was so interested in this that I googled it and here are a few more ideas!

Today, someone handed me a post it. (I love post its.) And on it were the words "Youth Lagoon". He told me that it had been too long since we talked about music and that was his gift to me. And now it's my gift to you. Enjoy.

I have more dreams than you have posters of your favorite teams. You'll never talk me out of this.

2012-01-12T22:05:00.004-05:00

What a day. Thursday.

This morning I went to work at 6 am because there was a man with a crane who was shutting down the street to put in the air conditioning unit. Crazy, right?

Today wasn't exactly what I thought it'd be, but I guess it was exactly what it was supposed to be.

It was actually a short day, by time standards, but it was busy and a lot went down at work. I did take a nice little stroll around downtown, then I got my eyebrows done. I went to the Lululemon Showroom today - love it and they have FREE YOGA on Saturday mornings! And when I came home, I made these yummy little energy bites...

Vegan No-Bake Energy Bites

1 c. oatmeal

1/2 c. almond/peanut butter

1/3 c. honey

1 c. coconut flakes (I used the big organic kind.)

1/2 c. ground flaxseed

1/2 c. vegan chocolate chips

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients together. Refrigerate for an hour. Roll into balls. Store in an airtight container.

I had a really difficult time not eating it all while it was still just a mix in the bowl. Ok, well, it's still a mix in the bowl, actually. I should have used smaller coconut flakes. It tastes delicious though. Breakfast? I think so.

I also got to do my first unstable workout at the gym. That means no solid ground. That also means jumping around in circles on bosu balls in front of strangers. I'll feel all of this tomorrow I'm sure.

And I may or may not have listened to Bass Down Low all day. Ok, I did.

The next two days it's just me at work - one half of the team. Then Saturday is Food Truck Rodeo! And Sunday I am off!

Get excited. I am. One day at a time.

2012-01-11T19:34:00.006-05:00

via instagram

When I spend time with my dad, we always have thought provoking conversation. He normally doesn't give a shit about things - he'll tell you that - so when he feels strongly about a topic, our discussion is always animated.

Tonight, we went to dinner downtown and talked about relationships. I guess more specifically past relationships. And we talked about how much things hurt when they happen and how much they hurt when they follow you. And the thing is that you never know how long they will follow you. That's the part that sucks. Sometimes it just takes time - in my case nearly three years - or it just takes the right person to get you out of the hole you dug for yourself or a little bit of both.

But eventually you get to the point where there is no longer any regret.

Do you wish things had worked out? Of course. Life is always easier when things work out. But do you wish things were different now? No. All the time and the people and the experiences have made you who you are and you've learned from everything. It was just ridiculously painful along the way.

That's the way it works. We both agreed on that.

I like being able to have these kind of real conversations with my dad. We were never close when I was younger, but the more we talk about life, the more I realize I'm a lot like him - I just dust my house more than he does.

Growing up is crazy.

Even the stars they burn. Some even fall to the earth. We've got a lot to learn.

2012-01-09T20:01:00.002-05:00

I worry a lot about things I can't control. I let people & ideas take up rental space in my head. It's a daily struggle for me to stop thinking and let go. I think that's why I love yoga so much. It's 75 minutes of letting go and focusing on my strength. You cannot do yoga when you're focusing on other things. You will most likely topple over. You cannot do yoga if you're not strong. You cannot do yoga if you don't believe you can. It's 75 minutes of pushing myself - where I focus on the positives of myself and the world around me.

It's lovely.

If you're not doing yoga, I highly recommend that you do.

So, my favorite things about TODAY: the sunshine, yoga, green tea lemonade from Starbucks, work dynamics, Dave Matthews Band, chocolate coconut milk, and this Black Pepper Bergamot candle I'm burning.

xo.

2012-01-08T22:09:00.000-05:00

Be in love with your life.

Every detail of it. - Jack Kerouac

2012-01-08T10:58:00.005-05:00

Things to do in Twenty Twelve:

1. Be outdoors. Go kayaking! Go camping! Hi, Glacier National Park!
2. Visit my lovely Megan in San Diego! Hey Cali Cali!
3. Buy an iPhone, yo.
4. Do a cleanse - like the Blue Print Cleanse!
5. Pay off Olivia the Jetta! Holla!
6. Go through my boxes in my parents' attic. I promised.
7. Keep blogging.
8. Spend less time on the interwebs. (I'm not sure how that will work...)
9. Spend a week in June in Hattiesburg with friends.
10. Learn all 67 Lominger competencies.
11. Finish The Hunger Games series.
12. Yoga (at least) once a week.
13. Think more before I speak, but still be honest.
14. Let the important people in my life know that they're important.
15. Bake half of the recipes from the Joy the Baker Cookbook.
16. Maybe get a tattoo? Eh? (Mom & Dad, I hope you're not reading!)
17. Buy a plant & keep it alive.

There are probably more. Like SKYDIVING! I believe that may be on the roomie to-do list.

Really, overall, I just want to simplify. My life. My work. My mind. My home. And I want to BE HERE - to be present in the moments of my life. I have a tendency to overcomplicate and overcommit to plans. I don't wanna do that. I have to be able to say no and focus on the things & people who add to my life, not detract from it.

Anyone else have any goals/resolutions/things to do during this year?

Here is a good post about resolutions for 20-somethings. I think it applies to 30-somethings. Also, it applies if you have FB/any social media or if you watch Parks & Rec. Or if you're a person who is living in this era.

Also, in 2012, I will go to court for my speeding ticket. Oy to the vey. Luckily, I am participating in No Drink January so there was no chance at all of drinking & driving. Call a cab, friends.

Hey, why do I like the song It Girl? And have you heard the new Jason Mraz song? Listen up!

2012-01-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

2012-01-02T22:57:00.008-05:00

Well, here's another way to look back at my year. I finished going through my 2011 blog and decided to highlight some of my best posts/memories.

January:
I saw Little Chickies get married and got snowed into Columbia! And quit my job for a new one. I thought & talked a lot about change and what's important. All while discovering one of my new favorite bands and making chicken soup.

February:
I spent time being healthy and cooking. I thought about future plans and tried to focus on being a leader. I had a couple of reality checks and a really hard day at work - perspective is a crazy thing. I tried really hard to be positive and learn from others.

March:
This month was full of beer & baking. I also got my very first mac and discovered Parks & Recreation! I fixed my car with tie dyed duct tape when I backed into a wall. I tried to remember to live in the present and be full of sunshine.

April:
I guess April showers bring May flowers? I was a little down and out for most of this month. Then I read some good words and made my way to NYC for a bit - what a magical place.

May:
I revisited the idea of being present and balancing it with what's next. And sort of decided that life is complete with caffeine and Apple products, yes? Or maybe waffles, work & friends? But then my brother got married and I remembered that the greatest of all of these is love - so happy for their life together!

June:
I turned out to be a crazy person this month. And I seriously doubted my decision making abilities. But I painted my nails minty green and had lots of good & productive days the rest of the month!

July:
I definitely didn't finish any of these books. But I did a lot of living - like going to the beach, kayaking, seeing David Gray and drinking lots of iced coffee! I watched an amazing movie - HappyThankYouMorePlease - that I highly recommend. The Espinosas got chickens! It was all just really good. Maybe July was my best month.

August:
I turned another year older! And I took a lot of photos for The August Break. You'll also notice from those photos that I moved and saw Jack's Mannequin and discovered nail stickers! We also experienced some crazy forces of nature!

September:
I remembered September 11 - after 10 years, it's still an experience that's fresh in my mind. I also spent a lot of time in the kitchen and listening to Spotify - love! I began my Top 5 Friday posts which are both fun and stressful for me at times. And I took myself on a date to see 50/50 - it had been too long.

October:
Rachel came to visit and we loved my city together. Steve Jobs & Chef Pernell both passed away - two dynamic influences upon my life. I kept on with Top 5 Friday. And I spent wonderful & precious time with some of my very best friends whose constant presence I miss. But then I remember what amazing friends I have right here! How did I get so lucky?

November:
I RAN A HALF MARATHON! Shut up, I know. I'm surprised I'm still alive. Other than that, I read a lot of blogs and shared a lot of posts with you all. The best was probably Marcel the Shell With Shoes On. I kept myself exhausted with new people coming and going. Then I gave thanks, survived Black Friday and got in the holiday spirit!

December:
This past month was a test, I think. I'm still not sure if I passed or not. A lot of my blog posts were Top 5 Lists because I didn't have it in me to post original thoughts. I tried to decide what sort of person I am. And not let myself get down even when I felt that way. I also drank and baked a lot. But overall, the month was very productive and I certainly learned quite a bit.

My roommate asked me if I had learned anything in hindsight by doing this? Yes, yes I have. I am an incredibly positive person who sometimes has a tendency to over-analyze or worry. Oy. I love my friends and my family more than anything and I depend on them for a lot even though I don't like to admit it. I like to see life through other people's eyes, but sometimes get too involved in my own. Also, I have a caffeine problem that I will probably never fix. And I really need an iPhone.

I am also reminded that we have nothing if not belief & hope - in ourselves, in each other, and in a Higher Power. So there's that - and thank goodness.

(Photo Credits :: Pink of Perfection)

The Twenty Eleven To-Do List

2012-01-02T21:32:00.002-05:00

I discovered so many wonderful things in 2011. I grew all sorts of new relationships with people and tried really hard to cultivate some of the existing ones. I spent way more time with my family - we've been through a lot, but I think it's made us all a lot closer.

I would like to thank the Joy the Baker Podcast, Spotify, yoga, Sally Hansen nail stickers, Face Time/Apple products, Pinterest and Parks & Recreation all for making their way into my life.

So, at the beginning of 2011, I made a to-do list.... Now, it's time to see if I crossed everything off.

...

I did finish LOST! And was still confused... But I miss it.

I did change my address, but then I moved again, so I guess I need to again. Haha.

I heart my Costco Card.

I kept a handful of break up box items, but threw 99% of it away. My white whale.

I didn't purge. I have a crap-ton of boxes in my parent's attic. Sorry, mom!

I'm much better about getting up on time and now I have a Clocky - it's so annoying, but super effective!

I didn't finish any of those books! I did finish books though. Now I am reading The Hunger Games, Steve Jobs biography, and The Happiness Project - still!

I did my very own taxes in 2011!! And used them to fix Olivia and buy a plane ticket. I can't wait to do them this year. What to do?

NYC with Rachel was so much fun. I love her and that city.

My wonderful brother married his lovely wife over Labor Day Weekend. It was beautiful and full of love. I wish them all the happiness life has to offer two people.

I never joined my CSA but I did start shopping at The Vegetable Bin and Farmer's Market more! Baby steps, I suppose.

I definitely baked a lot in 2011. My triumph? Salted Caramel Cheesecake Pie with a Gingersnap Crust - from scratch. Cooking though? Not as much. More than in 2010 - there were pizzas and pastas and I made chicken soup from scratch! Ok, maybe I did cook a bit.

Pork is delicious. And, I don't eat that much beef, but I did have my very first Five Guys burger!

I kept my gym membership to stay in shape. I almost got rid of it, but then I ran a half marathon and realized how much I hate running and need to go to the gym. Oy to the vey.

I was oh so happy to have health insurance! I went to the doctor! I started getting prescriptions! I even started free therapy! And this year I'm going to have my ankle examined since I hurt it during my half marathon. Yay healthcare!

I definitely set up my 401k and I'm putting in as much as I can and having it matched as much as I can. I should be ballin' when I'm old.

I would say I am definitely more in control of my finances. I owe way less now than I ever have before! And I have a budget. It's good.

I started looking into another degree. You may remember the MAPP program. Master's in Applied Positive Psychology. That's still up in the air. I'm just not really willing to move someplace cold and pay all of that money right now. But I feel like it would be such an amazing program to be involved in.

Oh, crow pose? I got that. No big deal.

I am still so very bad at expressing my feelings. I'm sorry. Really.

And my new job has been quite the journey! I have been turned down for several promotions and received one. I have beat myself up a lot, but have also learned to have infinite amounts of patience with myself and with others. I learn something new everyday and build relationships with customers and my team through every interaction. I am always challenged and never bored - and I'm pretty sure that will always be the case. I think that makes me pretty lucky.

...

I think I've learned a lot about myself along the way. I have my strengths, but I definitely have my opportunities to grow. I appreciate everyone who has been with me through all of it. You mean the world to me.

And I don't always blog or talk about the sad and scary things that life throws at us, but I think about those things often. So, to all the hardships we've experienced this year... and to all the people we've lost... I appreciate all that you've taught me - for shaping who I am and making me want to try a little bit harder than I did the day before.

As soon as I'm ready, I'll post my list for 2012. I'm not sure what I expect out of myself or the next 363ish days, but we'll see!

2012-01-02T09:01:00.002-05:00

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself." - Neil Gaiman

2011-12-31T13:42:00.001-05:00

I like the end of the year. It's full of perspective from the last 365 days, but it's also full of hope for the next 365 days. You are always surprised by what you did and never quite sure of what will happen next. It's scary and beautiful at the same time.

So, this Top 5 "Friday" is dedicated to 2011 - thanks for the memories! And also to 2012 - I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve...

1. Are you making resolutions this year? Wonder how you're going to keep them? This post from A Beautiful Mess might be just what you need to read.

2. A wish for the New Year. I like that, too!

3. Have you ever picked a word/phrase for the year? It's a cool idea. I think this year I'll choose "Be Here Now" or "Simplify". But magic is really good word that worked for Elise Blaha this year.

4. I adore Olivia. I adore her travels. I adore her thoughtfulness and ability to find comfort all over the world even by herself. Her 2011 blog post is certainly inspiring.

5. I'm making this Hoppin' John recipe for good luck in 2012! If that's not your jam, then maybe these White Chocolate Peppermint Milkshakes will bring good luck to you!

6. I just love the idea of a Best of List.

And for good measure,

7. Hey lady - maybe your 2011 sent you spinning? It's ok. Maybe you're not crazy - read this post and be bold in 2012!

And when I get some more time, I'll tell you what I did in 2011 - I had a list, remember?! And I'll tell you about all of the awesome new things I discovered. And maybe I'll make a wish for 2012 while I am it.

And, if you have a chance, tell me all about yours! I'd love to hear it.

xo.

2011-12-31T09:33:00.003-05:00

IT'S THE LAST DAY OF TWENTY ELEVEN!

Oh goodness gracious. It was an up & down year for me. How about you? Was this year all you hoped? Did you learn something new? Meet someone new? Go somewhere new?

It's not over quite yet... Do something fun today. Something relaxing. Something spontaneous. Anything to catapult you into your next 365 days...

I'm ending my year with some yoga. What you do is up to you, but... Enjoy! And I can't wait to see you in 2012!

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back.
So shake him off.

2011-12-28T22:04:00.001-05:00

let's make a wish. i like that.

2011-12-25T21:08:00.001-05:00

There are so many holidays happening this time of year, so whatever your holiday of choice might be, may it be merry & bright and spent with those you hold dear because there is no greater gift than the love of family & friends. I forget that sometimes, but I hope you never do.

2011-12-25T01:03:00.001-05:00

Credits: I forgot. Kudos to someone else though!

Yeah, it's not Friday... Again. It's Sunday. It's CHRISTMAS! Ah! It doesn't really feel like Christmas for some reason. I'm excited for family, friends, poker, portable bar, presents and birthday celebrations - my little sister will be twelve! Wowza. I feel old.

Anyway, it was a rough week. I learned a lot. Mostly about myself. Sometimes life throws us curve balls. Sometimes you cry. Sometimes you get scared. Sometimes you run away. But other times you smile, stand up to the world and put yourself out there. You get to pick.

Many thanks to all of you who were thrown in the middle of my midweek crisis. Really. Thank you.

And while I was on my last seven days of self discovery, this is what I found on the interwebs. Enjoy!

1. This is a(nother) post from Donald Miller, but it's actually about a TED Talks. What's it about? The Power of Vulnerability. Whoa, right? It's sort of scary, but mostly true.

2. I like when people post about their home's interior design. This bedroom especially caught my eye. I hope I have a cute little home when I'm a newlywed.

3. Nutella is good for you. Clearly these cookies must be good for me. I see more baking in my future.

4. “My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage." - Alice Hoffman (via the wild & wily ways)

5. The end of the year/the beginning of a new one can be overwhelming. Here is a post about 5 simple things you can do to take care of yourself. Do these, then worry about being a perfectionist later.

6. IT'S A CRAZY TIME OF YEAR. "Press pause. Stop to enjoy. Breathe. Make yourself a peppermint mocha."

And if you're looking back on the last year, then check out Reverb 11. You can Google it and find others. It's definitely a more organic experience than Reverb 10 was last year, but it seems like everyone is enjoying it all the same.

Listening to: DMB - Christmas Song, Needtobreathe - More Time, Jay Clifford - Standing on the Shoulders of Giants, Radical Face - Welcome Home Son, Rise Against - Swing Life Away, Florence + The Machine - Only If For The Night. Oh and other things - join Spotify and check out my playlists!

Oh, Father up above,

why in all this hatred do You fill me up with

love, love, love?

2011-12-21T18:24:00.000-05:00

On the train from Jackson to Chicago,

Licking all the wounds that never healed.

Turn around. Turn around.

Now you’re at the end of the line.

Don’t look down. Don’t look down.

You’re standing on the shoulders,

Standing on the shoulders of giants.

You know those days where you feel incredibly beat up at the end? Like nothing will ever go the way you want it to? And thinking makes your head hurt? That's my day. I just keep listening to this song over and over. Is this dramatic? Maybe. But I'm a lady and I can cry if I want to.

Providence has yet to be revealed.

2011-12-17T09:34:00.000-05:00

This is the thing: When you hit 28 or 30, everything begins to divide. You can see very clearly two kinds of people. On one side, people who have used their 20s to learn and grow, to find … themselves and their dreams, people who know what works and what doesn’t, who have pushed through to become real live adults. Then there’s the other kind, who are hanging onto college, or high school even, with all their might. They’ve stayed in jobs they hate, because they’re too scared to get another one. They’ve stayed with men or women who are good but not great, because they don’t want to be lonely. … they mean to develop intimate friendships, they mean to stop drinking like life is one big frat party. But they don’t do those things, so they live in an extended adolescence, no closer to adulthood than when they graduated.

Don’t be like that. Don’t get stuck. Move, travel, take a class, take a risk. There is a season for wildness and a season for settledness, and this is neither. This season is about becoming. Don’t lose yourself at happy hour, but don’t lose yourself on the corporate ladder either. Stop every once in a while and go out to coffee or climb in bed with your journal.

Ask yourself some good questions like: “Am I proud of the life I’m living? What have I tried this month? … Do the people I’m spending time with give me life, or make me feel small? Is there any brokenness in my life that’s keeping me from moving forward?”

Now is your time. Walk closely with people you love, and with people who believe … life is a grand adventure. Don’t get stuck in the past, and don’t try to fast-forward yourself into a future you haven’t yet earned. Give today all the love and intensity and courage you can, and keep traveling honestly along life’s path. - 11 Things to Know at 25(ish)

[ via then that happened ]

2011-12-16T06:09:00.008-05:00

GOOD MORNING! IT'S TOP 5 FRIDAY OVER HERE!

I woke up over an hour ago. That's real life.

So, grab some coffee and read on party people. I did this just for you!

1. Are you busy? Of course you are. Duh. Here are 12 HAPPINESS Habits for Busy People! Read it, Come on, Get Happy!

2. So, we've established you're busy. Do you want to Take It Easy? Of course you do. Duh. Here's a podcast all about it! I listen to Joy & Tracy at the gym - makes me forget I'm on the stair stepper... Sort of.

3. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Enter the Starbucks Venti Iced Coffee. Clearly.

4. SHUT THE FRONT DOOR JAZZFEST LINE UP. For reals.

5. Could I lose a few? Probably. I'm sure I will along my Own Fitness Journey. This is a very honest look at how being healthy goes down. You've got to want it, folks.

And ONE LAST TOPIC! Gift Guides! Love 'em. I do. Seriously.

What do I think are some fail safe gifts for people if they don't have a wish list conveniently located along the right side of their blog like me?

The Happiness Project Calendar - it's positive and it lasts all year long!

Starbucks Gift Card/Locally Roasted Coffee - hello. Caffeine. What's not to love?

BAKED GOODS - make them yourself. Order one. It doesn't matter. Duh. Everyone loves a cookie.

Booze - but only if they drink. And I'm not talking PBR - while refreshing at times, not a good gift. I'm talking a bottle of Hendrick's or Firefly. Maybe a bottle of wine that costs more than $3 or some fancy holiday ale. It's meant to be good. Not cheap.

Bath & Body Works 3 Wick Candles - on sale 2 for $20 with wonderful new smells like Black Pepper Bergamot and Mahogany Teakwood. And they have a COUPON out right now. Get it.

Moroccan Oil - smells lovely and does lovely things to hair. It's not cheap. It's not expensive.

(Good) Nail Polish/Pedicure - every girl loves glitter. Every girl loves color on her toes. Think OPI, Essie, BUTTER. When in doubt, certificate it to your local salon.

A plant - they're eco friendly and friend friendly. A little green thumbed responsibility never hurt anyone and it will enhance the air they breathe! You're so thoughtful!

QUALITY TIME - it's not a cop out gift. It's you! And who doesn't want that for Christmas? Go grab a cup of coffee. See a movie. Bake cookies. Just enjoy being with the other person. NBD. Time is hard to come by!

What do you think belongs on a HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE?

2011-12-15T22:03:00.005-05:00

persistence: n. firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.

good example:

Man: May I take a moment of your time?
Me: Uh. Sure.
Man: I noticed you standing inside and you're very cute and I was wondering if you'd like to spend some time together?
Me: (lying) Oh, well, I don't think my boyfriend would like that.
Man: Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know.
Me: It's ok, but thanks for the offer.
Man: May I point out something else I noticed?
Me: Sure.
Man: You didn't say no.
Me: Oh... Well, no.
Man: Ok. I just had to try.

bad example:

Me: I have quite a few Top 5 Friday posts under my belt.

Roomie: Go, Erin!

Me: Maybe they'll make me famous and I'll become a professional blogger.

Roomie: You should!

Me: (whiny voice) But it's hard work. Like harder work than normal work. Meh.

Roomie: (laughs) Then don't do it!

Note: Persistence is NOT always the answer to getting what you want.

2011-12-12T22:20:00.000-05:00

Monday.

It's supposed to be awful, yes?

Mine was quite the opposite.

Good. Challenging. Thought provoking.

I had coffee with an old friend, got my brows done, made an appointment to have my oil change and AC looked at, made another appointment to get my hair did, had my tires rotated, made a Costco trip, went to my first free counseling session, had a good talk with the roomie, tried warm flow yoga for the very first time, did some christmas shopping, ate some candy cane joe joe's and now I'm sitting in an apartment filled with wonderful smells - like Mahogany Teakwood. If you could turn a sophisticated man into a candle, this is the candle he would be.

Is that weird? Maybe.

Tomorrow, I'm going to cross more things off my to-do list, go to the gym, maybe wrap some gifts and hopefully bake these yummy looking blueberry chai oat bakes.

That's really all I have to say I guess.

2011-12-11T08:40:00.000-05:00

Let's get in the car and drive westward until we can't anymore. I'll bring the music. You bring the coffee.

2011-12-10T09:20:00.001-05:00

Here I am again - one day late on the Top 5 Friday post. I should have named this post project something different like "Best Week Ever" or something equally as vague. Hindsight.

Ok, so Best Week Ever? Not so much. I hope yours was better than mine. Both my work and personal lives have been roller coasters over the last week and I've come to several conclusions about things and myself and other people. The difficult part is not caring and just accepting which I cannot do because that's just not who I am. This is going to be a long ride, folks.

Last night was a mostly pretty good wind down. I got to stay at home (yeah, on a Friday) and clean/decorate our little apartment. Did you know there is an instant Netflix called Fireplace for Your Home? Yeah. It's pretty fantastic.

My ramblings aside, it turns out the interwebs had a lot to say this past week, so I will share what struck my fancy.

1. I love list posts - clearly. I also love mugs & Anthropologie.. And I l.o.v.e this Naked palette. It was the best $50 I ever spent. And this journal is the jam. I want. So check out this post - it's a little like being in my head.

2. I had a friend who wrote a journal to her future husband. At the time, I thought it was sort of silly. Now, I think it's sort of perfect. I find them randomly posted by a brunette bombshell in Manhattan.

3. Bloggers are real people, too. And "Not every day has to be glitter & rainbows because in real actual life shit happens." That's so true. It's not always conveyed here, but it's so very true.

4. I discovered Home Fries from Joy the Baker & her podcast. From Home Fries, I discovered Tracy at Shutterbean and subsequently High Straightenence. THIS IS REAL LIFE. That's all.

5. A very merry Indie Christmas to you & yours.

PS. I am currently OBSESSED with the Rise Against song Swing Life Away. Yes, I know I'm behind in the times. I can't hear you mocking me. Listen to the song here. And see the song as art here.

2011-12-08T18:04:00.001-05:00

Remember when I told you this lady is one of my favorite bloggers?

I love her more now.

And, hey. Hey, you! Want to be my new best friend?

Help me win free caffeine. Really. Do it. Right here. I'll love you forever - ever.

"Oh, I can't stop drinking the coffee. If I stop drinking the coffee, I stop doing the standing and the walking and the words putting-into-sentence doing."

2011-12-03T09:19:00.000-05:00

hi. this is my christmas corner.

and what she said. 'tis the season.

2011-12-03T09:05:00.006-05:00

via we r who we r

TGIF! TGIF! I have Saturday & Sunday off! TGIF! Ok, I missed the whole TGIF thing because it's no longer Friday. I'm such a slacker when it comes to Top 5 Friday on Friday. I hope you don't mind. But yesterday was a good, long day followed by a good, long night.

And why I'm awake... I can't answer that. But I have a plan to combat my fatigue! A trip to the gym followed by a date with Starbucks. Not a bad Saturday morning, right?

Alright. Alright. I'll stop my yammering and let you enjoy all of these lovely links.

1. Do you watch Parks & Rec? If no, then treat yo' self to an episode! And if that's not your thing, then treat yourself to something else. I say so. This lovely blog also had a post this week about being above average. I encourage you to read it, then live it.

2. Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

3. When Andrea made the switch from old url to new, I was nervous, but she has continued to deliver - I love her blog. And this post about long drives, well, I want it to be my life. There's nothing I love more than traveling with friends. And there's no trip I want to make more than to travel along the coast of California. Where do I sign up?

4. Do you love music? Do you love lyrics? Do you love Tumblr? You'll love this.

5. There are a few places that have captivated me. New York is one of them. Why? Oh, I'm not sure. The magic of a never sleeping city is intoxicating. The beauty of 843 acres of green in the middle of a cement block is unexpected and breathtaking. Watch this time lapse video to see what I mean.

6. I just discovered Bob Harper's Bikini Body Workout on Shape's website. I love Bob Harper. I would follow him to the end of my health & wellness world. I don't even know why. I trust him in all of his bearded and ripped abs glory. Also, I think he could make me look like Jillian Michaels. Nbd.

7. My friend Mike posted this song on my FB wall the other day. I like it so much that I've decided to share it with all of you. Enjoy.

Now tell me what you think!

And EDIT: I just read this post by/about Ryan Gosling. Really? Broke up a fight & started a protest? Where have I been? I like this. Maybe you will, too.

2011-12-01T10:48:00.001-05:00

To impact hunger in our communities, we're gonna be camped out (rain or shine) for 58 straight hours at 2 different Walmart locations, while broadcasting LIVE right here at LoveGave.com! During the broadcast we'll be chatting with you, hosting interviews, and giving updates on our progress along the way. Our overall goal is to provide 400 meals that will meet the needs of hungry children and their families in our communities. $100 will provide enough food to sustain a child + their family over an entire Christmas break.

2011-11-30T08:40:00.002-05:00

This is a festive photo I borrowed from rockstar diaries :

one of the cutest blogs/babies/families on the interwebs. Um hi, look at that little girl's face! Read those funny little posts from Kingsley dog! Listen to the love of a new momma! See the dedication of a darling daddy! [Trust me, I'm not usually into "baby blogs" - this is not one of those!]

2011-11-29T22:00:00.001-05:00

Oh hi.

I have two days off in a row. Nice.

I have a laundry list of things to do - incl. laundry. Heh. I hate laundry. When I meet a man who doesn't mind doing laundry (and does it well) then I'll know I'm good. I digress.

List of things to do... including DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS! Oh yes. I am doing it. I'm all about it. I'm going to drink eggnog and bake cookies too WHILE watching all of the Chrismakkuh episodes from The OC. Plus, I'll probably listen to DMB's Christmas Song over and over and over. and over. I'm stupid excited.

Do you ladies & gentlemen have any decorating traditions/ideas? What cookies should I bake? And do you prefer your nog with bourbon or espresso?

And three words : Dirty Chai Nog.

I'm over the moon about this. Really. These two days are gonna be magic.

2011-11-25T00:01:00.012-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving. My holiday was full of deep fried turkey, pie, poker, mimosas and family. I am so very blessed. What was your favorite part of the day? Tell me. Tell me. Tell me.

And now, while American consumers are out jonesin' for a sale, I will be... well, assisting them. Normally I dread this day with my whole heart, but right now I'm really looking forward to it. I want to see what it's like outside of a mall. I want to know what it looks like as controlled chaos. Then I want to go to the gym, paint my toes and maybe go for drinks with the "kids" in the family. TGIF? Sure. I'll bite.

And now for Top 5(ish) [Black] Friday!

1. I like traditions. They're especially good when they involve The Happiness Project. I still haven't finished reading it. Maybe January will be my month.

2. My cousin and his wife, Brittany, are pretty adorable. He did a good job picking her. She writes this cute little blog about their cute little family. I dig it.

3. Because Thanksgiving is the best holiday. The end.

4. So, I made pie for Thanksgiving. I don't know if I've ever made a pie other than pumpkin or chocolate walnut (at McCutchen House). And then boom! I made this Salted Caramel Cheesecake Pie with a gingersnap crust. From scratch. True story.

5. Lovely Olivia is back in Charleston and taking names! Of really awesome places to visit & dine. I think it's time for a Butcher & Bee adventure.

6. I'm sorry - is this even possible? A pretty fridge... What a concept. I'll work on that.

7. First, I like the name of this blog - lyrics from The Weepies! Second, she's right - you should be watching this show. It's hilarious and on Hulu. So, Happy Hanksgiving - enjoy!

There it is. I hope you enjoyed what I enjoyed on the interwebs over the past seven days. I'm thankful for all of you reading - whether I know you or not - and I hope you're eating leftovers and sitting in your pajamas. That's what I would be doing.

xo.

2011-11-23T06:39:00.000-05:00

You know what's hard about life?

Everything.

Oh yeah. That's right. And don't try to tell me I'm wrong. I'm "nearly thirty" (according to a co-worker) and I've been around long enough to know.

But just because life is hard doesn't mean you can't enjoy it or fix it with a giant cup of coffee or freshly cut flowers. (That's how I fix things... Or with cookies. Cookies are always a big winner.)

Do you want to know why life is hard right now?

I'm exhausted. That's lame, right? My body is achey from flip flops and lack of sleep and I've gone out more in the last weekend than I have in the last month. Why?

I made new friends who are leaving. That's really why life is hard. Because sometimes you meet really fantastic people at really inopportune times, ie. right before they move to Germany for three years. Wo its der Apfelstrudel? (That's all the German I know.)

But then I realize (because I'm a glass half full sort of gal) that it's really fun to make new friends and hang out with old friends and watch Twilight and listen to music and eat fig burgers and play Jenga and dominoes. Probably more fun than sleeping. And it's better to know awesome people who have to leave you than to have never known them at all. (It's like that whole loving and losing thing.)

So, here's to all of my new friends... I'm going to have a giant cup of coffee now.

2011-11-21T15:34:00.001-05:00

This little mosaic to the left is the background on my computer. I like it. A lot. It's from Curious Girl who used always do Mosaic Monday, but she stopped some time ago for some reason...

Which brings me to my next point... I skipped Top 5 Friday.

Whack. I know. (Yeah, that's right I said whack. Maybe I'll bring that saying back.)

I had a really busy weekend. I mean, I've been on a four day "vacation" and I have been going a mile a minute, yo. Of course, I've enjoyed it all and I'm super stoked for Thanksgiving and about moving into the Holiday Season at work and my new position.

AND I'm going to see the new Twilight movie tonight with my roomie. Nerd Alert. I'm not ashamed. I'll even go ahead and let you know that I'm on Team Edward. Don't hate.

But, yeah, I had two links I was going to share from last week, so I will share them now because I wouldn't want them to get left behind.

1. Fab Brunette is a new discovery for me. (Like I needed one more blog to read...) But her post about Happy Discoveries made me... well, happy! And I like that in life. Glass half full, friends.

2. And here we have another excerpt from the book I'm supposed to be reading, Searching for God Knows What. I love Donald Miller. I love how honest he is about life and spirituality. Plus, any post about patience and trust is always good to read.

Tell me about your weekend. Was it awesome? Did you make a new friend? Did you drink some good coffee? Did you eat something delicious? Most importantly, did you get to sleep in? Really. I want to know.

Marcel the Shell w. Shoes On (1 & 2)

2011-11-16T18:26:00.002-05:00

Guess why I smile a lot? Uh. Cause it's worth it.

2011-11-12T23:40:00.000-05:00

Be better than you were yesterday.

2011-11-11T19:54:00.003-05:00

Oh hey! TGIF. Am I right?

Yeah. I am. But only because I have the day off tomorrow! Hip hip hooray!

I am going to seriously sleep in. No alarm clock. I've been exhausted all week [life is keeping me on my toes], so I'm using this as my last attempt to get all the sleep I need.

Then I'll put gas in my car, go to the Farmer's Market, have some Starbucks, clean my room, run some errands, read some of my Steve book, watch some Felicity, paint my nails. It's gonna be good. Good.

Do you have any big weekend plans?

Anyway, enough about Saturday - it's TOP 5 FRIDAY! Here are some of my favorites from the past week:

1. Sometimes my life to-do list is outrageous. Why do we all put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect in everything that we do? And then why do we give ourselves so much to do perfectly? This is an excellent post about Narrowing Priorities. Let's keep it simple.

2. I just discovered Today's Letters yesterday. (That sounds confusing.) It's my new favorite blog. And I loved them more when they posted about a bird flash mob. Ok, that's not really what it was, but watch it. It's pretty fantastic.

3. This is a really excellent post about Unconditional vs. Conditional Love. I mean, when was the last time you stopped and thought about that? I don't think we think about love enough. Why? Because "love is the difficult realization that something other than oneself is real." [Note: I like this whole blog a lot - this is the post that first caught my attention.]

4. I'm already drinking my double tall nonfat eggnog lattes. What's that mean? CHRISTMASTIME IS HERE. That means time for crazy & holiday to-do lists. And I'm not just talking gift buying and travel plans... I'm talking wearing scarves, holiday movie watching, nog drinking, decorating. Let's get on top of it, peeps.

5. This chick quit sugar. QUIT SUGAR. I thought about it for five seconds. I'm not that strong.

Hey, look! I kept it at five! Crazy.

So, tell me what you think. And listen to this version of Tupelo Honey. And find me on Pinterest & pin with me!

2011-11-11T06:14:00.000-05:00

I'm relocatable.

I mean, I love it here, but I would move.

Where?

(Someone asked me that yesterday...)

New Orleans

(Southern) California

(Southern) Virginia

That's what I said.

It's weird when someone actually asks you a usually theoretical question.

2011-11-07T21:20:00.001-05:00

Who I'm listening to right now on Spotify:

The Civil Wars
Band of Horses
Florence & The Machine
Angus & Julia Stone
Bon Iver
Fink
Eastmountainsouth
Alexi Murdoch
Hem
Mumford & Sons
Fleet Foxes
Horse Feathers

2011-11-06T21:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the most delayed Top 5 Friday post. It's short, but sweet and mostly music.

Hey hey. My my. Rock and roll can never die.

1. One of the most interesting finds this week for me was The Goat Rodeo Sessions. Give it a listen if you like Bach or Bluegrass.

2. Coldplay recently performed at Apple's company wide celebration of Steve Jobs' life. It was quite moving. Then their new cd came out. And now I'm addicted to this song.

3. While I was doing some training at work this week, I discovered this little gem. Two awesome things in one. Yoga + DMB.

4. You keep telling me what you know, but baby, what do you believe? Have you heard Divided by Friday? Do yourself the favor and listen. Now. Right here. This song hit me at mile 9 of my half.

5. This is something I've always wanted to me good at - I'm just not. Yet. A girl can dream about Art Journaling, right?

6. I like these songs. And when people post playlists. That's all.

7. I think this ad is pretty. And appealing. And whoever came up with it is smart.

8. And the number one good reason to be sick this holiday season can be found at Shutterbean. Check it.

2011-11-05T23:29:00.001-04:00

I just realized I forgot Top 5 Friday! Why? Because I was busying myself with my first (perhaps only) half marathon in Savannah!

So two promises. There will be best of links from last week coming soon & a recap of what it's like to do a 1/2 marathon if you're me.

Get excited.

2011-10-30T07:51:00.001-04:00

Top 5 Friday. Part Deux.

[Is this cheating? Maybe. But this is my blog & I make the rules, so I say it's ok.]

I so enjoy learning about Olivia's travels through her blog Everyday Musings. I appreciate her honesty about life and the breathtaking photos she takes. And when I saw this post about Coffee & Canals nothing seemed more magical & perfect.

We're all constantly trying to improve ourselves, yes? Well, here are 25 Ways to Be a Better Person... Today. (Practically) instant gratification. Let'd do it to it.

Sometimes blogs don't need words. Wit + Delight. A Visual Journal.

Note: This photo is the from Loemae's Instagram. It was taken from the top of the parking garage I park in for work everyday. The view from the top ain't so bad.

Alright. I'm really done this time.

2011-10-29T07:47:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone had a lovely week. Mine was... Busy. Weeks are always busy, yes? Pretty much. I hope that you got everything crossed off your to-do list at work, so you can enjoy some personal time with friends & family or by yourself (if you're like me and need to have that space sometimes...).

But what I'm really here to say is TOP 5 FRIDAY (on Saturday morning) has arrived! Hooray! I know you've all been waiting, so without further ado, please, get your read on -

1. If practicality and anthropologie had an interwebs baby, then it would be this. The Violet online magazine. "We believe that you don't need a huge bank account or fancy things to live a full, rich life. With a little bit of creativity and a lot of heart, you can have your cake and eat it too!"

2. This is an excerpt from the book I'm supposed to be reading right now. I realized Christian conversion worked more like falling in love than understanding a series of concepts or ideas. - Searching for God Knows What. That sounds lovely, no?

3. It's hard being healthy - not dieting, but being actually healthy. The kind of healthy where you make a life change that you can stick to & sustains you. Don't give up! Make some rules relevant to you and keep up the good fight. We can do it.

4. Sometimes sad takes time. And that's okay.

5. Bennetton + iPad = Cute + Practical. This is how we do.

6. Seriously? No way. Oil breaks up oil? You want me to put that on my face? For reals? I'm not sure how I feel about all this - if you have insight, then please share! I'm interested!

7. I LOVE this blog. I love how crafty she is and how she captures her life in seasons in these adorable tiny little books. Watch this minibooks video. It will start getting you ready for some happy holidays!

Tell me what you think. Tell me what you love. Tell me what you hate.

xo.

2011-10-28T11:11:00.000-04:00

This showed up on my Google Reader from the parachute diaries, but when I went to create a link to it, the post was gone. That's one of those weird Google glitches/fortunate accidents. Glitch because what if you write something & publish it to the world and then change your mind? Chances are you're screwed because Google saved it. Fortunate because I really like this picture/quote and I'm glad I still get to share it with you/remind myself.

Anywho. Top 5 Friday is coming! I'm just done with it yet. I had some other things/people to attend to and sometimes life is more important than my blog. Yeah, I said it. xoxo.

2011-10-25T22:41:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I wish work wasn't necessary.

Don't get me wrong, I l.o.v.e my job, but not as much as hanging out with friends in the morning & drinking coffee, then hanging out with friends & eating burgers for lunch followed by some errands & a mid afternoon episode of Felicity before getting my gym on so I can be home in time to make dinner with another friend for four hours of chats, drinks & eats. (Hi, caramelized brussels sprouts - you are so good. And really, is it brussels sprouts or is it just brussel sprouts? Oh, wait, spell check says brussels. Problem solved. And did you know the plural of cul-de-sac is culs-de-sac? Now you do.)

Anyway.

That is the good life. That is my life.

Now, I will read some of my new book - Steve Jobs biography - and listen to the new Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto (hey, anyone now how to say that word?) - while listening to the fountain outside because I have all of the windows open in my apartment.

I will do those dishes tomorrow. Promises.

And the laundry.

Yep.

2011-10-21T23:56:00.004-04:00

I'm not entirely motivated for Top 5 Friday - I've got four minutes and I'm ready for bed after too many hours at work, not enough sleep and three beers.

So...
Eat These.
Watch This.
Hear This.
Remember This.

Also, an excerpt from my evening:

Friend: Were you flirting with him?
Me: Um... No.
Friend: But you weren't not flirting with him?
Me: Well, I mean, I didn't have my game turned on, but...
Friend: I get it. The car was in drive, but you weren't pushing the gas pedal.

Oh goodness. Friends.

And then there is this :

and these.

Bahahaha.

2011-10-20T23:53:00.001-04:00

Me: [to new iPhone owner] You can ask her anything. Watch. [to Siri] "Siri, how much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?"

Siri: Don't you have something better to do with your time?

Me: [to Siri] Nope.

Siri: Perhaps not.

Me: [to new iPhone owner] She's a little sassy.

2011-10-18T14:23:00.004-04:00

The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.

- Albert Einstein

photo credit: unknown

2011-10-15T09:43:00.002-04:00

Today's Top 5 Friday is brought to you by Columbia, SC. Ok, so not by, but from. That's where I am.

I'm currently trying to do this while watching an episode of Felicity. It's proving almost impossible to do since we just got into the middle of Felicity and Ben - the relationshop I want to happen. Forget Noel. Team Ben! If he'd stop being so scared.

Anyway. Focus. It's Friday and I definitely have more than five. Here we go.

[Edit. Top 5 Friday is now Top 10 Saturday because I took a break to drive to Pigeon Forge, TN which is the Vegas of the South. I'm just saying.]

1. The picture in my post came from Curious Girl. I like it because it looks like fall... Thus it made my list this week.

2. I've been keeping up with Julian Bialowas for a while through his 365 pictures. Well, he reached 365 this week and here it is. I'll miss the beautiful photos and the inspiring quotes, but "a new journey will soon present itself."

3. I l.o.v.e granola. I l.o.v.e pumpkin. If I ever get the time & motivations, I'm pretty sure I'd l.o.v.e this Pumpkin Granola recipe I found on Free People. PS. Have you ever read the Free People blog? It's pretty fantastic. Full of recipes, quotes, music and fashion. Check it.

4. Love. Love. Love. Love. This is what Amy loves. What do you love?

5. About this... First, I enjoy From India. With Love. A lot. Also, I love food. I love Thanksgiving. I love cute boys who travel. I love videos about cute boys who travel and eat food. So, here have you it - all of that rolled into one.

6. I think I'm out of shape. Or I'm out of healthy eating habits. So, I want to eat more veggies. I very much enjoy brussel sprouts. No lie. And this is a very yummy way to eat them. Hooray!

7. I found this blog post to be a wonderful reminder. Bind my wandering heart to thee. Also, Mumford & Sons are fantastic. Don't just listen to this - go get their album, too!

8. Shut.The.Front.Door. Go bake.

9. I read this post & said "that's me" a thousand times. I'm so happy I found Elise Blaha's blog and I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only person who is trying a new skincare routine and is not ready for their 1/2 marathon. And when I was in a relationship with someone who was away I wrote to him daily, so I'm not the only crazy. Planning Embracing. Celebrating. Drinking. Enjoying. Lamenting. AND I will also be returning to healthy eating after this mountain weekend. I've already had three cinnamon rolls.

10. Apple has done it again. Siri(ously). A voice activated personal assistant on your new iPhone 4S. Watch this video. It will change your life. That's just how we do.

I hope I didn't just blow your mind. It was just a good week in the blogosphere.

xo.

2011-10-13T23:36:00.000-04:00

When I'm in Charleston, sometimes I miss my Columbia life so much that I ache.

When I'm in Columbia, sometimes I miss my Charleston life so much that I ache.

Logic says I am doomed to forever be achey. I think that's unfortunate.

I wonder if it's just that I always want what I can't have, so I am never content. Maybe I don't understand contentment. Maybe it's just human nature.

Places. Things. Feelings. It's bigger than those things. Life, I mean. It's big.

So what does this mean?

I'm not sure. I'll let you know when I find out.

2011-10-09T21:10:00.002-04:00

This is real life.

And I'm real tired.

I'm just saying.

2011-10-07T21:22:00.005-04:00

Oh hey. TGIF. I mean Friday is almost over, but that's ok. I am currently eating a bowl of Chocolate Frosted Mini Wheats and listening to this week's Joy the Baker podcast. The perfect end to a long day. Long week. Really. Since the last Top Five Friday, I have been involved in new hire training, had a visitor, worked extra hours, lost some good people from the world, cried at work, ate lunch in a park, etc, and so on and so forth.

I haven't baked. I haven't cooked. I haven't been to the gym much. I have had a lot of coffee and written a lot and read a lot. All for work. I haven't really been home too much. I'm not complaining. I just have a lot to do before I go out of town for FIVE DAYS! Ah!

But ANYWAY, I'm here for a reason. What reason? Top Five Friday! And.... go!

1. I love Feist. The Reminder was the anthem for Summer 2007. It always takes me back. I had no idea that Feist had a new album coming out, but thanks to this Black Eiffel blog post I am now in the know! And thanks to Spotify, I've been able to listen to the entire album! Hooray!

2. Every month, Sarah Von has a special post on her blog Yes & Yes. What is it? It's called The Network of Nice and it is so awesome. It's like take a penny, leave a penny, but with people. It's a nice little way to pay it forward. The concept is fantastic and it makes me feel better about the world.

3. Once in awhile, there is a person whose death rocks the world. On October 5 2011, it was Steve Jobs. At first, I couldn't believe it, but there it was on apple.com so that means it's truth. And, of all the five bazillion blogs I read, there were only a few people to mention it. One blog post dedicated to him was from SRSLYLIZ and another was from The Goodie Life. I very much appreciated their kind words.

4. Do you like food? Do you like cocktails? Do you like photos? You need to check out Spoon Fork Bacon. End of story.

5. So, a weird fact about me. I enjoy "What's in your bag?" type series. Really. It helps satisfy this curiousity I have about people. Petite Elefant is on Week 66 of it's What's in your purse? series. And if that's not enough for you, then I really recommend the Persona Diptych series on Flickr. L.O.V.E.

6. And lastly, I just want to know... Coffee or Tea?

Alright. I have to go pack my lunch and read an outline and get to bed and make a list of things to do before I leave. All in thirty minutes. Heh. What's that funny little gadget necklace Hermoine had that term she was taking extra classes at Hogwarts? I want that. Yeah. I just went there.

Love.

2011-10-05T23:12:00.003-04:00

Here's to another crazy one.

A fine chef, teacher & friend.

Chef Jules Pernell.

2011-10-05T21:15:00.000-04:00

Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.

Apple.
Think Different.

Steve Jobs. 

2011-10-04T21:07:00.002-04:00

This is the place I call home.

2011-10-02T06:03:00.000-04:00

So, as you all know, I recently moved into a new apartment. Also, as most of you know, I'm an awesome procrastinator, so it has taken me almost two months to finally get everything "unpacked". I still have some stuff I could sort through, but it's all organized.

Anyway... I found lots of journals, photos, knick knacks along the way... lots of memories. I read some of my entries and I was so moved that I cried at some of them. I was/am so blessed by the friends I made in college. They helped support me and guide my focus. That sense of community and faith seems unreal.

I know I'll never have that tight knit living arrangement with my friends again. But I want my sense of wonder back. How do I do that?

And to all of you this post refers to... just... Thank you. It's not enough, but I truly mean it.

2011-09-30T22:56:00.004-04:00

I took myself out to a movie tonight. And it was good - not just the movie, but the being an adult and being by myself and doing what I wanted and, at the same time, doing what I needed. After catching up for a bit with a beloved, long time friend, I saw 50/50 and ate the pumpkin pie poptarts I smuggled into the theater. The chat session and the film provided me with some excellent perspective. It's good to step back and take a look every so often.

There are days I drop words of comfort on myself like falling leaves and remember that it is enough to be taken care of by myself.

- Brian Andreas (via Meg Fee)

2011-09-30T00:07:00.006-04:00

It's for real TGIF for me. That's right. I have the day off. I guess that's not really what Friday is about for most people though. However, I am now aware that I will be out of the store for 5 days. Three are days off and two of them I'll be working offsite. Weird. But without further ado, here it is... Top 5 Friday! Take 2.

1. I very much enjoy being single and being in charge of my own life and making my own decisions, but sometimes I wish I already had my happily ever after - my someone to share responsibilities & coffee with. (There's an episode of Gilmore Girls about this, btw.) Anyway, so when I read this post by Meg Fee, I understood & appreciated it. And I'm glad to know I'm not the only one.

2. Every so often I discover a new blog that I l.o.v.e. This week I fell in love at Une Deux Senses - a delightful little blog that has posts such as "Manicure Monday". Um, what's not to love? Food, Fashion, Music & Other Little Lovelies. Also, I stumbled upon an entry called Magic Coffee - I'm so in. It appears another Cali blog has stolen my heart. [Please note, I didn't enjoy the magic coffee. Not one bit. But I still enjoy this blog.]

3. Last week, I told you about Caffeinate Me. Well, that blog led to me to Just a Titch. I have to say, I really love Amy. I love how insightful she is about life. I love how dedicated she has become to her health. I love how she always asks the reader a question. I love how regularly she posts. Mostly I love how she posts the things I happen to be pondering in life or reminds me of the things I should be pondering. This particular post is about what she wants less/more of in her life. What do you want less and more of?

4. It's not even right how much I love the Joy the Baker Podcast. No seriously. I check my iTunes for updates almost daily (well, on Wed, Thurs and Fri) to see if Joy (the Baker) & Tracy (Shutterbean) have posted a new one. This is real life. It's ladies talking about road trips and food and boys and guilty pleasures and nail polish. They just hosted the awesome HomefriesU - Back to School. And, if I can break the bank when Spring Break rolls around, I'm all over. I can't wait.

5. The picture posted today is one of the best things I read this week. I love this quote. I love Amy Poehler in Parks & Recreation. I just love Parks & Recreation. I love the Apartment 513 blog. I love it all.

6. I need a large piece of art. I was thinking about doing a lyrical canvas. I stumbled upon this idea/picture on Pinterest and fell head over heels with the idea. Now all I need is the patience, supplies and the right song. Decisions.

7. I'm completely convinced that the way you make friends in life is by baking. Duh. Nothing says, "I'm trustworthy and good to be around" like a nice batch of cookies - I'm partial to making sea salted chocolate chip cookies. However, I think the best way to win over even your worst enemies is Pumpkin Nutella Bread. I know, shut the front door! Let's all bake.

PS. Anyone swear by Juice Beauty? I'm jonesing to try this Organics to Clear Skin kit...

Oh alright, so I chose more than 5 links. It's my blog and I'll link excessively if I want to. So there.

Hugs.

2011-09-26T23:52:00.004-04:00

sometimes i just want to get into my car & drive off with my ipod stopping at every coffee shop along the way to nowhere.

2011-09-26T21:48:00.000-04:00

Oh heyyyy, Monday.

I had a really awesome day off yesterday, but it looks like we've got a very busy week ahead of us. Work. Dinners. Shopping. Music. Friends. Let's see if we can get it all in, ok? Alright.

I finished the last episode from the Joy the Baker podcast today. I want to make candy cane infused vodka for Christmas. Whoa. Also, I want to make Pumpkin Pie Poptarts with Maple Glaze. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Look! I've got a mint plant that's thriving quite nicely. How about that? Thanks, Mom. I'm glad someone in this family has a green thumb.

There was an all new Gossip Girl on tonight. I was seriously jonesing for it. That's slightly embarrassing, but one hundred percent true.

And here is Monday's quote from Free People... "The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it - basically because you feel good, very good, when you are near or with them." - Charles Bukowski

xo.

2011-09-23T08:40:00.007-04:00

TGIF, to you.

I don't particularly care that it's Friday - makes no difference to me. My work week goes Saturday - Friday and my days off were Monday & Tuesday. So, last Sunday was my Friday. Today is Wednesday in Erinland. Sort of. I have Sunday and Friday off this week, so we'll revisit this topic next Friday when it applies to me. I hope you enjoy your weekend, though!

I'm supposed to be at the gym right now, but I have noticed on a lot of blogs that people will post their favorite links from the week on Friday. I want to do that, too. So I am. And it's more important to me than cardio right now. Here is the inaugural post for my "Top 5 Friday"... Get excited.

(Also, the number 5 is ambiguous - it could be more or it could be less, but today it's inaugural and it's five, hence the name.)

1. Fall is upon us! And I've decided there is no better way to celebrate Fall mornings that with Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal. That's right. I said Pumpkin Pie for breakfast. I quartered the recipe here for a single serving. I also substituted walnuts & brown sugar for pecans & maple syrup. (I hate pecans & I don't have any maple syrup.) Delish.

2. Here, in the world, in my life, a lot of us have been faced with unfortunate and/or difficult decisions/lessons. Sometimes the hardest thing & the right thing are the same. Well, that really sucks, but I found a bit of inspiration over here at Elise Blaha's text art project. I think it speaks volumes. Also, I love her Etsy Shop. I'll take a Goodness Book, please & thank you.

3. You know how people grow up? It's weird, right? Well, this guy (I wouldn't say we were friends - but we were in Yearbook together) I went to middle/high school with, Jeff, he grew up into a personal trainer and is actually quite motivating. He is in the middle of a cleanse and started a blog called Be Happy Live Fit. I recommend checking it out for some tips & tricks!

4. I don't know Andrea, but I know her blog Caffeinate Me and I l.o.v.e it. Really. The other day she posted her personal manifesto and it is spot on. Give it a read. Be a better person. Maybe write your own. Maybe just get addicted to her blog like I am. You choose.

5. And, finally, I have a new Netflix obsession. What? Felicity. Why? This blog post over at Champagne Bubbles spurred me into streaming action. I was on Team Noel for 3 or 4 episodes until I found out about Hannah. I mean, hello! And hey, this show premiered in 1998! They had curly fros, oversized sweaters, cassettes and pay phones still. I'm in for the long haul.

Also, I'm still listening to The Civil Wars. Please suggest something else to me.

xo.

2011-09-22T07:23:00.000-04:00

via eliseblaha

2011-09-20T09:09:00.001-04:00

I'm on day two of my days off. It's nice to every so often have two off in a row. You know, like a normal person. Not that I'm at all a normal person. I'm told daily that I'm not. How about that?

It hasn't stopped anyone from loving me, yet.

Oh hey. Spotify. Who loves it as much as me? I need an iPhone for streaming. Holy. I'll never have to buy cds again. I'm listening to The Civil Wars.

So, I've been in sort of a weird place... with the moving and the job and the roommate and the new animal and the not going to the gym and then the going to the gym. I felt like I was in shambles for a bit and like my life was not my own. I'm still getting comfortable again. Be patient with me.

I watched Something Borrowed last night. Um. She stole her best friend's fiancé, but also her best friend was not a very good best friend. Of course, two wrongs don't make a right, so I was torn from thinking "this is awful" to thinking "aw, they've loved each other for so long." Love. It's a funny thing. I was in love once. And I love a lot of people. That's all I have to say about that.

I've been in the kitchen a lot recently - chai snickerdoodles, peanut butter cookie dough balls (vegan) and black bean mango quinoa. Soon, I want to make these pumpkin chocolate chip brownies. Hm. One of these things is not like the other. I think I have a baking problem. Also, why is it so effing hard to get a hold of some pumpkin. Seriously. It was a no at TJs and Whole Foods. Also, Publix only had ginormous cans. I was doing reps with it in the aisles.

The first two cookies were for work. For our most awesome meeting. It renewed my spirit.

And, finally, I'm thinking about spending more time here - on this blog. I don't expect for my blog to blow up and for me to retire on a blogger's life (I've read about those - they are hardcore and super busy!) but I enjoy what I do here. And I hope that you enjoy reading it. So, there's that.

It's time to get out of bed now. Hugs.

2011-09-15T10:27:00.000-04:00

Florence + The Machine - Shake it Out by Artur Cunha

it's always darkest before the dawn. shake it off. and it's hard to dance with a devil on your back, so shake him off, oh woah.

2011-09-13T00:29:00.008-04:00

things to do.

[i have a tendency to be more productive if i make a list. and if that list is public, then i have even more drive to complete it... generally.]

~~pilates~~
~~coffee w. rosie~~
~~call courtney~~
~~bake pumpkin bread~~
~~target [basket, shampoo, ivory]~~
organize pantry
~~hang mirror back up~~
empty laundry basket
~~clean bathroom~~
~~empty dishwasher~~
~~vacuum bedroom~~
zumba class
make lunch for the week
~~read about osx lion~~
buy wallflowers for mom

ps. i'm listening to a lot of country music right now.

why?

aaaand go!

2011-09-13T00:24:00.002-04:00

oh hi, did you want to know a little bit about me in a vague, but cute sort of way? oh okay. let's play that abc game that we all say is lame, but secretly love filling out & posting around our various social media sites. oh right. now it's out there. enjoy!

A. Age: 26
B. Bed size: Full
C. Chore that you hate: Laundry. I'd rather clean my toilet. Meh.
D. Dogs: I'm not really suited to care for animals, so my cocker spaniel, Lollipop, lives at my parent's house. She's cute.
E. Essential start to your day: Coffee.
F. Favorite color: Various shades of Green. And grey (but not gray).
G. Gold or Silver: Silver, in general. Occasionally, I'll rock yellow gold, but it's rare.
H. Height: 5'3"
I. Instruments you play: I used to play a mean tambourine. No lie. I can also Magic GarageBand.
J. Job title: I'm a Specialist. For real.
K. Kids: I like them (when they're well behaved) but I REALLY like giving them back to their parents.
L. Live: Charleston, SC
M. Mother’s name: Kathleen (Sometimes I call her Kate)
N. Nicknames: Peep. Double E. E Sqaured. E Ellis. NYC. Erin Gail.
O. Overnight hospital stays: When I had mono in third grade, I was hospitalized for a week. Oy to the vey.
P. Pet peeves: Alliteration. I'm kidding... Lying. People who do the same thing over & over expecting a different result. Driving slow in the left lane. When my Time Machine tells me I haven't backed up in "x" amount of days due to sheer laziness on my part. The use of the word "good" when it should be "well". But mostly lying in all of it's forms.
Q. Quote from a movie: "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't shoot their husbands. They just don't."
R. Right or left handed: Righty.
S. Siblings: One of each. Both younger. 24 & 11.
U. Underwear: What about it? I have a lot. Some are fancy. Some are not. Sometimes I wear it. Sometimes I don't. Yeah, I said it.
V. Vegetable you hate: Carrots if they're cooked. Yuck. And anything from a can is gross.
W. What makes you run late: The interwebs/my lack of self control.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Um. My teeth?
Y. Yummy food that you make: I made yummy homemade pizza tonight. But my coworker's really appreciate my skills when it comes to Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Z. Zoo animal: Giraffe. I like 'em. Their tongues are black & their necks are long.

and you?

2011-09-11T11:39:00.003-04:00

King Street Remembers.
We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm. - George Orwell

august [16] break

2011-08-31T22:31:00.000-04:00

(The adult version of the) Boon Grass Rack from Sugar Snap Pea!

august [15] break

2011-08-30T22:36:00.000-04:00

super yum loaded oatmeal cookies. i <3 baking.

august [14] break

2011-08-24T21:04:00.001-04:00

charleston skies after an earthquake, but before a hurricane. weather, you are off your rocker.

august [13] break

2011-08-21T22:56:00.001-04:00

small spaces need shelves & visual standards. yep.

august [12] break

2011-08-20T23:26:00.002-04:00

i'm swimming through a stereo of sound. don't be jelly.

august [11] break

2011-08-18T00:09:00.001-04:00

sally hansen kitty kitty nail decals. oy. but cute!

august [10] break

2011-08-14T21:47:00.000-04:00

an oldie but a goodie. [hot fun in the summertime]

august [9] break

2011-08-12T09:14:00.001-04:00

here is the view when i come down my stairs in the morning.

2011-08-11T08:14:00.002-04:00

There were always in me, two women at least, one woman desperate and bewildered, who felt she was drowning and another who would leap into a scene, as upon a stage, conceal her true emotions because they were weaknesses, helplessness, despair, and present to the world only a smile, an eagerness, curiosity, enthusiasm, interest. - Anais Nin

2011-08-11T07:25:00.002-04:00

“It might be time for you to go. It might be time to change, to shine out. I want to repeat one word for you: Leave. Roll the word around on your tongue for a bit. It is a beautiful word, isn’t it? So strong and forceful, the way you have always wanted to be. And you will not be alone. You have never been alone. Don’t worry. Everything will still be here when you get back. It is you who will have changed.” - Donald Miller

august [8] break

2011-08-09T19:36:00.003-04:00

somewhere in there is a frozen pizza and it will be my dinner.

august [7] break

2011-08-07T22:30:00.000-04:00

tax free weekend + moving weekend

august [6] break

2011-08-06T00:01:00.002-04:00

i'm moving. it's a disaster. all that i have left on the walls is this bird chain.

it's hanging next to my bed. listening to mat kearney on spotify.

gotta go to bed soon. meh.

august [5] break

2011-08-05T00:01:00.003-04:00

who lives in a pineapple under the sea? cohen!

august [4] break

2011-08-04T00:01:00.040-04:00

courtesy of kara + joe eight21productions

"let your love be stronger than your anger. learn the wisdom of compromise for it is better to bend than to break. look for the best in your beloved rather than the worst. confide in your partner and ask for help when you need it. remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship. give your spouse the same courtesies and kindnesses you bestow upon your family. and last, say 'i love you' everyday."

august [3] break

2011-08-03T22:19:00.001-04:00

anthro bowls. tj's frozen treats. life is good.

august [2] break

2011-08-02T22:32:00.003-04:00

local h2o melon, pickled peaches, sc feta cheese at the glass onion.

august [1] break

2011-08-01T20:37:00.003-04:00

a picture a day. no rules. just right.

2011-07-31T15:28:00.000-04:00

lunch at coleman public house :: california burger with
avocado, sprouts & bacon with a side of truffle fries.