beaandben

Hey friend.

2012-02-23T09:48:00.004-08:00

Could you do me a huge favor? Could you follow my new blog? That's where all the interesting stuff is happening. Check it. The Blue Threshold

So, here goes...

2012-02-21T12:27:00.001-08:00

It's still rough. It's still slow. But its here. And it wants to say hello.

http://thebluethreshold.blogspot.com/

I have an idea...

2012-02-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

This blog. It was fun times. I've outgrown it. It just no longer feels like the right place to share my little snippets. It has become a chore to blog, and I was no longer was enjoying it. I considered quitting completely. Cold turkey, leaving this blog with some mediocre posts and even less impressive photography. But that's just not me.

Something keeps telling me that I love blogging. I love the community it inspires, the creative it allows me to cultivate, how it let s me connect with people with similar interests (and far more talent) all around the world. I love how it pushes me to think about how I live. It gets me off the couch. I don't just want to fall of the face of the planet.

But this particular blog, bea and ben. It doesn't fit anymore. It's not me. It no longer reflects my interests or my philosophies or the way I am really living my life. That is why it became almost painful to post, why I would disappear for weeks and then begrudgingly come back and post some nonsense that I ultimately hated. bea and ben just does not fit anymore, much like the jeans I had when I was 18. So it is time to get some new jeans, metaphorically speaking.

I've had a certain blog in mind for years. The "right" one, the one that has been simmering on the back burner with my inspiration slowly condensing. It still needs a little time. Some tweaking and, honestly, some building from scratch. But I know what I want it to be. And I want to share it with you. My first blogging friends. I want to do something better, more worth your time and more worthy of your support.

It's note ready yet. And it won't be for a few weeks. I've only just minutes ago decided to go for it. But I hope you will look at it once it happens. I hope you will read it and enjoy it and share this journey with me.

The Blue Threshold... coming soon. See you then!

It's not you, it's me...

2012-02-14T07:02:00.001-08:00

Hey, how about I take a little break? I'm going to focus on making this content worthwhile and then I'll be back. Promise. See you in a few weeks!

Insecurities and so forth...

2012-02-09T06:55:00.000-08:00

This is about the bajillionth picture K took this morning after I hounded him to stop taking pictures of my face. Either he was intentionally snapping photos at the most awkward time, or I am a seriously funny looking individual. Lately, I've been dealing with a lot of insecurities. I don't love the way I look every day. I'm not sure I'm very funny anymore. If ever. So on and so forth. In other words, I'm in a slump. I feel like a lump. And I kind of feel like maybe I'm slacking in the blog content department. Is this instagram thing even worth it?

What I wore to work today.

2012-02-06T11:03:00.001-08:00

This post wins for most boring title ever. You are welcome.

I thought I had mastered it..

2012-02-05T11:16:00.001-08:00

Tried a little French braiding in my hair this morning. I thought I'd done really well, but the picture proves that I still need some practice. :-)

Good hair, bad picture

2012-02-02T17:47:00.001-08:00

The title says it all really. Maybe tomorrow I will feel more photogenic.

Back among the living...

2012-02-01T14:51:00.001-08:00

I was very sick with the flu the last few days, hence no posts. Now I am back and raring to go. Want to see all the fun stuff I get to do at work every day? Check out this brand spanking new beauty. www.brazosvalleybride.com

More days like this, please?

2012-01-27T16:05:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was rough at work. Today was awesome. I hope I have more days like this, but I get the feeling they will be regular things. I'm a lucky girl.

Nothing quite like it...

2012-01-25T20:16:00.001-08:00

Getting ready for bed, excited to crack open this new book for a few pages of reading before falling asleep. Full of good feelings and good intentions about getting fit and healthy.

Best friends forever...

2012-01-24T19:21:00.001-08:00

Man that's a cute pup. Lately I've been letting her hang out on the bed with me until Kyle is ready to go to sleep.

The sweet far thing...

2012-01-23T20:08:00.001-08:00

Have some lovely fresh flowers dotted across my living room, brightening my day.

Pictures speak a lot of words...

2012-01-22T16:47:00.001-08:00

Had a mini photo shoot for work today. It was great.

Om nom noms...

2012-01-21T17:55:00.001-08:00

Made baked chicken fingers, mashed potatoes with gravy, and green beans for lunch today. Delicious!

No crown of thorns...

2012-01-19T20:34:00.001-08:00

Today I got payed to make pretty things. Spent the last hour of work making a flower crown for a DIY post for the new website, coming soon. I have the best job. Ever.

If the shoe fits...

2012-01-18T16:43:00.001-08:00

Wore my Litas to work. They actually seem to fit in at my new job. Creative jobs for the win.

Do it! It's important!

2012-01-18T10:57:00.001-08:00

Where the wind blows...

2012-01-17T18:17:00.001-08:00

Love my new pleated skirt. The wind had fun making it float up at awkward moments today. Thank goodness the liner is not equally billowy.

Do it all over again...

2012-01-16T19:57:00.001-08:00

This was me at lunch, desperately guzzling coffee to stay awake. First day at my new job. Gotta say, I'm already looking forward to tomorrow.

Missteps and mishaps

2012-01-15T16:23:00.001-08:00

Dang and bother. I forgot to post my picture for yesterday. Probably because I had a way lovely day and was too happy and just forgot. Took Bella to the dog park for the first time. She loved it!

Fred Astaire and Pinot Noir

2012-01-13T21:12:00.001-08:00

Watching Funny Face and drinking wine with some friends. Michal Ann is the bee's knees.

The Fault in Our Stars

2012-01-12T17:39:00.001-08:00

Finished it tonight. Thanks, John Green. It was beautiful.

Breakfast of champions...

2012-01-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Started my day off right. A bowl of steel cut oats with sliced bananas, brown sugar, and maple syrup and a cup of coffee while reading The Fault in Our Stars. Only 90 pages in, but I can already tell that John Green has written a heartbreakingly beautiful novel.

Pretty darn lucky...

2012-01-10T18:52:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned lately how much I love and adore Buffalo Exchange? Because that would be A LOT. Scored a vintage Burberry trench for 70 bucks. That should be impossible, but it happened. My life is awesome.

Being grateful...

2012-01-09T17:53:00.001-08:00

Reading on the couch after eating a delicious and healthy dinner with my husband. Tonight I feel extremely happy and grateful for all the blessings in my life.

Days like this are a joy...

2012-01-08T19:26:00.001-08:00

Church, groceries, running and playing with Bellatrix at the park, baking and cooking and watching Downton Abbey. Best type of day...

Girls days are da bomb...

2012-01-07T18:52:00.001-08:00

Yeah, that's right, da bomb. Also this is my outfit for a day out shopping. Tell you about it tomorrow.

Same ole, same ole...

2012-01-06T19:32:00.001-08:00

Been totally obsessed with these shoes lately. I'm pretty sure I have worn these loafers nearly every day to work since I bought them.

Hey Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream...

2012-01-05T19:35:00.001-08:00

Super sleepy after a warm and delicious dinner. Curried lentils with caramelizes onions, yum!

Sick days are no fun...

2012-01-04T18:54:00.001-08:00

Sick day on the couch with my stuffed monkey George and da pup today.

Last minute...

2012-01-03T21:22:00.001-08:00

Psych...where have you been all my life. Not feeling so hot, so fuzzy robe and Netflix it is.

Thoughts from places...

2012-01-02T20:55:00.001-08:00

My brand new red Moleskine journal makes recording my thoughts feel much more stylish than merely writing down what I had for lunch ought to be.

Let's talk about resolutions, shall we?

2012-01-01T15:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, so here's the deal. Resolutions ... I have made some.

Take Bellatrix for a walk every afternoon (gotta be a good puppy mom)
Reach my goal weight by focusing on exercise and eating REAL food, rather than dieting
Develop a working wardrobe (new job, new clothes, right?)
Run a 5k (I hate running, but hopefully that's going to change)
Write at least 1 journal page per day

And finally, what's this blog going to look like in 2012? Well, my new job will involve a lot of blogging and internet time. I don't know yet how I'll feel about blogging in addition to work, but I have found that this past year, my blog has been a wonderful outlet for my creativity and I don't want to give it up entirely. I just have so much on my plate now that I can't commit to outfit pictures and entertaining stories every day. 2012 is going to be about living in the moment, focusing on fueling myself (body and soul) with wholesome things. So, in this same spirit of living in the moment, I have given myself one final resolution. Consider it a year-long blog project to help me refocus on the little things that make my life awesome. For 2012, I will be doing an "Instagram A Day." Just one snippet of my life, one photo, one thought. I'm really excited by this new project, and I hope you enjoy the glimpses into my year. It's going to be a real humdinger, I can tell!

Let's get started...

Celebrating the New Year with my cousins at my sister's New Year's Eve party. We always have a blast!

Ring in the New Year...

2011-12-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

Oh 2011. You've been fantastic. I love you, let's be friends forever. A year ago today I got engaged. Six months ago, I got married. A week ago, we adopted a puppy. Yesterday, I got my dream job. Goobye 2011. Thanks for everything!

Hello 2012. It's nice to see you. I think you're going to be a fantastic year. I'm going to work hard, embrace opportunites, snuggle a lot, bake lots of pies, buy new shoes, dance plenty and laugh more. We're going to be good friends too.

Sweet dreams, little one...

2011-12-27T17:52:00.001-08:00

Watching our little Bellatrix sleep is sweet indeed.

Welcome to the family...

2011-12-26T20:59:00.001-08:00

We've got an exciting new addition to our little family. Can't wait to see her tomorrow!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2011-12-17T17:25:00.001-08:00

Lighting the Advent wreath. Sitting on the couch reading The Sound and the Fury and smelling the tree. Stringing popcorn and listening to Bing Crosby croon about white Christmases. We're making holiday traditions every day together.

In which we can't think of anything snappy to say...

2011-11-13T14:32:00.001-08:00

Hey there. My mind is drawing a blank. It's like when someone ask you what music you like and you suddenly can't remember the name of a single musician. My brain is tired from cleaning house all day. My brain still has to go out and do groceries. My brain says she is sorry, but she just can't manage to be entertaining today.

(My brain is sometimes silly and forgets that she isn't terribly entertaining any day.)

In which we breathe a sigh...

2011-11-10T20:46:00.001-08:00

I'm an idealist. I believe that people should do what is right, because it is right, and damn the torpedoes. I'm emotional. I'm flawed. I make mistakes and I regret my actions. I get angry and I get sad and I get scared. But I don't compromise my ideals just because I mess up. I don't change my morals or my politics or my self because it isn't easy or practical or popular. As the Red Queen says in Through the Looking Glass, "Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!" If we want to be good, we must try very very hard to be better than we can in order that we are not worse than we are.

Now enough of that, here are some outfit pictures...

In which we get our frump on...

2011-11-09T17:37:00.000-08:00

Hello there friends and more friends! Just finished making dinner and am waiting for the husband to get home. Being home alone isn't not my favorite. Actually, I don't like it one bit. I wish I had a dog to keep me company, but sadly I do not. Pesky pet deposits. Anyways... wore this the other day when I couldn't even think about wearing grown up clothes. I threw on this super comfy black maxi skirt and a baggy open-knit sweater. Socially acceptable sweats, indeed. That bowler again and out the door in comfort it was.

In which we think pink...

2011-11-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

Wore this pink beret the other day when we had a breast cancer awareness day at work. It seems that I have a bit of an aversion to pink in my wardrobe. Or rather, that I'm extremely picky about the pink pieces I pick (tehehe). I just bought these red jean/legging things (jeggings?) at Old Navy and really wanted to wear them. Not the hugest fan of the pink hat with the red jeans, but then I added mauve lipstick and it really worked out. Hope you like it. Thoughts?

In which we get a new role model...

2011-11-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

Today I watched Bill Cunningham New York. It changed my life.

I learned about integrity. About artistry. About passion. About how to grow old gracefully. When I grow up, I want to be like Bill Cunningham.

Watch it.

In which we do some soul searching...

2011-11-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went on an overnight backpacking trip with my husband and his brother and sister-in-law. Turns out I like backpacking. Sleeping in a tent on the slope of a hill is an aquired taste, however.

Enchanted Rock was beautiful. The landscape was sparse and dry, all grey and brown and beige. It seemed so barren at first glance, but sometimes I would spot a patch of electric green grass sprouting amidst the red and ragged rocks of the Texas Hill Country. The sky was blue and the sun hot, and when the night came and the air cooled, the stars were as big and bright as the song.

Life is like that, sometimes. We can get caught up in the monotony of the everday and become blind to the magic of the ordinary. We look at the sleeping branches of winter and cannot see the lines they make, like dancers across a sky so blue that it breaks our heart. We see the crackled grass and forget its aliveness. That it is indeed growing, and green, and miraculous.

In which we play in the rain...

2011-10-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

Yay! My husband came home earlier than usual and we got to take actual blog pictures, rather than my previous few awkward tripod in the office pictures. Those were not great. We are not proud of them. And by we, I mean me. I am not proud of the awkward tripod pictures or the perpetual use of the third person. I am proud of having such a wonderful and supportive husband. He tells me I'm beautiful. He also does the dishes. Lucky girl, aren't we?

The return of the list (I felt guilty)-
Trench: BCBG; Capris & Sweater: Old Navy; Necklace and Hat: F21; Lipstick: Revlon Love that Red

In which we need more sleep...

2011-10-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

Oh fudgesicles, I am tiiiired tonight. Working an 8 hour day and then working out for an hour and then making dinner can be pretty exhausting. Or maybe I'm just getting old. Been going to Zumba at this great fitness studio. It's actually quite a work-out, and really fun. Anyways, here's some pictures...

In which it's something like the Scottish play...

2011-10-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

All out of words tonight. Here's a few pictures of an outfit from last week. Off to shower and sleep.

In which we look forward to a new season...

2011-10-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

Just a quick little polyvore board about what I want to shop for this weekend.

Enjoy xoxo...

Fall Top 10 by sprado156

In which we wander where the hemlock grows...

2011-10-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

So many things on my mind that there is no way this post is going to be cohesive. I like dancing. I like it so much that I can fool myself into exercising when it looks suspiciously like dancing. I made ribs for dinner in the crock pot. I am now a firm believer in crock pots. Crock pots for president. I'm going to a concert this weekend; I'm preparing my most indie hipster outfit and my most fan girl excitement. Super pumped. I wear red lipstick because it makes me feel pretty kick ass. And Revlon rocks. Oh, and this might just be my new favorite song. I can't listen to it once without listening to it a bazillion times over. Bazillion is a number, okay.

In which we get back to business...

2011-10-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start that little thing you and I have again. You know, that thing where I come back from a month of not posting anything interesting and make a lot of excuses about why I haven't been around. Yeah, that thing. But the thing is...life. It is crazy. School started and so my husband is super busy and I feel bad asking him to take pictures. And work happens. And I forget to take pictures of my life, which isn't too fascinating to begin with. But I like it just the way it is. And I've been sick. Too sick and too tired to worry about the internet. But I'm back. And I have new shoes. And I miss you. So I'm going to pretend that you missed me too and that you're waiting to hear back from me, arms spread out in welcome.

P.S Note that glow? Its happiness. Also, it's Anastasia of Beverly Hills Bronzer. I've never used bronzer before because I've never found one I've liked. This one, its fantastic. It looks totally natural on my complexion and is an instant pick me up. I've taken to wearing it even when I skip all other makeup.

In which we consider how we're considered...

2011-10-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

I was going to do a post about my weekend. I saw this and knew it needed to be shared. I hope it moves you the way it did me.

In which we finally look at an old post...

2011-10-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

An oufit an meal from what feels like a simpler time. I made this quiche in the summer. We called it ugly quiche. It was the first quiche I ever made. It was delicious.

In which we meet the babies...

2011-09-27T16:52:00.000-07:00

Yeah, these babies...

Aren't they gorgeous? Miss you guys. Big changes coming.

In which we look back...

2011-09-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

I just had to share. Two of my absolute favorite things...dancing and fashion.

As seen here.

In which we retrace our steps...

2011-09-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, now to right the post I set out to right a few days ago, before I got sidetracked into discussing body image. Beauty trends...

I'm no beauty expert. I get bored. I love looking at makeup and reading the fancy names (Make-up color names are the best. They make me smile.) but I don't have the patience to try out many new things on myself. I'd rather be reading or looking at blogs or cooking or dancing around the living room than applying 700 million types of eyeshadow. So, generally, I try to keep it simple. Even out the complexion, some cat eye liner and/or a swipe of mascara and some lipstick. Lipstick is my life.

So basically, this is what's in my makeup bag. Easy, simple, classic. What I like to think of as my signature look.

One trend I'm super loving (besides bold lips, taupe nails, and graphic eyeliner) is the whole brow thing. Beauty trend that involves less plucking? Why yes, yes please.

I have never gone for the super thin brow thing myself. I keep my brows in their natural shape/size, just tweezing the few strays here and there (why do I feel that talking about this is TMI? Probabally because it is. Sorry.)

Here's a lovely video about brows from the super cool people at Anastasia of Beverly Hills.

"Beauty Express" brow-kit instructional video from Anastasia Beverly Hills on Vimeo.

Enjoy!!

In which we discuss inperfections...

2011-09-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

Let's talk about something different today. Let's talk about being flawed. Growing up, I was a rail. An awkwardly shaped rail, but a rail none the less. But now my body has slowed down a bit, and I've got curves in places I didn't have curves before. I'm not delusional, I know I'm within a healthy weight range and I like food (and my health) too much to starve my body into skinny submission. But I've had to deal with this newfound body of mine, at the same time as I see images of seemingly naturally flawless bodies all around me. Magazines get a lot of bad rap about skewing body image, but to be honest skinny models don't phase me. When I look at a magazine, I already expect to see skinny. I don't compare myself because I don't consider what I see in magazines to represent "normal." And I don't always agree that they represent "beautiful;" "interesting" and "thought provoking" is more like it. What has been giving me a hard time is blogging. I read a lot of personal style blogs, because I love to get inspiration for my own style from other real girls. But looking at dozens of girls with mile long legs and no hips worth mentioning is slightly disheartening. Because these are supposed to be the "real" girls. And they don't seem to have pudgy bits. And I know I have pudgy bits. And sometimes I can't reconcile the fact that I'm a healthy and relatively thin individual with the fact that I know where each and every one of my flaws are. Sometimes I obsess over those flaws. And I think we all do. We just don't like to talk about them. Maybe we should. Maybe we should talk about how we acknowldege the pudgy bits, and the awkward bits and the weird bits. And how maybe we can like those bits too. This post was going to be about makeup. I like makeup. Its fun. But now this post is about the fact that my legs have meat on them. And I don't have a six pack. And sometimes, I break out. And my hair frizzes. But I still like myself. I think that I'm beautiful. I know someone who thinks I'm beautiful especially with my wide hips and flat bangs and crooked tooth. Today, that's what I'm going to remember. I may not look perfect. But perfect is sorta boring anyways.

In which we bring the bell bottom back...

2011-09-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize that the bell bottom has been brought back before. And that I did not do said bringing. But I couldn't resist the alliteration. Also, these pictures are from the day of the Misikko post. So yeah. These jeans. I like 'em. They were on sale. They are very long. They make my bum look way better than man pants. Win.

In which we make dinner in the rain...

2011-09-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

Not actually IN the rain, but that is a mere technicality. See, it was raining while I made dinner. Kyle took pictures. It was kind of like making dinner in the rain, but not really. Also, I rocked an arm party for the first time. It was fun. I really like arm parties now. And I didn't before. Goes to show, don't knock it till ya try it. Sadly, you can't see the arm party in these pictures. It was very exclusive. Your invitation must have gotten lost in the mail. Regrets...

In which we wear man pants...

2011-08-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

Ah, man pants. They do not flatter the bum. But they are fun to wear. As are yellow sweaters that you got at a fraction of their original cost. Especially when that fraction is really small. And even though I never felt I looked good in yellow, I wore it anyway. Other than that, there is not much more that can be said in this post. Baggy bum and olive complexion...mmm...

In which we go there and back again...

2011-08-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

Alright, friends (can I call you friends? Oh please, I do so like friends), the honeymoon. It was awesome. I gained five pounds in a week. Turns out seafood and blueberries will do that. I also got a tan, learned about lobster anatomy, climbed down a cliff, walked a lot, rode a bike, kayaked, and did lots of other things too. We went to Mount Desert Island, ME and Block Island, RI. Do go sometime. It's beautiful. And the weather is fabulous. And Maine lobster in Maine is a revelation. As are Maine blueberries. They taste like what blueberries should taste like. And riding a bike is fun. I should get one. Enjoy!

In which we learn something new (and awesome)...

2011-08-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

Note: This wasn't posted during my honeymoon due to technical difficulties. But its here now, so enjoy the awesome sauce. - Sofia

Hello there!Despite hiding my face behind this clutch, you can probably tell that I am not Sofia.My name is Rachel and I also run a fashion blog out of College Station, TX called the VisualBasic (or Vizbasix for short). I'm guest posting on Sofia's blog in her absence for her honeymoon. We actually met in person a few days ago, marking probably the first ever fashion blogger meet up in all of College Station. Our town is home of Texas A&M University and not much else, culture and fashion wise. We like to think that our simple lunch will go down in fashion blogging history, taking a small step to change the world, one podunk town at a time.On my blog, I run a weekly tradition called Blogger Sketch Sunday where I post 3 sketches every Sunday of a blogger who inspires me. My goal is to complete 52 weeks to make up 1 whole year. Sofia had the great idea of having me make a tutorial on how I create these drawings. While I am no formally trained fashion illustrator, I hope you in enjoy my little how-to!Ready? Lets begin!

And this is what the finished product looks like. If you'd like to go through the steps again, I've put together another tutorial on how to draw a different pose that you can check out on my blog [HERE].Hope you've enjoyed my guest post.Thanks for reading!Rach:]

In which we smooth things a bit...

2011-08-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies and gents. Let me just say that it has been a while. And by a while, I mean two weeks. But I've been gone for good reason. I was on my honeymoon! It was awesome and I just finished editing a post to show you fabulous people later this week. Lots and lots of pics to come. But for now, I have for you a long delayed post about hair. And the straightening of said hair. The thing is, my hair is a limp, straight nightmare of its own accord. It doesn't have much of anything, and most mornings it looks something like this when I haven't done anything to it...

Not too pretty, right? Actually, it's down right awful. Enough of that nonsense.

The very kind people at Misikko.com were fabulous and sent me a flat iron to try out. They offer a bunch of wonderful products, including hairdryers, morrocan oil, and other HANA salon products. I was thrilled to get a package with lots of little goodies inside. I was even more happy with the flat iron.

My old flat iron is a cheap drugstore version. Tiny and pretty awful, but since my hair is naturally straight, it got the job done. The HANA flat iron was much nicer. The quality was obviously better than my flat iron, and it left my hair very smooth, with hardly any frizz and lots of shine. Plus it was quick too. And as I took these pictures about 5 minutes before I had to leave for work, that is a good thing.

My only thought is that, since my hair is shorter right now, the 1 inch version (versus the 1.5 inch that I got) might be easier to use, especially for curling my hair. This bigger on is a little unwieldy at the moment, but I'm sure with a little practice, I'll be good at it in no time.

Thanks so much, Misikko! In conclusion, would recommend. Just think about what size might suit you best.

PS. Full outfit post to come some time this week. Also, don't miss out on an extra special surprise post tomorrow, peoples. It's pretty fabulous.

In which we plan our attack...

2011-08-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

Images: here

Normally, I'm not a HUGE fan of designer collections for department stores (although I'm as excited as everyone else about Missoni for Target). I mean, they're good, but not always worth the hype. Oh but Mr. Lagerfeld, you are a genius. This collection for Macy's is so full of win. I can't wait to snatch up a few pieces. The question is, which?! They're so beautiful. On an entirely unrelated note...I'm leaving on my honeymoon early tomorrow morning. Posting will be down to a minimum, but I will be sure to take a ton of pictures to share with you guys when I'm back next week. Peace and blessin's...

In which we take the old and make it new...

2011-08-10T06:33:00.000-07:00

Narcissistic picture overload alert! Sorry about the million and one gratuitous shots of myself, but I just couldn't help it. My friend Paul and I did another photo shoot together so he could practice his portrait photographer. We had a blast. My husband came along and any goldeny glow can be attributed to him because he held the reflectors. He's a trooper, I hadn't fed him much that day. It was a blast and although I look goofy in 99% of the pictures, I still like them. I also like my shorts, because they cost me five bucks. Brief lesson on how to get five dollar high waisted shorts? Well, my dear Watson, it's elementary... Step 1. Go to Goodwill. Step 2. Look for the frumpiest pair of jeans. Step 3. Try on said frumpy jeans to ensure the fit. Step 4. Buy frumpalicious jeans. Step 5. Cut jeans with scissors. Step 6. Roll cuffs on new shorts. Step 7. Save 35 dollars because you didn't buy the forty dollar shorts you like at Urban Outfitters. Step 8. Post pictures on the interwebs, cause if its not on the internet, it didn't happen.

In which we look like vagabonds...

2011-08-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

Threw this on to head out for ramen and to watch Cowboys and Aliens with my love. Cause that's just what we do, go watch alien invasion movies in our most Chaplinesque hats. I like him (my husband, that is). He takes my pictures and buys me dinner and sometimes he gives me chocolate. It's a good gig I've got goin' on over here. As for the movie...mixed reviews. Hilarious invasion movie. But as usual, it took itself a bit seriously. Which, come to think of it, is almost a requirement for alien invasion movies. Ah, such are our Modern Times... (points for Chaplin movie references crammed into post with bowler hat?)

In which we confess our addiction...

2011-08-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Alrighty, so I have a confession to make (which is funny because, you know, I'm Catholic. Haha). A few days ago I posted about how I was discovering Pinterest. And now I'm utterly and one hundred percent addicted. It's not even funny, guys. It's bad... in a totally good way, of course. The fact that I can so conveniantly put together all of the things that I like from the interwebs and than see it all at a glance is fascinating. It also has me thinking a lot about style and taste. How it evolves, how we shape it. I've always felt that my style is slightly disjointed. I love so many things about fashion that I snatch up all the trends I like and throw them together, never quite loving the result. Pinterest really lets me glance at the computer screen and instinctively feel where my own style is headed... With one look I can tell that a nail polish is fabulous, but discordant with all of the other things on my beauty board. Or just which type of hairstyle I'm gravitating towards at the moment. Or how I may love how something looks on someone else, but if I throw it into my own wardrobe, it won't work at all. And this fabulous insight got me thinking about REALLY stylish women. Coco Chanel, Anna Wintour, Jackie O... these women did their thing. They develop this persona and become style icons. I'm young, I know. And I realize I have lots of experimenting I can do before I become (if ever, haha) thoroughly confident in myself the way these women were. But I have a goal. And somehow, Pinterest really helps me see a clear path through this fabulous wilderness.

P.S. I didn't mean to wax so poetic. What can I say, it's a love affair.

Here are some of the things I'm really gravitating towards right now...

In which we wear things in unexpected ways...

2011-08-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hello my lovelies. My blogging has been erratic at best lately (and darn right crappy at worst) but I'm planning on getting more in the swing of things. I really LOVE how these pictures turned out. My husband (I still get a kick out of saying that) took them and he is rather fabulous at it, if I do say so myself. Also, I have a new haircut. I'm totally in love with it. I like it so much that its a possibility I won't get bored with it for a long long time. This never happens. Hmmmm, what else? I just bought Style Yourself, and I think it's rather awesome and you should buy it too, maybe. I'm only letting myself read a little bit every day, because I don't want it to be over too soon. And last but not least, this scarf is probably my favorite. But it has always seemed just a tad too big for everyday scarf wear. Until now that is. When I saw this post here, I couldn't get over the genius of it all and had to try it for myself. Xoxo, it's bedtime! (After I do dishes...boo!)

In which we develop an new interest...

2011-07-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

Pahahahaha, word play. Also Pinterest is addictive. I love it. To peices. And I've only been on for ... a day. Dang. All of these images above can be found on my Pinterest. Go explore.

In which we see the happiest of days...

2011-07-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

Hello lovely people. These are some pictures from my wedding. It was the most beautiful and happy day ever. I hope you like it. I sure did.

Wasn't it lovely? So here's the thing. My favorite thing about our wedding was how "homey" it felt. The reception was in the yard of my parents' ranch. Most of the decorations were things from my parents' or siblings' houses. My sister (who is a freaking amazing florist... check it OUT) was my florist and she also helped alter my dress, adding the lace on top. I baked the wedding cupcakes myself. The bride cupcakes (pictured above) were rosewater saffron. The groom's cupcakes (not shown...yet) were chocolate chipotle. The wedding favors (little jars of texas honey) were filled and decorated by my bridesmaids and my mom (who is an artist. She hand-painted each jar's lid with a unique impressionist design). A lot of the food was made by family. The rest was catered by a wonderful lady who was also my fourth grade science teacher! I'm sure everything was delicious, though I barely ate a thing. Our photographers were AMAZING. So nice and so professional. And the best part is, they're friends of Kyle! Check them out here. I'm so grateful that the wedding turned out so well. To us, it was really important to focus more on the marriage than the wedding, and we really feel that our wedding captured that. It was both solemn and joyous, elegant and carefree. It was about family and love and celebration. It was the wedding of my dreams.

In which I welcome you to Canada...

2011-07-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

Oh hello there. Pardon the rather shoddy quality of these pictures. You see, at this point in time our DSLR had not made it out of the pile of boxes yet. And the lighting was very much impaired by Mt. Everest of Cardboard. But this is our first few pictures of our very first home together. And pictures of my husband building our bed. And pictures of his butt...tehehehe, you're welcome. And also my beautiful and long-awaited aqua blue KitchenAid. Gee, I'm happy. I hope you guys are too. Also, maybe I'll take pictures and do an outfit post this weekend. Gasp! Maybe...

In which we take things back a few years...

2011-07-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

So today I saw someone's prom pictures. And then I remembered my proms. And then I remembered how fantasticly much I love my prom dresses. To this day. Yup. I've actually managed to wear mine again. But enough bragging. Here's the pics. What'd ya think? The black and gold one was designed by yours truly and made by my older sister (I helped!). The coral one is BCBG Max Azria and probably my favorite dress to date. Still... why did I have to have such a goofy look on my face in these pictures? Why?!

In which I shamelessy self-promote...

2011-07-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hello girls and guys who have been nothing but supportive and awesome and deserve cupcakes and glittery things galore ... wanna do me yet another good turn? Follow me on bloglovin, perhaps? Yes?! Omg, you're too kind! I am hypothetically giving you hugs and chocolates and cuddly bears.

In which I post old pictures...

2011-07-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

So I have these pictures my hubby took when we went to a wedding back in May, before we were married. It was a beautiful wedding and an amazing weekend. I just now got him to send me the pictures he took on his iphone. This weekend, we're traveling up to Dallas to stay with les in-laws (who are seriously some of my favorite people, ever. For reals.) They're throwing as a sure-to-be-lovely post wedding party. I plan to nap in the car a lot. I'm tired. Toodles, speak to ya laters. Xoxo!

In which the potato salad is so delicious, I have it for breakfast...

2011-07-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

Pics: here, here, here, and here

Yeah, that's really how good this potato salad I made for dinner a couple of nights ago was. Well, not the one in the picture, but it's pretty similar. Only better. Trust me. Sooooo goood. Anyways here are a few other inspirational pictures while I get things settled in the casa department. To all new readers...let's be friends. To all old readers...you're the bee's knees. To all the people dropping by...Howdy!

In which we look at beatiful things...

2011-07-12T15:00:00.000-07:00


Pics: Because I'm Addicted, Once, Honestly..WTF

Okay lovely people. The reason I've been sort of MIA lately is because we're in the process of moving. No interwebs at home and no time for pic taking and editing. Miss you tons and bunches. TTYL

In which we go on a date...

2011-07-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

This is me on a date with the husband. It is difficult to pose for a person when you're used to snapping outfit pictures with a tripod and timer. It is much easier to smile when you like the person behind the camera. It's really, really easy when he's your favorite person in the whole world. He's so awesome that he likes to go to the public library with me on dates. And then take my picture and go home and make pizza and watch bad tv together. That is why I'm smiling.

In which I wear something old, new, borrowed, and blue...

2011-06-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

First preview of wedding pictures. Our photographers were amazing and we had a lovely time!

In which I get hitched...

2011-06-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Howdy lovely people. I got married. This is my husband. I wore this after the wedding, when we were leaving. Everything was a gorgeous, fabulous, magical blur.

xoxo,

Mrs. Huggins :)

In which we look at the shapes in the clouds...

2011-06-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Hey lovelies, guess what... I get married in four days. TTFN

In which I hide behind my hat...

2011-06-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

These pictures aren't really my favorite, but I've been saving them for a day when I wasn't prepared for posting. Today would be that day. Came home early from work because I wasn't feeling too hot and then spent the afternoon nursing my upset stomach and sleeping off a headache. Hopefully be better by the morning, so I can edit some pictures and put up a halfway decent post on the morrow. Toodles...

In which you recieve an interesting look...

2011-06-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Or a creepy look. Tehehe, how awkard is my face in these pictures? Pretty darn awkward. This look. I'm digging it (people don't say that anymore, you dig?). I like these shoes. I like these pants. I like this shirt and this brooch. And I like how they look together. Overall, a win. So this weekend I'm going to the beach with my best ladies. It's my bachelorette party. I promise, it's tame. I'm not the wild revels type. But I have a feeling my roommates have a few devious suprises up their sleeves. Ooo buddy. I don't know if I'm ready for this. Toodles, chic-ens (see what I did there? Huh?), have some crazy fun summer party times for me.

In which the belt is crrrraaaaazzzyyy...

2011-06-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

Sofia and the belt of many colors... So yeah. That was silly. Also, this belt is colorful. And I get married in 16 days. 16 DAYS. Mind is currently blown. I should be able to form cohesive and interesting sentences (seeing as I studied English Lit in college and whatnot) but that seems to be escaping me entirely. Mostly I revert to squeaks of joy and lots of "Whaaaaaaaaaaaaa????"

In which the blazer and the bowler become better acquainted...

2011-06-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

I'm sleepy even though it's before ten here. Silly me, acting like an old lady. Speaking of old lady, those socks are rockin'. They were tights that got too small so I cut them into shorts/socks. It worked so well I'm tempted to do the same with all my other tights. It is too hot to wear them during the summer anyways. And then I just get to buy new tights come fall. Heck, where did I put those demmed scissors?!

In which I blabber a bit...

2011-06-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

Ohhihello! How are you, little lovely person. I'm fantabulous. Sometimes I make words up ... it happens. This weekend was super fun times in Sofi's World (tell me you've read this book and get my allusion). Yesterday was my bridal shower and I had a fantastic time with my crazy family and friends. I also did some altering of my wedding dress and it went from being "the dress" to being "the most amazing dress I could have ever imagined." Yeeee! I kind of love these jeans, and let me tell you, it has been difficult not to wear them every single day. They have the PERFECT amount of flare. Or flair. Or whatever. Sue me, I like puns. Maybe if you're good, I'll talk about hats tomorrow. Xoxo. Go catch some fireflies.

In which I talk obnoxiously about my hair...

2011-06-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

Alright honeybunches. First things first...I'm not a fan of the whole "let-me-tell-you-what-every-last-thing-I'm-wearing-is-and-where-it-comes-from" thing. So I'm going to stop putting it. If you like something I'm wearing, feel free to ask. I'll let you in on my secrets. It's an artform, really. Anyways...the hair. She needs a haircut. Baaaaddd. As in "guuuuurlll, she needs to get her hair did" bad. Also, she needs to stop referring to herself in third person and using nonsensical quotes all the time. But yes, the haircut needs to happen. Too many split ends, not enough awesome. Unfortunately the haircut can't happen till after the wedding. Boo. Oh wells. After that, big changes are happening in the hair department. Big. Changes. How do you feel about ombre? And some bangs? Cause honeychilds, we're feeling it. And by we, I mean me.

In which the boy is discussed...

2011-06-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Jeans, Shoes: Plato's Closet; Blazer: F21; Blouse: Closet Door

Have I mentioned the boy lately? (Aww, com' on... who am I kidding?) Of course I have. Did I mention that he is awesome? Even though he comes over at six in the morning to go running. Even though I really hate running. He's still pretty cool. Know what else is pretty cool? I get to marry this guy in 23 days. That's crazy. And really cool. I'm happy that I get to be the boy's Mrs. Because he's my best friend. And every moment I'm with him is the happiest moment of my life. So here's to the rest of my life...one long happy moment. Cheers!

In which I remember a happy weekend and a happy wedding

2011-05-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

Sandals, Dress: F21; Purse: Michael Kors; Hat: Target

No, sillies...not mine! This weekend was lovely. I went up to our friends' wedding with the husband-to-be. He was awesome. The weekend was also awesome. The wedding was lovely. This dress is super cute and super comfy and I've worn it three times in the last four days. Life is good. I have new furniture. I made cupcakes today. So far, so good. Xoxo!

In which I actually like my pictures...for once...

2011-05-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

Shoes: Payless; Dress: F21; Cardigan: TJMaxx

Maybe it's the shoes. Or the fact that this dress feels like a giant tshirt but doesn't look like a giant tshirt (or maybe it does). Or that the sun was peeking through the clouds quite nicely this day. But I like these pictures. And that never happens. Maybe today will not be totally and completly awful (my car decided not to start this morning, for a yet to be determined reason). Maybe today my new headphones will come in. Maybe the afternoon will go by quickly so I can fix my car and start my three day weekend. Maybe...

In which I wear new jeans...

2011-05-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

Everything I'm wearing: Plato's Closet

Hola beautiful girls and guys. Tell me how it's going in your life. Hopefully spectacular. My life pretty much rocks right now. In one month I will marry the most wonderful guy on the face of the planet. I'm so pumped to get to be with my very best friend for the rest of my life. He's the tops. The bee's knees. Or even... the bea's knees. Is it too early in the morning for puns? (Who am I kidding? It's never too early in the morning for puns. Pun times, pun times.) Note: It is difficult to smile genuinely at a tripod. It is difficult to make eye contact with something that has no eyes. Hence the above pictures.

In which I post another outfit and talk nonsense...

2011-05-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

All of the above: Plato's Closet; Shoes (not pictured): F21

But hopefully it is nonsense that you all like to hear. One nice thing about being all grown up (tehehe, yeah right.) and graduated is that I get home with plenty of time to eat dinner and work out and blog and read, etc. One not nice thing is that I'm really exhausted when I get home. Like last night. I had big wedding prep plans with the husband-to-be, but instead fell asleep on the couch after cooking dinner. I was soooooo beat, he made me just go home and go straight to bed. It's super cute when he gets bossy. Super cute.

In which my shoes match my eyeshadow but you can't probably tell...

2011-05-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

Bag, Shoes, Tee: Plato's Closet; Pants: Target; Cardigan: F21

Okay my friends, now I have some time to talk. Lots of it. Hours in fact. That is because it is Saturday morning and for the first time in a long time, I don't have to worry about all the schoolwork I should be doing, rather than blogging and watching ungodly hours on Hulu and debating whether or not to get taquitos for breakfast. Let me just say that I love that. So the thing is, in the last month and a half when I was total MIA, I graduated college, started my new job, averted some major wedding reception crises (is that the plural? I feel like I should know this. But I don't) and somehow managed to retain my sanity. Barely. And I have to say, although I have a semblance of an organized schedule now, my life will still be really hectic with wedding things for the next couple of months And some of those days I won't handle the pressure very well. Like yesterday. Not great. That being said, I need to set myself a couple of manageable goals for the old bloggo. I probably won't post what I wore on the day I wore it. It'll probably be the next day, or the day after that. And I won't post everyday, just as regularly as I can manage. So this is more of an almost everyday blog. And I will try really hard not to compare myself to other blogs/bloggers. I don't have a constantly changing, ever fabulous designer wardrobe. (Heck, I still can't justify spending a full tank of gas worth of money on a pair of jeans. I'm broke!) I don't take interesting trips every few days. I'm not a size zero and my face breaks out sometimes and I really need a haircut but you know I'm getting married in a month so the mop's just gotta keep growing. And frankly, I just don't have something witty and interesting to say every day of my life. Maybe to my future husband I do, but he thinks its witty and interesting when I sneeze, so I guess that bar is set pretty low. Anyways, the point is that I'm a bit of a dork, can be rather dull at times, do not look like a model, and have a limited wardrobe to dazzle (or bemuse) you with. But if that's all right with you, and you want to keep reading, by all means, join the party. We have cookies. (Not really. I ate them. Sorry.)

In which I say and wear nothing interesting...

2011-05-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

Shoes: F21; Pants, Shirt: Plato's Closet

Having a rough day. All I want to do is curl up into a ball in my bed but that's not really an option. So here's my pathetic post. Hopefully feeling better tomorrow. (P.S. This was supposed to be posted last night. I'm determined that today will be nicer. Also, you are getting two posts, my lovely doves.)

She Liiiiiiiives!

2011-05-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

Pants, Necklace: F21; Shoes: Payless; Shirt: Charlotte Russe

Oh yes, my lovelies. I have returned to you. And how I have missed you all. And how I wish I didn't have to go to bed now rather than writing a nice long post. But I'm a grown up working girl now and I have to get up to go to work in le morning. Peace and blessin's ...

Hiatus

2011-04-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

So guys, I guess I should make it clear that I'm taking a little break from the bloggo while school is wrapping up. Promise to come back in full force after graduation, where I have a semblance of a normal schedule and free time again. Love you guys. Just give me a few more weeks, I promise I'll be back,

Do You Like My Cactus?

2011-03-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Shoes, Jeans: Plato's Closet; Cardigan: J Crew; Tee: Target

So, do ya? Pictures were taken by my one and only. We had chips and queso for dinner. He's the bees knees. I apologize for the awkward photo sizing nonsense. I would fix it, if I could.

Whew, glad that is over with...

2011-03-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

Shoe, Blazer: F21; Pants: Plato's Closet; Tank: JCrew

So I had both my tests today. Didn't put much thought into this outfit, just threw something on to go to school. I practically live in these shoes now. They're super comfy, and they only cost me 6 bucks at F21. Spent the afternoon baking cookies for a bake sale raising funds to send to Japan. Hopefully I'll have more interesting clothes/thoughts to post tomorrow. Hugs and kisses.

Steeplechase

2011-03-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

Boots, Pants, Shirt: Plato's Closet; Sweater: Fiance's; Necklace: F21

Do you like the slightly equestrian vibe to my outfit? I just threw this on today before I went to class. Usually I hate mixing brown and black (my mother was rather adamant about ingraining the classic rules of matching into my psyche), but today I didn't analyze it and just went with my gut. And was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the combination. Well, that's about it for today, folks. Tests in French Film and Classical Mythology tomorrow, gotta munch my salad and hit the books. Xoxo!

Sometimes It Takes A Little Courage

2011-03-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

Shoes, Hat: F21; Skirt: Buffalo Exchange; Shirt: Charlotte Russe

This silver lamé skirt is pretty killer. I found it at Buffalo Exchange when I went to Dallas, and I just couldn't pass up the chance to snatch up something so cool and on trend. I mean, it's a silver lamé, pleated, midi skirt. That's a lot of trends, people. Plus, it was pretty cheap. So bam, I bought it.

And I've been planning how I'm going to wear it all week. My outfit was going to be rockin. I was pumped. I shaved my legs, guys. That is how pumped I was.

Then, I put on the skirt and nearly chickened out. I mean... it's a silver lamé, pleated, midi skirt. What was I thinking?! I nearly slipped into some jeans and called it a day. But then I said to myself, "Young lady, you put on that skirt, march right outside and take some outfit pictures. Don't you have any guts at all?" So I went, and took pictures, and was right about to sit down to edit them when I realized I hated them. This outfit I had spent all week planning just wasn't cutting it. I looked hippy. I mean, yes, I have hips. You could even call me hippy, in fact. But that doesn't mean I want to look hippy. I was going to valiantly post my shoddy outfit post and lament the lamé full force.

I walked into my room dejectedly, pulled off my belt, untucked my shirt and then glanced in the mirror. Wait a second... let me pull this skirt down a little... Oh. My. Well, that's a different story. Lemme grab my floppy hat. Bam. Outfit winning.

You Know What? It's Thursday.

2011-03-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

Shoes: F21

Jeans: Target
Tee: Charlotte Russe

Scarf: Mom's

So yeah, I know I'm stating the obvious but Thursday it is, yet again. And I feel a little awkward and awesome action coming on, a la Sidney from The Daybook. Here goes nothin'...

Awkward:

I'm an English major. I always misspell the word awkward. Thank you spell check. What would I do without you?
Retying my scarf like half a-million times in Classical Mythology today. I'm pretty sure the people sitting behind me thought I was a little batty. Three times in five minutes isn't really normal, is it?
The amount of time I've sat here trying to think of something else that is awkward to tell you guys about.
Falling asleep in public. I used to never be able to do that. Even on an international flight, I'd stay awake the whole time. Now, not so much. But I still don't like the feeling of sleeping in front of complete strangers. Naps in the library may be inevitable, but they're still kind of embarrassing.

Awesome:

I get married to the love of my life in 93 days. That is crazy awesome.
Graduation is in about a month in a half. A BA in English Literature is right there, within my grasp. Awesome sauce, indeed.
Me refraining from singing the lyrics to the "Friday" song. Oh my goodness, trust me. This is indeed an boon from the heavens. Those lyrics...AH-mazingly not awesome. Listen to it. It's been my anthem of the week. *wide grin*
Whoop, I'm about to eat a burger for dinner.
Making lists. Especially lists that make you feel really, really good about life.
And the most awesome thing this go 'round? Realizing that you really can follow your dreams, and that the person you love the most wants to be there with you ever step of the way. Design school, see ya in a few years. You and I, we're gonna be best buds.

I Am Number Four

2011-03-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

I have not seen that movie, nor do I have any intention of seeing it. But you know what, the title popped into my head when I noticed I looked like a number four in the second picture. And then I thought, screw it, it's hard to come up with post titles all the time. Then I decided I do not like the way my hair looks today. This happens often, since my hair is in that awkward in-between length. Not my favorite, but I'm trying to let it grow out some before the wedding. It could really use a trim, though. Blargh... end rant.