Monday, September 30, 2013

Music Monday: Chvrches

Ever since I heard Chvrches' EP last spring, I've been [im]patiently waiting for their full-length album. It finally released last week, and I honestly haven't listened to anything else since. I highly suggest picking it up! 

Saturday, September 28, 2013

September in IG

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Just a glimpse of September via Instagram.

1.Exhausted after a busy busy day yesterday. // 2.  Took a break during yesterday's craziness with a Spiced Chai Iced Coffee // 3. Fell in love with my city all over again. Springfield is lovely this time of year. //4. I'm like, 3 stars away from Gold, and I can't decide if I'm proud or embarrassed. // 5. This weather has been AH-MAZ-ING. //6, 7, 8, 9. Happy times at Silver Dollar City // 10. Took a fashion risk and it paid off. // 11. Lots of weirdness lately. // 12.  Had a late night dinner date at one of our favorite local spots. // 13. Loving the gorgeous fall sunsets. // 14. Apparently, according to Starbucks, my name is now spelled "Jesssss." Adjust accordingly. // 15. Is it obvious that I've been drinking a lot of coffee lately? Also, obsessed with these jeans. // 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23. We bought a season pass to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, and it's amazing. //17. Reading in the evening light has become one of my favorite ways to decompress. // 24. Loving that all The Little Mermaid stuff is coming back. It was my favorite childhood movie and gives me such a kick of nostalgia.

We're at the Fair Grove Heritage Festival today, and loving every minute. It feels like Fall is finally here!

P.S. Pop over to Mushaboom and wish Haley a happy wedding day (and also keep your fingers crossed for no rain)! She's getting married today!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

September's Favorite Reads

September has been good to me. The weather has been lovely and the weekends have been full. The blogs have also had lots to offer this month--I've been favoriting left and right on Bloglovin. Here are some of my favorite posts from this month. If you have any to add, feel free to send them my way!

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1.  "Grilled Cheese" at Little Lady, Little City Honestly, I almost skimmed right over this, because I thought, "Grilled cheese? Seriously?" but I was intrigued, and I'm glad I didn't pass it by. Now I'm looking for other ways to fancy up an old staple. 

2. "Apple Cider Pancakes" at Sincerely Kinsey The magic words have been spoken: apple cider. Now that fall has officially arrived, I want apple cider everything. These look amazing!

3. "Lavender Iced Coffee" and "PSL Syrup" at A Beautiful Mess Apparently I'm all about the food-related posts this month, but I mean seriously. The ability to make two of my favorite coffee-related drinks at home? Sign. me. up. I may have to experiment with my own ideas for syrups after reading these. 

4. "How I Made My Own Giant Doily Rug" at Always Rooney. I am droooooooling over this rug, guys. I might literally have to go teach myself to crochet just so I can make it. I love Courtney's blog; she has the greatest tutorials, and she's also a fellow Springfield blogger.

5. "It's Okay" at The Daily Simple. Sometimes you just need a good reminder. 

6. "Park Bench Time" at The Skinny Luv This was the sweetest post, and such a well-articulated view of an experience that I think most married folks have at one point or another.

7. "Blogging: What Didn't Work" at Lovely Indeed I don't think I would call myself a "serious blogger." I mean, this is really just a hobby, and I'm not really too concerned with pageviews and followers. At the same time, though, blogging is really interesting to me and I enjoy it a lot; it's something that I plan on continuing and I feel like I should do my best at it. The more I can learn, the better...and hey, I never turn down good advice. 

8. "DIY Book Letters" at The MerryThought As much as I love my books, you might think that I would see cutting some up as blasphemy. Well, you would be wrong...sort of. Some books are pretty, but not really, um, well-written--perfect for slicing up and decorating with. Books aren't sacred; good books are sacred. That said, if I ever see you "restyling" anything by Steinbeck, I will straight up cut you. 

9. "(Word) Search to My Heart" and "Poker Face" at Secret Life of Bee These little snippets about the beginnings of Bri & her husband's relationship are the sweetest thing ever. Reading about her developing crush and giddy feelings during their initial flirtations has pretty much induced a constant stream of "aww"s. So cute. 

10. "Oregon, You're a Dream" at Floral Mountains  Pretty much anytime anyone posts pictures from my favorite state, you can bet I'm glued to the screen--not to mention my favorite place in my favorite state. I die. It doesn't hurt that they're gorgeous shots, either.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

SDC

You guys, I think I became a fan of Silver Dollar City last weekend. I've only been a couple times, even though I've lived in or near Springfield almost eight years now, and it's only about an hour away. I just never really got into it. Especially when I was younger, there seemed to be a cheese factor....and did I mention I'm scared of roller coasters? Terrified of roller coasters. This fear stems from a really really bad childhood experience at.....yep, SDC.  So I really just felt like SDC didn't have much to offer; I mean, if there's only like, one coaster I'll actually ride, what's the point?

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A few years ago, I was at Universal Studios in Orlando (because, duh, Wizarding World of Harry Potter); I had gone with a friend who knew one of the employees and he was going to let us jump line in a couple rides. He asked what kind of rides we liked best so he could help us choose, but neither one of us were really big fans of coasters. I said as much, and then added, "I haven't really had much experience with theme parks, though. I mean, I've really only ever been to Six Flags and freaking Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri." The guy responded, "Hey, don't knock Silver Dollar City. There are actual theme park awards among all the parks, and they win every year for 'Cleanest Park' and 'Friendliest Staff.' Every single year." I was kinda surprised by that--I mean, Disneyworld exists! But Silver Dollar City has friendlier staff than DISNEYWORLD? Pretty crazy.

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Once a year, Tyler's new work buys tickets for a day at SDC and meal passes for their employees and their families. Tyler actually likes roller coasters, and I figured, "Hey, it's free, and I'll eat a funnel cake,"....so we went. You guys, I had SO. MUCH. FUN. SDC is right in the middle of the Heritage Festival right now, and that business is right up my alley. Art, crafts, cider, fall decorations, cool weather? Just kill me. There were artists and artisans from all over the midwest with their own little booths, and most were either inside or right outside, working on their craft and doing demonstrations. I spent over half an hour talking crafts with two ladies from Oklahoma, Pati Jane and Ginger, from Prairie Moon Primitives. They taught me how to do rug weaving and needle punching...so now I have more hobbies. Yikes! :) Poor Tyler was so patient. But hey, I waited for him to ride a couple rides, too, so I figure we're pretty even, right? Right. By the way, that's him in the picture below--front row, hands in the air like a crazy person. I married a thrill-seeker, ya'll.

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Oh, and if all the arts & crafts weren't enough to make the day awesome, I also gorged myself on cotton candy, cider, and yes......funnel cake.

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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Reverse Bucket List

About a month ago, a friend of mine from grad school posted a "Reverse Life List"--kind of like a bucket list, but backwards. Instead of listing all the things you want to do before you die, you list the awesome things you've already done in your life so far. I think sometimes I get so wrapped up in going, doing, seeing, and accomplishing that I forget to stop and remember the things I've already been lucky enough to see and do in my life. With my 28th (eep!) birthday rapidly approaching, I thought it would be the perfect time to show a little gratitude for the full and happy years I've had so far. Here's my 28.

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1. Eat fish & chips on the coast of England.

2. Ghost hunt in a castle.

3. Do humanitarian work in another country.

4. Work with kids with autism.

5. Get an advanced degree.

6. Touch a waterfall.

7. Have a book collection.

8. Go to a red-carpet movie premiere.

9. Fall in love.

10. Go to Harry Potter World.

11. See Old Faithful erupt.

12. Snorkel in a Caribbean reef.

13. Go skiing (without killing myself).

14. Watch a concert from backstage.

15. See Haystack Rock (GOONIES, ya'll!)

16. Walk on a movie set.

17. Go snowshoeing.

18. Eat a donut from VooDoo Doughnut.

19. Be in a play.

20. Record a song.

21. Have a pint in an English pub.

22. Own a piece of history.

23. Get a tattoo.

24. Sing on stage at the Ryman Auditorium.

25. Go to the Field Museum in Chicago.

26.  Start a record collection.

27. Swim in a sinkhole.

28. Never stop learning. So far, so good.


I'd love to see your reverse bucket lists! If you decide to do it, leave me a link so I can check yours out!

Monday, September 23, 2013

Music Monday: A Fall Playlist


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I have decided that seasons have specific music. It's almost like they have a mood of their own. (I thought I was the only weirdo who ascribed certain sounds to seasons, but Haley and Angela are on board with me, too.) Here's what fall sounds like to me this year. I know yesterday was the first official day of autumn, but if I'm being honest, I've had this playlist on repeat for at least a couple weeks. Love this time of year. 



What are your favorite fall sounds this season? I love new music suggestions. :)

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Hello Fall! You're Quite Welcome Here.

When I was a kid, I lived for summer. No school, no responsibilities--just the freedom to run through fields, play in the creeks, and explore the forest on our (and usually our neighbors') land....usually with a book in tow. Summers in the country are heaven for a child. 

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The switch happened somewhere in my later college years--fall became my favorite season.  It happened about the time I moved into the Rountree neighborhood near campus.  To me, Rountree is the most perfect place to live in all of Springfield. The streets are lined with quaint bungalows, there are quiet sidewalks to walk down, and everywhere you look are the most beautiful trees. During the fall, they seem to stretch out as far as they can to show off their colors, and driving down Weller or Pickwick is like driving under a canopy of reds, yellows, and oranges.  I always took more walks in the fall, and to this day, as soon as the leaves start to turn, I start taking drives in Rountree to get my giant dose of fall. 

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I can talk all I want about cooler weather (yay!), sweaters, boots, and everything pumpkin, but it never really seems like autumn has arrived until the Rountree trees say so. Of course, that won't keep me from trying to usher it in anyway, but I'm pining for that first real fall drive through my old neighborhood. Today marks the first day of my favorite season, so I know it's coming soon! I thought I'd celebrate with a few pictures from one of those many many (many!) college walks I took years ago.  Happy Autumn!

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Holding steady


Thursday, September 19, 2013

Wilson's Creek Wears

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I'm settling in again. That's how I know Fall is just around the corner. Summer seems like a risk-taker, so I chop off my hair, cut bangs, and wear crazy patterns and bright colors. But very soon, Fall's coming to town like an old friend, to hug me tightly and remind me of who I am--the girl dragging out the oversized sweaters, comfy boots, and corderoy pants. The girl longing for cozy neutrals, cool breezes with falling leaves, and pumpkin flavored things--all the pumpkin flavored things. Fall will get here and laugh at my half-grown-out bangs and the meager ponytail my hair barely forms. Then we'll look back over my free-spirited summer and curl up together under a heavy quilt, ready for the comfortable return to quiet normalcy. 

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Pants, shirt, belt, shoes: Target (because I'm a walking parody of a person)// glasses: Bonlook // necklace: Moorea Seal

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

this one time: on a cruise

This one time, I had cornrows. We went on a cruise when I was in high school, and I thought it would be a great idea to get cornrows....in Mexico. Three hours later I looked like a Bo Derek wannabe. Even those folks on the right thought we looked nuts. 


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

The Best I've Ever Had

I used to travel quite a bit in college and even grad school (not sure how I had the time for that, but I managed somehow). I know it's hard to believe since I haven't even left the state in almost a year, but at one point in grad school I actually touched the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans less than a month apart.  If the opportunity for a trip arose and I could afford to go, I was there. I've managed to make friends all over the country, and I've hitched rides, crashed on couches and in spare rooms, and had local tours of cities that have since fallen in love with. You know what helps me fall in love with places? (1) History, (2) adventure, (3) beauty, and (4) food--not necessarily in that order.

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Summer is rapidly winding down, and while vacations are still being rushed into the last couple weeks before fall, I thought I would share just a few of my favorite food finds from my wanderings. You'll be able to see pretty easily which cities have my heart...and my stomach.

1. Pizza: Giordano's (Chicago, IL) You really just can't beat Chicago-style pizza, in my opinion, and Giordano's is the best of the best.

2. Sandwiches:  Frothy Monkey (Nashville, TN) Get the Royale. Thank me when you're done stuffing your face.

3. Breakfast food: Mother's Bistro (Portland, OR) I would put their biscuits & gravity head-to-head against any grandma's in the country.

4. Pasta: Fornello Trattoria (Chicago, IL) I have dreams about the Bow Tie Pasta dello Chef.

5. FishThe Eight Bells (Dover, Kent, UK) Here's the thing. I'm no fish expert. I had tried fish before and hated it; I've tried fish since and still hated it (actually I hate all seafood in general). While at The Eight Bells, though, I thought, "You know what? I'm in England, and I'm going to eat fish & chips, darn it." And I did. Every last bit. And it was ah-maz-ing.

6.  HamburgerPort of Call (New Orleans, LA) I know, I know, you're thinking, "Who the heck goes to New Orleans and eats a burger?!" Well, in case you missed it in the last mention up there, I hate seafood. Fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, barf barf barf. So I go to New Orleans, and when I'm in New Orleans, I eat the best burger. So there.

7. Coffee: Crema (Nashville, TN) It really doesn't matter what you order. If you like coffee, you'll love everything Crema.

8. Asian Cuisine: Saigon Flavors (Orlando, FL) This is the single best overall dining experience I've ever had anywhere. Ever. The food, the service, the atmosphere--everything was perfect. I even discovered my favorite wine here thanks to the waiter's suggestion.

9. Burritos: Flaming Amy's (Wilmington, NC) There's nothing that isn't amazing here. Also, the whole place is just really really sassy.

10. Doughnuts: VooDoo Doughnut (Portland, OR) Okay, this is kinda a given. I mean, really, who else makes bacon doughnuts? And bubblegum doughnuts? And donuts that look like voodoo dolls with red fruit fililng? Yeah, they're pretty much a tourist attraction at this point, but for darn good reason.

11. Ice Cream: Elle's Patisserie (Springfield, MO) Didn't see this one coming, did you? (Ha!) Not only is it my favorite place to get sweet treats in Springfield, but it's also my favorite in the world. The ice cream is handmade, the flavors are unique, and don't even get me started on the macarons and spicy chocolate truffles....

12. Pink Lemonade: Hayden's BBQ (Poplar Bluff, MO) Poplar Bluff isn't known for many things--Tyler Hansbrough, Designing Women's creator, an old country song called "40 Miles from Poplar Bluff"....and of course being my little hometown. One thing it should be known for, though, is Hayden's pink lemonade. Yeah, it's a diabetic coma in a cup, but it's the best use you'll ever get out of your insulin. Guaranteed.

**I'm aware that there's no steak recommendation on my list, which seems like a huge oversight, right? The problem is, my former roommate, Billy, made the best steaks I've ever had. Ever. I've never had a restaurant steak that compares--they just all kinda lump together in my mind as not-Billy-steaks. And Billy doesn't open his house for business. Sorry.


Have you been to any of the places on my list? Where are some of your favorite places to grab a bite?



Monday, September 16, 2013

Music Monday: Neko Case

I'm not sure for how many years now I've been listening to Neko Case. It seems like she's always existed to me, sort of like a family member I've just grown up around. And that voice--man. She could probably sing about killing kittens or something and I'd still listen. For the past couple of weeks, I've been switching back and forth between her latest and Volcano Choir's, since they released very close together and are both great. I haven't had time yet to determine exactly where in the hierarchy of her albums this one falls, but I'm definitely a fan.

I'm pretty sure I always will be.


Friday, September 13, 2013

Currently reading.



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Being knee-deep in about five books at once is kind of par for the course for me. Anyone else? I mean, it really depends on what kind of mood I'm in which book I decide to pick up. There's also a good chance I'll end up tossing a few more in there, depending. Here's the current line-up: 

1. The Journals of Sylvia Plath (Sylvia Plath...duh): I'm just going to start by saying that it's one of my great fears in life that people will read my journals after I die. It's to the point that I've made my brother swear to build a bonfire and burn them all. But, because I'm a huge hypocrite, I really really enjoy reading other people's (published! I'm not a snoop!) journals. It also helps that I think Sylvia Plath is one of the most interesting people to ever exist. 

2. The Awakening (Kate Chopin): I'm not sure how I've made it to this point in life without reading this book, but I'm rectifying that situation right now. Kate Chopin is another interesting lady--even after she got married, she remained fiercely independent and individualistic. She was also unconventional and pushed boundaries (not hard to do in the 1800s, I would imagine...). I picked up this copy in a used book store for $2 and it's already going by far too quickly.

3. East of the Mountains (David Guterson): Guterson's most well-known book, Snow Falling on Cedars never really grabbed my attention when it was released. I had heard good reviews, but it didn't seem like my type of read, so I passed. A few years ago, though, I saw a play adaptation at Center Stage during my first trip to Portland. It was captivating. I immediately bought the book, devoured it, and went back for more. If I'm being honest, I think I feel even more in love with The Other. Needless to say, when I saw this book laying on the shelf in a local bookstore, I snagged it gleefully. I'm just starting it, but if it's anything like his other novels, I'll be halfway in love with it in no time. 

4. Europe Through the Back Door (Rick Steves): This one really doesn't need any explanation, although I do feel the need to acknowlege how dirty/that's-what-she-said-esque/ridiculous the title is. My husband never fails to remind me of that when he sees me reading it. Looking forward a couple years to the big trip we're planning, I really want to travel as much like a local as possible. No chain hotels/restaurants for this gal. 

5. The Princes in the Tower (Alison Weir): Like all of Alison Weir's books, this one is taking me forever to get through. It's not because it's boring--there's just so.much.information. Of course, I feel the need to soak up every bit (even though I'll probably have to read through it four or five times to get everything). It's extra interesting since I've been following the story of King Richard III's body being found recently and his upcoming burial, and that's who the book focuses on. It's making me want to get to England more and more, though!  I'm loving it.

Any good reads on your bookshelves? What are you reading lately? I'm always taking suggestions....

Thursday, September 12, 2013

September Wishlist

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Is it obvious that I'm dreaming of fall? Of sweaters, scarves, hats, leggings, and boots? Of warm blankets and bonfires and thermoses of Aztec cocoa or hot apple cider? We're rapidly approaching my favorite time of year, and I couldn't be more excited. Now if I can just convince this hot Missouri weather to leave so I can usher in those autumn breezes and all the things I love most about fall, I will be a happy happy girl.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Wilson's Creek via Iphone

Last weekend, we found ourselves with nothing to do on Saturday afternoon and itching to get out of the apartment, so we decided to go for a little drive to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. Now, I'm currently registering a negative when it comes to my interest in the specifics of the Civil War (where battles took place, how many people were killed, military strategy, zzzzzzzzzzzz........) and as a rule, war makes me queasy and unbearably sad. (Side note: this Syria debacle is about to give me an anxiety attack.) However, I think the Civil War's sociological impact is interesting, and I love history in general,  as well as anywhere that has remained relatively untouched for decades, haunted places, and wilderness.  So it was a go! So much so, actually, that we bought a season pass. Anyone want to go with me?

The only snag in my plan is that I was dressed and ready to go before I actually knew where we were going. Also, I hadn't been outside yet. Cords and a denim shirt for walking around in 90 degree heat? Not my smartest move. So we skipped most of the hiking trails and just drove the park loop, stopping a couple times to read signs and walk up to the Ray House, which predates the war. (Apparently John Ray, the owner, sat in a rocking chair on his front porch watching the battle while his wife, children, slave, and her children all cowered in the cellar. Can I be honest? I would totally have been in the cellar.) During the battle, it was used as a hospital, which kept it from being fired upon, and that's one major reason it's still standing. Also, the first Union General to die during the Civil War was brought to the bed that's still in the house--jibblies. There's your history lesson for today. See, THIS is the kind of thing I'm interested in. Formations and battalions and positions? Meh.

Here are a few snapshots from my phone that I took while in the park. I had my film camera with me as well, but I haven't finished the roll yet. Good thing we're planning on going back this upcoming weekend!

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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Wonder

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"Concepts create idols. Only wonder grasps anything."
                                                                    --Gregory of Nyssa

Monday, September 9, 2013

Music Monday: Volcano Choir

It's really not fair how everything that Justin Vernon touches turns to gold, but I'm certainly not complaining. Even when his sounds manage to stab me in the soul, I'm not complaining. The fact that the new Volcano Choir album Repave sounds basically like another Bon Iver album--yeah, definitely still not complaining. (Squealing with glee? Maybe.) It's the kind of music that soaks into your skin, that could be the soundtrack to your life.

Speaking of, who do I talk to about having "Byegone" played in the background during the buildup to some sort of major triumphant moment in my life?




Mobile link: click here

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Simple IG Moments

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It seems a little redundant sometimes to share all these Instagram moments when I've already put them out there on social media (and I know a few of you follow along!). I don't know though. I think these posts are something I really do for me. It's so easy to toss a photo online and then never look at it again. It's even easier to get caught up in tough moments or days and forget how truly lucky I am. But this keeps that from happening. Even if it's only a month, a week, or a single day later, looking back on these moments is so meaningful. Some are exciting, and some are more simple, but they're all so full and so good. I've been given more than I deserve. 

A lot of people online like to complain about how everything on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc is curated, and that nothing is ever as good as it seems--and there's merit to that argument. It's also true, though, that the things we deem most worth sharing are also the most worth dwelling on now and remembering in the months and years to come. Someday when my kids look through their mother's old photographs I hope they realize that life wasn't always easy, but I tried to focus on and preserve the simple, happy moments. There is always beauty to be found. Always.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Why Can't I Be a Normal Human Being?

You know one thing that I’m absolutely terrible at?


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Resting.

And by “resting,” I don’t mean sleeping, because I’m a total pro at sleeping. Seriously. Ask my husband. If there was some sort of Sleep Olympics, I would medal in that sucker.  Waking up every morning is like coming out of a coma.

But no—resting. Relaxing. Kicking back. “Me time.” Just being.  It sounds like the easiest, simplest thing in the world, but I have a really really really hard time with it. I start to get restless really quickly. The problem isn’t boredom—it’s the need to feel like I’m productive, to keep moving. (Thanks, America.) Even my hobbies are all productive--embroidery, photography, watercolors, writing, blogging.... I’ll sit down to just watch TV or read a book for a minute, and then my mind starts working overtime.
Wow, I really should vacuum the floor.
I should just throw a load of laundry in; that’ll just take a minute and I’ll sit right back down.
I could be working on that embroidery for mom while I’m watching TV.
I have to catch up on blogging; my posts are really sub-par lately.
When was the last time I washed the shower curtain?

I should, I should, I should.
I could, I could, I could.
I need to, I need to, I need to.

You know what I really need to do?
Calm the heck down and chill out for a minute.
Stop feeling guilty for being lazy for a single hour. 


Tuesday, I had the worst headache. I honestly felt like my head was going to pop off my neck at any moment and launch into space.  Like every other day, though, I had a to-do list running through my mind when I got off work and headed home.  I decided that I would just lie down until Tyler got home, and then I’d get up and be productive….but I didn’t.  I got up and went and sat on the couch, not wanting to move, but feeling horribly guilty. GUILTY. How ridiculous is that? I mean, really. I felt guilty about not doing anything for one.whole.evening.  I don’t think I’m in any danger of becoming a lazy bum any time soon, in case you were worried.

Thankfully, I realize how totally crazy that is (read: I am) and I’m working on learning to rest—even if it means I have to put it on that darn to-do list until I learn to do it naturally.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Favorite Reads Last Week

I probably spend way too much time online, because not only am I basically addicted to every form of social media in existence, but I also follow no fewer than 108 blogs on Bloglovin. Clearly I am an insane person.

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Anyway, here are  a few of my favorite reads from last week!

1. "Oregon Coast," "Monday in Portland," and "Oregon Coast Pt 2" at Smile Me Pretty
Everything Emma has posted this week has been making my little Oregon-loving heart go pitter-patter. Her video in Portland is the cutest thing, and those photos of the coast are soooooo dreamy. K-I-L-L-I-N-G me. We are definitely kindred spirits.

2. "How I Learned to Work When I Didn't Feel Like It"  at Storyline Blog
Don kicks my butt. Seriously. If I made a list of my friends who had greatly impacted me, his name would be somewhere toward the top. Whether it's in conversation or in a blog post, he always manages to give me insight into myself or advice that I need to hear, and I love that.

3. "Table Up-Cycle & Compromise" at These Threads
This cart--I need it. Need. I'm always so intimidated when it comes to updating furniture, but this looks like something I could actually pull off. It's perfect.

4. "Clearing Out Challenge" at Always Rooney
I loved this post. I am the absolute worst when it comes to getting rid of clothes. Once every few years I just get fed up and haul boxes and boxes to the Goodwill, but with that exception, I'm the queen of "....but what if I need it after I give it away?" (Yeah, you guys are going to see my apartment on an episode of Hoarders one day, and I'll be flailing around under a pile of graphic tees.) This post really tugged at me, though, and I found myself looking at some of my clothes differently. I feel a purge in my future.

5. "I Have This Crazy Idea. Want to Hear It?" at The Daily Simple
Gosh darn, I just love it when people get crazy-awesome ideas and just go for it. When those ideas go against the grain and involve good causes, even better. Talk about inspiring. I'm rooting for Aubrey's new venture, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with.

6. "Peach Pie Bellini" at Lark & Lace
YUM. I'm all about peach lately. I blame my brother--he brought Campbell peaches when he visited last weekend. (If you've never had a peach from Campbell, Missouri, you are missing out, my friend.) I'll definitely be filing this recipe away.

7. "Floating on Glass: Lake Louise" at Lune Blog
Can we just talk for a minute about how breathtakingly gorgeous these pictures are? Why are all these bloggers insisting on giving me insatiable wanderlust?


What about you? Any good reads you found that I know about? Leave a link for me!

Monday, September 2, 2013

Labor Day

Gosh darn it, Labor Day, I love you. I mean seriously, a holiday from work just because we work? America, sometimes you're awesome.

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I'm clinging today for as long as I can. The weekend has flown by so fast already--faster, it seems, than shorter weekends. I swear it should be Saturday. My brother came into town for a wedding and stayed with us for a couple days, and most of Tyler's family was in for a local festival, so our weekend was nice & busy. It's been full of laughter, living room guitar + banjo jam sessions, and long conversations...not to mention a huge family breakfast at one of our favorite local spots.  Today we're just going to have a low-key day--I'm going to catch up on some blogging and other little projects, and Tyler's in the midst of a video-game coma. I might try to talk him into taking a little drive and seeing if we can find an open antique store to browse. :) Hope you're having a wonderful long weekend.

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