simplicities & serendipities

the (fabricated) story of my ring: part 2.

2012-02-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

{Part 1 here.}

Nadine turned to leave, a handful of supplies in her arms, none of which looked even remotely useful (or familiar to her). As she left, she fell in perfect step behind the man with the bright red socks. The closer she got to her apartment, she worried the man with the bright red socks would think she was following him. She sat on a bench and waited. Watching the man, she noticed he stopped at her complex. Her heart swelled.

George was determined to fix his own typewriter with what little knowledge he had of tools and handywork. As he walked home, he thought about what would happen if he gutted his typewriter and then couldn't fix it. It was just then that he realized that the sweet woman with the floral skirt was in close step behind him. He wondered where she was headed and felt compelled to ask. As soon as the thought entered his mind, he realized how ridiculous it sounded. Just then, she stopped at a bench.

Nadine wondered how long she should sit on that bench before making her way to her apartment. She then wondered how possible it would be to ask George for assistance with her apartment decorating. Surely he knew something about handywork if he ventured into a hardware store. Not the kind to stand on the sidelines of her own life, she resolved to write him a letter. She would leave it on the row of mailboxes in the small lobby of the apartment. Surely he would see it then.

With her new found plan, she walked into the complex and into her apartment. Sitting down to craft the letter to the man with the bright red socks, Matilda jumped onto her lap and Nadine patted her little orange head.

George sat down in front of his typewriter, gave it one last affectionate pat, and began taking it apart. He realized it was a mistake as soon as he began.

Dear Man with the Bright Red Socks,

Please forgive me if this letter is perceived as intrusive. I saw you at the hardware store today at around 2pm and wondered if you could help me with a bit of decorating. I'm concerned about the weight of one particular piece I'd like to hang and was wondering if I could get your advice. You remind me of someone I once knew.

Sincerely,
Nadine (Apartment 3B)

The letter sounded impersonal, formal even. Nadine wondered if it would come off as such. The last bit sounded out of place and silly, but she couldn't bring herself to cross it out. She sealed it in an envelope and took it downstairs to the mailboxes. She labeled the envelope: Man with the Bright Red Socks. She dashed back up to her apartment, sat, and waited.

George looked at his typewriter. Why had he assumed her could fix it on his own? He felt a bit dizzy. His dear old, trusty typewriter seemed to look back at him with sadness. George thought it might be best to get some fresh air.

Part 3 to follow.

valentine's day.

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

I know some people think Valentine's Day is kind of silly, but I love it.
I hope yours is filled with chocolate, laughter, and a whole lot of love.

little snapshots.

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

1. A reminder next to my mirror. :)
2. My favorite candle, from Jeffrey.
3+4. Valentine sweets.
5. One of my favorite nooks in our home.
6. Heart-shaped sugar cookie from Jeffrey's grandma.
7. Homemade pillows.
8. One of my favorite books + our hats.

This weekend was quiet and relaxed, which was exactly what I asked for. On Friday, we went out for frozen yogurt with my good friend, Emily. On Saturday afternoon, I went thrifting with my sister. That evening, Jeffrey and I celebrated Valentine's Day early with Satchel's and a homemade cake. On Sunday, I spent the day at home, making a valentine for someone special, drinking tea, and having a leftovers picnic with Jeffrey. It was all quite perfect, as every weekend should be.

friday inspiration.

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Friends, I am tired & this quote really makes me smile. Yesterday a good friend of mine went for a walk with me and just listened to what I needed to say. I am continually amazed by the kindness of those I am lucky enough to call my friends. Really, truly amazed. This weekend, I plan to do a lot of nothing. Oh, how even the thought of it makes me excited! And I think I might go to Starbucks. I hope you all have a very lovely weekend. xo, R.

*image.

a letter to my sixteen year old self.

2012-02-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

Dear You (Me...),

In just a few years you'll be where I am right now. Sometimes it feels like it's only been a few days and sometimes it feels like it's been years and years. That happens to everyone.

Stay close with Mom and Dad. They will be the most precious friends and confidants you will find on this big, beautiful Earth. Ever.

Tell yourself you're beautiful. Everyday. Multiple times when it's necessary. You will go through a time in your life in which outward appearances mean a great deal to you. You'll get through it. Just remember it's all the inside stuff that really counts.

Never settle for someone who didn't pick you as the very first choice. You will find that someone who is a great friend has the potential to be so much more. Don't close yourself off. Don't hold yourself back. Be yourself and you will be recognized for it. Love freely and wholly and great things will come from that.

Take your academics seriously. Your commitment and dedication to schoolwork will take you far in life. Friendships and humility will take you even further. Hold tight to your best friend. She is the strongest anchor and the most kindred spirit that you will ever come across. Don't take it for granted.

Be happy with yourself. For as easy as it is to rely on others, it is important that you learn to rely on yourself. Learn to be independent. Do okay on your own.

When you're not okay on your own, lean on your sister. She is the single person who shares heartstrings with you stronger than anything else in this world.

In a few years, your life will be so magnificent, it might sometimes take your breath away. Just remember that you deserve it. All of it.

Be kind to others. Be loyal. Eat well. Take breaks. Get plenty of sleep. Laugh. Be ambitious. Follow your dreams. Chase your passion. Be thankful for all of it. And be thankful often. xo

*image.

orange blossom grove.

2012-02-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

If you're ever in Florida and you like citrus, you have to (Have to!) try and find an Orange Blossom Grove. And if you happen to find one in the part of Florida you're exploring, then you must (Must!) get orange soft serve ice cream. It is the most wonderful, delicious, dreamy treat that ever was. Get it in a cone, too. That part's really important.

tampa theatre (richard thompson concert).

2012-02-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

On Friday night, I had the honor of watching my dad play at the Tampa Theatre, which is a really magical place. He opened for Richard Thompson, a renowned musician. It was an incredible opportunity and one that we were all so proud to attend. I wasn't able to get any pictures of him on stage (he looked like a white blob), but I think that night will forever be engraved in my mind anyway. Every nook of the Tampa Theatre is filled with something beautifully ornate. It is the kind of place that one could go to everyday for a year and still stumble upon something different on each occasion. As my dad played his guitar and sung, my heart swelled with pride. It is such a joy to watch him perform, and it makes me feel so very lucky to be his daughter. Needless to say, it was a night I will never forget.

little snapshots (at home).

2012-02-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

1. Back porch.
2. Squeezed oranges.
3. Toast with breakfast.
4. Orange juice + cute little bird.
5. A sweet furry critter.
6. Stained glass.

This weekend we went home. My dad opened for Richard Thompson (!) on Friday night, which was really exciting! On Saturday morning we had breakfast on the porch (with fresh squeezed orange juice) and spent time just doing nothing. It was absolutely wonderful.

friday inspiration.

2012-02-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

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1. Perfect to pair with a white tshirt.
2. Hanging flowers.
3. Go On An Adventure.
4. The sweetest camera strap.

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Have a sweet weekend, friends! xo, R.

sisters.

2012-02-02T05:30:00.000-08:00

I love the fact that I live right down the street from my sister. And that we can make lunch plans anytime we want. It's the little things.

little snapshots.

2012-01-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

1. Sweet flowers from my sister's rehearsal dinner.
2. Our bookshelf.
3. French toast + Chai tea.
4. Miniature ice cream (yum!).
5. Some paintings from my sister's self portrait series (plus our cherished German clock).

This weekend Jeffrey took me out for a celebratory dinner (after I received good news about an exciting opportunity next school year!), we made french toast on Saturday morning, and we bought miniature ice creams to enjoy while watching a movie. It was all quite lovely and relaxing.

friday inspiration.

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

{ lovely flowers & a lovely quote }

...

Have a beautiful weekend! xo, R.

list twenty-two: good reads.

2012-01-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

1. The Red Tent, Anita Diamant

2. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, Jonathan Safran Foer

3. Ape House, Sara Gruen

4. Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen

5. The Glass Castle: A Memoir, Jeannette Walls

6. I Capture the Castle, Dodie Smith

7. Chocolat, Joanne Harris

8. The History of Love, Nicole Krauss

9. The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver

10. Chrysanthemum, Kevin Henkes :)

image.

the (fabricated) story of my ring: part 1.

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I look down at my engagement ring and imagine the woman who wore it before I did. My ring is an antique, did you know that? My mom and I found it in our favorite little town, Micanopy. When I showed it to Jeffrey, I had a feeling it would be the ring that ended up on my finger.

I like to think that the woman who wore it before me had a grand, romantic love story. Nadine was in love with George, who was 10 years her senior. They met in a hardware store, where George was immediately struck because Nadine looked more purposeful than he did. She was wearing a sweet floral skirt crouched down, examining the screwdriver heads. Little did he know she was decorating her newly rented apartment, just above his. She had rented it because the sun spilled in just perfectly at 4 pm. She always made sure to be home at that time to sit in complete and total relaxation with her sweet cat, Matilda.

Nadine was an employee at a theater, where she was always eager to audition for the parts, but could never quite work up the courage. Her boss, Gerald, was kind enough to let her leave for one half hour daily at 4 pm to enjoy the aforementioned spilling sunlight.

George was a writer. The kind of writer hopelessly indebted to his characters -- so indebted that he rarely left his apartment. Except on that fateful day, when he walked into the hardware store to ask an employee about how easy it would be to self-repair a broken typewriter. And that was when he saw Nadine, her hair pulled back just so. He stood in shock and awe -- he felt as though he was witnessing a sweet and perfect creature from one of his stories, the kind of woman that could only be true if she had been written that way.

Nadine was trying hard to look as though she knew what she was doing, although she really had no idea. George caught her eye because his hair was perfectly tousled. It reminded her of her childhood friend, Raymond, who had gone to war and never returned. She cocked her head in disbelief. Alas, it was not him, but she instantly felt comfortable without even talking to the man in the hardware store. She liked the way he was wearing a dress shirt without a tie, and the way his pants were too short and revealed bright red socks. She wanted to know this man, befriend him, walk with him in the park. What a silly thought, she said to herself. George wanted to hold this woman's hand, show her his first draft stories, and buy her a coffee on a cool, bright evening. Nonsense, he said to himself.

Part 2 to follow.

junk.

2012-01-24T04:30:00.000-08:00

The Junk Lady has been providing entertainment for our family for five years now. An outdoor garage sale with a hodge podge of items, the Junk Lady's inventory is nothing short of extraordinary. It never fails to amaze us that she can have completely different stock each time we arrive. And a description would never paint an accurate picture of what this place really is: A yard with tables upon tables upon tables of stuff. Weird stuff, creepy stuff, interesting stuff, neat stuff, old stuff, useless stuff, any category of stuff ever. Ever.

little snapshots.

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Recently I've been feeling really inspired by the little things in my life. Noticing small objects or moments that are so sweet and special I want to put them in a little locket and keep them close to my heart. I think it's the time of year -- the promise of new beginnings and fresh starts -- it all makes me feel really happy. Breakfast in bed on a cozy morning, Chai tea on a sunny afternoon, and preparations for a hearty, vegetarian chili to eat on a cool evening; my heart is overflowing with these tiny little bursts of pure joy, and I love it.

friday inspiration.

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

{1} A very sweet moment.
{2} A good quote to remember.
{3} Darling wedding invitations.
{4} Cold! But cozy.
{5} Rainy love.
{6} Salad inspiration.

list twenty-one: my favorite things about winter.

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

1. Cozy socks.
2. Holding hands.
3. Hot beverages (Chai tea latte! Green tea! Apple cider!).
4. Candles.
5. Hot showers.
6. Handmade scarves (especially ones knit or crocheted by your sister).
7. Heated blankets.
8. Soup.
9. Sleeping in.
10. Warm hats.
11. Oatmeal.
12. Sweaters.
13. Tights.
14. Paper snowflakes.
15. Boots.
16. An excuse to stay inside and read.
17. Freshly baked goods.
18. Pea coats.
19. Flannel.
20. Fresh-out-of-the-dryer clothing.

satchel's (or the best pizza on earth).

2012-01-17T05:00:00.001-08:00

I have a confession to make: My family, we're pizza connoisseurs. As in, we've made it our mission to find the best pizza. And we think we're pretty good at it. You can search high and low for the most perfect slice, but you will continue to search until you eat at Satchel's. You'll realize that your quest is over and you'll be simultaneously happy and sad. Happy because you're eating the best pizza ever and sad because your quest is over, which means that you don't have an excuse to eat pizza whenever you want it. But do you really need an excuse? (The answer is no, you don't.)

a little town + a little birthday.

2012-01-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

I like birthdays. Is it okay to say I really like birthdays that aren't my own? Because I do. I do so much. My dad's birthday was on Saturday. My parents came to town so our family could do something fun and celebrate a person who means a lot to all of us. We went to a nearby town to a couple antique shops and rummaged through pieces of the past. My sister found a stack of old photographs to take home with her and we stopped at Starbucks to get some warmth.

It was a lovely day dedicated to a lovely person. A person who passed his undying concern for others down to me, his sense of humor, his appreciation for a perfect song, and his brown eyes (perhaps my favorite feature about myself). He also made a really smart decision when he married my mother. For these reasons, and so many more, he is very worth celebrating.

morning music.

2012-01-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the first day of my final semester as an undergraduate. It seems very surreal to be here when I still feel a bit like I just arrived to this campus. I reminded myself to cherish the little moments that might normally aggravate me, and I think it really helped! I had a great day full of old and new faces and I enjoyed every little bit of it. Of course it also helps to listen to some music and eat delicious oatmeal (gifted to me from my sweet future mother-in-law!) before embarking on a new day.

morning music by Roxanne on Grooveshark

{1} Sing Sung Saing -- Penny Honeywell
{2} Towers -- Bon Iver
{3} I'm Coming Home -- Kitty, Daisy, & Lewis
{4} The Perpetual Self, Or "What Would Saul Alinsky Do?" -- Sufjan Stevens
{5} It's Real -- Real Estate
{6} Wagon Wheel -- Old Crow Medicine Show
{7} Never Going Back Again -- Fleetwood Mac
{8} Horchata -- Vampire Weekend
{9} Whole Love -- Wilco
{10} Dancing in the Moonlight -- King Harvest

sunday morning doughnuts.

2012-01-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

On our last day off from school Jeffrey and I decided we needed to do something fun. We filled coffee travelers with chocolate milk, got doughnuts from the local Krispy Kreme, and took them to one of our favorite, most peaceful spots on campus. It was such a lovely way to end a wonderful, relaxing, perfect break.

list twenty: dinners to try.

2012-01-05T05:30:00.000-08:00

Jeffrey and I often find ourselves in what we call the dinner rut: A period of time in which five or six meals are in constant rotation. That's fine sometimes, but it's a shame to get sick of well loved meals because of eating them too often. Occasionally, I get in the mood to scour Martha Stewart or Real Simple for recipes that fit our tastes and lifestyle. I'm not kidding when I say I could spend hours doing this. Since we are embarking on a new year, I think now is a better time than ever to make a new list of fun and fresh meals to test out within these next few weeks.

1. Empanadas.
2. Spiced Chicken + Couscous Salad.
3. Sesame Chicken.
4. Thai Chicken & Noodle Salad (with Spicy Asian Dressing).
5. Penne with Ricotta and Pine Nuts.
6. Steak Quesadillas.

Honorable Mentions: Skirt Steak and Bok Choy Stir Fry, Kitchen-Sink Quesadillas, Slow-Cooker Orange Chicken with Potatoes, Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potatoes, and Slow-Cooker Pulled-Pork Tacos.

final breakfast of 2011.

2012-01-04T05:29:00.000-08:00

Breakfast is perhaps my favorite meal of the day and going out for breakfast is even better. On New Year's Eve day my parents and I (and Andy) went to one of our favorite breakfast spots to enjoy an egg scramble and french toast made with banana bread. It was the perfect final breakfast of 2011! We then took a walk at a local park where we saw a Great Horned Owl and discovered an oddly shaped tree. It's the little things, isn't it?

I recently saw that it is good luck to wear a color that represents the feeling you want to emanate in the new year on New Year's Eve. It sounds kind of silly, but my family is pretty superstitious so we instated it as a new tradition this year. I chose to wear a coral color to represent cheer. I am going to try to live happily and cheerfully in 2012, which works well with my resolution to smile more!

cappy's.

2012-01-02T15:54:00.000-08:00

Pizza. One of my all time favorites. And finding a good pizza place? Well, that's the good stuff. So when we found Cappy's, we told everyone about it and promised to visit it again and again (and again). Nestled in an old home, the Chicago style pizza and Greek salad is some of the best there is. And if you give Roxanne some pizza, chances are she'll want a Coke to go with it.

P.S. I am aware that the amount of Parmesan cheese I put on my pizza is obscene.

my resolutions.

2012-01-01T15:53:00.000-08:00

My New Year's Eve was quiet and relaxed -- just how I like it. I had a dinner of pulled pork sandwiches + coleslaw, ate sundaes with homemade fudge + whipped cream, and watched Sabrina (and then fell asleep halfway through). Then this afternoon, my parents, Jeffrey and I took a bike ride and ate burgers at one of our favorite gems, El Cap. This year I've decided to keep my resolutions simple and attainable. I plan to take my vitamins everyday, spend more time with my girlfriends and sister, and smile more!

Happy New Year, friends! Any resolutions you're particularly excited to start? xo, R.

christmas croquet.

2011-12-28T11:53:00.000-08:00

Our family has been playing a game of Christmas croquet ever since I can remember. The course is never perfect & the rules are never spot on, but we enjoy the game anyway. I didn't play this year since we decided to set up a mega-long course with plenty of obstacles, but I had fun watching and cheering everyone on. Jeffrey won the game this year with an impossibly awesome shot that began on one side of a canoe, went through, came out the other side, swished through both wickets and hit the final post as the grand finale. It was so incredible my aunt threw her coffee mug in disbelief! A good time was had by all and Jeffrey felt especially great!

christmas 2011.

2011-12-27T06:18:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas was filled with family, friends, new shoes, croquet, dessert, sunshine (80º weather!), good food, fun conversation, puppies, and lots of love. I was reminded of all the good in my life and how thankful I am to have a kind and funny family who gets together every year to remember the importance of strong relationships and a sense of humor.

andy.

2011-12-26T09:28:00.000-08:00

Oh, I forgot I have the cutest dog in the world. Just kidding. I didn't forget. But just in case you did, here's four pictures to remind you. I hope your holiday was filled with love and laughter. xo

friday inspiration.

2011-12-23T05:53:00.001-08:00

*******************************************************************
1. A thoroughly happy image.
2. A pear + cranberry crumble (with gingersnap topping)!
3. A dreamy living room.
4. A wonderfully cute bicycle.
*******************************************************************

Have a really special weekend -- filled with celebrations of a holiday, or simply with celebrations of this blessed life. xo

christmas baking.

2011-12-21T05:24:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago my good friends Emily and Caroline made these delicious cookies. I asked for the recipe and have made them twice since then. They are full of chocolate-y goodness, if that's your thing (it's mine), and every chocolate lover I've come across has loved them so far.

My aunt came down to our house to bake some cookies yesterday. It's the first year we've done it, but maybe it will become a new tradition. While we were sitting in the kitchen -- my mom washing dishes, my sister researching recipes, me mixing some batter, and my aunt sitting and enjoying a cup of tea -- I realized that my life is pretty perfect.

The holidays are such a special time to remind myself of all the blessings in my life and the people who have filled my life with happiness and joy. It is a good time for reflection and thanks.

our christmas decorations.

2011-12-19T06:36:00.000-08:00

My mom has a serious knack for decorating, and her Christmas displays are among my favorite. Every year when I come home at winter break, I'm excited to see what she's done to make our house magical. She never disappoints.

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays because everything becomes really magical and special. The week before Christmas is one of the best of the year -- people bustling around to complete last minute shopping lists, riding around in the car to look at Christmas lights, I love every last bit of it!

(Croquet is our Christmas game of choice. We play at our family gathering every year. I'm still not good at it, but it's fun to play anyway!)

friday inspiration.

2011-12-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

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{1} white chicken chili.
{2} Julia Child, so smart.
{3} sweet decorations.
{4} wedding kiss.
*********************************************

an afternoon.

2011-12-15T14:44:00.001-08:00

This afternoon Jeffrey and I went to a potential wedding venue to see if we felt inspired by it. The location is in a park in our hometown area that saves historical homes from around the county, and restores/maintains them for public appreciation. (A very special venture, if I do say so myself!) Walking into the old building, we both felt very at home in it.

It was the first time I honestly felt a connection to a wedding location, which sounds kind of silly, but was actually really great. I think we both felt pretty good about it. That, my friends, is very exciting.

friday inspiration.

2011-12-09T08:45:00.000-08:00

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{1} tiny house.
{2} classroom valentines.
{3} fresh salad.
{4} twirl.
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list nineteen: christmas list.

2011-12-08T17:42:00.001-08:00

1. Sweet pajama pants that support an amazing cause.

2. A cozy sweater.

3. Teacher tote.

4. Penelope.

5. Mylo Xyloto.

6. Hot Tools (1 inch) curling iron.

7. Thorlo Experia socks (in lime/white).

dear self: a peptalk.

2011-11-18T17:41:00.000-08:00

1. Sometimes life is hard. And things pile up. And you're at the bottom of that pile and maybe, for a little while, you'd like to stay there. And feel sorry for yourself. Don't do it.

2. Sometimes money is a pain. Sometimes you wish it didn't exist. Or maybe you wish it grew on trees. But money isn't the answer.

3. Sometimes you just want to go home. Well, Thanksgiving is less than a week away. Wish granted.

4. Sometimes you don't like wedding planning. And that's okay. Maybe you should just relax and realize that everything's going to work out just fine.

5. Sometimes a good cry can solve a lot of problems. But don't let it last too long. You're not that pathetic.

6. Sometimes you need to remember that you have a lot of happiness. And happiness is a gift that you choose to open everyday.

7. And sometimes, you just need to go buy yourself a milkshake.

xo, yourself.

life update.

2011-10-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends, loved ones, and people I don't know.

How are you? I've been gone for awhile, huh?

That's because I'm thinking about revamping this here blog a little bit. I sometimes get bored easily. Right now I'm just letting my wheels spin. I'll be back soon, though.

In the mean time, I hope you're enjoying the fall weather (it's still pretty warm where I am) and drinking lots of hot beverages.

Enjoy your Monday. Life is so beyond, isn't it?

my wedding plans.

2011-09-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

I'm an impressionable person, a quality that has been a blessing and a curse in my life. A blessing because I can find inspiration almost anywhere, and it's easy for me to find the good in other people. A curse because I had to learn the hard way that one shouldn't have to change to make other people happy. I learned that lesson twice.

The Internet can be a slippery slope of inspiration and constant comparison. I stay for the inspiration and beg myself to leave because of the comparison -- comparing my wardrobe to someone else's, comparing my life with a stranger's, detailing wedding plans of a vision that isn't mine. It can all seem really constricting and heavy and no fun at all.

When I first discovered wedding blogs, I was strangely enamored. I can say, honestly, that I was never the kind of person that dreamt of my wedding day. As a matter of fact, it rarely crossed my mind. I never wanted a big wedding. Or perfectly coordinated bouquets. I never even knew people photographed weddings.

Suddenly, it was all I could think about. I found myself calculating costs and wondering how on Earth people afford this stuff. And I wanted to cry. Then I reminded myself: I never wanted a big wedding. Or perfectly coordinated bouquets. Or anything like that. That is someone else's dream. A brilliant, wonderful, amazing, perfect dream. But it's not mine.

No, my dream looks more like a very small, unfussy celebration of the love I found in the fifth grade with a boy who makes me laugh and washes the dishes way more often than I do. And yes, I want photos. And I want to hold my idea of a perfect bouquet (sunflowers). And I want to wear something old and something new and something borrowed and something blue. And I want my dad to walk me down the aisle while my mom looks on with gentle eyes and a kind smile. And I want my family members to receive us with open arms and love in their hearts. And I want to remember that day as one in which I gained a whole new family.

And it will be perfect. And, more importantly, it will be my idea of perfect. xo, R.

the weekend.

2011-09-19T04:16:00.000-07:00

This weekend was full of good weather, hand holding, dessert making, and park walking. In the park there is an old, old dilapidated house that is like nothing I've ever seen. It looks like it is forever blowing in the wind. Jeffrey and I walked through paths of moss covered trees and found parts of the park we'd never seen. I adore finding new places to love in my own town. We sang in the middle of the forest and saw one lone deer running through a thicket of trees. It was beautiful, just as it should be.

friday inspiration.

2011-09-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends. I'm currently in the library trying to get a handle on my to-do list so I can have a carefree weekend. On Saturday, Jeffrey and I are going to a nearby state park to (hopefully) stumble upon some wedding inspiration and on Sunday we're going for a morning bike ride. We also started a Sunday nightly ritual of watching a movie together. What are you all up to this weekend? Here's some inspiration for your Friday. xo, R.

{1} To make.
{2} Hair envy.
{3} Wedding inspiration.
{4} True love.

a letter to my future students.

2011-09-14T19:05:00.001-07:00

I think you're wonderful, perfect, beyond brilliant.

More than capable, full of insight, creativity, and compassion for others. Your mind is your ultimate asset -- the ticket to all the places you want to go. Your ideas are good, justified, important, worthwhile, necessary. You're necessary.

Some subjects will be hard and that's a bummer. Sometimes you'll want to give up (that's also a bummer). Don't do it. Want to know a secret? Math is hard for me. Really, really difficult. The-I-Want-To-Quit-Right-Now difficult. But I didn't quit, still won't quit. Because I believe in myself, believe in my abilities. Just like I believe in your abilities. In everything you do. I believe in you.

You don't know everything. Neither do I. We never will. Isn't that exciting? Everyday we get to learn new things. Maybe we'll share them with others. Or maybe we'll keep them to ourselves for awhile. That's okay, too. Either way, learning is a gift; a special project of which we are all a part. We all learn. Every single one of us. If we're not united in anything else, we are united in that.

Stay curious. Ask more questions. Compliment your friends. Ask for help. Give help when you are asked. Give help when you are not asked. Take pleasure in reading simply to read. Skip down the hallway. Enjoy your classmates. Appreciate your education.

One day you will go out into the world. And you will have all the equipment you need. You are all smart and kind individuals with a special place on this planet and a special place in my heart.

image.

hi!

2011-09-10T15:13:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I say I'm going to do things on this blog and then I don't.

Which is totally fine, since it's my blog and all.

But I've been thinking about making some big changes around here. We'll see.

Don't get your hopes up.

(But you can if you want to.)

Love you.

R.

P.S. My camera broke, so sorry about the lack of pictures.

Dear Gap Inc.,

2011-08-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

It's okay. We all go through periods in our lives when we make bad decisions. You took awhile, but it's nice to see you coming out of that. We really need to talk, though. See, I was a loyal customer even throughout your poor decision making (i.e. You didn't produce any cute clothing.), and I still came to your store just to check and see if you'd brushed up on your skills a little. You never did, but I continued trying. Last night I went to your website. Just checking again. You know. And there it was. Cute clothes. Everywhere. And you know what? They were overpriced. And I couldn't afford them. And since I've been such a good friend and all, I think you should do something for me. Just make all the items in my cart go on super sale. Okay? That's called compromise. It's an important part of every successful relationship.

Love your faithful customer,
R.

happy birthday.

2011-08-27T19:32:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. Let me refer you to multiple posts where I talk about how much I love her.

{1} {2} {3} {4} {5}

Thanks for letting me talk about my mom all the time. She's a muse of mine. lovelovelove, R.

a letter.

2011-08-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you. Thank you for giving me a childhood -- one full of dreams, magic, and laughter straight from the belly. A room to call my own that could be decorated and messied and lived in. Thank you for manners, pleases and thank yous, and smiles that go a long way. Thank you for old movies on rainy evenings that beg for grilled cheese sandwiches. Thank you for letting me play in the rain, run down the street barefoot, and for asking me to wear my helmet. Thank you for dogs and the total adoration they gave to me. Thank you for fresh fruit, vegetables, and family dinners every night. Thank you for building the treehouse in the backyard. Thank you for Thai food on the beach and marathons of Northern Exposure reserved for summer nights. Thank you for an imagination -- the time and freedom to think, create, dream, be. Thank you for good music. For the Beatles. Wilco. Coldplay. Thank you for pursuing passions, which gave me the strength to pursue my own. Thank you for showing me that love trumps money, and that love comes at the most unexpected times. Thank you for showing me what good love is, what role a parent can play, how to turn something negative into something positive. Thank you for letting me know that crying is okay, good even. Thank you for letting me paint my room often. Thank you for style and grace and the power of forgiveness. Thank you for teaching me that vacations are worth more than any price tag that may be placed upon them. Thank you for teaching me that knowledge of the world around me is more valuable than most things. Thank you for exposing me to the history of this great country of ours. Thank you for letting me make mistakes even when it was hard for you not to interfere. Thank you for helping me to recognize the value of friendship and for allowing me to be myself. Thank you for loving me.

Love, Rox

image.

for a friend.

2011-08-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

I believe that my friends deserve the absolute best. Don't you? Their happiness is of the utmost importance to me -- because they've been there for me through the best and worst times. They've known me for most of my short life and we're still the best of friends, even though we landed in different places and have to make rare trips to Coldstone to catch up on each others' lives. So it's obvious that I want the absolute best for my friends, need the absolute best for my friends. Here's to a good friend of mine.

I wish I could find him for you, that guy. I wish I could tell him that I know the perfect girl for him and he'll chuckle and tell me he's been waiting. You'll start dating and it will be perfect. He'll buy you flowers on a Monday, and not because it's your birthday, or even your six month anniversary, but just because he loves you. He'll remember important dates like the anniversary of your first kiss. And he'll tell you to put on his favorite dress so he can take you out for dinner to celebrate. He'll tell you to get the wine, if you want it. And then he'll take you out for ice cream, because we all know it's your vice.

He'll dance with you in the street, and he'll appreciate your years of training, your superb form and talent. He'll love your friends (obviously) and he'll go to Coldstone with us, pushing tables together so we can all hear each others' pointless stories. But they won't be pointless to him because they aren't pointless to us.

He'll be in love with your family and his family will adore you. His friends will wonder how he got so darn lucky and he'll just smile because he wonders, too. He'll give you kisses on the forehead and he'll sit through the romantic comedy (and enjoy it) because it's what you wanted. He'll even sneak in a candy bar because it's more fun than buying from the concessions.

And at the end of the day, everything you've gone through will be worth it. Because he's worth it, and he always has been. I wish this and so much more for you.

*image.

why i'm not allowed to watch scary movies.

2011-08-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

I can't watch scary movies.

I'm going to let you in on an embarrassing secret: The first Harry Potter movie scared (and still scares) me. Because Voldermort was totally coming to get me in the middle of the night after I saw that movie. And Harry wasn't going to be there to save me.

After seeing the Sixth Sense I could not walk to my room alone.

After seeing Psycho, I couldn't take a shower for weeks. Sometimes I still have to take baths.

In order to watch scary movies, I have to psyche myself out. For instance, after watching Harry Potter, I had to remind myself (multiple times) that people don't live on the back of other peoples' heads. On top of that, they do not conceal those people with turbans.

So when Gaslight came in the mail this week, I wanted to watch it, but I knew it was going to be rough. I'm not joking, people. I get seriously freaked out.

And here's the good news: The movie was really great (and it was also scary/creepy).

Here's the bad news: I had a dream that I could see dead people after watching it.

(Gaslight really doesn't have much to do with dead people, just so you know.)

I think I probably fulfilled my scary movie quota for the year, but I really think you should watch Gaslight. Ingrid Bergman is a true gem!

Have a great weekend! xo, R.

jeffrey, my artist.

2011-08-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

When Jeffrey decided to make art his career, I was thrilled. Growing up in a household of artists was one of the most enriching experiences of my own childhood, and I was excited to think about the future for our own (future) children. There's something very personal about art -- bringing a vision in one's mind into fruition for an audience to see. Not only does that take commitment, it takes a great deal of courage. And whenever Jeffrey embarks on a new creation, I find myself swelling with pride.

The path of an artist can be uncertain, and in some ways that scares me. As much as spontaneity excites me, I'd be lying if I said I don't like to have some kind of plan. But in all honesty, I can't help but believe that Jeffrey and I were paired together for a reason -- that somewhere, Someone thought it might be a good idea for me to journey down a road that is unmarked and unseen. When I see the light in Jeffrey's eyes, and when I hear him gush about fellow ceramicists (and they're really! great! ideas!), I know this is right for me. I know I'm supposed to marry an artist.

And I couldn't be more proud to marry a man who is living proof that following a passion is good for the soul. Whenever I worry about the future, I remember the passion I feel for my own future career and the passion Jeffrey feels for his future career and I know that that will nurture us, and drive us, and bring us to a place of complete and absolute contentedness. xo

the thing about summer.

2011-07-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

I originally wrote a post about being drained. Sometimes I feel guilty complaining because I know my life is so good. I remember being little and having summer days all to myself. My sister and I would collect rain water in buckets, then do nothing with it. My friends and I rode our bikes up to Walgreens and picked out candy bars and nail polish. I remember going to the beach and swimming until my fingers were pruny and freckles covered my face. I miss those summer days -- days spent worrying about nothing other than the smell of freshly cut grass and the next time I'd walk into an ice cold movie theater to see something brand new to my eyes. It was good.

I've spent this summer taking classes, watching my sister and Mark get married, and working. It's still good.

I know I've been blessed with a life full of happy things and full moments. And even though I know it, I still get caught up in the complaints I can find in the fabric of my life. And whose to say we're not all entitled to a little complaining now and then? But, in the midst of thinking about all the things I've needed to do this summer, I remember the fact that I had the chance to walk on the beach at sunset with my parents tonight, or the fact that I have a dog who cuddles up on the couch next to me, or the fact that my dad made risotto and garlic bread and that we had the opportunity to sit down and eat it together.

And, yes, I'm really tired. And yes, I'd like to spend my days collecting rain water that has no future purpose, but growing up comes with new responsibilities; responsibilities that require a bit more commitment and optimism, both of which I am willing to give if it means that one day, in the distant future, I will watch my own children collect rain water.

*image.

on finding love (our four year anniversary).

2011-07-15T04:27:00.000-07:00

I once liked a boy who took me for granted. I let it happen, knew it was happening, and still held on. When I came out of it, I felt stupid and naive and taken advantage of all at once. It didn't feel good. I liked a slew of boys in high school. Sometimes the feelings were reciprocated, other times they weren't. But even if they were reciprocated nothing came of it, which almost hurt worse than no feelings at all. I still listened to love songs and believed they were meant for me.

It was crush after crush after crush until one day I just stopped. Stopped it all. If someone wanted to find me, they could do the searching. I think everyone around me (including Jeffrey) knew before I did that Jeffrey would be the one. And it didn't happen instantly. I didn't know at any one particular moment that he was it. I think it was different because we were young and at seventeen years old I wasn't looking for a husband. It was a million little things that added up to one big thing, and that's how I knew.

Whereas in the past I searched for boys to like, Jeffrey came as a complete and total surprise to me. I do believe that is how I fell in love so quickly with that charming boy. Looking back, he was there all along. As a matter of fact, I liked him several times, on and off, before the summer we started dating. I was in a good place that summer. I felt confident in myself and myself alone. That's the only reason it happened, the only reason I was open to it. Before that I was too wrapped up in my own head for magical things like this to happen. It was a series of many, many tiny events that gave way to this big one.

And all those crushes, the reciprocated and un-reciprocated, didn't matter anymore. They never really mattered. Because all along it was written somewhere that Jeffrey and I were meant to be. Because I was open to loving myself before loving someone else. Because I realized that the boys I liked previously just weren't meant for me. Because Jeffrey never gave up on what he knew could be great. Like I said, small events that made up a big one.

Four years ago today, Jeffrey asked me to be his girlfriend on my front porch. And I said yes. It's funny that such a small word changed my life so totally and completely.

If I could say only one thing to young women who get crushes on boys that take them for granted, it would be this: Stop looking. Just stop, and it will come to you in a rush so big and unexpected, it will knock you off your feet and take you somewhere better.

I know and believe this with my entire heart because it happened to me.

Happy Anniversary to the one and only boy who showed me just how wonderful love can be. I love you.

a cute couple.

2011-07-12T14:13:00.001-07:00

I'll always remember walking up to the county courthouse, trailing behind my sister and her (almost) husband as they clasped hands. They had a relatively secret civil ceremony the Wednesday before their wedding so that a close friend could officiate the Saturday ceremony without having to worry about being ordained. It was kind of quiet that day. I'm not sure if it was my own head or if the city itself had quieted down to witness the union of two magical people. Down the street people carried on with their daily lives -- grabbing cups of coffee, walking the dog, picking up the newspaper. But as we crossed the street we embarked on a far more important journey. If you're lucky, you only get married once. So you have one time to make it all count, to take it all in, to etch all the memories into your brain so you can pull them out later and remember.

I stood as my sister and Mark waited to hear the vows that would bind them together for a lifetime, and I could do nothing but breathe at that moment. How often does one witness a moment of such sheer perfection? How often does one get to see the person who has meant more to them than almost any other person promise to spend a lifetime with someone? I knew I would remember this forever. I would take this moment out years later to tell my own children about the day their aunt, my sister was married.

Although the true ceremony didn't take place until a few days later, this one, on a regular Wednesday, seemed special. I sat down on a bench to sign my sister and Mark's marriage license and my breath left me almost completely. I was signing my witness to a complete and utter miracle. Love.

exhausted & happy.

2011-07-11T15:52:00.001-07:00

I am exhausted.
And happy.
My sister and my (now) brother-in-law got married on Saturday.

I'll have pictures soon.
Until then, xo.

2011-07-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

I know a ring is just a thing, but I can't wait until Jeffrey and I are married, cooking next to one another in the kitchen, and I look over and see a wedding ring on his finger.

Have a great weekend. xo, R.

for my sister.

2011-06-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

In just a few short weeks, my sister will be getting married. As a little girl, I dreamed of being just like her -- she was older, smarter and funnier. I wanted to wear her clothes and possess her artistic talent.

Then, when I got older, she taught me one of the most important lessons I believe I will ever learn: I am beautiful because I am unique. My sister has never been scared to be herself. From her style to her kindness, she has been true to her mind, body and spirit for as long as I can remember. I love my sister. I love her even more because, in a sense, she paved the way for me. She held my hand and let me know that it would be okay to be me. She is beautiful beyond all comprehension and I will never take for granted the fact that we are bound together by heart strings.

I wasn't always good about appreciating her, though. I can think of plenty of times when I brushed her company off for someone else's. A silly mistake, I now realize. I sincerely regret all those chances I passed up, but I am proud of the fact that I realized the importance of her presence in my life and now make an effort to appreciate her for everything she has done (and will do) for me. In a few weeks, she will walk down the aisle and I will stand by her side as she vows to spend the rest of her life with a man she loves. I have always wanted love for my sister, more than anything. I have always wanted a man that appreciates her unyielding loyalty, kindness, and fierce passion for life. She has found that person and I could not be more pleased.

When I look back on all the memories we have shared together, I get a little teary -- mostly because we are no longer children and those simple moments we have are fleeting, snapshots in my mind. At the same time, I can picture our future together. The two of us standing in a sunny kitchen, watching our own children play together. And it is good. It is oh so good. I have friends in my life that will come and go, I have friends in my life that will be there forever, and I have a sister who will walk by my side for eternity. That is the most precious gift I could be given in this wild, uncertain, difficult life. A person who will not only never leave my side, but who will support me in all my endeavors.

I love you, Evie. I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle in all your beauty, grace, and kindness. Thank you for loving me in all my stubbornness and moodiness. Even though I don't always say it, I am thankful for your presence in my life every minute of everyday.

happy father's day.

2011-06-19T15:17:00.001-07:00

I am so thankful to have a dad that has given me the courage to run after my dreams with good nature and passion. He has taught me that love always comes before money, time spent outdoors can make anything better, laughter is the key to happiness, and that I am never alone.

Happy Father's Day to the man who made me who I am today and keeps me laughing at all hours. I love you!

a very happy birthday.

2011-06-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

About ten years ago, a really cute boy walked through the doors of the youth group I attended. I was smitten.

About 4 years ago, that really cute boy made it official and we started dating.

About 6 months ago, that really cute boy made it really official when he slipped a gorgeous antique ring on my finger.

None of that would have been possible if that really cute boy hadn't been born 21 years ago today.

Now I can hug that really cute boy whenever I want.

I love you, Jeffrey. Happy Birthday. I couldn't be happier to celebrate such a special day with you.

for the ones i love.

2011-06-13T14:33:00.001-07:00

I have spent minutes, hours in front of the mirror scrutinizing my own appearance. It wasn't always this way. I was raised to believe that I am beautiful, even if, especially if, I don't fit into a definable category. Somewhere along the way, I lost that mentality.

I remember the day I realized my teeth weren't perfectly straight. Honestly, I felt self-conscious right away, wondering how many people had noticed before I had. In reality, it's unlikely that any of the important people in my life based my value on the appearance of my teeth. I was fortunate enough not to need braces as a child -- a fact that should be celebrated, not dwelled upon.

My favorite Hollywood icon of all time is Audrey Hepburn. She is beautiful, but I was never drawn to her because of her physical appearance. She lived her life in a way that made her admirable. Her soul was beautiful. That, in turn, made her beautiful. It was her spirit that changed the world.

To me, beauty is kindness. Showing humility and open-mindedness to the people with which I am lucky enough to share this beautiful planet. I have never judged someone, or befriended someone based on an outward appearance. It has been a person's spirit and generosity that draws me toward him or her. I can't imagine living in a world where everyone looked and acted the same. In a world where friendships were based on the superficiality of physical looks.

I was blessed to be given this vessel -- a vessel that allows me to share kindness and compassion with the people I am fortunate enough to meet and get to know. And how fortunate I also am to look completely different from anyone I know. How fortunate I am to have a slightly crooked smile that reminds me that I am human and that I am unique -- an individual.

It is when people truly open up and show me their personalities that I find myself most intrigued. It is when people share with me personal stories that I find myself drawn to them. I have never begun a friendship because of the way someone looked. It is true, though, that all of my friends and family are beautiful.

It's good to be back. xo, R.

via

a post for me.

2011-06-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

When I first started this blog, it was for me. It was a time in my life when I felt a little more lonely than usual and I needed something for myself. This blog was the result. I've always enjoyed writing, but was never disciplined enough to keep a diary. This seemed like the perfect compromise for me -- a balance of spontaneity and accountability that I needed when I felt like I didn't belong in my new world.

It's become more clear to me in the past couple of weeks that this blog is no longer for me. I think I got too caught up in commenting and wanting to gain readership that I completely forgot why blogging brought such joy into my life -- a time for me to sit down and write about anything that I felt like writing about. It didn't matter how many pictures there were, or how funny my words were, or even how many people read it. It was for me and the people in my life that enjoyed hearing and reading my words -- whether that was on a blog or in person.

I adore and appreciate every single person that stops by this blog and reads my words and gains something from them. Whether or not you choose to comment doesn't matter. Thank you for being here. I'm taking a step back from my blog to help myself remember why it is that I write and take pictures of the things in my life. I'll be back when the value of my words and pictures ring true to me again. xo, R.

summer smoothie

2011-06-03T07:02:00.001-07:00

I love breakfast foods. They are my absolute favorite, but I don't want them everyday. Plus, I don't like milk, so cereal is totally out of the question. So, smoothies are my go-to breakfast option. I make one everyday. It's fun to try out different combination and, every once in awhile, I stumble across one that really works. This is my favorite smoothie right now, and Jeffrey likes it, too.

Summer Smoothie
Serves 2

8 ice cubes
1 banana
About 1/2 cup 100% pineapple juice*
About 1/2 cup orange juice*
6-8 fresh strawberries
6-8 frozen mango chunks

Blend and enjoy!

* I never measure the amount of juice I put in, so this is a rough estimate. You might even start out with a smaller amount and work up to a bigger one, depending on the thickness you prefer! When I make this for myself, I just use pineapple juice, but Jeffrey likes it with orange, so we mix them together. :)

P.S. My camera's broken (sad), image found here.

The Quirk Project (No. 12)

2011-06-01T03:36:00.000-07:00

Today I have Laura's quirks for you! Her blog, Radiator Tunes, is beautifully written with gorgeous pictures to boot. Check it out. :)

Laura's Quirks

I have an unhealthy obsession with all things awesomely bad. I avidly watch movies such as Grease 2 and The Room, seek out YouTube videos of horrible acting, and listen to Rick Astley, knowing full well that these are all terrible, cheesy, and delightfully awful.
To this day, I still have a certain seat at my family dinner table that I always need to sit in. I guess it's a mild case of obsessive compulsive disorder, or a really strong resistance to change. While everyone else in the family can shift their seating positions as much as they please, I can’t help getting upset if I’m not able to sit in the same old spot.
I’m crazy about Christmas. I actually celebrate Christmas in July because I just can’t wait for the most wonderful time of the year to arrive! And it’s not unusual for me to have a majority of my gifts bought or purchased before Labor Day rolls around.
Shy as I may be when amongst strangers, I love to dance in public places where dancing is not expected. The grocery store, the mall, convenience stores, and coffee shops are all as good as dance clubs for me. This groovier side of myself is of particular embarrassment to my mother and my fiance.
I used to have absolutely love for unicorns. As a child, I was told that unicorns didn’t exist because they didn’t make it on to Noah’s Ark in time - I was so upset with Noah that I cried.
The only kind of spoon I will use at home is an iced tea spoon. What is an iced tea spoon you ask? They’re a really long, narrow and skinny style of spoon (and I guess they’re particularly handy at mixing iced tea?). Growing up, my mom kept a few of them with the rest of our silverware and I always tended to use them over the others. This special set of spoons then made the trip with me to college and when I moved out. I’m still not sure what is about them that I love so much, but I get upset when the only clean spoons around are the short and squat kind.
I tire of driving the short distance to and from work everyday, but I love long road trips. Stick me and my fiance Mike in a car for hours at a time and we’ll have a ball! We drove cross country in 2009 and are planning a road trip up to Canada this spring for our honeymoon.
I love to read aloud. Luckily this is one of those habits that I kicked before I got too old. But whenever I read something out loud nowadays to my family or friends, everyone makes fun of my hurried enthusiasm while reading to them.

The Quirk Project (No. 11)

2011-05-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

Hello, all! I have a really special treat for you today. I gave the quirks a rest for awhile, but a wonderful blogger emailed me her list the other day and I'm posting it today! Jamie's blog is really sweet and fun. Go check it out and fall in love.

Jamie's Quirks

1. When riding as a passenger in a car I open and close the armrest compartment incessantly. And I never realize I am doing it until someone points it out (because he/she is totally annoyed). Never.

2. I often start and complete several projects simultaneously all over the house. For example, I’ll start making a salad in the kitchen, then realize there’s laundry fold and go do that in my bedroom. In the middle of folding laundry I’ll remember that the toys need putting away in Levi’s room. (He’s a babe and can’t do it himself. Otherwise, and believe me when I say this, Levi would be picking up the toys in his room.) After doing that for a minute, inspiration will strike for a blog post and I’ll go into our office to type a few words or find a photo. Oh, and then I’ll remember that I never finished putting that salad together. It’s vicious.

3. I get ready in the morning in exactly the same order every day. That means I shower exactly the same way, put my make up on in exactly the same order, then blow dry my hair, then clothes, jewelry, and so on. Exactly. It’s usually a bad day if my flow gets interrupted.

4. When reading a book, I must complete a full chapter before pausing. I just can’t stop on a random page. I need closure, which is odd in light of quirk number two.

5. I change my hairstyle often, usually out of boredom. Apparently I get bored a lot.

6. I went through a phase in my teenage years that basically made it impossible for me to listen to a song the whole way through. (This only applied to songs I knew well enough to know the words to.) See also quirk number two. It was quite annoying to my sister, who was often riding in the car with me.

7. I like to lie on the floor of my walk-in closet, with the door closed, and read magazines. Totally normal, I know.

list eighteen: top 6 posts.

2011-05-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a list of 6 of my favorite posts here on my humble little blog.

1. Our engagement story.

2. A lovely camping trip in Door County.

3. Proof that Jeffrey's awesome.

4. That one time when we were really bad campers.

5. A cute furry animal who lives at my house.

6. A post about baby raccoons.

Enjoy!

help my hair!

2011-05-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

Laken did it. Go help her out, she wants your input, kay?

Here's my issue. My current hair situation is...interesting. It acts like it likes me some days and then other days I don't think it can stand me. The color will remain the same. I cannot imagine myself ever being anything but blonde, but I'm ready for a change.

To anyone who's known me for a significantly long time: I have never, EVER had long hair. I'm currently in the midst of growing it out. I'd like to keep it that way (much to my sister's dismay. love you.) and try to get it to my ideal length. Once it's there, if I don't like it, I'm chopping it off!

In the mean time, though, here are some options. But I'm not really limiting it to these. If you have a suggestion, please help me! I don't even want to show you my current hair situation. It's sad. And disheveled. And I've resorted to ponytails everyday because it's out of control. I don't brush it. Ever. Okay, that's enough confessing for one day. Now, for the options.

P.S. You should just know that I have a weird cowlick that makes side bangs weird. Really weird. So I try them, but it's not always pretty. Just saying.

Option 1: Dianna Agron (pre-bob, which is really cute, by the way.):
Option 2: Cameron Diaz. Supposedly I've had this haircut before, but third time's a charm, right?

{via}

Option 3: Random lady

{via}

And yes, I did take the screenshots of Dianna Agron's hair. It's impossible to find pictures of that haircut.

Vote, people!

hi, i have a blog.

2011-05-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

I've been in a blogging rut, so to speak.

What's a blogging rut? Glad you asked, I'll tell you. A blogging rut is when my brain is tapped and I feel as though I have nothing to write about. My life lately has been a whole lot of going through the motions, which doesn't make for interesting blogging material.

Saying that I've been going through the motions sort of makes me cringe. And it's not as if I live my life only to blog about it, but it's funny because I feel like there's some sort of correspondence. I, myself, have been in a bit of a rut lately.

It reminds me that I need to live each day on purpose and with purpose. Doesn't mean I'll necessarily blog about it all, but I promise that I'm about to bring color back into the cheeks of my life. And, hey, if the mood strikes, maybe I'll write about it.

Enjoy your week. xo, R.

lessons in lawn mowing.

2011-05-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

You probably don't care much about this, unless of course you're the one mowing the lawn. Am I the only person who is in her twenties and didn't know how to mow a lawn until Saturday afternoon? That stuff is hard!

First of all, if you're left handed (I am), then just forget it. That machine was made to make left handed people feel angry. The motor starter (which is nearly impossible to start) is on the right side, which means you need to use your right arm to start it. It's embarrassing to even think about the lack of arm strength I've got going on on my right side.

(And, just so you know, the bag is set up for right handed people too, but it's cool.)

Also, if the debris flying from the mower hit you, watch out. That stuff hurts like a you-know-what.

And finally, you should wear a dust mask. Because the lawn mowing stuff flies literally everywhere and will fill your lungs with lawn crap.

But, on the positive side, I can now tell everyone that I'm capable of mowing a lawn. I spent the afternoon with my dad, which is also awesome. Plus, after the lawn was finished I felt pretty accomplished. So there's that, too.

If I were still a girl scout I'd totally get a patch for this.

i probably shouldn't say this,

2011-05-02T09:32:00.001-07:00

but I actually think it would be really wonderful to get married in the rain.

xo, R.

list seventeen: to do this summer.

2011-04-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

1. Wear more dresses and skirts.

2. Take more pictures.

3. Run, run, run!

4. More veg-friendly meals.

5. Get a hair cut (this is maybe my favorite).

6. Read a few books.

7. Go to the beach more!

Any big plans for your summer vacation?

the weekend.

2011-04-26T12:00:00.001-07:00

Hi! How was your weekend? I hope it was wonderful, mine was. :) A little bit of school work in the mix, but hey...it happens. The weather in Florida is BEAUTIFUL right now. It's hot, but not gross-hot, which is saying a lot for Florida in late April.

My dad made quiche, we went out for breakfast, took a trip to the farmers' market, spent an afternoon in my aunt's beautiful garden, went shopping (I found my dress for my sister's wedding!), made homemade hot fudge, and watched The Switch (I SO recommend this movie - the kid is adorable!) and Pride and Prejudice.

happy easter.

2011-04-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

{ Easter last year :) }

Dear Everyone,

Happy Easter! Even if you don't celebrate, this day still represents a beautiful time of rebirth. The presence of spring, chirping birds, crisp mornings and toasty evenings, and lots and lots of lush, green plants makes me feel so alive and happy. Of course, for some of us it represents even more than that -- but I think it can stand as a day for everyone to celebrate. xo, R.

on being sentimental.

2011-04-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

I'm a really sentimental person. Standing in my (nearly) empty room today (in my apartment) honestly made me want to cry. I had a really, really good school year and I'm genuinely sad to see it end. I can't believe my time in this apartment is already over. It literally feels like just weeks ago that I moved in.

I was packing up all my clothes and thinking about all the times I wore them this year (I wasn't kidding about being sentimental), and it almost scared me that time can move so quickly. I feel like this year went by in the blink of an eye -- even more so than previous years. I kept saying to myself, "This is the last time I will ___________ in this apartment" about EVERYTHING. I kid you not, I even thought to myself, "This is the last time I will turn this hall light off." College is such a weird time because I'm rarely stationary. Just as soon as I was really loving all the quirks of this apartment, it's time to leave it. I don't know, I guess most people probably feel like this when something special comes to a close. I will never live in this apartment with my three girlfriends again, and it just made me feel really sad. Of course I'm excited about all the things coming my way in the near future, but sometimes it feels really good just to savor all the last bits of something. Even though it makes me feel really sad, and I'm tempted to distract myself with things like going to get frozen yogurt or watching a movie, I think it's really important to let all these emotions sink in. It makes me feel so connected and human. Have a great night. xo, R.

*image found here, via here.

the weekend.

2011-04-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

{Jeffrey's beloved bus.}

This weekend my dad was my date to a fancy dinner, I got a huge chunk of my to-do list finished (!), Jeffrey took me out for dinner + frozen yogurt, and on Sunday his bus ran out of gas.

We were at Target getting a few things and then hopped in the bus to head over to Michael's. We had been driving for maybe one minute when the bus just stopped working in the middle of an intersection. Luckily, two really nice guys helped Jeffrey push his bus into a parking space. We walked over to the gas station, filled up a gas can, and were on our way. I was honestly impressed by how flawless the whole thing went off! Last time Jeffrey's bus ran out of gas, we were much more panicked and a little at a loss for what exactly we should do. We must be growing up! :)

Other than that, my weekend was just fine and dandy. Although I didn't take any pictures. Must. Improve. How was your weekend? xo, R.

list sixteen: ABC's

2011-04-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

{An unrelated, but awesome picture.}

A. Age: 20-something.

B. Bed Size: Full, but I dream of a King.

C. Chore you hate: I dislike all chores.

D. Dogs: My sweet little Andy man.

E. Essential start of your day: Breakfast in bed. What?

F. Favorite color: Green. Always has been, always will be.

G. Gold or silver: There's a time and a place for both.

H. Height: 5'7" (and some change).

I. Instrument you play: I know a little piano, played Oboe for four years, and knew a little guitar at some point.

J. Job title: Student. We'll see what summer brings to me.

K. Kids: Call me in 10 years and we'll how it's going.

L. Live: Sunshine state.

M. Mom's name: This seems irrelevant (plus, I like respecting my mom's privacy)!

N. Nicknames: Ooh, nicknames are so personal. But the people closest to me call me Rox.

O. Overnight hospital stays: Never. Thank you, God.

P. Pet peeve: It embarrasses me how many I have. Let's see, dull pencils. So, so awful.

Q. Quote from a movie: "For what it's worth: it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again." -The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

R. Right or left handed: Left handed. What, what?!

S. Siblings: Evie. :)

T. Time you wake up: It's all over the place, but I wake up at 6 on the weekdays.

U. Underwear: Mhmm.

V. Vegetable you hate: Beets.

W. What makes you run late: Forgetting my sunglasses and running in to get them. Forgetting a folder and running in to get it. Forgetting my water and running in to get it. It's a vicious cycle.

X. X-rays you've had: Teeth. And my ankle once.

Y. Yummy food you make: This fudge was my latest kitchen adventure and it was really good.

Z. Zoo- favorite animal: Elephants. I want their eyelashes.

xo, R.

P.S. I got this from Sarah. Destini did one, too.

the weekend, zit edition.

2011-04-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I managed to make it through my weekend, pimples and all. I went ahead with my schedule as planned and didn't think twice about the family of zits that moved in on my face. It all sounds very mature, doesn't it?

It wasn't, I promise. I spent a good 20 minutes standing in front of my mirror asking myself what exactly I was going to do with these zits. You should just know, right now, that I have absolutely no ability with concealer. Never mastered it, probably never will. So, that was out the window. Then I found myself thinking, "If only it were cold out, then I could just cover my chin with a scarf!" These berserk thoughts went streaming through my head for awhile until it was just me and my reflection, standing still with no solution. Well, firstly, I realized that I had wasted 20 minutes of my precious time that I will never get back. (Stupid.) Secondly, I realized that no one really cares what my face looks like. And thirdly, and most importantly, if my biggest worry is the non-consequential zits that showed up on my face, then my life looks pretty darn good and I should probably spend my efforts helping people who are dealing with real problems.

So, that was what I learned this weekend. I left my bathroom, went to Publix without shame (mind you, I still thought that every person looking at me MUST be judging the amount of zits on my chin), and lived my life. And, guess what? Nothing bad happened. In fact, I had a really nice weekend. So, in short:

First of all, avoid mirrors when you don't feel your prettiest. But, more importantly, live your life. xo, R.

i have a really, really, really good fiancé.

2011-04-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

I went over to Jeffrey's for dinner last night, and I was feeling a little overwhelmed. I have a lot more on my plate coming this summer than I would like and it started to get to me. It suddenly felt very real and a little scary. I wondered if I could handle everything I needed to do. I'd like to think that most of the time I'm pretty good at handling my stuff, but occasionally I get a little freaked out. I'm glad I was at his apartment when my obligations started to blow up in my face because he sat down next to me, and he said, "You're not alone in this."

And if anyone ever wants to ask me why I love Jeffrey so unconditionally, well, this is precisely why.

I am not alone in this, and I needed to be reminded of that.

Hope you're having a pleasant Saturday. xo, R.

have a great weekend.

2011-04-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

{The ceiling in my house. Just kidding, that's the Tampa Theatre's ceiling and it's beautiful.}

Oh, good. The weekend's here.

This weekend I need to get a lot of school work done. Finals are rapidly approaching (Yikes!), and I have a lot left to do before then. My parents are coming up this weekend to grab a load of my stuff to take home with them. Also, I have 18 zits on my face. How does one go from perfectly clear skin to 18 pimples? Just wondering. Bye!

xo, R.

dreaming of summer.

2011-04-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

{Dreaming of the weekend + more days like this one.}

Guys. Today hasn't been the best. I don't feel like doing much of anything right now. I couldn't register for a class I wanted to take, I somehow managed to jam my fingernail into my doorknob and it's still throbbing, and I haven't seen Jeffrey since Monday. I'm just full of complaints.

I need to find some motivation. If I get my work done tonight, I'm going to treat myself by watching Matilda. Big plans, guys. Big plans. I just want summer to be here.

Hope you're Wednesday is bright! xo, R.

P.S. Who loves this blog? I do.

my sister's getting married.

2011-04-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend my mom and I hosted a kitchen shower for my sister. It was absolutely beautiful and so much fun! We had a splendid time together and my sister was gracious enough to help up make all the desserts. It turned out so wonderfully, and I think my sister had a great time. :)

It was such an honor to throw a shower for my sister. I know I gush about her all the time, but she honestly is one of the most kind-hearted and genuine people I know. It was really nice to have the opportunity to do this for her and have all our family come together to celebrate the love she has found. xo, R.

P.S. I'll have all the dessert updates soon. They were so delicious!

happy weekend!

2011-03-31T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hi :) Sorry I was quiet this week. I had to get ahead on all my school work because my sister is in town! We spent the entire day baking, made a delicious summer meal for my parents, duck and covered this morning (there were some serious storms in our area, but we are fine!), and watched a silly movie. Tomorrow we are going to bake some more, go to Target (a must for our family), and just have fun. It's always such a blessing to have my sister in town. I'll have more details about this splendid weekend on Monday. I hope you all have a really special weekend! xo, R.

the weekend.

2011-03-28T07:26:00.001-07:00

I went to the grocery store this weekend and told myself to only buy the good stuff. Not usually a problem for me. But, I knew I needed something chocolatey. That was my first mistake. I headed down the candy aisle. That was my second mistake. Then, I picked up a bag of Peanut M&Ms and put them in my cart. That was my third mistake. After that, I came home and put the M&Ms in the cute Ball jar Jeffrey gave me and set them on my bookcase. That was my final mistake.

Note to self: Don't walk down the candy aisle anymore. xo, R.

list fifteen: things i don't need but want anyway.

2011-03-24T19:08:00.001-07:00

You know, sometimes I really wonder about myself. I mean, I have an amazing life filled with amazing people, a more-or-less worry free agenda, and sometimes I still find myself drooling over products with a too-high-for-my-budget price tag. Anyway, in an effort to get all this nonsense out, I figured I'd make a list out of it. Because that's what I do when things are all jumbled up in my brain.

1. Ray Bans. A fairly practical item, but I think my pair from Target is working out just fine.

2. Steve Madden Intyce boots. Because now that the winter season is over, Amazon has them listing for about $100 less than their original price. Still way too much but almost convinced myself that I needed them.

3. Clarisonic Mia. Since this is actually a practical item, I'm not going to get mad at myself. Still, pricey.

4. Nikon D3100. A new camera. Although I'm tempted to ask myself, who can put a price on memories? (This girl can & not at that price.)

5. A trip to Denmark with Jeffrey. HA HA, that's a funny joke.

6. This dress. But really, who wouldn't want this?

Okay, that feels better. I'm done being materialistic for the day. Maybe I'll go frolic in a beautiful field tomorrow just to make up for the superficiality of this post. Any big ticket items you'd like to buy? xo, R.

Beautiful photo of Denmark found here.

be still my heart.

2011-03-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

If this is not the cutest darn animal I have ever seen.

I miss my dog.

xo, R.

the weekend.

2011-03-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

I had an exceptionally good weekend filled with dinner + a movie with S&K, bocce ball, brownies and ice cream, a Friday morning out by the pool reading this book, and I topped all that off with a Sunday bike ride with Jeffrey. We stumbled upon a part of campus that we had never seen before! I think we were the only ones (there were so many carvings all over the wood railing), but it was new to us and we were excited. We can't wait to take a picnic lunch there sometime soon!

Did you do anything fun this weekend? Have a wonderful Tuesday! :) xo, R.

The Quirk Project (No. 10)

2011-03-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

Today I have a list of Bridget's quirks. If you haven't checked her blog out already, go right now! You will be come addicted, though.

Bridget's Quirks

1. I pick split ends. I mean I can spend a good hour or so doing this -- staring, almost cross-eyed, at the ends of my hair and picking each one, one by one. It's addicting and I am here to warn you: do not start. And also, don't try to stop me once I'm on a roll. I'll just get pissed.

2. I used to (maybe still do... once in awhile) pluck my big toe and feet with a tweezer instead of shaving them. They're not particularly hairy but I think I was (am?) afraid if I shaved them, the hair would increase. So I twist like a gymnast on my bathroom counter and pluck each hair. I'm starting to see a pattern of quirks having to do with hair.

3. In keeping with hair, I used to lay on my bedroom floor (grade-school guys, grade-school) on my stomach with my face to one side, and when the sun would shine, I'd see every dog or human hair on my floor and i would gather them all into piles by sweeping my hand across the floor and then throw away the piles. I really don't like stray hairs. Totally normal.

4. This is more of a character flaw then a quirk. Quirk implies cute little endearing traits... character flaw, not so much. My own mess, be it my bedroom or bathroom, is okay by me. I know I'll get to it. Steve leaves his things around: "Pick up your f-ing socks!!" (Freaking guys, I meant freaking.)

5. I narrate for my dog. All the live-long day. In this dumb little voice (it's not a super annoying baby voice though. Don't worry, guys.) I go on and on and on. Steve does too though. Yup. Throwing him under the bus. Funny story that just happened. Gracie is outside in the snow -- we're both inside where she can't even hear us -- and we're still narrating for her: "Hey guys. I'm out in the snow. It's hard to get through." There's always a "Hey guys," before the things she "says."

6. I really like a clean inbox. It gives me agita (definition: heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach) to have a bunch of stuff in my inbox but lately there's no way around it. There's a bunch that need to stay there till I've addressed them. That sounds super fancy. I'm really mostly a stay-at-home-Mom. Don't be fooled.

7. I love the Bachelor. That's not a quirk. Just a confession. I loooooooooooove The Bachelor (or Bachelorette, but really The Bachelor more because a bunch of girls in the house gets way more testy than a bunch of men). Steve watches it with me. We cuddle and laugh about how many times we'll hear, "I'm here for the right reason," "I've done a lot of soul-searching," or "Those other girls aren't right for you." Oh and, "Brad...Ladies, this is the final rose. When you're ready."

Disclaimer: While writing these quirks I picked 8 split ends. Wait. Now 9.

---------------------

And on that note, I've decided to take a break from the quirks. I've been really busy with school and haven't had time to devote to it at all. I might bring them back in the future. Thanks to all who participated! :) xo, R.

the tampa bay rays.

2011-03-17T16:39:00.001-07:00

My family (mainly my dad and me) has been a fan of the Rays for a really long time. My dad and I try to go to the games, but between all my school stuff and all his work stuff, it doesn't always work out. We made a special trip down to Charlotte County to see a Rays spring training game over my spring break. We got seats on the lawn, which was awesome! We brought a blanket and laid it out on the grass, took our shoes off, and enjoyed the beautiful Florida weather. Of course we had to get a couple hot dogs, a Coke, and a lemonade to finish it all off. And, there may have been peanuts.

We won in the 10th inning, which was awesomely exciting! My favorite (BJ Upton) didn't play, but a person we know from back home is currently on the spring training team and he was playing. It was a wonderful day! xo, R.

my spring break.

2011-03-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

My spring break was perfectly relaxing. We ate pizza at one of our favorite restaurants, I went to a Rays spring training game with my dad, went to the beach and read books with Jeffrey, got Subway and took Andy to the park, went to St. Pete to eat cannolis, went shopping and to Barnes & Noble to look at wedding books (this one in particular) with my mom, made these delicious power bars and on Sunday we went to an antique show in our little town (my aunt has a booth there every year)!

On Thursday Jeffrey and I spent some time in St. Pete. While to the unfamiliar eye there is not a whole lot to do there, Jeffrey and I have found some hidden gems that are very special to us. It wouldn't be a trip home without a trip to check up on our favorite places. And of course we couldn't go to St. Pete without stopping at our favorite market to get a cannoli (or two)!

Spring break was lovely and just what I needed. I hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday! xo, R.

see you soon.

2011-03-08T06:06:00.000-08:00

This week is my spring break, which means I'll be frolicking in Florida's sunshine. Which means I won't be here much. Which means that I probably won't have many updates here, but you probably already knew that.

kloveyoubye.

*via

list fourteen: confessions on a tuesday.

2011-03-01T18:22:00.000-08:00

1. I'm getting bangs again. I just decided.

2. I've never seen Titanic. I'VE NEVER SEEN TITANIC.

3. I get unnecessarily nostalgic over series finales. Like, if I think hard enough about it, I will cry.*

4. I like Justin Bieber's song, 'Somebody to Love.' I know. I don't really want to talk about it.

5. I think root beer should be considered a health food (or drink). Right?

6. My productivity flew out the window. About one hour ago.

7. If my bed is unmade, it's an automatic guarantee that I'll just throw my stuff everywhere.

8. Sometimes I wish I had red hair. (Sometimes I always wish that I had longer hair. And freckles. Oh, and glasses.)

*You know how teachers often give out little questionnaires on the first day of school so they can get to know their students? And there's always a question like: "What else should I know about you?" Jeffrey and I decided that, from now on, I should write something along the lines of, "Sometimes I just cry. It's nothing that you have done/will do. (Ignore it.)"

I know. Where are the quirks I promised? Calm down. I'll get to 'em. xo, R.

(You want to take my dog home with you, don't you?)

the weekend.

2011-02-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

This weekend was full of sunshine, homemade granola + banana bread, school work, and sleeping in. I can hardly believe that March is already here tomorrow. It seems like February flew by. I'm so excited to finally have the time to bask in this sunshine in just a few days. Spring Break, I already love you.

If I have the time, I'll post a few lists of quirks this week. Kind of fell off the bandwagon on that one. Whoops! xo, R.

door county.

2011-02-24T18:32:00.000-08:00

Sometimes things happen, and I pause and realize just how good my life is. Our entire trip to Door County was one of those moments. I'll never be able to find the words that describe the sweetness of eating a cherry right off the tree, laying eyes on a beautiful, natural made escarpment, or laughing and loving the people who know me best. Honestly, sometimes life gets hard. Even if you're wearing the rosiest colored glasses, things can feel pretty big. Looking at these pictures just lets me know that the purpose in my life is loving the people I love. I will remember this weekend in Door County fondly for the rest of my life.

Sleeping in tents, playing Settlers of Catan, eating campfire cherry tart, laughing with my sister, trying to learn how to skip rocks, and simply being with family -- those are the moments worth holding onto. Have a beautiful weekend! xo, R.

"Now I see the secret of making the best persons; It is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth." - Walt Whitman

the weekend.

2011-02-21T06:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Everyone,

I hope you had a fantastic weekend! I didn't do much of anything, which was nice considering the next few horrendous weeks on the horizon. But, spring break is just around the corner. Eyes on the prize.

On another note, I hope you've had time to follow the protests that are currently happening in Wisconsin. I have some loved ones who live there, one of them a teacher. They have spent the last several days rallying around the Capitol. It amazes me that 70,000 people have banned together to fight for a cause they believe in. It actually gives me goosebumps! As for me, I wish I could be there to stand next to my loved ones. Unfortunately, I'm not. But, I send my support and love to them from a distance.

Jeffrey made that heart pillow for me for Valentine's Day. Isn't is sweet? We decided not to do any gifts this year because we want to take a mini road trip over spring break. He surprised me with this cute little pillow and I can't get enough of it. Have a terrific Monday! xo, R.

a visit to the junk lady.

2011-02-19T18:18:00.000-08:00

A couple weekends ago Jeffrey and I decided to take a trip out to the junk lady. It had been quite some time since we'd seen her, so we headed out to her packed dirt land and garage sale treasures on a chilly afternoon. We only left with one thing, but it was well worth it. Awhile ago we found out that the American Pickers were heading to Florida in January. We recommended the junk lady for a stop, and they ended up contacting her! She told us she declined because she didn't think that she really had the kinds of things they were looking for. Plus, she has junk funneling in and out of her inventory all day -- I'm sure she keeps hold of any of the really good stuff. Still, Jeffrey and I were thrilled that she had been contacted at all. It was a good day. We both felt really satisfied when we left because we're pretty sure she remembers who we are now. That basically makes us royalty, or something. Enjoy your weekend! xo, R.

helloooo.

2011-02-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

Hi, I hope you all had the chance to go see Sarah's blog and do something special for Maddie (even a thought for her family is special)!

I promised to post something special soon and I will. Right now school is a little crazy and I think it's best that my blog take a back seat. I never want to post anything that I don't think is worth reading and right now I feel like that's what I'd be putting out there.

I truly hope you are all doing well. I'm still following along on your blogs and I'll be back when there's a little lull!

xo, R.

sweet maddie.

2011-02-07T16:27:00.000-08:00

I am honestly at a loss for words right now. I went to Sarah's blog today and found a post that broke my heart. No family should ever have to go through the devastation that this family is currently going through. Please visit Sarah's blog to see what you can do to celebrate sweet Maddie's life.

busy.

2011-02-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

Being busy is so hard! But I promise I have a special post coming up soon that won't disappoint, so don't be mad. xo, R.

list thirteen: teacher clothes.

2011-01-29T17:55:00.000-08:00

Since I've started my pre-internship I've been freakishly obsessed with teacher clothes. I have some, but I'd obviously like more. Here's a list of some of my top picks:

1. These cute, simple, and comfy looking flats. :)

2. I think these shoe clips would make me and my students very happy.

3. This lovely dress is perfect for Spring!

4. This sweater blazer is polished but cozy.

5. This shirt is casual and professional at the same time.

6. These jeans are perfect for feeling casual but put together.

7. I think these khakis are a wardrobe staple.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! xo, R.

(the lack of) pictures.

2011-01-27T19:45:00.001-08:00

Once upon a time I promised to take more pictures. And then didn't. I will update this blog when I take more pictures (and I pretty much promise I will this weekend). xo, R.

The Quirk Project (No. 9)

2011-01-24T15:03:00.000-08:00

Today I have a list of Laken's quirks. She is so sweet and I guarantee her blog will quickly become one of your favorites. Enjoy! :)

Laken's Quirks

01. I've inadvertently started collecting glass jars. Mason jars, milk jars, pitchers.. anything. Every time I go to the thrift store, I come back with a new one. I started to buy them for canning purposes, but now I'm just addicted.

02. Barnes and Noble is one of my happy places. I spend hours flipping through cookbooks and learning new things. Even though my wallet never really allows me to buy things I want, I just love being surrounded by so much information.

03. I hardly ever put perfume directly on my skin. I spray it in front of me -- then walk through it. In my mind, it makes it more "airy".

04. I'm always carrying around a stack of books. No matter where I go or how long I'll be there.. I take at least 3 different books, magazines and journals. Just in case.

05. I can't go a day with running into something and creating a serious bruise. I guess I just always have so many things in my head, I can't be bothered with where I'm walking.

06. A bad pen can ruin my day. If I can't find one of my three Sharpie pens or one with a felt tip, it's bad news. Regular ol' ball points just don't do it for me.

07. I have two systems of organization for recipes. When the recipe is genuinely great, it gets a recipe card (from Rifle Paper Co.) and goes in the wooden box that Tyler handmade for me. When the recipe is just good, it goes in my Moleskine recipe journal.

Thanks, Laken! If you'd like to participate, look here.

happy weekend :)

2011-01-21T11:08:00.000-08:00

I don't really have much to write about today. I'm having a grilled cheese for lunch, working on homework, and seeing No Strings Attached with friends from my cohort. Jeffrey and I are going out for a fancy dinner on Saturday to talk wedding! I hope you all have a lovely, lovely weekend. I'll be back on Monday with some more quirks! :)

* Source.

The Quirk Project (No. 8)

2011-01-18T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hi! I have been super busy, but I have a treat for you -- another list of quirks! This one is coming from the lovely Elaine over at Clothed Much. She's sweet and has a wonderful sense of style. I hope you'll check her blog out (if you haven't already seen it)!

Elaine's Quirks

1. I am a little obsessive-compulsive about having clean feet and clean floors. When I was unemployed for a month and a half, I would Swiffer twice a day! (We have hardwood floors.) And every day when I come home, the first thing I do is wash my feet...because I hate feet...mine and others'.

2. I like to do other things while I brush my teeth. I can't just stand there and brush. I have to walk around.

3. I get motion sickness very easily - think swing sets, swinging chairs, rollercoasters, cars, buses, airplanes..

4. When I am cleaning, I like to clean the messy drawers first or the things that people won't see because it'll give ME a sense of peace. By the time I'm done, I'm usually over cleaning so nothing ever looks cleaned.

5. I love change. If I see a penny, I will take it! I am constantly scanning the streets and sidewalks for change.

6. I don't like loud and assertive people..mostly because I'm quiet and reserved and have felt walked on by those types of people. I've learned I have to be strong and assertive back if I want to get anything across to them.

7. I'm bad at small talk but my husband is even worse! So at first we both seem shy, reserved, and uninterested but we just don't know how to talk to people yet. I'm getting better and I have to keep reminding my husband that he can talk too in conversations.

Thank you so much for participating, Elaine! Interested in submitting your own list of quirks? Look here.