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Hi, I'm back from my rather long hiatus with a link love! Hope everyone is enjoying the start of May flowers and warmer weather.

Love all these giveaways from oh hello friend blog! I want this camera package soooo much.

I love the succulent plant trend! Who doesn't enjoy having such a low maintenance plant you only need to water every couple of weeks? Here's a great guide from Green Wedding Shoes with a bunch of beautiful groupings and bouquets.

picture via succulents galore

Plus I adore this succulent wreath from Simply Succulents. If I had $80 I would totally pick it up!

Have a great Sunday! xoxo

dancing feet

source: flickr

How gorgeous is this Swan Lake costume from 1934? My feet are still sore from dance lessons tonight -- lessons after a two month hiatus. It didn't help that I was breaking in a new pair of ballroom shoes that left my heels and toes aching with every step!

I have never been to a ballet production, but I love the graceful dancers and the gorgeous fluffy tutus and costumes. My first real exposure to ballet was the movie Black Swan which featured the most amazing stage and costumes. Made me want to see one in real life! Even my boyfriend took ballet lessons when he was a kid. I think I'm too old and out of shape to even try (maybe one day eventually). Ballroom and swing dance are more my style anyways.

motivate me

flickr/intertwyned photography

Hi all - it's been about a month since I last posted, but I haven't been away from the internet at all. My Tumblr has been a bit more regular with loads of images of fashion and art. But I haven't had the motivation to regularly post on my little blog at all! I've been inspired by so many blogs and people that I guess it feels a bit intimidating to even really try (I know, not a good reason!). I just wanted to thank everyone for having such wonderful photos and writing that distracts me from me. 

Hopefully back?

february love

flickr/ alice b gardens

It's a week until Valentines Day and love is somewhere in the air. In the apartment, we're not a couple to celebrate any holiday or special occasion, but I really want to go all out this year and decorate, cook, and romance(?)/be romantic.

Today's been busy with running to the mechanic, getting frustrated, and having to try again tomorrow, but I'm glad to have someone to run around with me. And a little puppy to take along too! Enjoy the rest of the night. xoxo

tv addiction

I have to say that I'm a complete Netflix/Hulu Plus streaming addict. At the apartment, we only have about ten basic cable channels, but it doesn't matter because all the great shows arrive instantly and with no to minimal commercials through streaming.

My picks for lazy afternoon or weekend watching:

Parks and Recreation -- a show with a hilarious cast and great characters about government parks department without all the awkwardness of an older season of The Office

Breaking Bad -- a dark comedy/drama about a chemistry teacher who struggles to sell meth. It's brilliant performances by the actors and great writing makes this a must-see

David Attenborough narrated nature documentaries -- I love animals and having an intelligent and non-sensational narrator makes the beautiful shots seem so amazing and educational too

Doctor Who -- Science-fiction with a lot of campy fun and heart (and a dorky Doctor too!)

Do you have a streaming service and what shows do you recommend? I'd love to know!

sundays

flickr/tiavir

Sunday is (usually) my day of rest and I'm just trying to catch up on all my feeds on Google Reader (way over 1000 posts!). Earlier today, I went out for brunch with my friends (even one from out of town) for some gyros and fries and conversation. It feels like everyone has their own thing going on and it's nice to just hang out after a long week. Afterwards it was warm enough outside to play some 3 vs 3 ladder ball. I love little friendly outdoor competitions.

I'm a little melancholy right now; just thinking of how things have changed the past couple of months. Lots of people and friends moving and changing, but I know things will get better eventually.

overcoming shyness

Read more of this cute booklet at tumblr/omocat. + omocat shop

I would definitely describe myself as a shy person, so I very much love this. xoxo

fashion cat-day

I love watching and hanging out with cats, even though they make my eyes itch and water sometimes. And I love seeing cat designs on dresses and other pieces too!

First up is this little kitty, Milu, making the Jason Wu collection for Target. I think he's a pretty great little secret designer. Watch the video here at Fashionista!

Next link is from Jen Loves Kev, an adorable little motherhood/fashion blog. For the crafty boys and girls, you can make DIY Cat Knee Pads on tights. Think they would add a little catnip to any outfit.

via Jen Loves Kev

And finally, a little bit more kookier cat fashion. Photo via Face Hunter. She rocks the feather headband and this amazing little sheer cat dress. I wouldn't be brave enough to wear anything like this!

floating

via Studded Hearts

Super cute and super fun. I love how whimsical balloons are!   Photographer: David Oldham | Model: Clemence Poesy | Glamour UK Feb 2012

spoon and fork

Happy Wednesday! It's been about a week since my last update and I'm just the ultimate procrastinator. First the internet is exploding with opposition against the SOPA and PIPA Act, which would absolutely destroy the internet as we know it. Take action here!

Next, I just wanted to pop in and share one of my favorite blogs -- Spoon Fork Bacon!

via Spoon Fork Bacon - Mini blueberry galettes

I love food blogs to get recipe ideas and lots of eye candy, of course. Spoon Fork Bacon combines all this with some awesome graphic design and gorgeous, clean photography. The combination of Jenny's food styling and Teri's photography makes for a delightful little blog that I'm definitely aspired to have too!

cold hands

Winter blew in like a roaring train today and there were even flurries when I went to the library today. I'm currently pecking out a post with my hands stiff like popsicles trying to stay warm. My week has been pretty okay; lots of walking along the bike trail with my little puppy listening to the bubbling creek. Feels like so much stuff to do and not enough time to do so. Ah, winter brings out the procrastinator in me! Stay warm.

via tomo (flickr)

orla kiely love

Orla Kiely makes some of the prettiest dresses and coats with some of the most loveliest, modern prints. The first one reminds me of spring with its florals and spring green, but I think it would look wonderful with some winter layers. The Breton stripe dress in Navy would look great with boots, tights, and a cozy coat! Wish they were affordable for me though (they're both around $400 each!). From the pre-spring/summer 2012 collection.

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Via My Life Scoop, some apps/sites for keeping up with resolutions! Not on the list that I'm trying out are Wunderlist (a to-do list/memo app) and Fitocracy (fitness with achievements!)

Sneak peek at Jason Wu for Target. Love this sailor-inspired navy dress and this great black and white satchel. Fits in perfectly with my style too! Check out the link for three other items.

The cutest doll house from Making it Lovely. Wonderful detail and room design makes me wish I was a kid again. Doesn't matter--I'm not too old for a doll house!

Have a lovely day! xoxo

revolutions

Hi all! It's the third day of a new year, but it still feels like 2011. When does it start to feel like 2012 really? The Earth has just revolved around the sun again, but not much has changed yet. I enjoyed my time off and just got finished hosting a good friend for a couple of days. Lots of late night talk and board games and card games, such as Munchkin. Holidays are usually a pretty busy time and this year has been one with pet-sitting and little late-night errands.

I love double-exposure images and this series from Pakayla Biehn (first seen via Honestly WTF) are especially lovely. Such a soft, dreamy quality that inspires me to make some of my own. I need to get back into photography and art!

Which brings me to the subject of New Years resolutions. Do you have any resolutions you like to share?
I have some regarding health and money, but I mostly wish to write more. Journal entries, short stories, blog posts, just anything!

xoxo

happy holidays!

Happy Wednesday! Just taking a short little vacation break from blogging due to the holidays. Only a couple of days left to shop (or craft) and I'm just really behind on all the presents! Have a joyous holiday and a wonderful week.

Toodles for now!
xoxo

cheers

It's Monday and I'm back to posting from a lazy weekend. My BF is currently braving the post office lines to ship a package. Hope everything will arrive on time for Christmas.

I'm trying out desktop Twitter clients right now. I have TweetDeck for Chrome and MetroTwit installed right now. The clean layout of MetroTwit is making me a fan but I'm trying to see if I like all the little alert pop-ups whenever someone posts a tweet. It might make me a bit crazy after a while!

Off to a Christmas party at my friend's tonight. Enjoy the rest of the day!

xoxo

chocolate kisses

Thank God it's Friday! Late afternoon and I'm trying to come out with some content for my fifth official posting. I went out for a walk on the bike trail outside my apartment and it was chilly and beautiful at the same time. A creek runs alongside the trail and it sounded so soothing and bubbling.

Last night my friends came over with a decadent brownie cake. So chocolaty and it was decorated in red, green, and silver-foiled kisses in my name! Also they brought their cute little pups and we watched TV and snuggled and petted the little dogs. We're a big bunch of animal lovers.

Not much for a post, but it'll do. 

xoxo

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Merry Thursday! I can't believe there's only about 10 days left until Christmas. December sure has slipped by! As always, I'm still behind on decorations and presents. I planned to craft some neat cards and perhaps some ornament display, but the apartment is in such a state (objects tend to move towards disorder...) that it seems so constricting to even want to make anything.

Alas!

*I love giveaways so I was extremely excited to see such a great prize from Kiki's List: a J. Crew glitter iPhone case! Two of my favorite things -- the iPhone and glitter!
*Customized maps? From Google? They always put out the best features!
*Loving this DIY series by say YES! to hoboken! So many unique ornaments to be made and at a great price.

Stay warm, xoxo

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Happy Wednesday everybody! I'm currently cuddled up on the couch with a sleepy puppy snuggled up next to me. No worries! I'll be back soon with a substantial post. For now, just a list of things I'm reading/drooling over!

Quashing the Self Improvement urge via zenhabits
List of 2011's best cookbooks via the kitchn
Rainbow Katie Bartels necklace giveaway! Yes please. via color issues
Cute animated proposal video via style me pretty *screenshot below!

so sweet!

birthday

Hi all. Just taking an easy day with no worries because today is my birthday (cake day!) -- yay! I had the liberty to wake up later than usual and then go out to eat with some of my buddies and my boyfriend.

I love showing new eateries to my friends especially one with such mouthwatering dishes. It's a little Greek place on the main road in town that deserves more customers, but sadly the six of us were the only ones there. We shared a creamy hummus topped with diced tomatoes and cucumbers with fresh pita triangles. All ordered some form of gyro with a side of french fries. The gyros were overflowing with fresh lettuce, perfectly cooked meat, and salty feta. Afterwards, they all fell in love with the food too! We'll definitely be back soon.

Off to enjoy the rest of the day!

xoxo