So many changes

Wow. It's been almost two years since I've posted on my blog. Even though  I'm probably the only one that reads it, I feel kind of bad. I wanted to wait to post again until I felt inspired, and like I wanted to write out of my own accord, not because I felt like I had to. Lately, I've been reading a lot more blogs than normal, and keep thinking "Why aren't I doing that?" And with that--and the new year--I've decided to give blogging another go (cliche I know).

Let's see: two years. In two years, so much--and yet so little at the same time--has happened. I've switched jobs. I went through a period of unemployment that taught me a lot about myself and has made me grateful for the wonderful job I have now. It wasn't all bad though. In the midst of it, my boyfriend (Mat) and I got a puppy! A beautiful and sweet Boston Terrier named Ella:

We've had her for a little over a year now (we got her right before Christmas in 2011) and she is definitely the life of the party! Always up to something, she makes even the worst day brighter. It's amazing how an animal can influence your moods and make you happy even when you really aren't. :)

I'm also living on my own now...well, with roommates, but my mom is letting us live in her/our house, because she moved out to live with her boyfriend. It's been over a year since that happened, and I've gotten to experience some great roommates and some not so great ones. Quite the experience, let me tell you. The nice thing though about feeling like my mom's house is, in essence, mine, is that I've been doing a lot of little renovations and decorating around the house. I'm in the process of painting my room (more details to come when that's finished) and want to continue to do little updates as time and budget allow. It's actually been really fun, and it's almost like I'm a pseudo home owner! I can't wait for better weather and when I can get outside and start gardening. My head is brimming with ideas about what I want to accomplish both inside and out.

I guess that's it in terms of "newness" in my life. I'm off to enjoy the sun (a rarity in February in Seattle), so with that, enjoy your weekend! I'l be back soon to detail new endeavors, recipes, and doggy adventures!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Yay, it's finally Friday! This week has been long...the end couldn't have come soon enough! I don't know what you're all doing, but I plan to make this weekend a mixture of fun and relaxation, while also getting some things done.

I really want to organize my closet! I've seen so many blog posts lately about tips and tricks to master your closet that it's inspiring me to do something with mine. My closet's tiny, but good things come in small packages, right? :) If only my closet were as big and pretty as these...

*sigh* Tomorrow night, my and my best friend and my boyfriend and one of his friends are all going out dancing! Well, it'll be me and my friend dancing, and depending on how much we pester the boys,  they will too! Hehe, either way, it'll be fun. I bought this cute new dress to wear as well...

Sooo cute on! I'm excited to wear it :)

That's my weekend, basically, in a wrap. And it hasn't even started yet...so much possibility. Hope whatever you end up doing is fun! Have a great weekend!

The Digital Era

I don't know about you, but pretty much everything I do these days involves some kind of technology. A app for notetaking, various e-readers, everything seems to be going digital.

Now, even magazines are joining in. This probably isn't new, but you could say that it's new to me. I was reading Rue Magazine online last night, and it dawned on me: I wish this was available in print form. I kind of missed having something tangible to hold. I know it's the time where everything is online and accessible and all that, but it made me nostalgic for an actual paper magazine.

I think there are perks and pitfalls for both, but I have to say that I think I'm an old-fashioned gal when it comes to magazines. I like to read and re-read and scribble and fold corners of important pages. And just can't do that with an online mag. With that being said, though, Rue Magazine is an outstanding example of an online magazine, combining the best of fashion and interior design into one. It's definitely better than some print magazines available...I encourage you to check it out!

So, what do you think? Are you ready to embrace the e-readers and online mags? Or are you traditional and like to read your books on paper? Maybe you're somewhere in the middle? Please share!

In Honor of Elizabeth Taylor

I'm sure you've heard  the news, but in case you haven't, Elizabeth Taylor died this morning. Hollywood and the world lost a great person today.

I remember her in one of my favorite childhood movies: National Velvet. I would watch it over and over again, wishing that one day I could be just like Elizabeth Taylor's character, Velvet Brown.

Her talent goes without saying, and her beauty is unmistakable. Elizabeth, you will be missed!

Friday Fabulosity

Happy Friday everyone! I don't know about you, but I'm very ready for the weekend. Relaxing, catching up on sleep, having fun...all are on my informal list of things to do this weekend.

And now I can add experimenting with and waiting for the beauty products I ordered online today. It's actually just two things--a hairbrush and nail polish--but I purchased three different colors of polish today, and one I bought at the store yesterday! I think I'm going to give myself a mani/pedi tonight with this color:

Isn't it awesome?! It looks a tad more pinkish in person, but we shall see what it looks like on the nails...

When these colors come, I'm definitely going to have to experiment with them as well:

Can you tell I'm a purple/pink/red kinda gal? :p All these were purchased on Amazon, and they had a TON of other colors! I encourage you to check it out because they generally will cost you less (even with shipping) than if you bought them at Sephora or Ulta or wherever you buy your nail polish.

I've also been in the market for a new hairbrush. I wanted something that works and that would make my fine hair extra shiny and healthy. I'd heard a lot about the Mason Pearson brushes but really didn't want to through down 70 bucks for a hairbrush. And thanks to this blog post, I didn't have to. I was able to get a similar brush from Target for a mere fraction of a Mason Pearson...and from what I've read, it's just as great! Compare the two:

They are even similar in style...the Target one is on the right, costing $14.99, while the Mason Pearson's on the left costing $70-$100. I'm excited to get my new things and try them all out!

Anyways, have a wonderful weekend everyone! Hope you have fun doing whatever it is you do! :)

Yearning for the Light

A wise man once said:

"Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."

That man was Hans Christian Anderson. And while I love flowers and have plenty of freedom, what I'm lacking right now is sunshine.

I know Seattle winters aren't as bad as some, but enough with the gray and rain already! I want spring, summer, warm weather, funner clothes, cuter shoes, and everything else that comes along with sunshine. So until then, I will simply have to dream of this...

And of these...

Via Nordstrom

And maybe of this too...

*Sigh*

So, what about you? Sick of the winter weather in your neck of the woods? Ready for warm temps? Or is winter your favorite season? Please share!

My Friend Etsy

I don't know about you, but lately I've been loooooving Etsy. Everything is vintage or handmade, the things are absolutely gorgeous and all are relatively low priced. I'm not new to Etsy shopping, but lately I've been doing more often than usual.

I discovered a new shop (or new by my standards) with gorgeous yet simple/classic clothing. It's called Three Little Ducks and is located in Australia. All the items are handmade using exquisite fabric, and the simple, classic lines make me want to buy, buy, buy! Best of all, right now shipping is free!! Here are a few of my favorites:

 

I absolutely think either of the dresses would be completely adorable at a spring/summer wedding, engagement party, birthday party...heck anything dress-appropriate! The gray tank top is definitely something I'm probably going to be ordering next payday as well :). And although these pieces range in price from $60 (for the gray tank) to $160 (for the linen/silk light-colored pants), these are all truly unique. They are things you could wear to multiple occasions, and are made to last. Not to mention they are just fabulous! I'm exited to have found this shop!

What are some of your favorite Etsy finds? Do you have your own Etsy shop? Never shopped Etsy before? Please share!