things i love thursday!

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Things I'm digging on this particular jeudi...

-The above quote: Darlings, today has been one for the books. I haven't stopped running all day, and managed to find a 10 minute window to fit in another favorite thing, blogging! I'm exhausted and possibly a little loopy, but it's reminders like this one that reassure me everything is going to be just fine. 

-Cold coffee drinks: I don't know if it's juxtaposition of hot coffee and ice or what, but good grief iced coffee has a hold on me. Even my beloved chai has been iced! I can't help myself. Yum.

-Dresses and tights: I'll admit, I have always, always, always been a proponent for skinny jeans, every day, every season, all year. Lately, however, dresses and tights have been replacing my beloved staple. Comfort and some fashion credibility? I'll take it!

More things that tickle my fancy...

Black nails with bright clothes / natural hair / umbrellas that look like giant flowers (campus looks like a garden!) / outdoor fireplaces / Forsythia blooms / scones/ Too Faced eye shadow duo in Lovey Dovey: 

colorful cacti / enamel rings / Indie Film Night is TONIGHT! / using words like "charming, lovely, and romantic" for descriptions / Anthony Bourdain on Twitter! @NoReservations is the love of my life / well-stocked book shelves / feeling dead tired but keepin' on like a champ!

That's all the time I have today, lovebugs! I must go take a dreadful test! Wish me luck!

J'adore

a girl's guide to collegiate budgeting

Collegiate budgeting may be one of the most stressful and migraine-inducing activities any of us will have to deal with in our lives. It is, however, also one of the most necessary and rewarding in the long run.

I've tried a multitude of budgets over my few years as an undergrad. Folks, I have failed miserably when it comes to finding a budget and sticking to it. Hypocrisy may as well be stamped on my forehead-I made an oath to find a budget and stick to it as part of my New Year's vows. Color me shameful, the budget I developed was not as conducive to the life of a collegiate sophomore as I once hoped.

It never truly struck how important a solidified budget is until this year. Several unexpected (and staggering) expenses made a Houdini-like appearance, and a short stint with unemployment knocked me down a few financial notches. Yet we all must persevere, and persevere I did.

After scouring some blogs and financial wizards, I came up with a plan that fits my income and lifestyle that's practical and reasonable. Here's what I've schemed:

Of your income:

-Live off 50% (Gas, groceries, miscellaneous bills, appointment expenses, etc.)

-Save 30% (Consider this a "rainy day" fund, emergency fund, or save for something you really want or need to save for, like quarterly car insurance)

-Have fun with 20% (Itching for a new dress? Can't resist getting that overpriced latte? MAC eyeshadow? Have at it.)

So, for example, say you earn $250 on a paycheck:

-Live off $125

-Save $75

-Have fun with $50

Saving really pays off. Gals, I know we all impulse buy from time to time; lord knows the hypnotic powers of Anthropologie catalogs. But maintaining a specific financial plan will help us be better prepared for any unsettling financial waves and burdens we may face, as well as supply us the means to indulge once in a while. After all, we deserve it ;)

I'm going to keep a copy of this method in my wallet, in my ID holder, and taped inside my checkbook. I can't wait to implement this next payday.

Happy saving, lovers!

the rainy day playlist

Up and at 'em, bright and early this morning, loves! Okay, not a particularly bright morning, but early, nonetheless. It's a particularly rainy, gray, and chilly March morning and though I'm not doing cartwheels over this, I'm certainly not going to get in a sour mood. The sky can dampen my raincoat but it can't dampen my spirits!

Whenever I'm in the midst of a rain parade, one mechanism that helps me stay bright is listening to a rainy day playlist. Here's one a came up with today: 

"Sunshine Jam" Playlist: 

1. "Everlasting Light" - The Black Keys

2. "Hotwax" - Beck

3. "Trampled Underfoot" - Led Zeppelin 

4. "You Don't Know What Love Is" - The White Stripes 

5. "Mary" - Jimi Hendrix 

6. "Howlin' For You" - The Black Keys 

7. "Give it away" - The Red Hot Chili Peppers

You may find yourself asking, "Why these songs? And why these songs on a day like today?" Typically, people associate rain with negativity, sadness, or being downright sluggish. Who wants songs that only add to that feeling? Not me! I wanted to combat this melancholy nonsense with a playlist overpowered with electric riffs, blues influences, and a deep, noticeable bass line. Pay no mind to the clouds! Put on some shades and feel funky.

What about you, friends? What songs do you crave on a rainy day?

Down came the rain and washed the spider out!

things i love thursday

Happy Thursday, friends! Despite the sudden cold snap, it is awfully beautiful outside. Soak it up!

I'm in an incredibly chipper mood today, so I feel like I have a surplus of things I love today. No dilly-dallying-isn't that a splendid phrase?-I'll get right to it.

An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin. I'm halfway in the novel and already I'm crazy over the quiet protagonist, Daniel, and his eccentric female counterpart, Lacey. It's centered around the art & auctioning world in New York City in the 90's. Art and art dealings? Is it any wonder I adore this book? I'll do a review post as soon as I finish reading.

Going veggie-Mmhmm, you read right folks, I am embarking on a vegetarian lifestyle. This isn't a foreign lifestyle-I was a vegetarian for years and grew up with a vegetarian in the house. It's been a few weeks now and I love the decision. Keep in mind, though, maintain your protein if you make the choice to cut out meat. Junk food vegetarianism is easy to fall into!

Gala Darling- "The Playgirl's Guide to Radical Self-Love" is the happiest, most bubbly, magical, bright, splashy, and necessary website I've experienced. Please investigate for yourself here. This is where the original "Things I Love Thursday" was born. Do yourself a favor and check out "100 Things To Do When You're Upset" immediately.

More things I love...

Waking up earlier (by choice!) / working in a bookstore / Tate Modern's new gallery series / the new roommmate-a pink cactus! / Chai Lattes with a spice shot-kiddos, I'm on a chai high. My body is probably on a chai overload, but I can't stop drinking them. A co-worker of mine, while making one for me, suggested a shot of gingerbread, the secret "spice shot" recipe from a coffee shop in Portland. And let me tell you, it is delicious beyond comprehension / MAC Paint Pot in "Painterly" / Getting dolled up for no reason in particular / Studying postmodernism / Spending exorbitant amounts of time in the art building on campus /

I Hustled Here

Browsing greenhouses / Older couples, rallying proof that chivalry isn't dead / Off-the-shoulder shirts one-shoulder dresses / Citrus anything / Free trade whole coffee beans / Hydrangeas / Aviator glasses / My mom's upcoming trip to Italy! Primo! / Realizing I'm almost done with my second year of college. Mazel Tov!

That's enough for now, darlings. 

Bon soir!

things i love thursday

hello, friends! It feels like ages since I've done a things i love thursday post, and today seems like the perfect opportunity to do one.

divine sunshine - Finally, folks, spring is HERE. After numerous blog posts and wishful thinking I have my fingers crossed that we can welcome spring to stay! Until summer, that is.

sleeping late - Okay, okay, I know this doesn't exactly fit in with the vitality aspect of the happiness project, but darn it, I love excess snooze time.

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hiking - What better outdoor activity than a good hike? Laurel Falls was the most recent endeavor, but it was a tad cloudy and chilly. Hopefully one of these upcoming weekends will provide enough sun to get me outside and hiking. 

more things i love...

my book-a-day calender / making playlists for different situations (i.e.-happy playlist, contemplative playlist, big decision playlist, sleepytime playlist, time to vamoose playlist, etc.) / inhalable coffee - okay, folks, bear with me on this one. Katelyn (find her blog here) ordered some and let me try it. I am a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado, and I loved these things. One calorie, eight puffs per pod, and as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. It's absurd but so fun / this dress from anthropologie - I am definitely not a fan of maxi dresses...at all. But something about this one caught my eye, and I would actually consider wearing it. 

 

Speaking of anthropologie, I'm loving the eyelet lace and white theme they have lately / Steve Martin's latest novel An Object of Beauty - art, Sotheby's Institute...what's not to love? / working in a bookstore / lollipops / bicycles! I really want one / Orly polish in "Anicent Jade" 

cartooning / chai tea / Alterna Color Hold conditioner at Ulta - I adore this product so much / "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" on Travel Channel / being in my final semester as a college sophomore! 

That's all for today, my lovelies! Have a phenomenal Thursday, and HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! 

"May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live."

-Irish Blessing

a lesson in positivity

Over the past month, I've been job shadowing at a local hospital for my major. I will be completely honest with you, it's hard to tackle my March Happiness Project goals in the ER. It's a struggle trying to pull two positives out of every negative in a place like a hospital. That is, until I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Archer. Upon walking into her room, she was already smiling and waved as we walked in. During her procedure she had absolutely no complaints and instead talked about how lovely a day it was (despite the fact we were in the middle of a torrential downpour). It was humbling to be around someone so positive in a situation that was anything but. I decided at that moment to be like Ms. Archer. Take those negatives and don't give them permission to upset you. See all the positives and be grateful.

Au Revoir, mes amies.

Tee Time

T-shirts are a staple in any gal's closet, and certainly a staple in mine. Loose-fitting, boyfriend fit tees are my absolute favorites at the moment. Paired with dark skinny jeans, a funky necklace, and Toms, boots, or even sandals (take that, winter!), and call it my daily wear.

Anthropologie favorite tee

Urban Outfitters "Truly Madly Deeply" scoopneck in rose-this one is phenomenal

Another Urban Outfitters beauty 

Forever 21 has wonderful boyfriend fit t-shirts that are incredibly cheap! I love buying them a size or two bigger than I usually wear with dark was jeans. So simple! 

admiration & adoration, darlings. 

what i'm reading

One of the perks of spring break is finding time to read something I actually want to read. What a novel idea-reading something for fun! It seems like it's nearly impossible to do during the school year, so I'm taking full advantage!

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Depending on how well you know me, or how intuitive you are, you may know I am obsessed with books and reading. When I was three, my nana found me holding one of her books (upside down) and, completely frustrated, I said, "I have just GOT to learn to read." I guess you can say that's where my passion took off. And now, I work with books! I'm in heaven. I landed the dream job.

While combing the aisles not too long ago, Derek and I settled in the philosophy section and camped out. I'm fascinated with philosophy lately, and luckily, Derek is studying it. God bless him for putting up with my oodles of questions. I decided to start my philosophy journey by learning all I can about post-modernism by reading Introducing Post-Modernism: A Graphic Guide to Cutting-Edge Thinking by Richard Appignanessi and Chris Garrat.

I'll do a separate post and further divulge into what I've gleaned from this maddeningly interesting subject, but for now, the back cover sums it up best: 

"Regularly controversial, rarely straighforward, and seldom easy..."

I couldn't have said it better myself. 

Je t'adore, mes cheries!

peruse and cruise: spring scraps

Bonjour, mes amies! If you're like myself and on spring break, I hope it's a pleasant one thus far. And if not, treat yourself to a relaxing week anyway! Go on. You deserve it. 

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Tonight's post is more or less just random knick knacks and items I've found perusing and cruising the internet that I find lovely. 

-Etsy posters and silk screens always make me swoon. I've fallen head over heels for this one.

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-Peter Fasano fabrics and wallpapers are absolutely beautiful. Look how charming!

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-ModCloth pieces are some of my favorites. I only wish I had a reason to wear something this ornate and precious. It's called the "square dancing queen dress," and though I'm not a square dancing queen, but I love it just the same. 

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The Gusty Gardens top was brought to my attention through my friend Janie a few months ago. Unfortunately, it was out of stock. I've signed up for e-mail alerts twice now in an attempt to get it, and I always miss the boat! 

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Scarf, belt, and outright fabulousness all included with purchase. Mark my words, I will possess this top someday!

-Pottery Barn never ceases to churn out home decor that drives me crazy. The home decor is beautiful...it's hard to choose just one item to showcase here! So here are some antiqued chair prints:

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-Okay, so you can never have too much of a good thing when it comes to Pottery Barn! Here's some more lovely things:

I have lusted after a typewriter for years and years and years-

These heirloom frames are darling-

In addition to the Butterfly Patchwork Quilt from this things I loved Thursday, I crave this Colebrook Patchwork Quilt-

All images above courtesy of Pottery Barn. 

-Anthropologie has it's fair share of treats to send me into a tizzy, like the Fluttering Obi Dress- 

And not only clothing, but things like this Studio Days Easel. I love that it's pre-splattered with paint, just waiting for your own addition of color splashes.  

An ideal resting place for one's masterpieces. My brushes and charcoals are itching to add personality to this!

-I was browsing A Cup of Jo and came across these...to quote Joanna, "These make me want to play tennis. Or smoke." 

Tongue-in-cheek meets Wes Anderson rolled into a small, convenient, and frankly precious package. 

-Williams-Sonoma unbelievably precious hugging salt and pepper shakers

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These used to be sold at Mobilia in Asheville, North Carolina. If only I'd bought them when I first spotted them!

-And last but not least, this t-shirt from Paul Frank. Yes, you read right. The quintessential middle school fashion staple actually churned out a graphic tee that I want. Darlings, I present to you, the electric dirtbag- 

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If it can make me laugh, you better believe I will wear it on a t-shirt! And electric dirtbag gives me the giggles. 

I hope you enjoyed this peruse and cruise, my dear friends! What about your favorite internet finds? I'd love to hear your about your gems!

Kisses and hugs

the cold is getting old

Just when the spring teases us with 70 degree days, snow decides to pour down in the east! Mother Nature, what on earth are you thinking? I think I can speak for all of us when I say winter has worn out its welcome.

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In an effort to shake the winter blues, Lindsay and I went on a mini-adventure and stocked up on fun & springy things to cheer us up. Here's a haul of some of my spring spoils!

Babushka Earbuds 

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I found these little cuties at Francesca's. I've been itching for a new, good pair of earphones, ones that actually fit my right ear (because of my tragus piercing). And what do you know! I find a pair that are functional, fit well, and not to mention, they're absurdly precious. 

Floral Dress

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Floral Blouse

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So these flowery beauties came from Forever 21. Nothing like short sleeves and a collage of flowers to protest this cold nonsense. In lieu of this protest, I'm wearing the t-shirt at this very moment!

You probably can't tell, but there are some purple strands on the lower right sides of our hair. Brightly colored dye? Yet another way to say au revoir to the frigidity! 

Girly Goodies 

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What can I say? Every girl likes to indulge once in a while. And what better place to give in to such girlish desires that Sephora ? I love Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Barely Legal: 

Isn't it pretty? Spring perfection!

This wraps up my spring haul for today, my lovelies! I hope you enjoyed! Love always. 

nega+ivi+y

Hello, my darling readers! I apologize for my 3 week hiatus! Things have been a whirlwind with school (I'm officially an art minor now, and I'm considering changing my major. I'll keep you posted!) and jobs (the bookworm became a bookseller! In other words, I'm working at Books-A-Million now!), but it's officially my spring break so I can can up on my blogging!

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So, my dears, we're already into the second week of March. Where is this year going? But, the start of a new  month brings the start of another month of the happiness project. It really took some thought for the March aspect. I want to develop my own project, separate from Gretchin Rubin's, so I looked into what I really wanted to improve about my mentality: thinking positively. Negativity not only takes a toll on my mood, but my physical well-being and general outlook for the rest of the day, sometimes longer than that. I've decided for every negative I encounter, I will think of two positives to counteract them. If you notice the title, each "t" is a plus sign, hence positivity (woo hoo!) 

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One day starts today.