Monthly Archives: February 2011

Get your journal on!

Inspiration, Journaling


Photo: The Daily Green

Flirting with the idea of keeping a journal but unsure how to begin? Grab a pen and paper (or open a word document) and answer a few questions from the following list. Prepare to unleash the awesomely introspective (and maybe a little emo) girl living inside you!

Writing Prompts
How am I feeling?
What do I really want?
What are the 10 things I’m most grateful for?
Am I happy with my current lifestyle?
What are five things I’m confident about?
What are five things I’m insecure about?
What do I like about the world and society? What gives me hope?
What bothers me most about the world and society? What would I like to change?
When was the last time I felt deep emotion?
If I were offered a magic potion that would allow me to change one thing about myself would I take it? If so, what would I change?
In what ways do I want to grow?
What do I love most about myself?
What are 3 lessons I have learned recently?
What is my most secret desire?
In what ways am I challenging myself?
How would I describe my overall mood?
What are three ways I’m stereotyped both positively and negatively? What are some reasons why these stereotypes don’t fit?
Where can I add more creativity to my life?
How can I serve?
Am I noticing patterns that I’d like to change?
What changes could I make to move forward in my life?

Happy journaling 🙂

Birthday Girl Commandments!

Birthday, Inspiration, Self Love


Photo: Oliver Schwarzwald


Photo: Beautiful Things to Share

This weekend I mark my 23rd year on this planet. In celebration I’ve created the, “Birthday Girl Commandments” which I will now share with you here. They are as follows…

1. Thou shall sparkle. Whether you rock a Gaga-esq full-sequin ensemble (as I plan to) or just a touch of shimmery eye shadow, every birthday girl should shine.

2. Thou shall imbibe (ever so gracefully of course…).

3. Thou shall eat before said imbibing (to ensure aforementioned grace).

4. Thou shall reserve the right to inform anyone and everyone you come into contact with that it is, in fact, your birthday (this particularly includes waiters, bartenders, and attractive male passerby)! Contrary to popular perception, this is not obnoxious, you’re just spreading the birthday cheer! 🙂

5. Thou shall introspect (at least a little bit). You’re another year older and (hopefully) wiser. Reflect about your favorite memories from the previous year. What was fun? What was challenging? What was unexpected? Sit down and take stock of where you are and where you want to go. Which brings me to…

6. Thou shall reserve the right to feel blissfully happy…or not! It’s your party, you can cry if you want to! But in all seriousness, birthdays can bring up mixed emotions for people. It’s important to notice what comes up for you on this very special day. And let yourself feel it, no judgment.

7. Thou shall surround yourself with fabulous friends (no explanation needed).

8. Thou shall reserve the right to not be sung to. I’m told that for some people, having a roomful of strangers stare at you as they drunkenly “sing” Happy Birthday is less than pleasant. If that’s the case, stand your ground darlin! (Attention whore that I am I actually look forward to this annual tradition!)

9. Thou shall charge thy camera in order to ensure prompt posting of all the previous night’s adventures on Facebook (I mean, if it’s not on Facebook, did it even happen?)

10. Thou shall take a moment to acknowledge the strong, smart, beautiful, powerful, and amazingly fabulous woman you are becoming!

Make magic happen next year 😉
xoxo

Wednesday Inspiration…

Inspiration, Quotes



Photo

“Cherish your solitude. Take trains by yourself to places you have never been. Sleep alone under the stars. Learn how to drive a stick shift. Go so far away that you stop being afraid of not coming back. Say no whenever you don’t want to do something. Say yes if your instincts are strong, even if everyone around you disagrees. Decide whether you want to be liked or admired. Decide if fitting in is more important than finding out what you’re doing here. Believe in kissing.”
–Eve Ensler

And on the topic of finding yourself, the fabulous Gala Darling has put together a wonderful list of 50 things every girl should do in her lifetime. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did 🙂

Platonic Soul Mates

Friendship, Gratitude, Inspiration, Quotes


Photo: Reasons To Breathe


Photo: Pinterest

Last weekend two close girlfriends I studied abroad in South Africa with came to visit me in DC 🙂 Our time together was spent having heart to hearts, sipping wine for hours in the middle of the day, being nerdy tourists, and closing down a bar on Saturday night! Though admittedly sleep deprived, I feel more refreshed, rejuvenated and inspired than I have in a long time.

My weekend glow has reminded me of the importance of finding and developing deep friendships. People who inspire you, make you laugh, and love you unconditionally (despite flaws, quirks, and idiosyncrasies) are treasures that add sparkle and meaning to everyday life. To all my platonic soul mates out there (you know who you are) I just want to say:

I feel so incredibly blessed for all of the rambling conversations, Greys Anatomy marathons, crazy nights, chocolate binges, cuddling, birthdays, passionate discussions about the state of the world, tears, laughter, relentless sarcasm, affirmation, boy craziness, random adventures, and unconditional love and support. You rock!

Fashion Week Inspiration!

fashion

Hello darlings! As you all probably know, New York Fashion Week is upon us! Here’s a brief snapshot of my favorite looks thus far…


Ralph Lauren


Ports 1961


Oscar de la Renta


Nanette Lepore


Milly


Michael Kors


Marchesa


L’Wren Scott


Eli Tahari


3.1 Phillip Lim

All images from style.com

Wishing you all a lovely Valentines Day!

Inspiration, Photo, Romance


Photo by: Le Love Image


Photo by: anestezia.deviantart.com


Photo by: www.sfgirlbybay.com


Photo by: Chris Craymer for his book, Romance


Photo by: We Heart It

Happy Valentines-Eve to all of my fan-freaking-tabulous lady friends out there! Whether tomorrow night’s plans involve eating outrageous quantities of heart shaped goodies with girlfriends, or canoodeling with your sweetheart, I hope it’s awesome. I also hope that you take some time during this day dedicated to love and romance to indulge in a little bit of self-love. In the words of the ever inspiring and fabulous Carrie Bradshaw, “The most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you that you love, well that’s just fabulous.”
xoxo

Accessory Obsession: Fingerless Gloves!

fashion


Initially popularized by Madonna in the mid-80s, fingerless gloves are making a comeback. No longer just for hobos, hipsters, and Harley-riders, the perfect pair blends seamlessly into the modern fashionista’s wardrobe (and adds a dose of edge to any ensemble!).

For a daytime look with pizzazz, for example, slip your manicured digits into a buttery suede duo. Pair with a classic trench, pearls, and pumps, and don’t be surprised when your co-workers start asking where you shop! And if you want to ensure you don’t pay for a drink all night when you next hit the town with your girls, throw on a black leather pair with distressed skinnies, and a metallic top (you rocker chic you!). Bonus: your digits will be free for all important texting and martini sipping!

In case my enthusiasm didn’t give it away, I just purchased my very own pair of hot pink fingerless phenomenons! And I’m mildly obsessed. My fuzzy new friends have completely revolutionized my daily commute. Not only do they keep me warm while preserving full manual dexterity (those of you who’ve driven with or near me understand the importance of this), they add a much-needed dose of fun to an otherwise dreary drive. Take it from me; rocking out to Lady Gaga at 7am is far more fabulous in fingerless gloves!

(gloves pictured above from ModCloth)

Style Muse: Jean Seberg In “A Bout de Souffle”

fashion, Style Icon





I’m absolutely taken with personal style of Jean Seberg in Jean Luc Godards’s timeless French classic, “A Bout de Souffle” (translated “Breathless”). Her innocent striped tees, boyish crop, and smoldering eyes give new meaning to the phrase, “je ne sais quoi”. It’s enough to make me want to quit my job, jet off to Paris, and spend my days glamorously puffing a cigarette, eating croissant, and casting smoldering looks at handsome Frenchmen! Well, almost…