CK

Missing Saint Louis

2012-01-28T23:20:00.003-06:00

I've only been away from St. Louis for 4 months, but I'm already missing home. Of course, it's not really the place, it's the people. Family, friends, it's hard to be away from the people you love. I will be in Dallas until the end of April (at least). 3 more months. I want to experience more of Dallas while I'm here, and not just wish away the days.
I have enjoyed the change of scenery, change of pace. I feel I really needed that, and the move came at a good time. I just need to push past the feelings of homesickness and enjoy this time I have.

St. Louis, see you in the summertime.

Cabana Pool

2011-12-02T23:44:00.006-06:00

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

2011-11-13T23:02:00.005-06:00

Super cute statement rings. Miaki by Townhouse.

Texas

2011-09-06T21:46:00.003-05:00

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

2011-06-13T22:12:00.002-05:00

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!

2011-06-03T19:50:00.002-05:00

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

2011-04-20T20:49:00.002-05:00

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

2011-04-12T21:14:00.002-05:00

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

2011-03-08T22:30:00.002-06:00

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

2011-03-06T21:25:00.007-06:00

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

2011-02-14T22:09:00.002-06:00

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

2011-02-12T16:38:00.003-06:00

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

2011-01-24T20:47:00.008-06:00

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

2011-01-22T21:18:00.003-06:00

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

2011-01-17T19:32:00.006-06:00

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

2011-01-17T16:23:00.005-06:00

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

2011-01-15T23:28:00.005-06:00

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

Via freshome

Ryan Adams

2011-01-09T21:53:00.005-06:00

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

White Christmas

2010-12-28T23:30:00.003-06:00

We haven't had a white Christmas in St. Louis since 2005, so it was a pretty and special sight to see all of this snow on Christmas morning this year.

Christmas cookies

2010-12-06T23:11:00.007-06:00

I'm started to think about what kinds of cookies to bake this year for Christmas. Now I am not much of a baker, but my friend Kati and I started the tradition last year of a Christmas cookie baking day. It was a lot of fun last year, and we had lots of cookies to hand out to family and friends. So the tradition will continue this year!
One cookies I know I will be baking? The traditional sugar cookie. I would love if my sugar cookies could be as pretty as these!

via noshwithme

Tis the season

2010-11-27T22:06:00.005-06:00

The holidays are officially here!
Plans so far:
-Begin putting Christmas decorations up tomorrow
-Pulling out the Christmas DVDs and music
-Going to see St. Louis Ballet's production of The Nutcracker mid December
-Cookie baking day with my friend Kati close to Christmas

And I'm actually not minding the sudden drop in temperature this week. I'm happy to pull out the winter coats, scarves, and gloves. It's a welcome change.

photo via shannamurray

Flashback Friday

2010-10-23T03:18:00.003-05:00

Missing my friends I just don't get to see enough,
StL Cardinals game, Summer 2009:

Reem Acra Spring 2011

2010-10-13T19:08:00.012-05:00

My faves from Reem Acra's Spring 2011 collection.

via style.com

Boston!

2010-10-10T22:59:00.001-05:00

My stepsister's dog, Boston.
She is quite the character!

Sunday Reflection

2010-10-03T23:09:00.003-05:00

October is now here! My favorite month. :-)
This past week was a good one. My week was mostly filled with work, but the days were not too stressful, and my weekend was lovely.
Friday and Saturday evenings were family nights, spent with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and I am so thankful for that time we share together. We enjoyed each other's company as well as good food and drinks. Today I had an ACT tutoring session and enjoyed a nice Sunday dinner with my mom, stepdad, and stepbrother. And I got to sleep in both Saturday and Sunday, so I feel well rested for the work week ahead!

photo by Cindy Loughridge via rocoquirk

Contemporary Lakeside Villa

2010-09-28T21:38:00.005-05:00

This awesome lakeside villa is located about 25 minutes from Stockholm, Sweden. The main house sits farther back from the water and the cottage next to the dock houses a sauna and spa area! I love boating and being near water, so this would be right up my alley. One can dream right?

via digsdigs

I must confess

2010-09-27T18:11:00.005-05:00

My magazine addiction has gotten worse.
Everytime I go to the store I find myself wandering over to the magazine aisle. Do I still have magazines to look through at home? Yes. Do I still have books to read at home? Yes.
But I still keep leaving stores with more magazines! Those scented glossy pages have their grip on me. I must stop this madness and stop buying them. Or I must subscribe to more magazines to save myself a little money (cheaper than buying individually). Hmmmm.....the latter option sounds a little better. :-)

photos from deadmarch and fashion in my eyes

Fall is here

2010-09-22T21:56:00.005-05:00

Happy first day of Fall!
This season makes me feel nostalgic for my college days.
Here are a few pics I took back in the Fall of 2006 at the University of Illinois.

A Pause

2010-09-12T22:24:00.002-05:00

I've taken a little pause from here, as my mind has been elsewhere. This year has been a bad one for my family, as I've mentioned here before and since then it's only gotten worse.
I plan on returning here this week, but in the meantime I've been posting to my xanga site.
One thing that is brightening up my mood is the changing of seasons. My favorite season is Fall, and this past weekend the weather was absolutely beautiful :-) Looking forward to cooler days and leaves changing colors.

photo via we heart it

Greenberg

2010-08-22T22:03:00.007-05:00

Watched Greenberg, Noah Baumbach's latest film this weekend. I've seen two of Noah's films now-The Squid and the Whale and Greenberg and I've really enjoyed both of them. The awkwardness in Greenberg had me chuckling and the offbeat characters really pull you in. I was impressed with Ben Stiller's acting skills and it was nice to see him take on a different role. Next I believe I will check out Baumbach's 2007 film, Margot at the Wedding. Anyone else a fan of Baumbach's films?

Stressful Week Ahead

2010-07-11T17:17:00.003-05:00

I'm glad I got a chance to relax this weekend, because my week ahead is looking pretty stressful. I have two interviews tomorrow at two different school districts, and it should be a busy week at work. I hope work this week goes a lot better than last week! And I hope I'm not too nervous at the interviews. Looking forward to next weekend-it's a blank canvas so I'm hoping to plan some fun activities.

photo via we heart it

Hand blown glass terrariums

2010-07-11T15:57:00.004-05:00

How cool are these hand blown glass terrariums? I love the white sand and brights colors!

Terrariums by Litill
via DigsDigs

The OC

2010-07-11T15:19:00.004-05:00

I'm a little stressed out this weekend. And while the stress has induced sleeping binges and eating binges, it has also brought about an OC marathon. I've been netflixing The OC for awhile now, and I'm halfway through Season Two. I might be a little old to still like this show, but I followed it all the way through its 4 seasons, and watching it makes me feel nostalgic for younger days. I just might have to buy the seasons someday. :-)
Did anyone else follow this show? Season 1 was my favorite!

A Day at the Beach

2010-07-10T22:08:00.004-05:00

Their style =perfection. How cute is Suri Cruise?

via Tumblr

Cults

2010-07-08T20:45:00.003-05:00

On repeat (and repeat):
Cults-"Go Outside"
Love this band!

via stereogum

Hotel Boca Chica

2010-07-07T21:39:00.008-05:00

I've been dreaming of a laid back beach vacation and Hotel Boca Chica in Acapulco looks like a great spot for some R&R. Beautiful ocean views, sweet pool, and comfy bright rooms to stay in. Imagining I'm there today. :-)

45 Best New Hotels 2010 via Travel and Leisure
and photos via Design Hotels

Movie Weekend

2010-07-05T22:55:00.006-05:00

Lots of movies watched this weekend!
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
The Last Airbender
The Men Who Stare at Goats
The Last Station

Summertime

2010-06-22T23:02:00.009-05:00

It is officially summer! Time to bask in the warmth of the sun, enjoy the water, and spend evenings under the stars. Enjoy!

1. Lost 60s 2. Senseless Acts of Beauty 3. We Heart It 4. brianwferry 5. And Your Bird Can Sing 6.I'll Never Stop Dreaming

Nina Ricci Resort 2011

2010-06-14T20:27:00.011-05:00

Loving this ultra feminine collection from Nina Ricci! The purses, lace, belts, white, and touches of pink are killing me. Love, love, love.

via style.com

Funny Face

2010-06-07T16:14:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I watched the lovely musical, Funny Face. It stars Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, and Kay Thompson. Audrey has such grace and elegance on screen-she's really one of a kind. Her "Basal Metabolism" dance number is definitely something to see! Next weekend I plan on watching another Audrey film-"Roman Holiday."

Buckingham Fountain

2010-05-31T22:41:00.003-05:00

Got to check out the beautiful Buckingham Fountain in Chicago this weekend. I didn't see it at night, but hopefully next time I'll make it an evening visit. Also enjoyed more of Grant Park and downtown Chicago. Such a great city!

photo via Cheapostay

Celine Classic Box Bag

2010-05-06T16:09:00.004-05:00

Loving this Celine purse! Timeless perfection. :-)

via Fashion Spot via Style.com, photos by Tommy Ton

Cats and Dogs

2010-05-05T22:42:00.004-05:00

Not having a pet anymore makes the house oddly quiet and boring. I'm thinking one day I've got to add another furry friend to our family. These photos make my heart ache for my buddy Elliot, who is not longer with us, and remind me of the absolute adorableness of cats and dogs.

1. femmecherie 2. silk

Elegant Design

2010-05-04T22:31:00.003-05:00

I love this bathroom and this dress. The dark frames of the prints in the bathroom, and the dark borders of the mirror are a nice contrast to the whites and neutrals in the room. I also adore the pretty dark ribbon around the waist of this nude colored dress. So pretty and elegant!

Via Brabourne Farm and Couture Carrie

The Time Traveler's Wife

2010-05-03T22:49:00.005-05:00

I am halfway through reading The Time Traveler's Wife, and I don't want to put it down! I admit I did see the movie first, and it made me want to read the book. But, oh, the book is much better than the movie (as is often the case)! The romance, the love, comes through much stronger in the book and you can't help but get swept up in it!
Of course, I can't help but visualize the characters and scenes from the movie. That is one of the downsides to seeing the movie first. You can't create your own image in your mind. But, the movie was beautiful, so I can't really complain! I think I'll be watching it again after I finish the book.

Simple and Lovely Wedding Dress

2010-04-27T16:24:00.004-05:00

Goodness, I just love this sweet wedding featured at Once Wed. The bride's dress is a modest (yet also kinda sexy with that low cut V), country style dress, with a vintage feel. And that veil! So pretty!

Photography by: Amy Carroll
via A Cup of Jo, via Once Wed

Black Tights

2010-04-26T22:32:00.005-05:00

Trend I'm Loving: Black Tights

Models backstage @ Jason Wu

Innisfree Garden

2010-04-19T21:58:00.000-05:00

These beautiful images of Innisfree Garden, located in Milbrook, NY take me to my happy place. There are waterfalls, streams, and a glacial lake throughout this amazing 150-acre public park. Wouldn't you love to spend an afternoon there?

photos via Innisfree Garden via Elle

City Fashion

2010-04-14T22:49:00.000-05:00

A little fashion inspiration from the beautiful Natalia Vodianova (one of my fave models). That purse is perfection!

via we heart it

The Virgin Suicides

2010-04-13T22:01:00.001-05:00

Netflix movie of the week: The Virgin Suicides.
Yet another movie I've been meaning to see for quite some time.
The music, the acting, the cinematography, everything clicked. I thought it was a great film. Sad, strange, and beautiful.

Marais USA 2010

2010-04-12T22:43:00.000-05:00

How cute are these wedge sandals from Marais USA? I think I would like a red pair, but the green is also pretty great. Oh what am I saying? I love them all!

Chandeliers

2010-04-07T22:47:00.000-05:00

We are on the hunt for a chandelier for our dining room. At first I was totally against the idea, thinking it would be too stuffy or old fashioned. But after seeing photos of many different kinds of rooms with chandeliers I have definitely changed my opinion! I fell in love with a couple of small ones at Lowes the other day, but I'm thinking we need a medium sized one due to the size of the room.
Here are some beautiful rooms with chandeliers.

1. wet behind the ears , 2. pink wallpaper 3. abby goes design scouting

Eydie Gorme

2010-04-06T22:24:00.000-05:00

Getting acquainted with the terrific voice of Eydie Gorme. She has quite the talent!

Elizabeth Dye 2010 Bridal Collection

2010-04-05T22:21:00.000-05:00

If I ever get married one day (which at the rate that I'm going might be never), I would want my dress to look like one of these beautiful creations from Elizabeth Dye. The dresses are elegant, sweet, understated, and romantic. Just so perfect!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T22:50:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a lovely Easter!
I spent with Easter with family and enjoyed the gorgeous sunshine. Had a fabulous 3 day weekend filled with relaxing and shopping. It was great to sleep in for several days, but it's back to work tomorrow!

photo via a glimpse of glamour

Dace Spring 2010

2010-04-03T22:32:00.000-05:00

Lots of pretty looks in Dace's Spring 2010 collection.

The OC

2010-04-02T22:18:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been watching episodes of The OC on DVD. I thought this picture of Summer Roberts was appropriate for this time of year.
I'm loving having Netflix and the variety of TV shows/ movies they have to rent. I have the 2 DVDs a month plan and I typically get 1 TV show and 1 movie each time. It's been fun revisiting old TV shows and checking out new to me ones!

via We Heart It

Juno

2010-04-01T10:24:00.000-05:00

Netflix movie of the week: Juno.

I am just now getting around to seeing this movie! Gosh 3 years goes by quickly.

Zara Spring 2010

2010-03-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

Liking these cutesy spring looks from Zara.

via Luphia Loves

The Stirling House

2010-03-30T22:30:00.000-05:00

Loving this contemporary home in Sydney, Australia. I especially like the lighting fixture seen in the bottom photo. Loving the shadows it creates.

The Stirling House via The Contemporist

JCrew Spring 2010

2010-03-29T22:30:00.000-05:00

JCrew I just can't get enough of you! So many cute looks for spring. :-) The little bit of ruffle peeking out from the skirt in the top photo is perfect. :-)

Tough times around me

2010-03-28T21:27:00.004-05:00

Things have been going okay with my new job lately. I'm very busy during the week, working two part time jobs, and it finally feels like I'm falling into a routine. However, I've been feeling sad as I hear about several of my family members going through very difficult times. It just feels like the bad news keeps on coming. I keep telling myself, "think positive thoughts, think positive thoughts."

photo via tumblr

Lit Life

2010-03-27T21:02:00.002-05:00

Cool Blog Alert:
Lit Life

A combination of fashion and literature-two of my favorite things! Lit Life (an Elle blog) has book reviews, interviews, and photos of stylish people reading. Excited about this find. :-)

photos via Lit Life

Missouri Botanical Garden

2010-03-26T19:42:00.001-05:00

Now that the weather is getting warmer I am looking forward to going to Missouri Botanical Gardens. I love all the flowers and beautiful landscaping. During the summer they have free evening concerts where you can sit on the lawn, surrounded by the awesome scenery. I try to go to at least one of these summer concerts every year. But, I will try to make my way out to the gardens before summer is here and enjoy some of the spring blooms!

Definitely one of my fave places in the St. Louis area.

Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2010

2010-03-25T16:28:00.001-05:00

I'm loving Tommy Hilfiger's fall collection. The coats are great and I'm always a fan of red, navy blue, emerald green, grey, black, and khaki. Really into the preppy look lately.

Tommy Hilfiger via style.com

Wendy's House

2010-03-24T10:51:00.001-05:00

I love the house of Wendy Burden, featured in New York Times.

That living room is so glamorous! That mirror! The paint color! The drapes! Love, love, love. It's an older home with so much character, so much light. I love all the collectibles she has out throughout the home. I also notice books sitting out in every room-fabulous. :-)

Photos from New York Times by Susan Seubert

New Laura Marling

2010-03-23T23:01:00.003-05:00

One of my faves, Laura Marling, has a new album out: "I Speak Because I Can." I love Laura's voice and am looking forward to listening to this album. It sounds like this album has a little bit of a darker edge, and I sense a little more confidence.Digging the brunette hair too!
Here is a song, "Rambling Man," from her new album:

Ballet-Inspired

2010-03-22T22:22:00.000-05:00

Love this ballet-inspired bridal fashion editorial from Martha Stewart Weddings. Beautiful!

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Costello Tagliapietra Fall 2010

2010-03-17T14:50:00.010-05:00

Loving the draping and the colors of all these dresses from Costello Tagliapietra. The ribbon/belt around the waist complements the draping so well. And I'm drawing inspiration from the loose, big hair, buns. :-)

Costello Tagliapietra via style.com

Nantucket

2010-03-16T23:28:00.006-05:00

Nantucket is one of those places I've always wanted to visit. Wouldn't it be fun to spend a week there in the summer? It seems like such a peaceful, pretty place.

Photos by flowerwine

Lyell Early Spring 2010

2010-03-15T23:06:00.003-05:00

Loving it-especially the top blouse!

Lyell via Frolic

Sleeping In

2010-03-14T21:30:00.001-05:00

This week seemed to drag so much-largely because I've been awaiting my spring break from SWIC. Unfortunately Friday I woke up with a sore throat and my cold is still hanging around a bit. I don't feel too bad, but I'm just so tired, so I spent a good chunk of the weekend relaxing in bed.

Having a week off from SWIC means I get to sleep in pretty much everyday this week if I so choose. I have a couple of appointments and will still be working at Sylvan in the evenings, but it will be nice to not be quite so busy for once. And then Thursday night I'm leaving for a long weekend in Chicago! Love that city. :-)

Photo by Clayton Cotterell, via we heart it

Chocolat

2010-03-13T15:06:00.000-06:00

Netflix movie night! I'll be watching Chocolat, which I've been meaning to see for quite some time. Anyone else seen it and enjoyed it?

Katya de Grunwald

2010-03-12T01:13:00.000-06:00

Liking the pretty photography of Katya de Grunwald.

Photography by Katya de Grunwald

Heels

2010-03-11T00:46:00.000-06:00

Since I am 5'7" I tower over most people when I wear high heels. But, I can't help but love them.
Aren't these fun?

Loving the little booties and the fact that the front doesn't come too high up on the ankle. They look like they would help give the leg a slimmer look.

And for storing your shoes....
I like this idea:

photos via we heart it

Real Estate

2010-03-10T00:23:00.001-06:00

I've been listening to the band, Real Estate, lately, and I'm really liking their sound. They have been described as a psychedelic surf pop band, and I have to say their mellow, lo-fi music is sounding great for a summer playlist. Perfect for driving.

A youtube user put together this cool video. It is home video of New Jersey during the Great Depression set to Real Estate's "Suburban Dogs."

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

2010-03-09T23:43:00.000-06:00

So excited to see Hubbard Street Dance Chicago this coming weekend! Aren't these photos of Hubbard Street dancers in the Art Institute of Chicago cool?

via Art Institute of Chicago

Built by Wendy Spring 2010

2010-03-08T22:29:00.000-06:00

Loving Built by Wendy's Spring 2010 collection! So many terrific looks! I'll take everything please. :-) So much inspiration!

Built By Wendy via missomnimedia and Black Eiffel

Maldives

2010-03-01T22:24:00.000-06:00

Photos from the beautiful Alila Villas Hadahaa island resort in the Maldives.

Sometimes I dream of a vacation to a beautiful, exotic location. A place far from home, where I can escape from reality for a little while. Where I don't have to worry about jobs or decisions about my future. A place to clear my mind and enjoy the beauty of the sky and water. I think this resort in the Maldives would do the trick. Don't you think?

via The Contemporist

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T17:25:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Valentine's Day! No romance here, but I will be spending my evening watching movies on Lifetime-Pretty Woman, Where the Heart Is, and Jane Austen Book Club-should be a pretty good movie night. :-) Oh, and of course eating a little chocolate. The snow is falling outside, so it will be nice to be cozy in blankets indoors.

This week has been very difficult for me, but my tears have been a little less the past few days. I miss our dog Elliot so much-he was so special to me and made such an impact on my life in my five years of knowing him. It's still hard to talk about him, but I know with time it will be easier.

photo via we heart it

Elliot

2010-02-10T22:22:00.003-06:00

I've been absent from this blog for awhile due to several reasons, but mostly because I haven't been in the best of spirits. Our sweet Elliot, who was diagnosed with cancer at the end of last year, had to be put to sleep yesterday. He led a very long life, was 14 years old, 10 months and was very loved. We miss him terribly, but we take comfort in knowing that he lived a good life. He loved playing in the woods, chasing squirrels, tug of war, food, snuggling up next to us on the couch or bed, laying in the sun, and following us around the house. Even though we knew this day was coming for awhile now it was still very, very difficult. I've cried so much the last few days that I haven't been able to wear makeup and I've had many headaches. Gosh I hope I can start to pull together, I just miss him so much!

Stil in Berlin and UO

2010-02-01T17:07:00.009-06:00

Urban Outfitters spring collection on real people on the streets of Berlin.
I am loving that black bustier top with the blue mini.

photos via Urban Outfitters

Feeling Down

2010-01-31T22:31:00.003-06:00

Things aren't so cheery at our house right now. Our sweet 14 year old Westie, Elliott, has been facing declining health for awhile now, and recently (this past week) he's gotten much worse. The cancer in his throat has progressed and is now affecting his everyday functions, which puts us at the time to make the hard decision of the right time to say good bye. It's just never easy saying goodbye to a beloved pet. That, along with some other things going on right now really is making it hard to keep smiling. But, tomorrow is Monday, and I must face the public with a positive attitude. I'll try my best.

photo via les femmes

Needing a Change

2010-01-24T22:27:00.002-06:00

Second week of work and boy have I been feeling tired! I'm still having a hard time adjusting to the change in my schedule and having a daily routine. Eating poorly, not exercising, not really doing much besides work, sleep, and watching TV. I'm thinking it's time for a change. Time to transition into exercising this week, becoming conscious of what I'm eating, and making it a point to go and do something fun each week. Or at least planning fun things!

This weekend was actually a really good one though. Relaxed at home on Friday night. Had a delicious dinner and wine night with family and friends Saturday. And today visited with my friend Jiyoung who was in town-shopping, lunch, and movies. It's a little easier to transition into the work week when you feel like you've made the most of your weekend. Though I can't say I'm thrilled about facing the busy office!

photo via eightmag

Winter Fashion

2010-01-23T22:16:00.000-06:00

Love all of these winter looks! The coats, the scarves, the tights, the leggings, the boots-love, love, love!

via Elle Street Chic Daily

Crosby Street Hotel

2010-01-22T21:45:00.000-06:00

Would love to stay at this New York City hotel.

Photos: Crosby Street Hotel
via: Travel + Leisure

I Love Lucy

2010-01-21T21:12:00.000-06:00

I grew up watching reruns of "I Love Lucy" on Nick at Nite. I remember being thoroughly entertained and laughing at all of Lucy's shenanigans. Such good television. Needless to say I was thrilled to see Season One and Season Two of "I Love Lucy" at Target in a box set for only $15! I bought it and I'm looking forward to hours of laughs. :-)

Classic Style

2010-01-20T19:35:00.000-06:00

Beautiful street style captured by Tommy Ton. I love all the classic style captured in these shots. The colors: blues, green, camel, black, and grey. The coats, the scarves, the gloves. Gorgeous. I adore the first image: emerald green leather gloves with that blue coat and camel colored clutch. Love.

Photography: Tommy Ton
via: Elle

Team Conan

2010-01-19T18:41:00.000-06:00

Conan I hope you make a return to television soon. You are terrificly funny and a swell guy.

Creative Space

2010-01-18T21:48:00.010-06:00

Love this bungalow style home-all the bright colors, the open feel of the rooms, and creative use of space. Looks like a very fun place to live, no?

photos via LaTimes

Busy Week

2010-01-17T15:27:00.000-06:00

First week at the new job has me feeling very tired. It's been adjustment getting up at 6:00 am, commuting 40 minutes to work, and balancing two part time jobs. This week I worked 48 hours, which probably isn't too unusual for mot people, but going from 13 hours to 48 hours is a pretty big jump! I'm slowly getting used to things around the office, but still have a lot to learn. I'm feeling a little nervous about this week, but all I can do is think positive and try my best! I'm happy to have a 3 day weekend, and having a 4 day work week this week. I'm also looking forward to hanging out with friends and family this coming weekend! A cousin's birthday and a friend coming into town! It should be fun. :-)

photo via this is glamorous

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

2010-01-16T14:59:00.000-06:00

Watched Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist the other day and thought it was pretty cute. I love Michael Cera and I love that the setting of the movie is all in the timespan of one evening in the city.

Warm Lighting

2010-01-15T21:32:00.002-06:00

Love the little bit of warm lighting in these photos. I would love the atmosphere in either of these rooms. Little bit of candlelight, lamps, and the glow of a beautiful sunset out the window. Beautiful.

via Sandra Beijer and >>>------->

Winter TV shows

2010-01-14T22:10:00.003-06:00

Happy that Project Runway Season 7 started tonight! I'll probably get back into posting recaps over at my xanga site. I've been a loyal follower since Season One (I kinda wish it was still on Bravo though).

Also hoping to catch the new show, "Life Unexpected." Looks kinda good, no? I'm not always one to jump into new shows right when they start. I admit I wait a bit and if I hear enough buzz I start watching. That's what happened to me with "Gossip Girl" and "Mad Men." Anyways, I'll be checking out this one next week.

Now that I have Netflix I want to catch up on other shows that I missed out-thank you Netflix for fueling my TV addiction!

Pretty Nails

2010-01-13T22:48:00.005-06:00

I've not been in the best spirits this week (probably because I'm a little sleep deprived) and I'm thinking I need to paint my nails to cheer me up. For some reason, whenever I paint my nails-especially with a glitter nail polish-I feel a little happier. I think the glittery polish reminds me of childhood or my teen years, and it's just girly fun. :-)

via we heart it and blowout

Leather Jackets

2010-01-12T22:50:00.008-06:00

Really into leather jackets this winter. I've been seeing them all around lately. First-liking modern/contemporary style houses, now liking leather jackets. My tastes are really changing!
Some leather jacket inspiration:

Gah! This leather jacket looks perfect. Worn leather, slimmer fit, wish I could find something like this!
via Gen Kay

Kristen Stewart. Suck a cool chick. Can totally pull of the leather jacket.

Ashley Olsen. Not quite as badass as Kristen Stewart, but man this girl has a killer wardrobe.

Natalie Portman. Love this outfit-I think this is from Elle.

Keeping my eyes peeled for the perfect leather jacket!

Bittersweets

2010-01-11T21:15:00.001-06:00

Loving these rings from Bittersweets! How about those vampire rings?! Would be great for all the Twilight fans out there (me, me!). And the twig rings? Gorgeous!

via something old, something new

New Year, New Job

2010-01-10T13:59:00.003-06:00

It's been a pretty good week. Had an interview for a part time job on Wednesday, and on Friday I found out that I got the job! Funny thing was I had interviewed at the same place a couple weeks before for a different position and didn't get that job. Luckily, one of the people I had interviewed with recommended me for this other position. I'm keeping my other part time job as well, so I will be pretty busy now. But, this is good for me, it's time to enter this working stage of life. I'm a little bit nervous about this week, but a little excited too! It's time for something new.

photo via we heart it

Woody and Diane

2010-01-09T20:47:00.004-06:00

Love these old photos of Woody Allen and Diane Keaton. Makes me want to watch Annie Hall again!

photos via nickdrake

White Barn Inn

2010-01-08T21:29:00.005-06:00

White Barn Inn, located in Maine, looks like a really pretty place to stay. Fine dining, a spa, and beautiful accommodations, hmmmm....sounds like a nice little getaway.

via Travel & Leisure