I'll sing you to me

I just watched the movie "Australia" and I felt compelled to comment on how much the little boy from the film just swept up my heart and took it with him when he went on walkabout. (Should it be went on A walkabout? I can't tell... hopefully no aborigines readers take offense)

But the thing that tugged at my heartstrings the most was when he said "I'll sing you to me." The phrase was used in circumstances of good-bye and had the same emotional pull as saying "I love you," but perhaps just a bit more. To me it felt so much deeper, it was as if saying your souls will be listening, always open, always waiting.

There's just something so beautiful about the idea of singing your way to someone.

In need of some design?

I realized there has been a lack of interior design in my 2010 life! Ah, the horror! So, will I be taking on extreme tasks that I will never complete (like reupholstering the chair I've owned for eight months)? No. Is it on my never ending to-do list, sure, but am I making it a priority? No. Not until I know if it will fit in my SF room. If it's just going to be in storage for a year, all the more reason to hold off on making it pretty!

So what will I do this year? Define my design. Window shop until July/August.

So, this is me window shopping via lonnymag.com.

First stop: J.Crew

Last stop: Kate Spade

These two shops explain why designing my place is so hard and so easy all at once. I love beautiful things, that's a given, and a like things to look classy, also a given, but properly balancing black and white motif with big, bold patterns, sparkles and colors that can make a statement? That requires having a larger picture and taking it slow.

I think I did a good job describing what I prefer when I was trying to win Pioneer Woman's latest giveaway:

"Mmmm that’s tough, I would have to say neutrals for the overall theme, but with highlights of pale yellow, shimmery grays and turquoise… and bright, grass-color green!"

...with one correction: nix the grass-color green for CORAL. I absolutely love love love the orange-y reddish pink color (like the color of those pumps in the last photo that are just out of focus).

Winter in the mountains

While I'm tripping on my country-living kick, I figured I'd share some Winter '07 pictures that are fueling my ridiculous daydreams about cowboys.

I have a blog crush...

... and her name is Ree Drummond aka The Pioneer Woman.

via Amazon.com

In the past 72 hours, I've made six recipes from her cookbook, read her ENTIRE recollection of how how she met, fell in love with and succumbed to the country life with Marlboro Man, and have poured over her beautiful photos.

If you've never heard of her or are in need of some delicious eye candy (let's just say she's a very lucky woman) or are simply in need of a good laugh, go to her website! You are guaranteed to find something that suits your fancy to the point that your soul speaks up and says, "thanks, we've been waiting to be this entertained."

She's a riot and I kind of want to be her. I've even contemplated going to Denver, CO instead of San Francisco, CA in hopes of finding my own Marlboro Man in a bar one night (but hopefully not waiting four months to hear from him). Don't worry, I'm still going to Cali, but I will still be hoping I run into a cowboy that will turn my world around.

What IS it about a cowboy that is just so attractive? Texas is on my list of possible locations after Cali, so I'm holding out... especially if he hires a private sushi chef to come to the ranch for my birthday.

I really like sushi.

The Best Combo

Secret Squirrel Clothing is totally picking up on my latest obsession of navy blue and black.

A much needed pick-me-up. Now this, this is just for swooning. I wish I could wear sparkle like this to the office. I don't think I would mind not seeing the sun as much.... I said as much.

In Touch with Nature

I love these pieces; they are sure to make any day brighter and any outfit complete!

Stella Bella Boutique

Urban Outfitters

Anthropologie

Spring Fever

When I left for work this morning, it was was one degree outside. One measly, freaking degree! I am just not built for these NY winters...

This is me counting down the days until I am in a warmer place, aka San Francisco. Until then, these outfits will have to satisfy my desire for warm air and sunshine. I am living vicariously through my computer screen.

Brunch with Mom:

clothes: Anthropologie; shoes: Barneys

Working Hard:

all: Anthropologie


Weekend Errands:

dress: Urban Outfitters; sweater: Anthropologie; shoes: Barneys

A New Year, A New Life

Well, it's officially 2010. Last year was filled with several memorable experiences, both exciting and tragic, but I feel that I am entering the new year with a clear mind and a better understanding of myself.

2009 marked my first step in adulthood: I moved to Central NY to begin my career and fully entered my own life, complete with rent, bills and credit limits. I'm glad to say there were only a handful of times throughout the year spent crying over the reality that life is hard and is often unfair, with a couple of happy-crying moments mixed in as well. It's still hard to believe that I have been a college graduate for more than a year and that I have had a salaried job for just shy of a year (Feb. 2 will be the one-year mark).

Here are the highlights of my year, with photos whenever possible.

January:

I saw Adele, a woman who helped me cope with some difficulties while studying abroad in Rome in 2008, in concert with two of the best girls I know.


I witnessed history with friends by attending President Obama's Inauguration in DC on a freezing cold day.


February:

As mentioned above, I headed to work.

March:

To be quite honest, I don't remember much about March, or a majority of the first couple months I was a work. Needless to say, it's been a tumultuous year.

April:

Without a doubt, the highlight of this month was going out in DC with my girlfriend Krista. It was much needed and a good reminder of how important it is to work hard AND play hard.


May:

This month was a jam-packed month! First, I purchased my first car, Svea, an AWD Volvo.


Then, I took my first business trip to Fort Worth, TX.


Our girl, Irene aka Ireney, graduated from college and I took a vacation day to drive down to witness the momentous occasion.


June:

My Mom came to visit for the first time since she helped me move in and we explored Corning, NY.


July:

KIMP had a reunion dinner party. A good start to any month.


I celebrated our nation's freedom in DC with Krista and her mom.


August:

August was a hard month. My brother-in-law's younger brother, a classmate of mine since middle school, was in a horrible motorcycle accident. He is paralyzed from the neck down and this month was spent praying, hoping and waiting for signs of improvement. I'm very glad to say that he is doing much better now, even working with speech therapists, and is able to carry on conversations with anyone who can read his lips. There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for his improvements and pray for his continued strength.

September:

This month marked the 22 year of my life and was filled with celebrations with my friends and family. My favorite meals included sushi, california rolls with real crab meat, and hard shell MD crabs!


October:

I truly feel in love with Fall and the beautiful colors of NY.


November:

Two words: Disney World.


December:

The best month of the year. I spent 16 glorious days in Hawaii with Mom visiting my sister. Here are some of my favorite images: