chase simplicity

accomplishments

2012-01-29T17:28:00.000-06:00

my weekend consisted of spending a lot of time in our cozy little home venturing out only twice. listed below are my many accomplishments.

washed my makeup brushes

practiced yoga for the second time this week

read the hunger games on my kindle

organized and purged my pantry... it's not here yet, but one step closer

it wasn't busy. it wasn't exciting. but the weekend was mine.

1/2/3/4/

good stuff.

2012-01-28T09:01:00.001-06:00

... and your friends.

and my friends post good stuff that keeps me smiling.

first, it was carrie with promises you should make to yourself.
then, it was dorry with life lessons from a five year old.
finally, it was shanna with ten reasons running doesn't suck as much as you think.

mismatched comfort

2012-01-11T22:52:00.000-06:00

as soon as i return home for the evening i promptly change into my most comfortable clothes. which lately has been this owl sleep shirt, argyle socks, and monkey slippers. this ensemble means i do not plan on leaving the house again that night, nor will i strive to do much more with my evening than browse pinterest, empty my dvr, or read my new book. it means "world, that's all i got for ya. i'm calling it quits."

this is my drug of choice, mismatched comfort.

he stopped by tonight just as i had donned my irresistible get up.
m: "i did NOT just change into my sleep clothes."
b: ::laughs & hugs:: "it's okay, you look pretty."
m: feeling only slightly embarrassed because i didn't think he would be home before his shift ended. "i know 8pm is early to get ready for bed."
b: ::laughs again:: "i wouldn't care if it was your 6:15pm outfit."
m: ::hugs & smiles galore::

~~i am~~ he is so lucky.

thoughts

2012-01-04T19:22:00.002-06:00

What we are today comes from our thoughts

of yesterday, and our present thoughts build

our life of tomorrow: Our life is the

creation of our mind.

- Buddha

source

gift

2011-12-27T21:53:00.003-06:00

Have you ever come across a quote so right on that you consider running over to the tattoo shop and inking yourself with it?

... because i just did. and i can't stop thinking about it.

"Everything is a gift of the universe. Everything is perfect either for our growth or our enjoyment." - Ken Keyes Jr.

source

friday favorites

2011-12-23T07:45:00.000-06:00

happy friday friends. after breakfast, heading to target for "stocking shopping." boyfriend and i fill stockings for each other with little candies and trinkets both funny and thoughtful. i love new traditions. =)

favorite new-to-me band, the lumineers.

songs on repeat include darlene, flowers in your hair, and ho hey

favorite mixtape list (carrie finds the best stuff!)

favorite holiday gift idea: pw cinnamon rolls

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one lonely sock

2011-12-12T20:05:00.002-06:00

in my someday home there is a space big enough for me to fold, sort, and hang dry laundry. in my mind it looks somewhat like the picture above with baskets, countertops, and lovely detergent bottles.
i will laugh when i remember the days of trying to balance a pile of clean laundry in my arms all the way to the back bedroom. you see back then the only place big enough for me to do this work was the bed. it was a battle to get everything out of the dryer the first try. who really wants to go back a second time? carefully dodging napping puppies, extraneous bags and pieces of furniture i keep my death grip on the clean towels and socks. if not for fear one lonely sock would plunge to the dirty floor and accumulate all that puppy hair i try desperately to keep in check my stroll would be pleasant.

better get back to that pile on the bed before it wrinkles...

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pens

2011-12-08T09:17:00.001-06:00

a blog post simply about pens. gosh, i love marta.

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any excuse to make a list

2011-12-01T21:30:00.001-06:00

choose two.
a simple little list (which led me to a wonderful new-to-me blog).
bits of orange are a good thing.
dreamy wedding dresses are always fun to look at.
dads are the original hipsters.

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negative self talk

2011-11-29T19:32:00.001-06:00

i'm not blind. i know it's going on. i just don't know how to stop it.

i've done it for as long as i can remember. even as a little girl i let the things i didn't have cloud the enjoyment of the things i did have. as i grew up i got much better about this. these days if something doesn't go my way half of the time my answer is "that's just the way it is" but the other half is still "i'm not a good girlfriend/teacher/friend/granddaughter - no one likes me - i am crazy - etc" yeah. it's ridiculous.

how do you stop negative self talk?

source

i am coming too.

2011-11-28T21:23:00.001-06:00

out of school last week for thanksgiving. i enjoyed every bit of it. except friday night, as the break was just beginning, an unexplained and short lived depression fell over me.

each morning i would rise around 6:15, naturally, and then browse blogs & pinterest for an hour. just when i couldn't stand it anymore i would tiptoe into the bedroom and wake up the sleeping boy.

one morning, this is what went down...

b: are you coming back to bed?

m: going out for a run...

b: ...

m: you wanna come?

b: [long pause] yes.

m: really?!

b: i just wanna hang out with you. if you're going out for arun, then i am coming too.

m: :: smiles and jumps onto bed covering boy with kisses::

he does and says things that make me fall harder and harder for him each day. gosh, i love him.

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do not apologize for enjoying

2011-11-24T07:35:00.001-06:00

the "top-ten-ways-to-keep-from-overindulging-this-holiday-season-because-what-the-heck-else-are-the-holidays for" posts really bother me. i'm not going to read that. i am going to eat the food i want. and not apologize for it.

there.

p.s. this post and this post are good. not dumb. and yes... an all day uno tournament & eat fest sound wonderful.

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baby daddy

2011-11-19T07:05:00.001-06:00

dear future husband,
looking forward to the day i will refer to you as my baby daddy.

xoxo,
your baby momma

source

birthday e

2011-11-16T19:22:00.001-06:00

this is my friend, elizabeth. today is her birthday. she lights up my life.

enjoy your day, sweet e!
looking forward to this weekend celebration. =)

the soul always knows

2011-11-16T11:21:00.001-06:00

The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind.

—
Caroline Myss
source 1/2/

wreath season

2011-11-14T20:28:00.001-06:00

i have this handsome boyfriend, who has this good friend, who is married to this cool girl, michelle. they are incredibly down to earth... and i feel lucky to call them my friends too. said boyfriend's 28th birthday was last week and we had a house full of friends over to celebrate. it was on this night i got my first glimpse of her handmade wreath designs on etsy. they are to-die-for-fantastic. seriously... go check her out.

don't like the colors you see listed? michelle assured me she does custom orders. oh, the possibilities!

steamboat

2011-11-07T18:33:00.001-06:00

it shocks me that i have never heard of this being the texas country music fan that i am. each year in steamboat springs, colorado there is a huge music festival full of bands i adore. please buy me a ticket, get a sub for my class, write my plans for those four school days, prepare all materials for those four days, arrange for the animals to be cared for, and make me a bad ass playlist to listen to on the way.

thank you.

source

tattly

2011-11-07T18:12:00.001-06:00

tattoos are fun. tattoos are cool. tattoos are ~~permanent~~ temporary.

source

friday favorites

2011-11-04T09:19:00.000-05:00

Favorite birthday party

Favorite kitchen wall

Favorite video

inspiration

ahead of the wave

2011-11-02T21:19:00.002-05:00

dear music snobs,

~~only 1,018 likes of facebook~~ not too popular yet. so i think you'll like it too.

the non-commisioned officers - ahead of the wave

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read a book

2011-11-02T19:48:00.002-05:00

thanks marta. i shall. anyone who recommends about alice is fine by me.

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bling

2011-10-25T20:43:00.003-05:00

girl spends too much time browsing pinterest.

girl is inspired by pinterest prettiness.

girl attempts.

girl succeeds.

girl happy.

source

meg fee

2011-10-21T22:13:00.000-05:00

the wild and wily ways of a brunette bombshell is one of my absolute favorite blogs. i don't know what it is about it. i just can't seem to get enough. meg's life in new york seems so far away but at the same time she seems like someone you have known since grade school. she is just one of the coolest bloggers out there. the red solo cup post made me seriously stop using the word perfect. she reads and shares the most amazing words. she urges you to date a girl who reads. she understands it takes courage to be happy. she has difficulty admitting sadness. she doesn't hide her mess before self portraits, which you would think would cause a neat freak like me to well... freak. but, since it's meg for some reason i am okay with it. she's friends with these people. i mean come on... she's gotta be rad.

the post about the green pants is by far my favorite. the picture above came from this post. her words will move you. i promise.

shabby chic

2011-10-19T21:22:00.001-05:00

beautiful before & afters by rachel ashwell... makes me want to slipcover something.

source

do less

2011-10-11T21:27:00.002-05:00

keep reading that we need to do less. need to spend more time enjoying our life. need to stop saying yes to everything thrown our way. need to keep our down time precious.

how do i fit in all the school and work requirements and the exercise needs and still have time to come home at a decent hour and do the things i want to do? i want to come home and put a pot of soup on while trying that new tres leches cake recipe, then tidying up the house a bit, or working on a project, watching a show just for the hell of it, and reading until i fall asleep all while the new fiest album plays in the background.

the stress is getting to me. and i do not like it. this post came at just the right time. tomorrow morning is a new day. and i will welcome it with open arms.

via

mosey

2011-10-05T20:27:00.000-05:00

say hello to mosey! a street style blog repping d.f.dub.

surf

2011-10-03T23:08:00.000-05:00

you can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.

living by this quote.

come away with me

2011-09-27T20:56:00.000-05:00

I want to wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
While I'm safe there in your arms

... her lyrics are like none other.

what is it about being home alone that makes me want to listen to norah jones?

source

soul sister

2011-09-07T22:44:00.003-05:00

this is elizabeth. she is one of my besties. and i love her dearly. tonight i came across this sweet post of hers from awhile back. what kind of friend would i be if i didn't return the favor?

elizabeth is one of a kind. she is a fun loving dance party maker and i love having her in my soul clan. she enjoys curling up with a good book on a friday night just as much as this girl. she bakes up a storm whenever her little heart desires and she is the only friend i can imagine answering their phone before 8 am. i am lucky to have her. and i know it.

in a few weeks we are going to take one of those byob & byosnacks and come paint this picture step by step with us classes. and i can hardly wait!

p.s. liz this is one of my favorite pictures of us, too!

southern well done

2011-09-07T21:03:00.000-05:00

as if the the dutch door, blue windows & doors, turquoise laundry room, and outdoor chandy were not enough...

this is a true texas beauty.

via

pumpkin whoopie pies

2011-09-06T11:53:00.003-05:00

earlier in the day when we checked the temperature on weather.com it was 71 degrees. hello fall! we are ready for you here in dallas. to celebrate the falling temps i think i should whip up some of these pumpkin whoopie pies.

via

school days

2011-09-05T16:32:00.004-05:00

it's labor day. i have the day off. and i am thinking of my friends at school. these pictures are just adorable.

i will smile seeing those little faces tomorrow morning. but for now i am going to enjoy the rest of my holiday.

via

a glimpse of summer

2011-09-01T22:05:00.001-05:00

summer 2011.

rest. in. peace.

going out of style

2011-08-31T15:55:00.001-05:00

in my classroom, working up a storm, so i won't feel guilty going to see the help tonight like i promised myself i would. and i'm eating reese's peanut butter cups, not homemade like the ones pictured above, like they're going out of style. and loving it... now if i only had an ice cold dr. pepper to go with it.

via

you're all i need to get by

2011-08-29T20:02:00.003-05:00

dear future husband,

please oh please throw me over your shoulder, spin me around, and carry me wherever you wish as often as you see fit.

xoxo,

your future wife

via

a bit of a haze

2011-08-25T20:02:00.001-05:00

dear mr. firth,

my thoughts exactly.

i think i love you.

sincerely,

ms. lane

via

mirror in the sky

2011-08-25T19:51:00.003-05:00

the best thing about spending most of your days with five year olds is that they think everything you do is cool, and exciting, and neat. i could put a newspaper boat on my head and prance around the classroom and they would squeal with delight.

i love those little souls...

and can only imagine how they are going to react when i do these fun projects with them.

who knows... maybe i will be the one squealing.

melted crayons

silhouette

where the boat leaves from

2011-08-25T19:44:00.004-05:00

what a pretty engagement session. i just adore the mexican blanket, the bowtie, and the dreaminess of it all.

via

everything

2011-08-23T06:45:00.002-05:00

happy 40th birthday mom. you've taught me more than you know. i love you with my whole heart. thinking of you... i miss you.

hit the (bobby) jackpot

2011-08-22T20:41:00.002-05:00

"looking forward to next summer. i enjoyed the time with you. love you, bobby"

this is what i came home to the last official day of my summer break. gosh, i love that kid.

i live with a bunch of slackers

2011-08-18T22:24:00.005-05:00

working on last minute classroom projects at home tonight on the computer i looked up and saw this. quickly grabbed my camera from my bag and caught them in non action. sitting in one spot in the hallway i got all three.

... lazy bums.

please ignore the unswept floors and the catch all room. our plans for a revamp are big and ~~expensive~~ grand.

mother to the moon

2011-08-15T21:21:00.000-05:00

source

soulful

2011-08-15T20:00:00.003-05:00

lots of good music has been playing through my speakers these days.

here, have a listen.

listen my son (the unseen guest)

how come you never go there (fiest)

otis (jay & kayne)

dance dance dance (lykke lie & bon iver)

source one

ninja

2011-08-10T12:21:00.001-05:00

... and i thought i was the only one. nice to know there are other 'noids out there.

source

dim lights

2011-08-05T13:56:00.000-05:00

via m. writes

my favorite way to end my day is journaling in dim bedroom lights surrounded by pillows and blankets before reading myself to sleep.

how do you like to end your day?

pretty chandy

2011-08-02T19:58:00.001-05:00

this is pretty. i like it. i will make this & hang it over the waiting-to-be-redone dining room set.

source

caught my eye

2011-07-29T21:31:00.006-05:00

not quite sure what to do with myself now that the 10 day you challenge is over. guess this means i will have to come up with blog topics on my own.

well, here are a few things that have momentarily caught my eye.

an oh-my-goodness memphis home (via urban grace interiors)

lemon meringue pie in a jar (via oh joy!)

a blat sounds just divine (via pink to green)

she is just lovely. and so is her blog. (via cupcakes and cashmere)

what has been catching your eye lately?

source one, two, three, four

don't give up

2011-07-28T22:07:00.003-05:00

"it was a hard lesson to learn. but i won't do that again.... it's something i've got plenty of."

- "hammer head" by cathy davey

some days

2011-07-26T20:43:00.001-05:00

by gosh... some days you just gotta put on that indian feather headband, sit yourself down on that step, and eat you a cupcake! more power to ya sister.

source

wake up where the clouds are far behind me

2011-07-26T15:50:00.005-05:00

somewhere over the rainbow by anyone. the judy garland version is not my favorite but the message is still there. reminds me that things aren't as terrible as i think they are. the rainbow is always there. i just have to reach out for it. this song will be played at my funeral. it's just lovely.

moses by the trishas. this song. these girls. this music. i love it. after a friend recommended them i couldn't get enough of their you tube videos. finally saw them live at the belmont hotel here in dallas and fell even harder. their sound is something truly special and now i recommend them to anyone who will listen. since then i have seen them once more at the local kessler theater. they get better each time.

you have a freak flag. you just don't fly it.

2011-07-25T14:37:00.005-05:00

1. divine secrets of the ya-ya sisterhood - those louisiana accents, oh my! i just love them.

2. the family stone - makes me want a hilarious, dysfunctional, big, in-your-business family.

3. hot rod - just watch it.

soure one, two, three

2011-07-24T10:16:00.002-05:00

i love reading. i love bookstores. i love books. i love when my favorite books are made into movies, which they often are. i am almost always disappointed when it's not as good as the book. except in this case. below are a few of the many books stacked on my bookshelves. these are the books i consistently recommend to friends looking for a new read. these are the books i read over and over. these are the books i will share with my daughters.

the time traveler's wife by audrey niffenegger

the history of love by nicole krauss

white oleander by janet fitch

the year of magical thinking by joan didion

source

simple saturdays

2011-07-23T16:29:00.004-05:00

... morning run so early you ~~almost~~ haven't even had a chance to talk yourself out of it ...

... chillaxing on the new deck, sipping coffee, and letting the sprinkler cool you off ...

... cuddling under the fan and napping for way too long ...

gosh, i love saturdays.

source, source, source

the high road is hard to find

2011-07-21T08:29:00.003-05:00

Source: flickr.com via siik on Pinterest

1. tacos - ordered any time we hit up a mexican food joint. can't help it... i love the things.

Source: pbbunny97.tumblr.com via Brooklyn on Pinterest

2. red velvet cake - made for my birthday each year... and a few days in between.

Source: tumblr.com via True Southern Elegance & on Pinterest

3. mozzarella caprese - honestly i could make a meal out of this little gem.

Source: saveur.com via Amanda on Pinterest

4. potato salad - what is texas barbeque without it?

Source: peasandthankyou.com via Erin on Pinterest

5. gloria's bean dip - when mixed with cold sangria and good friends can keep me there for hours

too pretty for words.

2011-07-20T20:25:00.003-05:00

resort wear at its best. ruche has pretty swim & coverup pieces, carefree dresses, and even funky items for the home.

and any shop with a blog attached will get a second ~~stalk~~ glance by me.

source thanks for introducing us carrie =)

wanderlust

2011-07-20T15:55:00.002-05:00

*these are places to which i will travel

Source: philmack.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

1. ireland by september 2014

Source: sealaura.tumblr.com via Valle on Pinterest

2. italy (venice, rome, florence, liguria... whatever. just want to be there)

Source: flickr.com via Jordana on Pinterest

3. brazil

Source: browneyedbellejulie.blogspot.com via SunCravinGirl on Pinterest

4. new orleans

Source: google.com via Hillary on Pinterest

5. charleston, sc

Source: google.co.uk via Vicky on Pinterest

6. vancouver

a little girl lost in the moment

2011-07-19T07:48:00.000-05:00

*luckily i have a "wants" board on pinterest. and, luckily i had exactly seven pins on it. go figure.

Source: becauseimaddicted.net via Marli on Pinterest

1. ray bans

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Marli on Pinterest

2. to like iced coffee & learn to make it like her

Source: ae.com via Marli on Pinterest

3. long denim shorts

Source: store.goodbyn.com via Marli on Pinterest

4. goodbyn - no more wasted plastic bags to hold all my random snacks

Source: sincerelyjules.com via Marli on Pinterest

5. a good camera

Source: citified.blogspot.com via Marli on Pinterest

6. new bubble umbrella as mine is falling apart

Source: layersofmeaning.com via Marli on Pinterest

7. the coolest kid ever

oasis in the city

2011-07-15T17:24:00.003-05:00

Source: flickr.com via Aroi on Pinterest

source

everyday i show

2011-07-15T09:43:00.002-05:00

Source: None via Kamylle on Pinterest

1. infertility

Source: cupcakesandcashmere.com via Worldtraveller on Pinterest

2. not having one

Source: lyndarthemerciless.blogspot.com via Sofi on Pinterest

3. messing them up

Source: piecesofaesthetics.tumblr.com via Claire on Pinterest

4. the people that love me will leave me

Source: myrecipes.com via Melissa on Pinterest

5. lack of sweet tea

Source: manrepeller.com via Michelle on Pinterest

6. they may not know her

Source: weheartit.com via Deanna on Pinterest

7. what is underneath

Source: community.livejournal.com via Tara on Pinterest

8. the day she leaves us

why does beer taste better in a mason jar?

2011-07-14T20:50:00.002-05:00

Source: tumblr.com via Marli on Pinterest

1. sunken pools

Source: thesartorialist.blogspot.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

2. dance parties

Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com via Marli on Pinterest

3. tattoos

Source: tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com via Marli on Pinterest

4. summer

Source: redbubble.com via Cassie {Hi Sugarplum} on Pinterest

5. besties

Source: weheartit.com via Tish on Pinterest

6. sunset walks

Source: brandonmclean.tumblr.com via Marissa on Pinterest

7. cuddles

Source: inspirebohemia.blogspot.com via Inspire on Pinterest

8. patios

Source: girlson.org via Melanie on Pinterest

9. mason jars

ten secrets

2011-07-13T17:40:00.006-05:00

Source: google.com via Nell on Pinterest

1. sometimes on days when i don't have the luxury of being lazy i wish to trade lives with my puppy, miles.

Source: marvelouskiddo.blogspot.com via Tahnee on Pinterest

2. post college degree i considered doing nails professionally.

Source: sundayinbed.tumblr.com via Peggy on Pinterest

3. random numbers calling on my phone will not get answered for fear i may have to talk to someone i don't know.

Source: etsy.com via Mary Beth on Pinterest

4. silenty i cried riding the bus to middle school almost daily.

Source: flickr.com via Pat on Pinterest

5. i followed someone to college.

Source: spellsjewellery.blogspot.com via Maria Belen on Pinterest

6. occasionally while driving if someone won't let me in i look away, hold my breath, and do it anyway.

Source: withstyle.me via Lonely Wife Project on Pinterest

7. if i had to give up alcohol, it wouldn't bother me much.

Source: jakandjil.com via Jaclyn on Pinterest

8. i miss my mom terribly.

Source: vintagecarsandgirls.com via Sara on Pinterest

9. my vehicle registration sticker is past due by 2 months.

Source: whimsicalworldoflaurabird.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

10. i don't care what is in hot dogs. i will eat them.
source

greener grass

2011-07-12T22:39:00.003-05:00

hair cut lust is upon me. of course i think long hair is beautiful... but so is mid length hair... and short hair... and no hair. and it's texas... and it's hot.

doesn't she look so happy... and cool?

source

the glow

2011-07-11T23:22:00.008-05:00

forever 21,
just when i think i didn't need you anymore you go and pull a stunt like this. ikat headbands for less than $4? come on... i was doing well saving my money. decided this very morning that i could live without non-workout headbands. now... i am not so sure.

i browse your website for the first time in years and come across these.

what exactly are you trying to pull?

sources one, two, three , four

hey, it's ok.

2011-07-11T15:45:00.003-05:00

back when i was not thinking of what little luxuries i could live without i enjoyed thumbing through my monthly glamour magazine. one of my favorites to read, smile at, and rip out to put on my inspiration board was the hey, it's ok! page.

realizing others had similar guilty pleasures made me feel at ease. a few of my favorites include ... to pretend to text message to get out of talking with the hyper-chatty person standing next to you. It's called communi-faking, and we all do it ... to hog the pillows ... to find the word "panties" totally creepy ... to think about the burrito you're going to down for dinner all through your yoga class ...

... to be up with the sun, leave the bedroom where he will sleep for another hour at least, and cuddle up on the couch with the book you can't wait to finish.

it is summer vacation. and i do what i want.

source by way of source

the rest of your life

2011-07-10T09:22:00.002-05:00

a farmhouse sink & butcher block countertops? could it be? my perfect kitchen? why yes, i think it is.

source

our first christmas.

2011-07-08T17:42:00.002-05:00

olivia's latest little film inspired me to create my own. it took some time, but was worth it! watching it over and over and smiling the entire time.

cool as a cucumber

2011-07-05T17:27:00.004-05:00

the moment our salads are placed on the table i instinctively devour the ice cold cucumbers. meanwhile bobby promptly forks his and slides them onto my dish. never have i asked questions about this dining ritual and to this day i am not sure if he doesn't like them or simply knows how much i do. i am scared to mess with a good thing...

the kitchn has a nice collection of cucumber inspired recipes here. after i pick up a few i plan to whip up the sour cream cucumber salad with mustard seeds while sipping a cucumber-rosemary gin & tonic (pictured).

which recipe will you try?

source

*thanks for the blog motivation lauren =)

what is good, what is pure, what is right

2011-06-22T21:42:00.012-05:00

Source: pinchmysalt.com via Sook on Pinterest

blogging to avoid cleaning up red-velvet-cake-icing-making-mess. i am quite the rebel.

it has officially been summer for a few weeks now. waking up with the sun, taking a quick jog around the 'hood, and afternoon naps have already spoiled this little school teacher.

a few days ago i started a "fun to do list." and i am looking forward to checking off those boxes. i love to do lists like nobodys business. but, this one is not for tasky house, work, school things... only fun things!

here is what i have so far...

trip to the farmers market

sunset walk at the lake

outdoor concert

i will be adding to this list as often as possible.
p.s. suggestions are welcome.
source

float on

2011-06-21T20:15:00.002-05:00

a pre-wedding float? that sounds just perfect.

fathers day

2011-06-07T19:24:00.002-05:00

a day reserved for celebrating my papa, fathers' day has always been a little sad for me. with the absence of my biological father for a long time i felt left out.
slowly i have realized that i have male role models all around me. they call me each april fools day to say they drove by and noticed ~~their jokes are corny~~ my tire was flat. the packed lunch they send me out the door with has a silly roses are red poem modified for me. they protect my honor without question and tell me they love me in public.

to all the good men in my life... thank you.

my friend, carrie, has a splendid tumblr i just found out about. today i saw this there and just had to share it.

"don't marry a man unless you would be proud to have a son exactly like him."

Source: None via Mário on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Stamy on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

quote source

balloon banner

2011-06-06T19:17:00.004-05:00

balloon banner. check.
birthday baby. check.
rustic doors&windows backdrop. check.

that's pretty damn near perfect.

source

"... things seem to work out beautifully."

2011-06-05T21:03:00.002-05:00

this is why i love olivia's blog, everyday musings. it's just pure goodness.

source

just as strange as you

2011-06-05T19:14:00.001-05:00

source

a lot of pressure

2011-05-24T19:04:00.009-05:00

"my grandmother always used to tell me, "nothing before it's time," which i didn't understand because i was far too impatient. but i now see that when you accept the fact that things will happen in their own time, it takes a lot of pressure off."

-rosario dawson, on living in the moment

(from the best advice i ever got by katie couric)

Source: aliciakeys.com via Denise on Pinterest

beyonce wisdom

2011-05-23T21:59:00.006-05:00

"take at least 20 minutes every day to be still and quiet. reflect. dissect your thoughts and feelings. relive any mistakes from the day before. decide how to be smarter and tougher, how to be more committed and considerate of others."

-beyonce, on learning from experience
(from the best advice i ever got by katie couric)

Source: theballadofdorothyparker.tumblr.com via Melissa on Pinterest

2011-05-17T13:34:00.004-05:00

should be packing up my classroom. less than a dozen days left to get room 108 ready for summer break. posters need to come down. student work needs to go home. bookshelves need to be cleaned and pushed up against the wall.

but it's been a helluva day. and i've been too cranky to sympathize with my little friends who are already telling me they will miss me. and. that. should. not. be. the. case.
so i am taking a few minutes while they are in gym to read some blogs and enjoy my yummy granola bar. have you tried those things? tdf.

come 2:05 i will be the smiling, loving teacher they all think i am. =)

gosh, i love those kiddos.

p.s. i want these too. with all the oatmeal, salads, and granola bars i've been eating i deserve them... right?

picture via my creative fling

not ready but excited

2011-05-11T20:24:00.000-05:00

Source: bourbonandpearls.tumblr.com via Maci on Pinterest

motherhood. you've seen it here and here and here. i think about it, i talk about it, i write about it, i blog about it, i dream about it. i look forward to it.

last sunday was mother's day. i had trouble focusing my attention on thoughts other than that of my future children.

i thought of taza and her rockstar baby, cortney and her newborn, crosby, the bookshelves my future husband would build for isabella, tina fey's laugh out loud funny excerpt from bossypants, and by golly if this post doesn't make you want to become a mother i don't know what will. maybe you didn't see the gorgeous children, the stylish momma, or the long haired dad. rockstar.

2011-05-05T21:00:00.004-05:00

with 18 days left of school i've started daydreaming of days spent on the river, beach, and simply hammock-ing in our backyard. in those daydreams i am sporting one of these two babeing suits.

"Oh, how I regret not having worn a bikini for the entire year i was twenty-six. If anyone young is reading this go, right this minute, put on a bikini, and don't take it off until you're thirty-four."
- nora ephron

post inspiration via la petite sirene

images via anthropologie

not a player

2011-04-18T15:11:00.004-05:00

posting it makes it as good as mine... right?

via life on bondstone via design crush via raygun

she is so gwyneth

2011-04-14T15:07:00.002-05:00

dying to scoop this right off the shelf and whip up some of these recipes.

via amazon

two readers, one bookcase

2011-04-07T20:53:00.007-05:00

finished styling the bookcase boyfriend and i now share. interesting to ~~pick~~ look through all of his books and decide which to display. i think it looks quite lovely.

find your soul clan

2011-03-31T22:36:00.006-05:00

visiting one of my favorite blogs, kind over matter, almost a year ago i was inspired to find my soul clan.

luckily i already had them. i don't say it enough... but, i love you girls.

special shout out to elizabeth & diana & miyan (not pictured) but always in the soul clan in my heart.

looking forward to celebrating another year older with everyone tomorrow evening.

in with the new

2011-03-31T22:25:00.004-05:00

awhile back i grew tired of my inspiration board.

so my puppy, miles, suggested that i redo it. i thought it was a splendid idea, too. re-inspired.

do you have an inspiration board?

against the grain

2011-03-31T21:52:00.002-05:00

sweet lord. if this dining room is any indication of the rest of the house i can stop my official "dream home" search. i've found it.

via kasey buick

feels like home

2011-03-28T21:44:00.007-05:00

browsing blogs and sipping dr. pepper past my bedtime.

being an adult has its perks.

sometimes you need to be rebel. via 1. mestamie 2. wolfganged

someone like you

2011-03-18T22:46:00.003-05:00

a friend recommended her newest album to me about a week ago. came home and promptly created a pandora station for adele and have been listening to it off an on... waiting to be blown away like she said i would be. it wasn't until i spotted this on katie armour's blog tonight that it happened. it was like fireworks.

just beautiful.

via the neo-traditionalist

where i stood

2011-03-17T11:35:00.000-05:00

have to admit... i'm not too cukoo for oprah. sure, one can appreciate all the money she spends on other people, all the good she does, and yada yada... but to be honest she drives me a little nuts.
but, for one of my my last college classes however i had to do a presentation on a famous texan. i chose this guy. while he isn't originally from texas he is here now, and that's really all that matters. plus, he is one bamf. the movie version of no country for old men had just come out and the road had been released. and everyone was going crazy for this guy, everyone including oprah. i wanted to show some of the interview as part of my presentation, but the videos weren't convienantly on youtube yet. so i had to sign up for oprah emails galore just to get access to this interview. it was worth it because i got a good grade on my presentation... but i am still paying the price. sifting through weekly oprah emails. why don't i just unsubscribe you ask? because every once in awhile i come across a good article like this one.

10 Ways to Find Happiness from oprah.com

daily i try to do most of these things. of course, i am better at some more than others. but, we all have room for improvement... right?

1. define happiness: what makes me happy is probably completely different from what makes you happy. sleep for example. while i don't know many people who wouldn't love to get more sleep, i don't know many people who go about it the way i do. i would rather go to bed early and wake up early. most of the people around me are the oppostite. i don't like sleeping late. sleeping in to me means up by 8:00 A.M. i know that sounds crazy to most, but it makes me happy to be up early and doing something. i like the morning light. so think about what makes you happy? for me it is thrifted furniture i can paint and make my own, homemade sourdough chicken spinach pizza, and hours spent laughing with the people i love. so i make time for those things. pencil in your happiness (don't wait for it to come to you), and you'll be surprised how many smiles grace your days.

2. accept happiness: no matter the form it comes in. it looks different than you would expect it to once in awhile. so be on the lookout for the little joys in life. nightly before i dive into my current read i journal. i write about daily happenings, questions, wants & needs, and goals. each night (and sometimes in the mornings when i forget) i jot down one thing i am thankful for. it can range from my great grandmother, red velvet cake and clean sheets all the way to being happy that my puppy's bark isn't as annoying as my neighbors'. either way i got to bed smiling. because no matter how bad you think it is... you can always find at least one (if not twenty) thing to be grateful for.

note: started this blog over a year ago... just found it and today i am finishing it. started reading it thinking the stories were from the article. but, then i realized i wrote them. hmmm... turns out i'm pretty good at this.

3. follow your joy: like every teacher that ever was i have difficult days with my students. some days are so bad that i question whether or not i was meant for this line of work. deadlines are missed, children are cranky (heck, i am cranky), and parents are upset. but, then i have a sweet little 5 year old that looks up to me and says "you're the best teacher ever." and i realize of course this is my soul's purpose. i am a teacher. and i am a good one.

4. choose happiness: a while back i took a second job because i could. it is because of this place that i have made a handful of new best friends, that i became comfortable walking around in wunder unders, and that i ran a marathon way sooner than i ever thought i could. there i also learned that we decide what happens to us. our actions, our dreams, our goals, our words, and our thoughts push us in the direction we are headed. if you aren't happy, you're not choosing to be. we have such immense power inside of us and i am still learning to tap into it. but, i'm trying.

5. free happiness: how many times have i had a bad day and tried to reconcile it by buying something? too many to count. but, just because it doesn't cost anything doesn't mean it's worthless. free things can bring smiles too. i've posted before about things i love. just went through the list and found a lot of things that are free.... comfortable silences, good quotes, and french style buns.

6. love someone: i like being busy and i am a chronic people pleaser. most days you will find me at either one or both of my jobs, sometimes enjoying my time there and others overwhelmed with all the other tasks i have yet to check off my to do list. rarely do i tell people no. and i should. i want to be able to run into a friend and sit a chat for a bit, or spontaneously go to lunch, and not have to say "i have to work" when he wants to take me to meet his family. busy is great. people are better.

7. forgive now: i hold grudges. there i said it. but, i am trying to do better. while going through those dark times that light is almost never in sight. slowly i am learning that yes those people did mean things to me... yes i did mean things to those people. if i want happiness now i have to let it go. it's hard but i promise it will make you feel better.

8. vocal gratitude: no matter how sucky it may seem you can find find something to be grateful for. think it. write it. say it. yell it. get it out there. there is goodness all around us. and if we notice those good things more and more the bad things seem less and less. give it a try. having a kitchen sink that drains, puppies playing in the backyard, and a morning off from work. there. that was easy. insta-happiness.

9. beware martyrdom: don't sacrifice yourself. you don't have to give up happiness for anything. it may seem like a good idea at the time... but give it time and it will come back to bite you. i can have everything i want. i can be happy. and i don't have to give up anything to do so.

10. be present: too much of our time is spent regreting something in our past or worrying about something that may or may not happen in the future. let. it. go. be here. right now.

images via 1. diana lemieux 2. nina 3. nicole hill gerulat 4. sweetie pie style 5. my creative fling 6. indie fixx 7. sweetie pie style 8. cathi 9. sweetie pie style 10. kind over matter

waiting

2011-03-15T22:35:00.007-05:00

so what if i am still perfecting crow pose? a girl can dream.

girl crush alert! natalie portman. enough. said.

makes me want to hang streamers real bad.

via 1. naturally nina 2. this is glamorous 3. oh happy day

must be time

2011-03-08T22:33:00.009-06:00

past my bedtime on a tuesday school night. this post is as random as all the thoughts swirling in my head. but, they make me happy because they are there... the posts and the thoughts. enjoy.

p.s. click the links. regret will not follow.

you would never guess a post containing such gorgeous photos could harbor such yucky words... but, this is the reason i subscribe to her blog.

"... She is an essence, a way of being, a mind set - and she exists in us all. She is that part of us that is free and not bound by the joyless strings of puritan morality or guilt. She's that part of us that has a sense of continuity in life, that doesn't rush, that feels sexy for no apparent reason. She is, more fundamentally, that part of us that does not want to live according to what others think she should be. She is her own woman. Entirely." -D. Ollivier

that badass pic and the quote are all the inspiration you need to take a look at this post.

a true reminder to love your body

a simple lovely engagement session

i would rock just about every single one of these outfits.

photo credits: 1. my favorite and my best 2. it's all make believe, isn't it 3. lululemon 4. kimberly hurst photography 5. bliss

2011-03-04T22:17:00.005-06:00

if i was turning five, instead of twenty-five i would invite you to my art party. doesn't it look fun?

inspired by a little sussy. part I & part II.

peaceful

2011-03-04T22:04:00.004-06:00

joanna, you've done it again. here is another hair tutorial to add the my list.

via a cup of jo

easy as one two three

2011-03-04T06:07:00.005-06:00

A. Age: 24
B. Bed size: full - shared with a very tall boy...
C. Chore you hate: folding and putting away laundry
D. Dogs: miles & mose

E. Essential start to your day: oatmeal with almonds & blueberries
F. Favorite color: tiffany blue
G. Gold or silver: gold
H. Height: 5'6
I. Instruments you play: uh... yeah, i got nothing.
J. Job title: teacher and educator

K. Kids: not now... but, yes
L. Live: dtx
M. Mom’s name: jodi
N. Nicknames: mahwee, marwi, mar(s), ms. lame
O. Overnight hospital stays: none that i know of
P. Pet peeve: talking on cell phones
Q. Quote from a movie/show: "Sadness is easier because its surrender. I say make time to dance alone with one hand waving free." -elizabethtown
R. Righty or Lefty: Right
S. Siblings: three younger brothers i am dying to see more of
T. Time you wake up: 4:30 or 5:30
U. Underwear: sometimes
V. Vegetables you dislike: cottage cheese?
W. What makes you run late: the internet
X. X-rays you’ve had: teeth... i think that's it
Y. Yummy food you make: sugar cookies
Z. Zoo animal favorite: not really into that

wish i might

2011-03-02T16:51:00.003-06:00

want to have a craft day and make these. who is with me?

needed to be said

2011-03-01T22:38:00.002-06:00

i love you girls with all my heart. it just needed to be said.

photo by cortney (who has successfully instituted good-camera-lust)

babe, we're dreaming

2011-02-25T16:14:00.002-06:00

just gorgeous.

photo via ruffled

hope you make it

2011-02-09T16:39:00.003-06:00

would like to add this gorgeous side ponytail to my hair do rep.

via a cup of jo

i...

2011-02-03T18:52:00.003-06:00

I am: waiting for my pizza to be delivered.
I think: he looks cute in his uniform.
I know: she is going to be a wonderful mom.
I have: two puppies napping at my feet.
I wish: my walls would paint themselves.
I hate: messy handwriting.
I miss: their laughter.
I fear: infertility.
I hear: hgtv in the living room.
I smell: yummy candles burning.
I crave: pizza, duh.
I search: always for my keys.
I wonder: what it will be like.
I regret: spending my middle school years in hiding.
I love: blogging.
I ache: because sometimes it is necessary.
I am not: extrememly social.
I believe: good music can cure any blues.
I dance: when music makes me want to move.
I sing: every song i know the words to.
I cry: for no reason at all sometimes.
I fight: for the way i want things.
I win: for prettiest nails.
I lose: my cool more often than i'd like.
I never: let the trash overflow.
I always: imagine my future children.
I confuse: no one that i know of.
I listen: to others, even if they don't know.
I can usually be found: observing.
I am scared: of creepy noises.
I need: a hug from her. it's been too long.
I am happy about: him moving in.
I imagine: i will eat another bowl of ice cream tonight.

via WhiMSylove

i feel good

2011-02-03T18:17:00.002-06:00

diggin' this spunky little girl's style. makes me think of this video which cheers me up on the cloudiest of days.

via kind over matter

it ain't gonna change

2011-02-02T20:50:00.006-06:00

it didn't matter if i was attached, heartbroken, single, or married... ever since kindergarten when i got my first ~~mandatory~~ valentine from that cute kid in my class i have loved valentine's day. those little candy hearts with cheesy sayings, the sweet treats, and flowers get me every time. coming from a boy, or a friend, or my students discriminate do i not.

never have i understood those people who claim to "hate" valentine's day. always seen it as a day to tell the people who mean the most that you love them. and i have plenty of those people in my life. i am so lucky in love.

being not single for the first valentines day in three years i am thrilled at the idea of what this year holds in store for me... if i had it my way the day would go a bit like this.

surprise me with this necklace

take me to this concert just to see the opening act

bring me home to this fort

too happy to permit the presence of trouble

2011-01-25T21:19:00.003-06:00

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.

To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

The Optimist Creed - Christian Larson, 1912

image via megan ross text via the house that a-m built