Couldnt do without:

Rereading my blog from last summer and really enjoyed this post. Thought I’d share it again because it was a quick refresher on why I need to appreciate my life everyday.

June 14, 2009 : I’m feeling grateful lately, so I wanted to list things and people that I couldn’t live without, that make my life happier and sweeter!

• My mom, her unconditional love for me, radiant energy, chaotic “organizational skills” and her ability to make the little messed up things fixable.

• Headbands, I usually wear four or so each week, to make me feel calm and relaxed and to cover up “hair issues” I usually have.

• Texting, all the time…usually to my sister Katie or my grandpa (who I taught to text in return for “dating advice”)

• Ohio University. I can’t imagine going to school anywhere else. I have met perfect friends, had great professors, and I love my major. I am so happy here and have so many opportunities to have the best future I can.

• Smoothies, I just had one and I’m already craving another?

• Twitter, way better than Facebook.

• Hilarious memories and inside jokes.

• Pittsburgh Penguins! Currently on the TV right now…I wish I could be at the game! But they are always fun to watch, and the fans are the best and EVERYWHERE. Most fun to watch with everyone at school and obviously I love Letang and Crosby.

• Exploring…which I want to do a lot of this summer in DC

• Gmail chat, which recently is the new form of communication I have with my 12-year-old sister Hope.

• Lattes, Starbucks is my weakness.

• Jewelry: the basics: lots of earrings, three rings, bracelets and bangles, and recently the necklace from Erin for Christmas that I haven’t taken off.

• Naps!

• Scarves in the winter.

• My little sisters, Kerry, Katie and Hope. The craziness, drama, loudness, great memories and love. I hope it continues for a long time.

• Song lyrics, usually comparing them to my life, but often writing them down, copying them, singing them, studying and quoting them

• My camera, despite the high number I have had throughout the years. I love taking pictures of everything!

• Gossip Girl episodes/outfit stalking/quoting, thanks to Sam. XOXO

• Independence. Maybe it’s being in DC this summer, but also July 4th is my favorite holiday and I love America and being free!

• Shopping, best if done when I’m not having a terrible day and trying to “fix” it through buying something.

• My roommates this year Tess and Sam. From the HILARIOUS weekends to cozy movie nights to depressing all-night study sessions to simply sitting around, I couldn’t ask for greater people to always be there for me, listen to me and support me. I hope I do the same to them!

• Blaring music. REALLY loud.

• Panera. The You Pick Two combo was probably the greatest lunch invention in the world.

• Flowers, for display or in the hair.

• My dad’s obsession with sports and somehow turning me into a fan of whatever team he likes. The yelling and passion he has for the games just makes me smile and laugh.

• Pretty much my whole family in general.

• Tetris, the website I am on for about 4 hours every time I go to work at the rink.

• Roadtrips, with people I love and laugh the most with!

• The beach and sunshine. Nothing beats the feeling of running onto the sand into the ocean when it’s very hot outside and you are ready for some relaxation!

• SUMMER! Because it’s beautiful and a refreshing break from school and cold weather. So enjoy yours And keep reading about mine!

Only you by JJ Heller

Lyrics to Only You :
Are you the little girl who locks herself inside her room
Waiting to be rescued
Or are you the captain of war
That he began to prove his merit as a man

Everyone is known for something
What’s it going to be for you

Are you the picture of perfection
But when it comes down to it you don’t have a clue
Or are you the center of attention at all times
God help the man who takes away your chance to shine

Everyone is known for something
What’s it going to be for you
No one else can paint your portrait
With an unobstructed view

You’re the one who gets to choose
How much of you you’ve got to lose
How much of you you’ve yet to gain

It’s undeniable how brilliant you are; in an unreliable world you shine like a star.

But life’s too short not to pay attention, get up an hour earlier and stay up an hour later, or even to be wide open to all of its amazing possibilities. Life’s too short not to take risks.

-Rachel Zoe

Only on the second page of my new Style A to Zoe book and I’m loving it.

Inspiration: Nautical

From celebrities sporting the nautical look and Dolce and Gabbana’s Spring 2009 line to fun conversation jewelry pieces, magazine spreads and cover pages.

Pretty in pink

Freebird

Mirror shots

I always made fun of my little sister for taking pictures of herself in the mirror, but had to stop when I was guilty of doing the same this past summer. I lived alone, and wanted to see how my outfit choice of the day looked-so my only options were my digital camera and very old mirror. I found these as I was going through my summer photo folders on my computer and thought I’d share.

–WHERE did I lose those bracelets? Ugh.

–Decided to turn my velvet & metal necklace into a headband
—Forever 21 shopping when family came to visit

Being present is imperative to not overlook the opportunities that lie in front of you and the inspiration that could potentially be the catalyst of a new adventure.

{Finish each day and be done with it.You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in, forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, you shall begin it well and serenely}