weekly gems

Source: beagleandbear.tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• Recipes I want to try: peanut butter ice cream sandwiches, chocolate stout cupcakes with Bailey's Irish cream cheese frosting, toasted sesame ginger salmon, broccoli asparagus pizza, and mini cheddar popovers
• Seven of the laughably worst celebrity tweets.
• Inspired by this interesting post by Jess about intentions vs. goals.
• This past week saw International Women's Day, and Marie Clarie shared these images of female refugees.
• Gorgeous paintings by Eva Gonzalès.
• Mint is clearly a star color this spring, as seen here and here (I'm on board too - just bought myself Revlon's "Minted" polish)!
• Ashley's six relationship ideas are great guidance for young couples.
• I was very inspired by Laura's post about loving yourself, flaws and all.
• This French manicure is so fun!
• This awesome post by Joanna about being too busy is a must-read.
• How to build a cheese board - can't wait to try making one!
• Loved this interview with Angie of Bakerella.
• I adore both the acting and the style of Rachel McAdams.
• 12 images and quotes to inspire your fitness goals.

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

(belated) weekly gems

Source: vintagegal.tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• This interview with a Special Olympics athlete and her mom is a must read!
• Absolutely adore this slideshow of fathers and the advice they've given their daughters.
• Foods that can boost your mood.
• Check out this new crop of money-saving websites. Also, tips for improving your credit score.
• A CUP OF JO's Joanna's son Toby got grumpy about beer.
• An awesome checklist of photos to take each month.
• So happy same-sex marriage was legalized in New York! Here's a slideshow of the event.
• Nine happiness boosters.
• An interesting article on five U.S. women's every day finances.
• Why am I always so drawn to Chanel nail polish? And speaking of nail polish, I am in love with this new take on glitter polish.
• Katie's love letter to her dresses is such fun!
• Want to be a food blogger? Here are some etiquette tips.
• I can't get enough of gray and yellow for weddings (well, pretty much gray and any color!).
• Love this photo essay of senior dogs. Beautiful.

(belated) weekly gems

Source: alleycatsanddrifters.blogspot.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• Pretty pumped for new Looney Tunes shorts!
• I am beyond excited that artist Caitlin McGauley has launched a new site that includes a blog and a shop!
• Such a fan of Chris Colfer - glad so much is happening for him!
• Can't wait to try making these potatoes and these ice cream cones.
• Kate Spade recently debuted its tabletop collection. I am in absolute heaven.
• I adore all of these fun sweaters.
• Awesome cleaning tips!
• Possible bad news about cell phones and health, and weird news about too much coffee and health.
• Check out this fun post about tattoos inspired by YA literature.
• Thanks, Kat, for posting this song. Can't wait for the new movie!
• Love this wedding, this wedding, and this bachelorette party.

(belated) weekly gems

Source: intellokids.blogspot.com via Kelly on Pinterest

I'm sorry for my absence last week. Things got unexpectedly busy. The blog should be back to normal this week. And with two posts today to help make up for it! : )

• Tips on how to have a happier commute!
• Some awesome summer nail polish ideas.
• Great summer entertaining tips here and here.
• Do you use Twitpic? If so, you probably want to read this news.
• This remodeled airstream is gorgeous and comfy-looking.
• I adore this contemporary Chicago home, too.
• Desktop wallpaper for June here and here.
• I love reading lists of what makes people happy.
• Yummy banana pudding for grown-ups.
• An excerpt from Mindy Kaling's book! I'm so excited, can't wait to read all of it!

weekly gems

Source: etsy.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• Recipes I can't wait to try: Grand Marnier French toast with strawberries and almonds, slow cooker chicken tortilla soup, blueberry rhubarb deep dish pie, strawberry rhubarb crisp, and rose cookies.
• Do you wear a sleep mask? Why you should consider it.
• Some bad financial habits you should avoid.
• Memory Lane is an awesome collection of vintage magazines - take a look!
• Did you see Justin Timberlake's most recent hosting of SNL? Here are some of his best skits.
• Marie Claire's wedding guide.
• Interesting news about the splitting of household chores.
• Tips for avoiding emotional eating.
• A particularly inspiring post from one of my favorite bloggers (and a fellow recent grad!).
• EW's summer movie guide is awesome! Check it out.
• A great list of creative and cheap ways to have fun.

Have a great weekend everyone : )

weekly gems

Tomorrow I graduate from BGSU with my bachelor's degree. I can't believe four years has gone by so fast, especially this year! I have learned so much and met so many fantastic people. I will miss being near the "family" I created here, and I will miss the city of Bowling Green, but I am ready and excited to begin a new chapter in my life. I think that's a positive attitude to have around graduation, don't you? ; ) What are you up to this weekend?

• Love this stationery!
• Casting news on Disney's Oz prequel - super excited for this movie!
• Some excellent exercise inspiration.
• An amazingly written post about following your dreams.
• Definitely looking forward to Tina Fey on SNL this weekend!
• Glad that cities are taking action for justice!
• This pie was instantly added to my "To Bake Someday" list.
• Some weddings I love: one, two, & three.
• Adore everything about this outfit!
• According to this, I apparently need to go to Canada in June or California in July.
• Some key tips about sunscreen! Also, why you should go to bed earlier.

(belated) weekly gems

Hello, everyone! How was your week? Mine was crazily busy - my last day of student teaching was Friday! So bittersweet. I'm going to miss it a lot, but I sure am excited to be done and graduating! My amazing boyfriend Dan sent roses to my school on my last day : ) a wonderful surprise, followed by dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants, El Zarape. It was a great way to kick off this weekend, which is being spent working and relaxing. What are you doing this weekend?

• I adore the couches and coordinated throw pillows in this post!
• Inspired by Taylor's excellent attitude.
• Need to try this chocolate rum cake.
• Loving this assortment of ideas for a rainy day.
• I cannot read enough about the royal wedding, and People definitely has the best coverage. My favorite features? The official wedding photos, the photos of the two public kisses, the best hats slideshow, and the photos of the new Duchess's wedding look.
• I still need to try Sally Hansen's nail strips, and these new patterns only motivate me more!
• Enjoyed Refinery 29's interview with Matchbook Magazine's Katie Armour! And speaking of Katie Armour, love these bags she posted about!
• The Lord of the Rings trilogy is returning to theaters this summer - extended editions! Are you going? I will be!
• Some quick and cheap ways to chill out.

royal wedding

Hey, everyone! Sorry for my absence this week. It's my last week of student teaching and things have been craaaaaazy (as well as bittersweet). I am looking forward to returning to the blog full-force next week!

Are you excited for the royal wedding this Friday? I most certainly am! After all, it combines things I love - history, tradition, weddings, royalty, Britain, Kate Middleton's style, etc. I won't be watching live - I have that pesky last day of student teaching ; ) I will be making my family DVR it for me, though, and fully plan to watch it while drinking English breakfast tea & eating scones. In the spirit of the royal wedding, here's some fun memorabilia that's floating about:

Source: my-wedding-concierge.com via Phyllis on Pinterest

Wedgewood china and tin...

Source: 2sistersblog.com via Lisa on Pinterest

...a tea towel...

Source: people.com via Emily on Pinterest

...and my personal favorite, PEZ dispensers : )

For awesome royal wedding coverage, I recommend you check out People & Glamour, along with the official wedding website! Can't wait to see Kate's dress!

things that are making me happy

Hello, everyone! How was your weekend? Mine was pretty darn good. The next couple of weeks before my spring break are going to be relatively busy, but I'm feeling very optimistic about them. So, in the spirit of positivity and starting the week off on bright note, here's my latest list of things that are making me happy. What is making you happy today?

1. Starbucks skinny vanilla lattes. Sometimes with a chocolate chip cookie.
2. The movie Death at a Funeral (streaming instantly on Netflix!)
3. Hearing birds chirp outside in the mornings.
4. Hosting a yummy pasta and wine dinner for friends Saturday night.
5. A kind neighbor returning my iPhone to me when I lost it this weekend.
6. This amazing, inspiring article about a teenager whose leg was amputated (you must read it!).
7. Finally starting to feel better after being under the weather for a few weeks.
8. St. Patrick's Day on Thursday giving me the opportunity to wear a cute new green top.
9. Already having my lesson plans for the next two weeks outlined.
10. The weather starting to get nice enough to go for long walks in the park again with Dan and Madison.

P.S. Sorry for the accidental, not-complete posts

as of late. I swear I'll fix my posting problem!

weekly gems

On Snow Day 2 of 3, Dan, Madison and I climbed the mountain of plowed snow in my apartment complex's parking lot. We could slam dunk!

How was everyone's week this week? Mine was awesome! I had school Monday, but thanks to the crazy blizzard that hit so many states this week, school was closed Tuesday-Thursday! I got all caught up on the things I was behind on, and now I can use this weekend to relax and get ahead. What are your plans for the weekend?

• I want pretty much all of these love posters.
• Definitely looking forward to reading the magazine High Gloss this weekend!
• I loved The Dark Knight, so I've been excited for The Dark Knight Rises. Then I heard about Anne Hathaway joining the case. And now Joseph Gordon-Levitt is, too? So pumped!
• Fascinating article about Swedish surnames.
• My awesome friend Kaylyn hooked me up with this interesting "Which Founding Father are you?" quiz. (If you take it, make sure you tell me what you got in a comment!)
• Totally obsessed with Scholastic's You Are What You Read.
• I definitely enjoyed this slideshow of top romantic movies.
• Love this quote post.
• Favorite weddings of the week: one, two, three.
• Like this idea for a resource party.
• Interesting (and brief article) about the Oscar curse.

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

my family's dog Sasha & my dog Madison with me

Hello, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful week. Mine started off pretty rough, but it ended really nicely. My boyfriend and I (and my dog!) are now at my house for the three-day weekend. I'm looking forward to getting my haircut, spending time with family and friends, planning for taking over teaching next week (!), and possibly seeing a movie. What plans do you have for the weekend?

Here are this week's weekly gems!

• This article talks about a new thirteenth astrological sign and how your sign might be different now (it says I'm now a Taurus and not a Gemini - but I refuse to believe it!)
• savethewords.org is an awesome site designed to build up people's vocabulary - totally love it!
• Loved Italian Vogue's shoot of Keira Knightley
• As an avid lover of the Shirley Temples, I'm interested in trying this twist on the famous drink
• Favorite weddings of the week number one, number two, and number three
• A brief interview with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' chief of staff
• So excited about the availability of Things We Forget posters!
• Fun and easy cake decorating tips
• A little something to think about
• Check out this awesome chalk artist

you've got mail

I am a huge fan of snail mail. I adore getting cards and letters in the mail, and I love to mail my friends cards for any occasion. Also, as a history lover (and big nerd), I feel strongly about preserving methods of communication that will be used years from now to learn about what life was like during our time. All that being said, I am excited about the United States Postal Service's 2011 commemorative stamps! While I am interested in all of them for various reasons, I'm most excited about the following:

Stamps commemorating the U.S. Civil War
fuel the history buff in me



As a former saxophonist who wishes she could get
into playing again, I love this jazz stamp





PIXAR stamps! As a huge Disney & Pixar fan,
I am super excited for these

Thanks to simplesong for calling the 2011 stamps' debut to my attention!
Do you send family and friends snail mail often? What stamps might motivate you to send some fun mail this year?

why you're not like your siblings

my siblings & I at Red Robin's for my brother's birthday, spring 2010

Do you have siblings? How similar are your personalities?

I have an older brother (5 years) and an older sister (3 1/2 years). I am not that similar in personalities to them! I've always felt bad about that - why am I not more of a "friend" with my siblings? Why are they more "friends" with each other?

Well, according to this article, this is not an unusual occurrence! In fact, there are actually three different theories that address this difference in sibling personalities issue.

The one that made the most sense to me was the third one listed - environment. It essentially argues that while siblings grow up as members of the same family, they experience family events at different ages, which affects them differently. This seems to make perfect sense for my siblings and me. My siblings are only a year and a half apart, so they process family events/life events in a similar manner, where as I process them differently since I'm a few years younger. For example: they ended up going to the same Catholic high school, while I chose to go to my city's public high school.


What do you guys think? Do any of the theories in the article apply to your family?

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...

source

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?

a royal engagement

source

So Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged!! Congratulations to them! Apparently they've been secretly engaged since October, but it was not announced until now. For some reason, I am a fan of Will and Kate as a couple and always feel drawn to read stories about them, so I'm very excited about this! : )

The prince gave Kate his mother Princess Diana's engagement ring. He said it was his way of honoring his mom and incorporating her into the celebration of their impending marriage. From the bit of feedback I've been reading on the web, some people think it was a bad idea since Charles and Di's marriage ended in divorce. Personally, I think it is super sweet and a wonderful way to honor his mother and future wife, to link them together in such a way.

Also, it was reported Prince William asked Kate's father for permission before he proposed. Love it!

Can't wait to hear about the plans for this sure-to-be huge wedding!


What do you all think about Prince William giving Kate his mother's engagement ring? Are you excited for a royal wedding?