11.30.2010

Is THIS what it feels like?

It finally happened on Friday, November 26. B proposed to me at the top of a mountain in McDowell, Virginia, with my grandmother's 65-year-old engagement ring. Although I was wearing a hunter's orange vest and matching beanie (I mean, it's huntin' season, y'all, and I'm not trying to get shot . . . because that happens. Alot.) I couldn't be happier. We both couldn't stop laughing before he actually asked me, which started to make me feel like a real asshole, but in hindsight, the whole experience was perfect. I loved each and every minute of it.


So now here comes the fun (fun?) part! The wedding planning! I'm excited about it, but equally stressed. I mean, I don't even know where to begin. That's where my BFFs who are already married come in! 


Now that I've helped Thomas get his big project finished for school (the damn thing was due today, thank goodness) I can focus. So now . . . what do I do?!



11.22.2010

Nutcrackers and more

Have I mentioned my nutcracker collection? Well, I have one. And it's pretty substantial. My taste in them has simplified over the years, though, so I'm not sure how I'll incorporate them into my holiday decorating this year. The really colorful ones I got when I was younger might have to stay boxed up. Sorry, crackers. 


Take a look at this beauty from West Elm. Of course, I couldn't help but peruse the rest of the accessories.

Novelty Nutcrackers $24-$59


Snow Globes $25

Sequin Animals $25


Winter-tree Boxes $16-$29


Tokyo Milk Candles $12

11.17.2010

Band Beat

Image via here

The Hours is an English rock band that formed in 2004. I'm not totally committed to their sound, but I ran across their new video for "See the Light" featuring Sienna Miller. I'm pretty sure y'all know how much I love her. Anyway. This video was directed by American History X creator Tony Kaye, and I've gotta say, I like it a bunch. Check it out. 

The Hours - "See The Light" 2010 Edit from Adeline Records on Vimeo.

11.16.2010

The new Matilde Font makes pretty letters.

How pretty is the new Matilde Font? Love it. You can get it for free here.

A visit from a friend with no photos to show for it . . .

Toni visited me this past weekend, and it flew by way too fast . . . why does that happen every time? We spent most of Saturday eating and catching up and then went downtown that night. Downtown Charleston on a Friday or Saturday night can make you (and by you, I mean anyone over the age of say, 28) feel old. All the college freshmen girls clopping around King Street in their 4-inch heels and short skirts . . . with all the energy in the world. And then there we are, in flats, jeans and a comfortable sweater (because it was cold, y'all, and those days of wearing barely anything in 33-degree weather is over.) 


I had mixed emotions about the whole thing, honestly. Part of me longed for those days again, and the other part was grateful those days are over and almost proud to be where I am today. I tell you what. Thirty is flirty and fun, but it's also scary. A friend of mine sent me this article, and it nicely sums up how it feels to be 30.


Anyway. Toni and I went back downtown on Sunday, where the city closed a huge portion of King Street so restaurants could expand seating out into the street and stores could put displays out. It was really cool, and a nice surprise. 


All in all, we had a great time. Short, but great. This is the lone photo of us at a bar downtown called Closed For Business. 



This was taken with Toni's phone. I can't believe no one had a camera on them. My digital one broke almost a year ago, and we haven't been able to get a new one. All we have (and I'm not complaining because it's awesome) is B's Nikon 40D he had to get for school. Needless to say, we're not ever lugging it with us downtown on a Saturday night. 

11.03.2010

Interview, done.

I had an interview this morning for an assistant director of admissions at the Art Institute. I was nervous as all get-out, but I feel better than ever. I don't want to jinx myself by having high hopes, but it was probably the best interview I've ever given. They've narrowed the pool down to five candidates, and they are going to hire two folks. I am praying I am one of the two. A lot of interviewees now are asking personality-based questions, and my last question this morning was, "Name the theme song of your life. What song do you march to?" Pretty tough one to answer, huh? 


I chose "Seasons of Love" from the musical, Rent. Guys, if you haven't seen this musical (and I'm not talking about the movie, although it was great as well) you must find a way to see it. It's soooo good and is definitely one of my favorites. This particular song talks about how people measure their lives. And much to my utter and complete happiness, the senior director LOVED my answer. Today is a good day. 


Here's the song --- both Broadway and movie versions. Many of the actors in the movie version were part of the original Broadway cast (like Taye Diggs, y'all). And if you want some background about the writer, Jonathan Larson, check this out. His journey in creating this is absolutely amazing. Prepare for goosebumps and enjoy.





11.01.2010

Sneaky Little Devil

November is here already? Really. I can't believe how quickly it came --- it snuck right up on me. I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm glad it's here. It's my favorite month of the year . . . and I'm not just saying that because my birthday is tucked away in it. 

This year has been tough. Moving. Leaving my family and friends. Leaving my dance studio. Leaving everything behind. Annnnnd, still no luck on the job front (hopefully, that will change after Wednesday). 

As a result, I'm certain I've gained several new forehead wrinkles and more crow's feet, and my ego has taken a swift kick in the gut, but I'm still hopeful and excited about what's to come. Reading the blogs I follow rejuvenates me and helps in that, especially when I read a post I can relate to or watch a really cool video a husband made of his wife he adores, and I just melt. 

Sadly, I tend to go several days (even weeks sometimes) between readings. I have no excuse, other than that after scouring the Internet for hours at a time job hunting, I'm kinda' done with my laptop.

I keep telling myself that I need to buckle down and be better about reading blogs, and hell, even writing in mine. After all, if reading them and writing in mine make me feel better, why not? It's. Not. Rocket. Science.  

So here's a list of recent posts from a few blogs I follow, blogs that inspire me and make me happy. Maybe they'll do the same for you too. 

Friday's Post Is Full Of...Awkwardness from The Tightrope because the author, Mandi, and I lived in the same tiny town years ago, and I've totally had that same grocery store experience. Her blog is fantastically written and chock-full of hilarity, wit and honesty: a perfect reading recipe. Check it out.

Do What You Love - episode two: Cole from Pacing the Panic Room. Guys, there aren't enough words to express how much I love this blog. B jokingly said I liked it because he thought I was in love with the creator, Ryan. I told him that I wasn't in love with Ryan; I was in love with how much he loves his wife, Cole. I can't get over it. It's ridiculously sappy, over-the-top love, and he's not afraid to blog about it. I love it. But there's soooo much more to his blog than his undying love of his wife, and if you haven't bookmarked it already, do so immediately.

Loving from Layers of Meaning because if you want to look at beautiful photos and creations with inspiration out the bamboozle, this is the blog for you. (And I'm not just typing this because LOM's founder, Fe, is one of my best friends). Her blog is full of fantastic design and fashion stimuli, super-interesting series, gorgeous photos, Etsy finds and more.

I wouldn't date me. FACT. from Chelsea Talks Smack. This feisty blogger is fierce. Girl does not mince words one bit . . . hence her name. And that's why I love reading her smack so much. She puts it all out there, but she doesn't wrap it up in a pretty little package like a lot of people. She's human; honest and vulnerable. She makes mistakes, and she lets you know about them. But she throws her fears and questions back on her audience, opening up her world to them and allowing them to share their experiences with her. So everyone is growing and learning together. Definitely worth reading.

currently snacking on...from oh joy! eats is completely and utterly wonderful if you love food like I love food (especially sweets, like this baby apple pie) but completely and utterly awful if you're on a diet . . . and I mean that in the best sense. I've been on both ends, and when I'm trying to eat "clean," I try to steer clear of Joy's delectable sweets. Easy to do since her blog consists of much more than photos of food. She writes about food and art, the latest (and coolest) kitchen and food accessories, restaurants and recipes. And Joy's not just about food. She has a fabulous design blog too.