28 Things to Do in My 28th year

Yesterday was my birthday. It was a really great day filled with relaxation, surprises from friends and a great meal in this amazing city, London. I thought about all the good things that happened to me last year. The list was incredibly long and I'm so grateful for that.

For my 28th year I want to want to continue to live with intention, so I've been making up a list of things I want do across the next year. I can't wait to get started.

1. Go to Wimbledon
2. See a film at the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill
3. See the opera or the ballet in London
4. Take a warm weather holiday (maybe Greece finally!)
5. Dinner at Chiltern Firehouse
6. Afternoon Tea at the Ritz
7. Read a book each month
8. Have a drink at the St. Pancras Champagne bar
9. Start a wine club
10. Go to the top of The Shard
11. Create a signature three course meal to cook
12. Have a Sunday Roast
13. Visit the Harry Potter Studios
14. Eat curry on Brick Lane
15. See the London's Design Museum Exhibit
16. Go to Cornwall or Bath in England
17. See a West End Play/show
18. Go on a Burgundy wine bike tour or maybe just make it back to Paris
19. Get a Burberry Trench (!)
20. Learn how to make proper scones
21. Make a weekly list of the 10 best things that happened
22. Cultivate a new hobby
23. Swim 25 laps at my gym's pool (I need to use it!)
24. Visit Annecy, France or the lilac fields
25. Make my way back to the West Coast to visit a best friend
26. Get another pair of Frame Denim (my fave)
27. Watch one documentary a month
28. Go out in East London more often!

Out on a Limb

image from Etsy

I have some exciting news, that might not be news to most of you. I'm moving to London for two years with my company! I'm excited and scared and pinching myself all at the same time. There are a million reasons to go and not go, but I decided to go with my heart. I have always loved a great adventure.

Love

I saw this image on the blog Maskcara yesterday. It's a beautiful print from a London shop, TheMotivatedType available on Esty. One that I might have to order.

I loved this quote because I think it really is the best way to live life. Get excited about the silly small things in your life and you will be exponentially happier because of it. 

Fall in love with your job, a new dinner recipe, your 30 minute commute were you to listen to your favorite music. Fall in love with your pets, your comfy bed, the long dreary winter that lets you really appreciate summer and until then comfort food. Fall in love with your best friend, your significant other, your family. Fall in love with this one life that you can do anything with. Fall in love with yourself. You never know how much time you'll get to appreciate all of these things.

Although I've never been a big celebrator of Valentine's Day, I like the idea of surrounding our lives with love. And I think it has to start within ourself. 

Have a great weekend!

Winter Inspirations

It snowed here in Chicago today. No, I'm not joking. It started mid-morning and kept on falling. I better start embracing winter 'cause the Starks were right.  Here are few winter things that make me happy.

Chic fur vests with cozy hats a la Fash N Chips.

Glam plaid for the holidays via Girl Meets Glam.

Winter sangria from Cooking Stoned.

Dreaming of winter in Paris. Image from Pinterest.

A gorgeous leather dress from The Row on the stunning Keri Russell. Image via Pinterest.

Stunning gold party heels from Zara. Image From C to C.

Fresh faces via Everly True.

Stunning coats like this Burberry knock out. Image via Pinterest.

Italian beauty. Image via Nordstrom.

And rich wine hued wrap coat. Image via Nordstrom.

Diptyque's Winter Candle Collection.

Jonathan Adler's Champagne Candle. Great holiday gift.

And a quote that reminds of me to not wish my life, and winter, away. Image from Pinterest.

Aint' that the Truth

Truer words were never drawn. Hope you guys have a great weekend!

 

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Listen Up

Isn't this just so true? I'm doing it. (And I love her glasses)

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So What

It's been rainy this week in DC. Rain in January usually makes me gloomy, but not this year (maybe the 65 degree weather today helped). I'm just thinking about fun rain gear.

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And for those of you who are feeling a little down right now, please look to this lovely quote to raise those spirits.  Happy Weekend.

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Happy New Year!

I'm ringing in the New Year down under in Sydney this year with three of my best friends! It's going to be one of those "once in a lifetime" moments. I hope you have a wonderful New Year's Eve with all the people you love!

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Mad Mad World

Here's a fun fact about me, I love Alice in Wonderland. The book, the movies, the costumes, everything. When I was in Berlin (my favorite city in the world), I realized that I kinda felt like Alice the entire time I was there. I felt like anything could happen It was a great feeling. I guess that's why I loved Berlin so much.

The best quotes can be found in the book as well.

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Like It's Your Birthday

Isn't this the cutest idea? I stumbled upon it at A Beautiful Mess titled "28 Before 29." Every year on Elsie's birthday she makes a list of things to cross off her bucket list that year. No rush to do every single one, but it's amazing the things we could do in a year if we put our mind to it.

I'm turning the big 2-5 this December. I think I should give this little tradition a chance.

To sum it up, I leave this quote. So simple and so true. It really applies to any age. Don't forget it.

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Pro to the crastinate

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Think about it. Kinda crazy right? Happy Halloween!

Bananas

Another crazy day here in the life of moi. Lot's of thinking needs to happen with this little noggin.

On a different note, I had my second graphic design class tonight. Totally LOVED it. Ok, still not number 1 in the class or anything, but I've made some baby steps away from complete and utter confusion  (on a bum foot that's not too shabby). The doctor said I've got about 3 more weeks to go until this ankle is back and running, so I'm bringing back the shoes and quotes. Hope you enjoy!


So cute. When the ankle can handle it, I went my feet in these.

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When I think about this one hard enough, it kinda blows my mind.

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How cute are these! Kinda remind's me of a sailor.

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When I read this quote below, it resonated with me so strongly I gasped. I love those people who can throw out the clutter and run full force at what their heart tells them. You only get so many chances to do that.

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Doh

I'm beat kids. Looong day. But I'll share a little recap of my first class.

First, I was so excited I practically skipped over to my class after work with visions of being a straight up natural graphic design student. I went upstairs to pick up my ID and bam.... HORRIBLE picture. I felt like I was one of those kids who gets back school pictures only to discover spinach in my teeth. Total fail. I immediately hid it in the darkest corner of my wallet hoping it will never resurface.

Up next, I find my classroom and grab a seat up front. In hindsight this was a brilliant decision because the back row couldn't see a thing on the projection screen. My only brilliant move of the night. Anyway, we go around the room to share our majors and why we are in this class. Clearly I'm one of 4 people who's out of school and taking this class for fun. I'm not use to being one of the older kids in the room. Everyone else seemed to be a super artsy kid who had photoshop on their high school computers. And high school for them was last year. Hmmm, I'm not in Kansas anymore.

My vision of being a natural was quickly shot down when I couldn't even find the brush options to draw lines on the page. Oh boy. Suddenly it hits me, I'm so not a natural at computers. Ugh. I've known this forever, why do I try and kid myself. Oh well, growth opportunity I remind myself. Everyone else was flying along and I was anxiously awaiting to get home and crack into my new textbook to bring myself up to speed with the basics.

We ended class a bit early (thank goodness) and  I hightailed it out of there. Now I know that doesn't sound like it was the greatest experience of my life, but I think I'm really going to like it. First days of school are always rough, right? I've got some learning to do :)

On another topic, I thought I would add on to a quote I posted a few days ago. Can't believe the world just lost such an innovator.

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Fantasia

With my foot still out of commission I've been watching loads of movies and TV shows. I watched an entire behind the scenes look at the Disney Imagineers and am TOTALLY in fantasy mode for the fall. Some people have fantasy football, I'm choosing fantasy fashion this fall.

First up this adorable tent from the glam camping company. Don't you kinda want to live in it?

Floating in paradise.

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The cutest halloween outfits ever. I want to be a unicorn this year.

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Some electric joy.

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What a seashell staircase!

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I want an invite to this beach party.

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A lighthouse from heaven.

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If you remember nothing else, remember this.

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Buckle Up

I'm takeing a minor break from fabulous shoes and inspirationals quotes to get me through my ankle injury. Today I'm loving this increble Micheal Kors buckle ring. It comes in three metals; rose gold,  silver, and gold. At $45 a pop, I think they could pass for grown up friendship rings. Don't you agree?

source: michael kors

And in my ever lasting attempt to gracefully let go of summer, I think these beautiful caramel pears could be just what the doctor ordered.

 

image from pinterest

And now, my quotes and shoes phase continues... you're going to LOVE these. :)



These shoes remind me of the book, Where the Wild Things Are.

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I love everything about this look. The Alexander Wang cape shoes are to die for and that green dress!

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And rounding it out with a Steve Jobs quotation. Something we all can work toward.

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Oh Yes

My ankle is feeling better today. Not walking on my own better, but progress. Progress is a beautiful thing.

So today I'm sharing a beautiful quote,

Killer Marc Jacobs Jacket,

 Pretty little midi,

 and adorable booties.

Enjoy!

images from 1,2,3,4

Quotables

Feeling slightly better (finally) at the end of the day. Can put a little bit of weight on my foot which is good news. I'm sticking with quotes and shoes again for today. Makes me happy. Hope you're having a good start to the week!

 This one is one of my favorite quotes ever. So true.

image sources: 1&2, 3, 4