weekly gems

Source: littleg.tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• Recipes I want to try: mac and cheese cups, beignets, peanut butter and jelly bars, dirty brown rice with shrimp, mini chicken meatball soup, orange spiced cashews
• I LOVE the Oscars and I can't wait for this Sunday evening! In anticipation of the amazing fashion always featured, I enjoyed looking through this slideshow of Oscar's best looks.
• This post by Emily made me feel so relieved. I'm glad to hear other brides who feel overwhelmed at a big wedding ultimately are thankful they are doing/did it!
• Check out this post if you need a smile!
• Adored Jess's inspiring and relatable post on "smurgging." This MML post on "the abs situation" is also a must-read.
• If I was offered the chance to live either here or here, I'd take it!
• How much it would actually cost to build the Death Star.
• Interesting: how the recession is affecting young adults, how marriage is becoming an economic privilege, wedding statistics, and the most loved states.
• Favorite Hello Giggles posts as of late: one, two, three
• Four ways to volunteer and help animals
• It's true, I actually am addicted to ice cream.
• Great tips for planning a vacation.
• Favorite weddings of the week: one, two, three

weekly gems

Source: google.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• Totally want to listen to this mix as I read my copy of the book!
• Tips for online holiday shopping this season.
• Awesome suggestions for the next season of Dancing with the Stars.
• Recipes I can't wait to try: homemade potato chips, s'moretini shooters, and Muppets cake pops.
• This room is neat, pretty, classy, and low-key. I love it!
• Loving A CUP OF JO's entertaining week.
• I always enjoy Emily's Five Things posts, but I especially loved this week's.
• This story really got my attention. I would be so heartbroken if it happened to me, but Elissa's attitude regarding it is admirable.
• So inspired by Glamour's 2011 Women of the Year!
• A Birchbox subscription has definitely been added to my Christmas list!
• I absolutely adore these shades of green.
• This desk is awesome.
• Weddings I am loving this week: one, two, three, four.

weekly gems

Source: teachingliteracy.tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• I would totally live in this Portland loft.
• Love Matchbook Magazine's wish list for July.
• Can't wait to try these recipes for tuna cobb sandwiches, triple berry crisp, watermelon margaritas, and nectarine and blackberry galette.
• My heart melted when I read this essay about dating a girl who reads.
• Tips for keeping your dog safe in the car.
• Love this doodle-filled interview with my favorite author.
• Ideas for making drinking water less boring.
• What do you think about 3-D movies? I'll sometimes spring for it if I really want to see the movie, but I'm fine without it.
• A slideshow of Prince William and Duchess Kate's Canadian tour.
• Adore these vintage travel posters.
• Ways to avoid annoying your boss.
• Favorite weddings of the week: one, two, three.

things that are making me happy

Afternoon naps followed with a big cup of coffee

The cute photo of Madison up above

Making bow bouquets at bridal showers

Watching movies with my dad

Fresh fruit

Favorite 90s songs on the radio

Inside jokes with my co-workers

Deciding my next nail polish purchase

Trivia about U.S. presidents

Planning my next visit to see Dan

What is making you happy as of late?

weekly gems

Source: etsy.com via Kelly on Pinterest

I'm sorry I've been absent all week. I was pretty busy with work and spending time with Dan, who was visiting. I am sad I have sort of dropped the ball with blogging the past few weeks...I love reading blogs, running beagle & bear, and being part of the blogging community in general. I'm busy, but not too busy to make time for something I love. I hope to get back into more consistent and reliable post starting this upcoming week. In the meantime...enjoy your holiday weekend and some weekly gems!

• Need a 4th of July outfit? Get some inspiration here.
• And if you are looking for a fun, cool treat for the holiday weekend, check out this collection of popsicle recipes.
• A great post by Taylor about balance.
• Love these prints by The Pink Pagoda, I would love one to hang in my house someday!
• I'll definitely be planning a trip to Costa Rica sometime in the future - look at Emily's photos of her trip!
• I'll also be making these chicken crescents sometime soon, they sound (and look) delicious!
• Do you like cake pops? If you so, you must check out the Pop Stars section of Bakerella's site.
• You might pair your wine with food, but what about pairing food and beer?
• Princes for you to dream about since William is officially off the market.
• I might just have to buy myself this week's issue of EW.
• Like Fallon, I'm super excited for ABC's Pan Am this fall! Are you?
• Considering indulging in a Dani Notes iPhone case as a Get Fit Get Strong reward in the future.
• Tips for a happy marriage (via tulips and flight suits)
• The nutrients you need to reduce your risk of skin cancer.

(twenty-two) things that are making me happy

Hello everyone! Today is my 22nd birthday! : ) My 21st year was filled with wonderful times with the people I love, lots of hard work, plenty of reflection, and tons of the "little things" that brighten life. I hope my 22nd year is just as blessed and adventuresome! To start it off right, here are 22 things that are making me happy as of late:

1. Iced black coffee
2. Comic book movies
3. Presto Pink nail polish
4. Quality time with family
5. Starting my summer job as a lifeguard
6. Visits with Dan and his family
7. Long walks with the dogs
8. Going to Indians games
9. Apple slices dipped in peanut butter
10. Reading favorite books
11. Naps on the porch swing
12. Trips to Bowling Green to see friends and visit favorite places
13. Cheers marathons via Netflix Instant
14. Pub trivia with friends
15. Morning workouts
16. Days filled with sunshine
17. The treats I can make with my birthday present (thanks, Elizabeth!)
18. Catching up on favorite magazines
19. Striped sundresses
20. Chocolate-covered bananas
21. Picking out picture books for little kids
22. The flowers my dad picked for me for my birthday, pictured above : )

What things are making you happy as of late?

travel dreams

Source: people.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Kelly on Pinterest

The transition from college and living on my own to the job search and living with my parents has been super busy and somewhat difficult for me. As a result, I have been greatly craving a luxurious beach vacation. The photos above are particularly drool-worthy. From top to bottom: Lizard Island, Australia; Bora Bora; Hawaii. Are you craving a vacation? Where to?

weekly gems

Hello, everyone! How was your week? Mine has been great! I spent it visiting Dan and his family in Columbus. We drank coffee and ate ice cream from our favorite places, made chocolate covered bananas, played catch, kicked around a soccer ball, ate out at an awesome fish and chips place, went for walks, and just generally relaxed around the house. One of the highlights of the week was when Dan got me an early birthday present - Martin the Monkey, featured up above. We made him together at Build-A-Bear Workshop before seeing a movie (the review of which will be posted next week). Please note Martin's Indians uniform in honor of my favorite Cleveland sports team (who are doing AWESOME this season - knock on wood!).

Do you have big plans for this weekend? I'll be getting certified in CPR and moving more things from my apartment to my parents' home. I hope your weekend is not as busy and a bit more entertainment-oriented! Or that you at least have time to browse some of the awesome links below. See you next week! : )

• NBC has announced its fall schedule for the 2011-2012 TV season. ABC has announced its fall schedule as well.
• I would totally live-in this L.A. condo - seriously love everything about it!
• Excellent news for coffee drinkers! And even more reasons to love & cherish your friends.
• Check out this slideshow of the best movie love triangles.
• Great tips for constant worriers.
• This video of Gwyneth Paltrow rapping is too funny!
• How-to thrift effectively!
• Movie casting news: Armie Hammer in The Lone Ranger and Michelle Williams in the Oz prequel.
• Where to find the love in photographs.
• Can't wait to try pomegranate-champagne punch, chopped broccoli salad, and chocolate lava cake.
• Love this beautiful, yellow and gray wedding and this elaborate, pink and gray proposal

things that are making me happy

Source: imgfave.com via Kelly on Pinterest

1. The adorable photo above
2. The Indians' win over Kansas City Monday night
3. Reading awesome new books
4. Visiting Dan in Columbus and having fun at our favorite places
5. Pinterest's iPhone app
6. Yummy pasta dishes made by my sister
7. Watching Cheers on Netflix
8. Meeting new people who are friendly and have a great sense of humor
9. People's issue that's all about Pippa Middleton
10. Summer fun with friends

What things are making you happy as of late?

weekly gems

Source: photopoly.net via Kelly on Pinterest

• A few simple ways to save money.
• Adore this collection of super cute teal items.
• Coffee ice cream? Yes, please!
• Just in case you need some reasons to go on vacation.
• Photos of Laura's trip to the top of Rockefeller Center took my breath away. I need a trip to NYC, stat.
• Love people who love their pets.
• Tips on how to green your kitchen.
• I've officially added Edinburgh to my list of places to visit in my lifetime.
• The best time of day to do different activities.
• Help out a little girl named Violet!

Happy weekend : )

weekly gems

the view outside my window

How was everyone's week this week? Mine has been full of ups and downs. I'm looking forward to a weekend of chilling at home, getting a lot of planning done, baking, and catching up on sleep. How about you?

• Adore everything about what it means to be a Matchbook girl. Can't wait to devour the first issue of the magazine this weekend!
• Have you seen Up? Check out this "premake" trailer of it. Awesome!
• A fascinating article on dogs' understanding of language.
• Love this photo & quotes post.
• While I do occasionally see movies in 3D, I totally prefer 2D & thus cheered at this article.
• This tumblr makes me want to travel Europe for years.
• Have you heard of or played the app/game Angry Birds? I'm addicted to it, & thus adore this cake.
• I smiled so big when Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld talked about a supportive teacher : )
• Interested in fashion and fashion journalism? Check out The Coveted.
• The photos and accompanying stories to all three of these weddings made my heart swell: one, two, three.
• This week brought big up-and-coming movie news...Willow Smith as Annie, Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, and Beyonce in a remake of A Star is Born

weekly gems

source

Happy New Year's Eve! What do you have planned for tonight? I'll just be playing it low-key with some of my favorite people, eating tasty food, chatting, and maybe watching some movies/playing some board games. I also want to take today to thank you for reading! Thank you all of my readers! I started this blog a couple months ago and I am totally in love with it. Your support means the world to me and I love hearing from you : ) Be sure to check in on Monday for a great new series - I'm super excited about it!! In the meantime, weekly gems!

• New Year's essentials from Matchbook Magazine. SO EXCITED for its launch in January!
• Admire this idea of an intentional holiday.
• This post dedicated to tea made my day. Tea drinkers, unite! : )
• Totally in love with this wedding that took place at an inn decorated by Vera Bradley!!
• These photos make me want to go to Idaho.
• Love these snow day ideas.
• Check out this awesome post with a recipe for southern-fried egg rolls (yum!) with a story behind the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year's.
• These New Year's cupcakes look fantastic! (also could be great 4th of July cupcakes, no?) Also adoring these Harry Potter cupcakes.

weekend wrap-up

Hi, everyone! How was your weekend? Mine was great!

Friday night the boyfriend & I drove to his hometown to visit his family. Once we got the dog all settled in, we went to dinner!

Old Bag of Nails Pub for fish & chips : )

the boyfriend & I outside dinner

Saturday morning we woke up early to watch a soccer game with his best friend (Arsenal!), then picked up my brother who lived in the area, and went to see...

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Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part I! Soooooo amazing!!! I want to see it again. Actually, I want to see part II in theaters immediately. It was funny, dramatic, action-packed, moving...just incredible. Check out this article on its audience appeal.

After that, we hung out at his house for awhile. We had amazing frappacinos made by the boyfriend's sister, went to get pizza, and then went to TARGET! Then we went to bed early.

Sunday was spent eating breakfast, listening to Christmas music, doing homework, lunch, and then having coffee at this amazing coffee shop, Crazy Goat Coffee!

having coffee at Crazy Goat!

Then, we headed back to school. It was such a wonderful weekend : )


What did you all do this weekend?

weekly gems

one of my favorite pictures of the boyfriend & me

Yayyyy I'm SO EXCITED it's the weekend! It's been a very long week with homework, work, and teaching. This weekend the boyfriend, dog & I are going to go to the boyfriend's hometown! We're going to spend time with his family, see HARRY POTTER (!!), go out to eat, and generally have a fun, relaxing time. With some homework tucked in, of course. What are you all doing this weekend?



And now...weekly gems!

• I recently discovered the rockstar diaries & totally love it! Plus, as a fellow pet lover, I absolutely ADORE the diary of kingsley posts.
• I really enjoyed this NY Times article about The Nutcracker and America. Sooooo ready for Christmas!!
• Mary's post about her and her husband's weekend getaway makes me want to vacation in North Carolina right now! (slash consider it even more as a post-graduation option...)
• Favorite wedding stories of the week number one, number two, & number three.
• Love the Mrs. Holiday Shoppe! Especially the cocktailers and shoe clips.
• This post is amazing. It feeds both my love of photographs of the sky and my "must travel to" list.
• This quote is incredibly beautiful. And this one just makes me feel like everything will be okay : )
• This amazing story from Self brought me to tears (make sure to first read the original article the most recent story links to).
• I love Kendi's outfit & positive attitude!
• Kinda really liking this idea for bridal bouquets. Thoughts?

What are some of your finds from around the web this week?

weekly gems

highway in Northwest Ohio, spring 2010

It's been a long week that wrapped up in a long day today. It makes me in the mood to go on a road trip somewhere and have a mini-vacation...of all the destinations I can think of, I'm craving my parents' home the most! Makes me nervous about possibly being more than two hours away from them next year, but I'm sure wherever I end up it will be a great adventure! Overall, I'm just excited it's the weekend. I'm ready to drink coffee, cuddle with the dog, read magazines, and knock a lot of things off my to-list!

Moving on to...Weekly Gems! Weekly Gems will be my Friday post about my favorite Internet findings of the week.

• I adore all of these vintage little black dresses. Especially the one with the white trim.
• I love everything in this holiday gift guide - especially the coasters, mug, nail polish, & Emily's goals for the holiday season.
• Can't wait to read this book.
• I love people who love their pets, and even more I love people who blog about that love.
• Lately, I haven't been able to get enough of Kate Spade - so you must understand why this book is now on my Christmas wish list.
• I always enjoy reading Makeunder Your Life, but I especially enjoy its Design Your Life series. This week's edition really spoke to me - just wonderful : )
• Love this wedding & the story behind it. This one, too.
• Every weekend I long to be a Mrs. Sunday.

What are some of your favorites finds from this week?