A toast

I think this says just about everything I need/want to say:



Found via That Kind of Woman.

Don't be a woman who needs a man

Be a woman a man needs.

Having said that, I want these:



Found here a this amazing etsy shop.

And yes, yes, I know I've been MIA. I'm working on it (life).

tanta inspiracion

Wow.
So I've been looking at blogs for the last 45+ minutes...and there is so much beauty out there. So much inspiration, so many creative people, and so much to draw from. I don't really know what to do with it all, but if I could, I would marinate in this puddle from now until forever. Alas, I cannot, because there are these things called life, work, etc. that make said bliss impossible. However, I am grateful that when I do come home, I have these things to look to which help me reconnect with myself and reality. It is far too easy to forget how stunningly gorgeous life is when you get caught up in the day to day distractions and conflicts...all this reminds me of a quote I once read:

"Life is so ridiculously gorgeous, strange, heartbreaking, horrific, etc., that we are compelled to describe it to ourselves, but we can't! We cannot do it! And so we make art."
-Miranda July

Maybe this is why I am always so torn between that which I should do, and that which I feel I must do? At this moment I am in awe...of life and all its possibility.

Here's some homework for you; read The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and give yourself a chance to believe in something, even if it's just for a second, because who knows? Right? Who really knows?

Hey Tourists

Over the weekend we had some visitors in from Portland and Atlanta, so we decided to take advantage of the gorgeous weekend and hit up some of the D.C. tourist hotspots. We started the morning out with coffees, a brief stint in Dupont circle, and a surprisingly short walk to the White House. From there, we headed toward the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. Here is the photographic evidence:






And so it's official.

Need These:

The new J.CREW is amazing...but way too expensive. Hello?! You're J.CREW, NOT designer.

I heart Zara

This is why:




There is also a poncho I found in store, but it's not found on Zara online!

The Israeli's Got it Right

Today, the weather decided to go back to where it was supposed to be: blue skies, warm sun, slight breeze. Lucky for me, I had the day off. I went to the neighborhood yarn store and bought a circular needle, some yarn, and some stitch markers. I'm planning on knitting a cowl...we'll see how it goes, I've never knit in the round. Also, while on Google Reader earlier today I found the most gorgeous handmade shoes, straight out of Israel thanks to the ladies over at Oh Joy!. If I only had a few hundred extra dollars lying around I would buy them in a second. These are my favorites:



Check out the rest here. Enjoy!

It's getting cold outside.

So I've been terrible about blogging lately, mainly due to the fact that my work hours have been so ridiculous. Think 1:30 PM to 10:30 PM 5 days a week (two of these days are definitely weekend ones), I mean who feels productive early in the AM when you know you have to work the rest of the day and into the night? I certainly don't. Today I had a day off, luckily, and was able to finally grab some inspiration for a project or two (thanks to some of my favorite blogs, and one newly discovered). I am going to knit something. Maybe a scarf, maybe a sunny blanket, but first I need to find a knit shop...apparently there is one nearby in Georgetown. Of course I didn't bring my stitch 'n bitch handbook so I will need to purchase another, as I have yet to master every knitting technique (or any for that matter). I will also be in the market for some needles and yarn (duh). Let's take a glance at the post where this beautiful inspiration came from:


Gorgeous, right?


So perhaps I won't start with a big squishy blanket, but a small cowl-like scarf should be simple enough.

The Unanswered Question

Okay, so I know this happens to everyone: moments of panic. For no real reason your whole world comes crashing down because you realize that you have no purpose. Maybe it's not even that. Maybe it's just that you don't know why you're working said job, why you are living in said town, or why you are doing anything that you do. It's a horrible feeling to be lost. To be unsure of what you're doing and where you're going. To know that tomorrow you have to get up and do the same thing over again. Is it going to be a waste of time? I know this overanalyzing does no good. It only perpetuates this thought that we have to know where we are going at all times. We don't need to know. I just need to remind myself to be here now. Live this moment, enjoy it, and stop looking so far ahead. People are always getting ready for the next thing to come along and make their lives better, but that next thing never comes. I know this, but it's so hard to believe sometimes.

This is it.

Hey Dream Baby ♥

First day of work today and already thinking about the next step:

US road-trip here I come.



Found over at inhabit.

Succulents

I love these little hanging terrariums.
When I have more money I will gift one to myself.


Found here.

let it be

There is strength in surrender.

Let's go with a light one...

I need these for fall.


Now, I know this sounds dumb...BUT I watched Dear John tonight and it made me sad...I mean, why are people so stubborn? It's so frustrating.

Life is short, enjoy the gifts that are given to you.

Los domingos

I love Sundays...I really do.

My roommate and I went to the farmer's market in our neighborhood this morning, then proceeded to grab some coffee at good ole Starbuck's (local to global, it's how we roll) and then over to asia mart. The checker asked Amanda and I if we were sisters and it was all downhill (or uphill?) from there:

Checker: "I am stunned by your beauty"
Amanda: "umm...hey, what about me?"
Checker: "you are double-beauties..."

bwahahaha...ridiculous. Now I know where to go if I'm having a bad day and need a little confidence boost! I'm back home and enjoying some R&R. Clean room, clean bathroom, clean living room. nbd.

My friend Stephanie is coming to visit me tonight and I can't wait! A little piece of home will be here with me even if just for a few hours ::sigh:: I miss you, but not as much as you'll miss me.

Deep Creek

I had an amazing weekend with my new friends. We rented a house in Deep Creek; hot-tubbing, board games, testicle-toss, lounging, and reading took up the majority of our time. All the things you always wished you had time to do during real life, we did. Although this was nowhere near as enlightening as an Eat, Pray, Love sort of trip, it did give me time to organize my thoughts and re-shape my mindset. I feel I know better what I want, what I'm unwilling to settle for, and what makes life worthwhile. I love my new life here...I've only been here two weeks, but I already feel at home.








What makes you happy? What do you love? What can't you live without?
Iced coffee, good conversation, my friends.

Happy Labor Day!

drum roll please...

As promised, here are some photos of my new room with Kara...like I said...stinkin' cute!







NBD.

In love with this

and here I am

It's so crazy that in a few small days my life has completely and irrevocably changed. I know I made the right decision, and it is one that will move me forward, but it is hard to not look back. I see things often throughout my day that remind me of what I left behind (or is it what left me behind?) and I get nostalgic and sometimes even a sparkle of hope twinkles somewhere in that dark tunnel that tries to consume me. Maybe, what is so hard about a situation like this, is that there is nothing that you can do to completely fix what has been undone. No amount of money or prayers can make someone else want what you want, so you just have to let it go, and hope that one day their love will bring them back. I am going through the motions, keeping my routine as normal as possible and just reminding myself to control what's within my power and let go of those things that I can't change.

DC is good for me, I am already forgetting you...

Tomorrow, DC.

I had a great going away gathering last night. It was so nice to see so many friendly faces in one place...and all for me! I have really amazing friends/family. The better part of my day today was spent packing, and now, I have a duffel, backpack, and carry-on sitting patiently awaiting departure. It's so weird when you try and squish your life into little packages...choosing this over that, two of those, three of these...etc. etc. I wonder what my new room is going to look like? Pictures to come (promise). In the mean time I think this print by Bold & Noble found over at Darling Dexter would look nice on one of my walls, what do you think?

grey or mustard? no se...

marie antoinette

Today I was reminded of one of my favorite movies Marie Antoinette with Kirsten Dunst, and rather than explaining I will show you why:

The colors and textures of their costumes are so amazing...not to mention the set decoration. She's like a real-live porcelain doll in a world inspired by cupcake frosting and excess. Beautiful.

Indian Wedding

I went to an absolutely gorgeous Indian wedding yesterday; the dresses, jewelry, flowers, music, everything was so colorful and alive. And although you may think now may not be the very best of times for me to go to a wedding, it also was not the worst of them. I saw what it meant to really want to get married. To have a spiritual connection that was more than someone just falling in behind you because of the need to fulfill this societal obligation. I thought about what it really means to have someone love, honor, and respect you. I also realized I don't think I have ever really had someone look at me and treat me as I deserve to be treated.

A dream I have

I would absolutely love a tiny baby cabin in the woods. Pre-fab or handmade, it doesn't matter, as long as it has a little loft for a bed, a miniature wood-stove, and a porch with enough room to sit in a couple comfy chairs with hot coffee and look out over my little paradise. Someday, someday right after I travel across the US in my little airstream.

More amazing pre-fab babies found here:

Form & Forest and here Modern-Shed

The List

1. Last night I had an epiphany, or rather a moment of clarity where I feel like I tapped into the world's energy, and for one second everything made sense.

2. Earlier this morning, I simultaneously cleaned my house while I cleansed my soul thanks to mine and Kara's enlightening conversation.

3. Today, at Target, my grand total was $7.16, which is my birthday 7/16. nbd.

4. I bought a notebook to write my lists in.

5. Ashlee and I are having a slumber party tonight and it's going to be amazing.

AND

6. Found: beautiful canvas duffel in a rainbow of colors:

and so it is

I suppose things happen for a reason, but geezus, life can really blind-side you sometimes with some pretty heavy business for no good reason. Thanks life, I really appreciate the lesson you're trying to teach, but maybe next time could you rip off the band-aid a little quicker because I think this time you've actually gone and made me physically sick. LAME. On a lighter and more optimistic note...I have amazing friends who throw some seriously amazing parties! Here's the evidence:

One more day.

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed because tomorrow is my last day of work and then I have about two weeks to prepare for DC. While that may seem like a fair chunk of time I think it might be one of those things that causes you to procrastinate because you think you have so much time and then you end up rushing around the last two days trying to pull it all together. I'll try and be better. Perhaps tonight I'll start some lists of what I want to bring and then start crossing business off. You know what would be nice? A bag to take my stuff there in...details, details. Oh well, one thing at a time.

We know we're the best

You are ruled by imagination. If imagination were a castle to capture by storm, you could marshal your strong emotions, easily surmounting the walls. Like Sagittarians, you need freedom and you possess boundless ingenuity that may lead to excessive situations.

Fortunately, external relationships have an influence on you. Outside forces act as an anchor, keeping you balanced and in touch with reality. You appreciate art, literature and especially drama, where the spectacle, the flow of action and intense feeling particularly excite you.

As a person who likes to feel unfettered, you enjoy sports such as swimming and surfing. Healthwise, too often you neglect your physical well-being. Remember, indulging in hasty, indiscriminate eating causes stomach trouble.

In affairs of the heart, you are a dedicated romantic and a marvelously sensual lover. Soft-hearted and highly emotional, Cancerians crave the security of being near the one they love. Rather than being interested in light-hearted flirtations, your real need is for a permanent relationship.

You lavish much love and affection on your partner and can be so caring that you may become overprotective and possessive. Without a love in their lives, Cancerians feel unfulfilled and unhappy. When you are with your sweetheart and content, you give much and ask for little in return (insightful thoughts courtesy of Miss Ashlee's Zodiac Astro-Profile Postcard).

want it!

I need a duffel bag, and although this is not exactly the size I had in mind I WANT IT! And duh...it's red! Found at Need Supply Co.

And then there were three...

Only three days left till unemployment...exciting and scary/awesome. In other exciting news I bought these little beauties from here and they are adorable!

jelly!!

it rises in the East

I'm officially moved out of my triplex and into my parents' home. Thirty is the new twenty, right? Living with my parents is not my ideal situation, and so as to avoid early admittance to Bedlam I booked a flight to DC. Done and done. I will go explore the formidable East Coast with all its pilgrims, polo shirts, and ivy-league schools. I also hear they have great shopping, argentine gelato, and an ocean you can actually swim in. nbd. If you had asked me in June where I would be in three months you would've never heard me utter a word about the East Coast, but it seems that life doesn't tell you when it's going change and you just have to do whatever is best for you in that moment. blah blah blah.

I hope I'm headed in the right direction.