1.27.2012

Latest Obsession Trend: Arrows

Maybe Cupid has hit me, maybe it's just the slightest addition to the Chevron trend, or maybe it's the ever-forward pointing essence of arrows, but *cue Randall's honey badger voice* I've been stuuuung. I'm no forecaster of trends, but I think arrows are going to be big this year. There's something so sophisticated about this simple symbol (how's that for alliteration?!). I'm loving arrows.

I'm planning on painting a huge arrow on canvas to hang in the apartment (should be pretty sweet).









Any symbol/trend you find yourself loving lately?
Have a great weekend!

1.23.2012

Valentine's Day Gift Idea for the Honey



For my 21st birthday, my boyfriend made me this. I think it would be perfect for anyone to give his or her honey on Valentine's Day. It's homemade, affordable, and meaningful!
Be creative. Play off the number theme.

You could compose a book counting down from 10 or even 100. Use an anniversary number. Anything. Just plan your numbers, find some nice fonts, type, print on pretty paper, hole punch & tie together with a ribbon.

He started from 21 & counted down to one. It was such a great gift. Even two years later I'm still proudly displaying it. Such a treasure!

Here are a few pages for some ideas:









Pin It!

1.22.2012

An Issue Too Important Not to Blog About


This post might make you feel. 

It might make you feel mad, inspired, annoyed, relieved, angry, upset, insecure, sad, or any other emotions that get stirred up when this heated issue is discussed. 

Proceed at your own risk.


Today is a solemn anniversary in America.

Abortion is a heavy issue. Regardless of your stance on this issue, I'd like you to ask you one question: do you know of someone who has (or have you yourself) had an abortion? I bet if we were in a room together, nearly all of us would answer YES. We all are affected by abortion, in some way, shape, or form.

The Pro-Life movement is something that is near & dear to my heart, and so not blogging about something this important would be against my better instincts. It's an issue that has been taboo for far too long. 

Did you know Norma McCorvey, also famously known as Jane Roe in Roe v. Wade, is PRO-LIFE. She has devoted her life to overturning a law that she was responsible for creating. Hearts can be changed!
I was sitting in O.R.'s offices when I noticed a fetal development poster. The progression was so obvious, the eyes were so sweet. It hurt my heart, just looking at them. I ran outside and finally, it dawned on me. 'Norma', I said to myself, 'They're right'. I had worked with pregnant women for years. I had been through three pregnancies and deliveries myself. I should have known. Yet something in that poster made me lose my breath. I kept seeing the picture of that tiny, 10-week-old embryo, and I said to myself, that's a baby! It's as if blinders just fell off my eyes and I suddenly understood the truth — that's a baby!

I felt crushed under the truth of this realization. I had to face up to the awful reality. Abortion wasn't about 'products of conception'. It wasn't about 'missed periods'. It was about children being killed in their mother's wombs. All those years I was wrong. Signing that affidavit, I was wrong. Working in an abortion clinic, I was wrong. No more of this first trimester, second trimester, third trimester stuff. Abortion — at any point — was wrong. It was so clear. Painfully clear.
You may be asking: What can I do? 
Well, for one, we can stop being silent about this. This issue has been taboo long enough. Talk about it with your friends, mothers, boyfriends, husbands, mentors, sisters, anyone who will listen. Let them know that you are there for them. 
Open up the dialogue. Ask for or offer help.


I'm not trying to preach at you or chide you. I'm trying to give you a new perspective, to point out truths you may be unaware of, to open your heart a little bit, to challenge you, to shake you out of complacency.


1.20.2012

Enjoying The Little Things

The fun little things this week included:
tulips,
freshly polished nails,
skiing,
bubble baths,
cinnamon Life (the breakfast of champions),
homemade sushi
& beautiful mountains.







Here's to finishing the week strong & to a great weekend!


Aisle to Aloha

1.04.2012

New Year's in New York City

Spending New Year's in New York City was beyond amazing. The hustle and bustle of the city and the fresh promise of a new year.

Late Thursday we reunited. Lauren, Annie, Rikesh, Emily & me. I love that in just a matter of weeks we became so close that even after seven months, we picked right back up where we left off.

We started out with a late dinner at a Mexican restaurant just a block away from Em's. If you want food at your fingertips, think NYC. Mexican at 11pm? Boom. One block.


Waking up to this view was incredible. I relished in the crisp, cool air that pooled into the window and the constant hum of yellow cabs and traveling people.


We once again became aware of our differences and celebrated them. 


Intoxicated by the smell alone, we devoured the world's best and biggest cookie. It. Was. Heavenly.


Made a quick stop by Rockefeller Plaza to see this beauty. What a spectacle! I cannot believe I saw it in person! Twinkling and humongous. 


Having Emily as an insider was so fun. I've been to NYC a few times but had never been to High Line Park. Quaint and refreshing. It's a railroad track turned park raised slightly above the city. The views were simply remarkable.


We enjoyed our roles as tourists and snapped quite a few pictures to savor the memories and moods of the trip.




We were even graced with great lighting (AKA Twilight Hour).


Chelsea Market was also one of my favorite gems. I got a dainty little bracelet at an indie fair taking place. So magical.



Ate my first Macaron (how do you pronounce this word? Is it macaroon? I always get confused), and quite enjoyed it.


The City that Never Sleeps rises to the occasion come nightfall. 


My friends are models, didn't you know.


Enjoying a delicious dinner at a restaurant in Little Italy. Immortalized La Florida 2012 by carving it into the table.


Hit up Ferrara, America's first espresso bar (hence the napkin). So. Good.


Espresso afogatto, oh my heart.






We had so much fun taking these timer pictures. I slightly feel like we are in a Macy's ad.



Freedom Tower


Said goodbye to this fun adventure and my beautiful friends. The sunset lit up the buildings in the gentlest of fashions creating an even more lovely last view.


2011 ended with a bang and it was such an overwhelmingly great year that I only hope 2012 will be too. I'm learning that life is what you make of it and it's an occasion you must rise to. An adventure lies behind every corner, and sometimes you've got to go find it. Thank you New York for my first adventure of the year. Thousands more to come. That's what I'm looking forward to. Boom.