Cabana Pool

Well, it sure is starting to feel like winter here in Dallas. I believe the weekend temps will be dropping into the low 30s. Hard to believe that just a few weeks ago I was sitting outside enjoying some beautiful fall weather.
Most of the pools here in Dallas are kept open year round (but of course no one is swimming in them). The apartment complex I live in actually has three pools and they all have a nice sitting area near them.
My favorite is the cabana pool, which is pretty close to my building.
Here are some pics from a gorgeous Fall day spent by the pool:

Miaki By Townhouse

Super cute statement rings. Miaki by Townhouse.

Texas

I haven't posted on here for awhile, but I have news! I have a new job and I am moving to Texas! I have accepted a clinical scientist position at a research company specializing in cosmetic and skin care testing. I will be living near Dallas, TX and I am looking forward to a new job and exploring a new city!

photo by Randy Case

Coal Miner's Daughter

Finally got around to watching Coal Miner's Daughter. I've always caught portions of this movie on TV, but never sat down and watched the whole film.

It is the classic rags to riches story, but what made this movie special was Sissy Spacek. What a sincere and endearing performance!

Snuggly pups!

My dad and stepmom's dogs are just too cute. I think Angel was trying to get a spot on the couch here and just gave up. Why not just use Lu as a couch?

Vietnam caves

These images of Vietnam caves from National Geographic's January 2011 issue are incredible! The largest cave discovered, Hang Son Doong, is large enough to accommodate a block of New York skyscrapers! It's amazing to think of exploring these caves and seeing this whole other world.
One of my favorite field trips was when my high school biology class went spelunking in Illinois caverns. It was a small cave, and there were a few tight squeezes, but overall I really wasn't scared (unusual for me). I loved seeing the stalactites and stalagmites and wading through the underground streams. I remember one area where the water was rushing and we slid down the rocks like a water slide! It was a fun little adventure.

Now I'll just have to explore through pictures.....







Photography by Carsten Peter
More cave photos here

Family

From left to right: Mom, Carl (stepdad), me, Tiara (stepsister), and Dane (stepbrother). This was from a fun night out at The Old Spaghetti Factory last month.
Photo by Valerie Martinez

Chi-town

Looking forward to heading up to Chicago next weekend to visit with friends and family! Love that city.
Pictures from my August 2009 trip to Chicago

EmersonMade Gold Coin Necklaces

Eyeing up these super cute gold coin necklaces from EmersonMade. I'm especially fond of the clover one, how perfect for the month of March!


Emersonmade

Valentine's Day

Thinking pink and red clothes today, as cliche as it is.

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

via Showcard

via Stockholm Street Style

cupcakes and cashmere

ban.do

via J.Crewing

via storm in a teacup

Window decorations

I went to my Grandma's house yesterday, and loved these pretty hand blown glass bulbs she had hanging in the kitchen window.

Romeo & Juliet

St. Louis Ballet will be performing Romeo & Juliet this summer. I would love to see this performance! I've been watching video clips on youtube of this ballet and it is so beautiful.

One of my favorite performances I've come across?
Alessandra Ferri & Wayne Eagling with London's Royal Ballet in 1984:



Photo, Xiomara Reyes and Herman Cornejo in Romeo and Juliet, via ballet magazine

Sophie's Wedding Dress

I was watching Mamma Mia on TV this evening and fell in love with Sophie's wedding dress! The Grecian draping, flowing fabric, and touch of sparkle is so romantic. :-)





photos via latimes

On the Side

Love all of these side swept hair styles:



Wanting to try a low side ponytail for work.

Via Honey Kennedy, Celeb Salon, and Primped

Reacting

This month and August are two of the most stressful months of the year where I work. I've been at my job for a year now, and this first year I've really let the stress get to me and let it affect the rest of my life. I carried the negative attitudes with me and let myself get into the wrong frame of mind. One of my goals for this year is to be more positive and to not let negative thoughts consume me. I don't want to let one negative situation define my day. And just because things might not be going as I'd planned on the career front, that doesn't mean the rest of my life has to be put on hold. Because life isn't going to always turn out as you'd planned it. You have to live in the moment and make the best of your situation. I think if I keep a positive attitude I might be able to accomplish more than I imagined.

Photo via unwritten

Dreamy hillside home

Loving this contemporary home with gorgeous surroundings. Wouldn't you love to wake up to that view?



Via freshome

Ryan Adams

I received Ryan Adams' Heartbreaker album (vinyl!) for Christmas, and I've fallen in love. Such a good album!





One of my faves: My Winding Wheel