Who doesn't love getting mail? Not e-mail of course, but good old-fashioned, out of the postman's hands mail. I love it! (Except bills. And credit card applications. Or graduate school brochures. Most of the time mail stinks.) It's incredible how opening up the mailbox to find a handwritten note can totally change my day. It makes you feel special, like someone cared enough to take their precious time to sit down and pen out a note, just for you. (And to go through all the trouble to find a postage stamp...that can be a pain.)
Receiving a real piece of handwritten mail is a joy that has unfortunately been all but lost in today's everything-in-your-face-right-this-second digital world. I'm one who still believes in the art of letter writing, calligraphy and handsome engraved stationery. That's why I am so excited to share with y'all a wonderful idea from Amanda at Sweet Tea Paperie. She's come up with this unique concept called "The Snail Mail Project."
Amanda discovered that you can mail nearly any object through the postal service without an envelope or box, as long as it weighs less than 13 oz. As long as it has an address and proper postage, the postmaster will deliver it. That leaves some pretty neat possibilities for my next note!
After her discovery, Amanda dreamed up "The Snail Mail Project. If you sign up through her blog, she'll match you with one other registrant. You receive their address and then send them the most unique, fun piece of mail you can think of. I'm so excited to receive my partner's info and start dreaming up what fun things I can send through the mail. Who knows...maybe it will even lead to a fun pen-palmanship.
I love that Amanda is connecting people from all across the country through penmanship and creativity. I encourage all of you to participate in this fun little game along with me! You never know what you might find in your mailbox!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
Goodbye 2012
I'm not much of a reflector. I don't think I've ever looked back on the goals I've set for myself and determined what worked, what I'm proud of, or what didn't and how I should reevaluate that goal to make it achieveable for me. That's not to say I'm not successful. I am proud of everything that I've accomplished and of the person that I am. Sure, not all of my goals are fully realized, but in some way they've worked themselves out.
Because I don't necessary 'reflect' in the way that most people do, I miss out on acknowledging all the great things that I've done. I forget to slow down and be proud, give credit to myself. It seems that each time I start to achieve one goal I've already moved on to trying to achieve the next one. While I think it's great that I'm driven and constantly trying to move forward, I think it may prevent me from fully focusing on the current goal.
Something I've really been focused on lately is trying to stay present. I don't want to be constantly looking back on the past, but I also don't want to focus too much on the far out future. I think the forward looking part is going to be the most difficult for me, especially since in just four short months I'll be starting a brand new life! It's exciting and scary and it's hard not to think about it. But I have to continually remind myself that I'm still here! I haven't moved to the next step yet. I'll have to strike a balance between preparing myself for the next step but still living in the moment.
On that note: I'm not much for 'resolutions,' I prefer to set goals. My goal for 2013 is to stay present and soak up every moment. To let the small things go and realize everything doesn't need to be planned out. I want to be a bit more spontaneous and less worried about the little things. I know I can't let go of planning for the future and setting future goals. I don't want to. It's part of who I am and I love that about myself. I'm just going to modify it a little bit. I want to set a future goal and then create milestones that will help me achieve it. I want to focus on each individual milestone instead of the big goal.
I'm still working on my goal and each of the milestones that will help me get there. My official "New Year" doesn't start until the spring semester does, so I have a week to iron out all the details and be prepared to tackle what I know will be my biggest year yet!
Because I don't necessary 'reflect' in the way that most people do, I miss out on acknowledging all the great things that I've done. I forget to slow down and be proud, give credit to myself. It seems that each time I start to achieve one goal I've already moved on to trying to achieve the next one. While I think it's great that I'm driven and constantly trying to move forward, I think it may prevent me from fully focusing on the current goal.
Something I've really been focused on lately is trying to stay present. I don't want to be constantly looking back on the past, but I also don't want to focus too much on the far out future. I think the forward looking part is going to be the most difficult for me, especially since in just four short months I'll be starting a brand new life! It's exciting and scary and it's hard not to think about it. But I have to continually remind myself that I'm still here! I haven't moved to the next step yet. I'll have to strike a balance between preparing myself for the next step but still living in the moment.
On that note: I'm not much for 'resolutions,' I prefer to set goals. My goal for 2013 is to stay present and soak up every moment. To let the small things go and realize everything doesn't need to be planned out. I want to be a bit more spontaneous and less worried about the little things. I know I can't let go of planning for the future and setting future goals. I don't want to. It's part of who I am and I love that about myself. I'm just going to modify it a little bit. I want to set a future goal and then create milestones that will help me achieve it. I want to focus on each individual milestone instead of the big goal.
I'm still working on my goal and each of the milestones that will help me get there. My official "New Year" doesn't start until the spring semester does, so I have a week to iron out all the details and be prepared to tackle what I know will be my biggest year yet!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Great Expectations
"We all think we’re going to be great and we feel a little bit robbed when our expectations aren’t met. But sometimes expectations sell us short. Sometimes the expected simply pales in comparison to the unexpected. You got [sic] to wonder why we cling to our expectations, because the expected is just what keeps us steady. Standing. Still, the expected's just the beginning, the unexpected is what changes our lives." - Meredith Grey; Grey's Anatomy
In the past few weeks I've been having an existential crisis. Okay, maybe it's not quite that dramatic, but it's seems like a big deal now, in the present, especially during the moments of my day where I'm not fully engaged, like when I'm watching a movie or trying to fall asleep at night. Until recently, I had a plan - a darn good one at that. I had my life mapped out for the next year, a five year plan and a goal for where I'd be in 10 years.
But then, that plan changed. Overnight. I won't go into the details but a string of unrelated events occured and I realized that circumstances were now different. I had expectations that my life would play out just so, I was going to be in control and it was all up to me. I discovered though that this great plan I had laid out for myself, carefully designing it to be what I wanted, wasn't something I made to be in control of. I had systematically "planned" to not be in control.
The point is, I learned something new about myself and the way I think: my whole life I have followed "the rules." I have always had a "next step." I went to high school, I made great grades, I had a job, an internship and was a cheerleader. Then I went to college where I picked a competitive major, joined a sorority, rocked my internships, assumed a leadership position in a campus organization related to my field of study and always made the Dean's List. But here's where it gets tricky - what do I do now? There isn't a logical "next step" for me now. I could start a job, I could get my master's degree or I could stay in school for a full four years of college. I could live in Tallahassee, where I've called home for eight years, or I could move anywhere in the world. That's a lot of power for a 20-something (okay fine, I'm trying to sound worldly, I barely make the cut at 20).
These are big choices and to be honest, I'm afraid of what they mean. I've never lived more than a 30 minute drive from home. I've never left my bestfriends. I've never lived in an apartment and I've never lived on my own. I've never had to make all my own meals or clean my own place by myself (living in a sorority house is a spoiled life). I've never tried to go it alone. I feel like I'm on the edge of the bird's next and I'm getting ready to jump for the first time.
It's a scary, scary thought, but each day I'm getting more comfortable with the idea of letting go of those expectations. It's not something that's going to go away easily, after all I did invest a lot of "me" into those plans and goals, but I'm starting to get a little excited to turn all of those I've never's into I have's.
So re-evaluate your expectations, because it's the unexpected that changes our lives. And remember, God has a plan: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
In the past few weeks I've been having an existential crisis. Okay, maybe it's not quite that dramatic, but it's seems like a big deal now, in the present, especially during the moments of my day where I'm not fully engaged, like when I'm watching a movie or trying to fall asleep at night. Until recently, I had a plan - a darn good one at that. I had my life mapped out for the next year, a five year plan and a goal for where I'd be in 10 years.
But then, that plan changed. Overnight. I won't go into the details but a string of unrelated events occured and I realized that circumstances were now different. I had expectations that my life would play out just so, I was going to be in control and it was all up to me. I discovered though that this great plan I had laid out for myself, carefully designing it to be what I wanted, wasn't something I made to be in control of. I had systematically "planned" to not be in control.
The point is, I learned something new about myself and the way I think: my whole life I have followed "the rules." I have always had a "next step." I went to high school, I made great grades, I had a job, an internship and was a cheerleader. Then I went to college where I picked a competitive major, joined a sorority, rocked my internships, assumed a leadership position in a campus organization related to my field of study and always made the Dean's List. But here's where it gets tricky - what do I do now? There isn't a logical "next step" for me now. I could start a job, I could get my master's degree or I could stay in school for a full four years of college. I could live in Tallahassee, where I've called home for eight years, or I could move anywhere in the world. That's a lot of power for a 20-something (okay fine, I'm trying to sound worldly, I barely make the cut at 20).
These are big choices and to be honest, I'm afraid of what they mean. I've never lived more than a 30 minute drive from home. I've never left my bestfriends. I've never lived in an apartment and I've never lived on my own. I've never had to make all my own meals or clean my own place by myself (living in a sorority house is a spoiled life). I've never tried to go it alone. I feel like I'm on the edge of the bird's next and I'm getting ready to jump for the first time.
It's a scary, scary thought, but each day I'm getting more comfortable with the idea of letting go of those expectations. It's not something that's going to go away easily, after all I did invest a lot of "me" into those plans and goals, but I'm starting to get a little excited to turn all of those I've never's into I have's.
So re-evaluate your expectations, because it's the unexpected that changes our lives. And remember, God has a plan: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Summer Suit-up
Last summer I was a nanny for two adorable children! We did all kinds of fun things: movies, parks, crafts and a visit to the pool almost every day. I loved always being in a bathing suit!
This summer I'm working in an office each day - so my 'summer suit' is a little bit different. While most of the time I'm wearing a skirt and jacket, I'd rather be in my bathing suit!
These are some of the bathing suits I've picked up at Target this summer. I LOVE TARGET. Their bathing suits are great. They always have the latest trends and the things last forever. I still have Target bathing suits from middle school that have held their shape really nicely.
Multicolor Bandeau
Multicolor Strap
(this one can be made into a really cute one shoulder by tucking in the strap!)
Braided Bikini
(The strap on the right is removable so it can be worn one shoulder!)
I love my new bathing suits! I've only gotten to wear two of them so far! But I have five more weekends of summer to break in the others!
Do you like to get your bathing suits from Target? Do you have any of the ones above?
P.S. The last suit is from the 2013 Swim Preview. Target does a Swim Preview every year. Some of my most favorite bikinis are from this line from years past.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Fornash
Fornash is a jewelry and accessory shop everyone should know about! I love their nautical inspired, preppy motif. Their jewelry is perfect for summer and goes great with everything - including Lilly!
Fornash only has their store in Virginia, but they sell their merchandise online and through many local retailers. In Tallahassee, local boutique and monogram shop Loli and the Bean sells Fornash jewelry.
Here are some of my favorite Fornash pieces I own:
| Confetti Necklace |
And here are some pieces I'm lusting over:
Cabana Chandelier Earrings (I love all the colors!)
Do you love Fornash? What pieces do you have? Which ones are you wanting?
Monday, June 25, 2012
Ooh-la-la Rue-la-la
Rue-La-La is an invitation only shopping website that has great deals on designer brands you love! It's like an on-line TJ-Maxx, but better! RLL features new designers and sales every day. The boutiques open at 11 a.m. and last for 48 hours before closing.
RLL has great features like text and email alerts for boutiques you don't want to miss and reminders when a boutique is coming back that you purchased from before. It "learns" what you like! RLL also has a free iPhone and Android app.
RLL has a great shipping deal too - on your first purchase you pay $9.95 for shipping. Then you get 30 consecutive days of free shipping before you have to pay $9.95 again! They also do free returns if you'd like RLL credit, or they will do a full refund if you pay the return shipping.
Their customer service is fantastic! They ship with UPS so my shipments generally arrive at least a day early - and it's usually within a week! Other online shopping services can sometimes be slow, so props to RLL for their speedy shipping!
I recently got this great dress from a RLL boutique. It's a Sue Wong reception dress, but I think it will be great to wear to a semi formal or as a flapper costume! I love the drop waist - it's so flattering!
RLL has great features like text and email alerts for boutiques you don't want to miss and reminders when a boutique is coming back that you purchased from before. It "learns" what you like! RLL also has a free iPhone and Android app.
RLL has a great shipping deal too - on your first purchase you pay $9.95 for shipping. Then you get 30 consecutive days of free shipping before you have to pay $9.95 again! They also do free returns if you'd like RLL credit, or they will do a full refund if you pay the return shipping.
Their customer service is fantastic! They ship with UPS so my shipments generally arrive at least a day early - and it's usually within a week! Other online shopping services can sometimes be slow, so props to RLL for their speedy shipping!
I recently got this great dress from a RLL boutique. It's a Sue Wong reception dress, but I think it will be great to wear to a semi formal or as a flapper costume! I love the drop waist - it's so flattering!
Sue Wong Backless Ivory Reception Gown
Do you Rue-La-La? Here's your free invitation to join!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Road Trippin'
This weekend I am headed to Louisville for the 138th Run for the Roses! We are driving (!!!!!) so it is going to be a long, long weekend. Tonight we are going to Nashville to break the drive up a bit. It takes almost 12 hours to get to Louisville, Ky from Tallahassee, Fla.
On a road trip, it's important to stay entertained, especially since we will be in the car for a whole day! I like to bring plenty of snacks and drinks so we can keep stops to a minimum. A blanket and a pillow are musts, I'll definitely sleep a little bit in the car! However, the most essential item on a road trip is music. And lots of it.
When I was putting together a playlist on my iPhone for our trip, I came across this website with 885 road trip songs. That's a lot of music y'all! I thought it was fun to read through the first 100, but I didn't make it past that!
It's so important to have a wide variety to listen to on a road trip - you don't want to get bored because all of your music starts to sound the same!
For this road trip, I just downloaded a new app - Road Trip Scavenger Hunt. When you were a kid did your parents ever print out scavenger hunt papers for you to complete on your road trip? It helps pass the time! I'm hoping this app will be a good one, and will keep us entertained in the car!
Have you use the Road Trip Scavenger Hunt app? Any tips for taking a long road trip?
On a road trip, it's important to stay entertained, especially since we will be in the car for a whole day! I like to bring plenty of snacks and drinks so we can keep stops to a minimum. A blanket and a pillow are musts, I'll definitely sleep a little bit in the car! However, the most essential item on a road trip is music. And lots of it.
When I was putting together a playlist on my iPhone for our trip, I came across this website with 885 road trip songs. That's a lot of music y'all! I thought it was fun to read through the first 100, but I didn't make it past that!
It's so important to have a wide variety to listen to on a road trip - you don't want to get bored because all of your music starts to sound the same!
For this road trip, I just downloaded a new app - Road Trip Scavenger Hunt. When you were a kid did your parents ever print out scavenger hunt papers for you to complete on your road trip? It helps pass the time! I'm hoping this app will be a good one, and will keep us entertained in the car!
Have you use the Road Trip Scavenger Hunt app? Any tips for taking a long road trip?
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