Friday's Letters

My friend Jen put this on her blog before and I loved the idea and decided to try it myself.
Dear Husband, I can't believe this Sunday it will be one year since we got married. I pray we get to grow old and gray and wrinkly together--just not for awhile, lets keep it tanned and toned til then ;)
Dear Disneyland, it has been WAAAAYYY too long and I was hoping to reunite today, but you are too expensive for us right now. Soon though, I promise.
Dear Aquarium of the Pacific, I am excited to see you as you do fit within our budget =)
Dear Jillian Michaels, I swear I am NOT "phoning it in" but I may need to mute you from now on
Dear bad tippers, SERIOUSLY, don't go out to eat. If you receive good service from someone, tip them well. We all know 10% or less has never been acceptable.  AND NO, 15% is not a good tip. sorry, but that is if you receive mediocre service---20% or above is a good tip, please and thank you.
Dear Ang,  I am so saddened by the news of your untimely death.  You were the kindest person to everyone and befriended me in junior high when I was at a new school without many friends. I love you and will always cherish the memories we have.


 

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Top: J.Crew, Trousers: Zara, Cardigan, Bag and Sandals: U/O

Tuesday Tunes: Space Age Love Song

I have always loved this song and given the warm, sunny weather, its just a Flock of Seagulls kinda day

Give Them the Flowers Now!

Yesterday, I received a phone call from an old best friend that I haven't spoken to for a few years.  When these phone calls come, you know they either accidentally butt dialed you or something is wrong.  Sure enough, it was the latter.  One of our close mutual friends from jr. high and high school died in her sleep.  At first I was shocked and really couldn't react, but as I tried to tell my husband what had happened, the words turned into tears.  This was a young, intelligent, funny and friendly girl who had been dealing with issues her whole life and despite recently getting her Master's and wanting to become a counselor to help others, could not find the help or peace she needed here.  As my friend told me the news, she apologized for us losing touch and not talking and mentioned wanting to reconnect and it got me thinking how easy it is to get so busy with life and to forget to be a good friend and family member.  This poem has been going through my mind all night and serves as a good reminder to make time for people in your life and let them know they are loved and appreciated.

Give Them the Flowers Now

Closed eyes can't see the white roses,
Cold hands can't hold them, you know,
Breath that is stilled can not gather
The odors that sweet from them blow.
Death, with a peace beyond dreaming,
Its children of earth doth endow;
Life is the time we can help them,
So give them the flowers now!

Here are the struggles and striving,
Here are the cares and the tears;
Now is the time to be smoothing
The frowns and the furrows and fear.
What to closed eyes are kind sayings?
What to hushed heart is deep vow?
Naught can avail after parting,
So give them the flowers now!

Just a kind word or a greeting;
Just a warm grasp or a smile--
There are the flowers that will lighten
The burdens for many a mile.
After the journey is over
What is the use of them; how
Can they carry them who must be carried?
Oh, give them the flowers now!

Blooms from the happy heart's garden
Plucked in the spirit of love;
Blooms that are earthly reflections
Of flowers that blossom above.
Words cannot tell what a measure
Of blessing such gifts will allow
To dwell in the lives of many,
So give them the flowers now!
-Leigh M. Hodges


To start out this week, here is a new challenge:


Contact someone you have lost touch with and reconnect; either through a phone call, a hand written letter or a get-together.  Make it personal and sincere and just enjoy your conversation/time with them.

{Pin}spiration: goals&dreams

Have a great weekend!

DIY Watercolor Nails

I love the look of watercolor paints on just about anything.  I have been wanting to try fun watercolor nails for awhile now, but due to a lack of time, I did a watercolor accent nail on each hand.  I chose some fun spring colors and it was so easy, just a little time consuming.

You will need:

nail polish

top coat

brush (I used an eye-makeup brush)

acetone

First paint your nails whatever base color you want.  Make sure you use 2 layers of top coat on them and let them dry.  Then choose the colors you want and make dots on your fingers.  Next, dip the brush in acetone so it is damp and then swirl the paint dots on your nail.  (I dipped it in the acetone often to clean the brush so they don't all mix into one color). Once it is looking how you want, then apply another topcoat and let dry. Now you try with your favorite colors!

Base color: Innocent Nude by Sally Hansen
Colors: Mod-ern Girl, Stranger Tides, Did It On 'Em, Fly (all by OPI)
Top Coat: Pink Glove Service by Essie

Darling Magazine

You may remember a few months back I posted about Darling Magazine, The Art of Being a Woman (seen here).  As I mentioned before, this online magazine was created with the goal of inspiring and informing all while reinforcing the notion that as women, we are original, interesting and we have a greater purpose, no matter what our strengths may be. The online magazine has been quite a success and they are now working on releasing their first print issue.  Please watch the video below, check out their online magazine and if you feel inspired, support them by pledging to assist in the completion of their goal by clicking here.