I dabble.

Some days I want to talk about baking (I love baking!), some days I want to talk about wine (I also love wine). Some days I want to be profound, sophisticated, and purposeful, and other days I just want to be goofy and girly all ribboned together in one pretty package.

So I dabble.

I try different things. I like to say I'll give anything a chance once. I'm not a picky eater, I'm not afraid of too many things. I have Dave Matthews right next to Kenny Chesney and Rihanna on my ipod. I read Kurt Vonnegut but have a James Patterson sitting right underneath it.

Like I said, I dabble. And that's really ok with me.

Welcome back to Monday Everyone!

Ah, how I love three-day weekends.

Especially ones that actually feel like three-day weekends.
I spent part of the holiday being girly and fabulous with my mom (breakfasting, shopping, wine-ing, and dining) and part at home in the city (drinks at the Walnut Room on Saturday followed by a delicious dinner at Maggiano's afterwards and a fairly lazy Sunday cleaning and decorating my apartment).

Note: At the Walnut Room, I got to try a Lyndfred wine (from the Roselle winery)! Very exciting and (not-all-that-surprisingly) delicious! I recommend! Plus, being in the Walnut Room around Christmas is in-and-of-itself an experience. The tree, the lights, the fairies, I just love it!

Last Night I:

1. Prayed for a snow-free grocery run (which actually came true). I was super not looking forward to trudging home with milk and eggs in a snow shower.

2. Skipped dinner and went straight for dessert (okay, not skipped, but a bowl of soup- then right to dessert!) with an array of baked items. Such as these (Oreo balls) and a homeade apple crumble pie (using Joy the Baker's Easy No Roll Pie Crust) Yummm! Also, totally the recipe for a happy boyfriend...just saying.

3. CMAs! I was singing along so much my voice was hurting at the end. Yay Blake and Miranda! Love, love, love!

4. Top Chef. Finally we're ready for the real-deal to get cooking.

What an outstanding night! Happy Thursday Everyone!

Looks like a good day to me. I realize it is only 10:30am...

Today's forecast includes a chance for snow showers...brrr! I am SO not ready for this.

Ok, I do love snow. But only for a very brief period between Dec. 20ish-Dec. 30.

As for now, I'll cozy up with a steaming cup of coffee (Hazelnut, Au Bon Pain- excuse the French-ness) and a Pottery Barn holiday catalogue undoubtedly abundant with items I will be resistless to and deem necessary for purchase, with which to decorate my apartment.

Warm wishes everyone!

Confession:
I am in third grade.

And I absolutley love that my nails match my Starbucks cup, which matches my pen, which matches the gum I am chewing...I told you, third grade.

But here's the thing: I do it ALL the time. It's one of those girly things that I indulge myself in believing that everyone else does too. But I know they don't. I know it's just me...right?

And yes, as you could have guessed, they now match my post.

Split Decision.
Question: Which do you like better, spring or fall?

Spring:
Pros-relief from bitter cold, budding, sandals, Easter, anticipation of summer
Cons-

Fall:
Pros-Colors! Costumes, wreaths, Starbucks Christmas cups, twinkle lights, crunchy leaves, pumpkin spice, chunky-knit sweaters, fireplaces, brisk morning runs, candelight dinner parties, hot chocolate with marshmallows, toasty kitchens
Cons-

See my dilemma?? I like them both. Of course I do, I can never make decisions like this. Because I like both. I want both. I want chunky sweaters and flip-flops. I want iced tea and piping hot pumpkin lattes.
What's a girl to do?

I suppose I accept that I like each season just as much- but at different times, for different reasons.
Right now, I am in love with fall. But ask me again in January when I'm pale as a ghost and feeling frost-bitten to the core, and I'll surely come back with a different answer.
And that's OK.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

I must admit, I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween.
I have nothing particularly against it, it just isn't one of those holidays I daydream about and anxiously await each year.
I do, however, enjoy holidays in general.
And so, therefore, I am compelled to wear my black and orange, write in black and orange ink, and, of course, indulgence in some (ok, more than "some") sweets.
Like this! Yum!

Just Because:
Halloween is close,
Today is Friday,
My coffee is steaming,
I have a manicure at lunch,
and I have fun plans for tonight in the works.

It all comes to the table.

Every Thursday, someone in my group at work brings in treats.
It usually errs on an assortment of breakfast items,
but, we have a sprinkled blend of individuals here,
and so we are often "treated" to original recipes
in a sort of treats-of-the-world.
It's always a delight to be reminded how food-
something so routine to our everyday life-
has the power to string people together.
It creates a sort of invisible bond among colleagues,
it turns co-workers into companions.

It's the majestic quality of a glistening boiled bagel,

the tempting warmth of just-risen cardamom pumpkin bread,

and the crisp tartness of a mango-black bean salsa on buttery corn tortillas.
We all eat. We all share. This common groud.

Somtimes the sky falls down.
Just when you start to think everything is good, just when you thought you'd caught the perfect crest on the wave,
the tide pulls your feet out from under you, and all is swept away.
Pieces of sorrow, like shards of broken glass, litter the space around you,
and the hardest thing is finding a shred of good-a reflection of farway light off a mirror, a glimmer of sunshine through a drawn shade.

It is in these ravines of self-pity, misunderstanding, miscommunication, whatever, that you must pour everything into climbing back out.
Finding, accepting, gaining peace from obstacles you cannot control.

Search for the good-or something better than "there"- for truly it exists, waiting to be found.

"When the music fades-all is stripped away-and I simply come.
Wanting just to bring, something that's of worth, that will bless Your soul.
I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You."

Also: Check out this little foodie gem I found last night: Teenage Taste
It's written by a 15 year old who takes classic recipes and puts new, fun, and/or healthy twists on them.
Last night I tried the Warm Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake.
Brought it to work today which has made me rather popular!
Next up: The Best Scones Ever

This is how it works: Wherever you fall, I'll pick you up.
Whether it's your body or your heart that's breaking,
I will be there to put the fallen pieces together.

Even now I am with you. Ready, waiting, knowing and expecting
out of truth-not disdain.
For I know as hard as you try, there will always be moments when

I receive you.

Scratch that, 'little brother'.

In a way I am jealous that you are about to set out on some of the most precious years of your life.
But then I remember, that I had mine too.
And they will always be a part of me. They have helped made the person I am today, and will be in the future.
I can only hope you will be as lucky-I know you will be!
Good luck Steve!


And thank you postsecret. I LOVE when you read my mind.

What I think today:

1. Sometimes the perfect Tuesday pick-me-up is a walk to work with a wonderful man and being treated to a cup of coffee at a new coffee spot.

2. Watching three hours of Bachelor Pad: Season 2 is not smart. Even I am struggling with admitting that I indulged in that much unnecessary drama.

3. This weather is such a welcome reflief from the past weeks of dense humitidy. I was even ok with forgetting my umbrella yesterday and getting caught in a cool downpour.

4. It is time to do my RedEye crossword

A favorite story.

One of my favorite devotionals tells this story:

Throughout life, I have walked next to Jesus, both our footprints in the sand.
But at one point, I looked back and only saw one set of footprints.
I turned to the Lord and asked "Why? Why have you deserted me?"
And his reply was:
"At that time, when you needed me most, I did not desert you,

I carried you."

Caught in a moment.

And wouldn't you know it...
Late summer is shaping up to be my favorite time of all.

I love the warm air in the morning, high rises glimmering with the reflection of the low sun.
There's something to be said for trying to hold on to a piece of the night, the weekend, the week before.
It's a way to keep the magic alive. And you know what I say? Keep it. Relive it.
Sometimes, it's okay to be caught in a moment.

If something good is happening; let it happen.

I've been away, yes.

And summer is passing me by.

It never fails. There are so many thing to do,

place to go, people to visit.

And I absolutely LOVE it.

What's not to love about

warm weather

sunshine in the early morning

walking everywhere

running the lake shore

vacation

family

baseball

swimsuits

I could go on...

Happy, Happy Sunny Friday Everyone!

Hooray for Sun!

It's kind of wonderful

that on a day like this
you can do any simple thing,

and it becomes more enjoyable

just because it has the gorgeous sun as a backdrop.

Today, I have a desire for a bunch of random (seemingly non-related)
songs in my grooveshark playlist this morning:

1. Somewhere Only We Know. Keane.

It was on Kurt's return to the New Directions on Glee last Tuesday

and has been in my head since.

2. Unpretty. TLC.

Yeah, olddie I know. See #1.

3. The Idea of You. DMB.

Summer state of mind.

4. God Gave Me You. Dave Barnes.

For the ups and downs. Beautiful, catchy, love it.

5. Better Than I Used to Be. Tim McGraw.

Premiered on The View Wednesday.

He is handsome and smooth as ever. Classic Tim.

6. More Like Falling in Love. Jason Gray.

I whole-heartedly agree with the message of this song-

in regards to love, faith, my life.

Check it out, please.

Ok, enough of my ramblings. Have a sunny day!

And, yes, I admit I totally indulgened in the Royal Wedding this morning.

A few tears definitely fell during my workout.

When it rains, it pours.

(And it's still pouring...)

Happy Admin Professionals Day!

April Showers certainly bring May Flowers.

Today (and always) I love...

5am runs along Lakeshore.

When there's still an hour 'til sunrise,

running towards the bright, city lights.

Another reason why I just love the city.

Thursdays.

They are my favorite day of the week. For no particular reason other than that

they encompass all the ancipation of the

forthcoming weekend,

without acutally being the weekend quite yet.

Egg Bagels.

Not plain, not wheat, not cinnamon raisin

(although I enjoy all those varieties as well).

With an Einstein's Vanilla Hazelnut Coffee.

It's an indulgence that's more than worth the $3.33.

A pastel wardrobe.

Hello spring!

Yes, your weather may be variable,

but I am in a Spring-state of mind from head to toe.

What do you love today?

Beautiful, beautiful.

Happy hump day!

This is the only kind of umbrella

I want to be using today...

Opening Day Go Cubbies!

And, of course, in true April fashion, it would be raining.

Cross your fingers for good gameday weather on Monday!

Pile

up the

SUNSHINE.

Do you ever have a day where,

for no apparent reason,

you're just especially happy?

Things just seem to be going your way

-and even when they don't-

you don't seem to mind nearly as much

as you might have on a less sunny day.

Enjoy your goodbye to March!

(And prepare some good jokes for tomorrow)

Did you know? That, to the Jews, to say something three times demonstrated its perfection. Therefore, when we call God Holy, Holy, Holy (Holy meaning set apart). We are saying God is perfectly set-apart, with nothing and no one to compare Him to. This courtsey of Crazy Love's Francis Chan and Him.

Here's wishing everyone a happy second to last day of March

And Happy Birthday to a very special aunt!

You were there when I needed you.

You were there when the skies were

wide, wide open.

Good morning everyone!

Today I Love:

1. A good morning run, with a VH1 music video countdown,

including Uncharted.

I kind of wish I was a musician just to be in this video.

2. The promise of a good night

(and a good week for that matter).

With good friends, food, and drinks.

3. Tea with a sprinkling of sugar

in exchange for coffee

4. Slacker radio.

A mid-week confession...

Today I Love

Tory Burch Japan Relief T-Shirt

$29, all proceeds to Japan Relief

Shop Here

Are these not the most adorable guys you've ever seen?

A Rainy Day is like a free pass to

wear your hair in a bun,

listen to Dave Matthews,

and drink coffee all morning.

Today is a rainy day, and this is what I am doing.

Happy Monday everyone! It's amazing what a good song, a good piece of advice, and the first day of Spring will do for your outlook.

You and I are made to worship.

You and I are called to love.

You and I choose to believe

that we were meant to be.

Chris Tomlin

***

I stumbled upon a great piece of wisdom the other day

while watching (don't laugh) the Bachelor:

It was on the "After the Rose" interview.

A former bachelorette couple was asked to give advice

to the newly engaged couple.

They responded, in regards to the trials and tribulations

that undoubtedly face a couple exposed

in such a public light. that

"Yes, you had to go through some stuff to get there-

but you got there."

Which makes me ask the question:

If you knew ahead of time that you were going

to find the very best person for you, the person of your dreams,

Would you willingly go through

the highest of highs

and the lowest of lows

to get there.

And the answer is: Yes, you would.

Ode to Topher.

A little known fact about me, or maybe not so unkown,

is that I have an undying love for Topher Grace.

I fell in love with him in his early days of That 70's Show

and time has only strengthened my love for him.

One day he will find me,

and we will ride off into the sunset together.

Until then, I will admire you from afar.

Call him a geek, call him quirky, skinny, girly,

I will always love you, Topher.

In more important matters, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Hello March! (And three weeks until Spring!)

When I think about Spring, I think about:

boquets of flowers

spotted umbrellas

lush grass

yellow jackets

morning runs

white patent leather

pastel Easter eggs

graduations (scary)

iced tea

vacations

Cubbies

And SO many more things that I love...

What do you love about Spring?

(file under Say Anything)

I love a good, lazy Sunday. Sleeping in, making breakfast, a refreshing workout, and hours of Bravo.

It's the perfect adieu to an action-packed weekend and hello to the week ahead.

When's it's cold outside and warm in my apartment, there's no place I'd rather be than here.

Here's to wishing you a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable Sunday!

Look how they shine for you.

It's kind of wonderful, that sentiments have a way

of repeatedly popping up

exactly when you need to hear them.

Sometimes, things need to fall apart for

better things to take their place.

One day, you'll realize why it never worked out with anyone else.

Everything will be ok. Head up, chin up.

Go get 'em tiger!

Happy Friday to all!!

I love starting the week on a Tuesday! Hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Presidents' Day!

A day late.

Do you ever feel something or experience a reaction after the moment that should have triggered that feeling has passed?

After minutes, hours, days.

Maybe it's just me, but I have this happen all the time.

I should have said this, I should have entered this witty remark, I should have thought before I spoke, I should have seemed more happy, sad, delighted, iritated...etc.

It's not too late.

Though it may seem out of place, I encourage you to have that reaction!

Go tell that person what you were thinking, feeling, what you meant to/ought to have said.

Even if it requires an apology first...

I guarantee they'll be pleased- even if it's just to know that you cared enought to consider that previous conversation.

Run and jump in their arms, give 'em a comeback that'll blow their socks off, take off your glasses and show your tear-stained eyes.

Tell them exactly how you feel now.

In this case, a day late is absolutely better than never.

Door with a heart

Today I believe:

That even one day of warm weather, can have a postively radiant effect on the entire week. Today I wore a skirt sans tights and got a dunkin iced coffee.
I may be jumping the gun a bit, but I have a definite spring state of mind right now.

That little surprises often are the greatest gifts.
You never know when you'll stumble upon them,
but they always make you smile.

In the power of music to trigger reminiscent moments.
I find it is sometimes a struggle to bridge the space between past and present,
but music does this in a seamless way that never fails to amaze me.
Thank you playlists of yore.

Intentionally walking in a round-a-bout way to reach your destination.
It's beautiful; soak it up!

Say anything.

What if we could?

To anyone, at any time-free of consequence.

Would it be a confession? Perhaps an apology?

Would it be a setiment fermented for years-

something burning in your heart, dying to get out?

What if you had the escape? Would you even use it?

Maybe we're too comfortable and used to keeping our emotions snug

deeply in our hearts.

So would you let this pass you by?

Out of: fear, shyness, doubt? Or would you bare-all?

I mean, we all (nearly all) claim to at least want to

live open and honestly.

But what if that honestly bordered on malice?

Threatened someone's well-being, self-confidence?

Would you use your moment of truth to break someone down

or build that person up?

Think about it. Really.

Think about what you're going to say.

Now.

Think it. Write it. Send it?

I'll let you decide.

What if we really could say anything.

Hello World!

I'm going to blame my extended absence on my winter hibernation.

Now that it is February, and I am escaping to Florida in a matter of hours,

I muster the strength to accept and realize that while, yes, it is still winter,

the warm glow of spring at the end of this long winter tunnel

is beginning to beckon.

So I say, hello world.

Hello winter,

Hello palm trees,

Hello friends and loved ones.

I have returned.

If you stay in one place too long, you will never go anywhere