Leap

Images via: 1, 2

When it comes to life and to living, we don't know what's going to happen. We don't know where we'll be, or who will be there with us. The future has yet to be written, and as the days unfold, so do our stories. I think that's kind of the magic of it all. That we live with endless adventures and possibilities. We can't control everything around us, nor, should we want to. Which is why, most of life is a leap of faith. Faith in ourselves and in others.  Faith in the sky, and in our wings. Those first steps in a new direction can be scary or difficult. Do we go cautiously? Or do we throw ourselves without warning, into the wind, and hope for the best?  Maybe our landings will be rocky and we find that we have to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off. Maybe they will be smooth, and for a while, we find ourselves content. Or maybe, with the biggest leaps of all, our landings will take us to a place where dreams are reality, where our hearts fly, and where our story truly begins. One leap could start it all.

ABC's

Skirt: TJMaxx; Shirt & Blazer: Nordstroms BP; Earrings: H&M; Purse: Francesca's Collection; Flats: Tory Burch

Here are some ABC questions and answers.  I wrote this a while ago, and figured I'd post it today, after I decided not to post what I actually wrote.  Maybe I'll save that for a later date too.

 

Age: 27.  I'm starting to get old.

Bedsize: King.

Chores that you hate: Folding laundry and cleaning wood floors.

Dogs:  Two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named Tayla and Bentley.

Essential start to your day:  Getting my snuggles in.  

Favorite color: Turquoise.

Gold or Silver:  I'm kind of partial to gold lately.

Height: 5 feet/8 inches.

Instruments you play: Piano and air guitar/drums/sax/whatever.

Job title: Paralegal.

Kids: Only the made up ones in my head.

Live: Scottsdale, Arizona.

Mother's Name: Carol, but Mom to me

Nicknames: Kate, Doll Baby (from my Dad), Boo, Ryn

Overnight hospital stays: Once.

Pet peeves:  Rude drivers/Rude people.

Quote from a movie or tv show:  "I don't wake up in the morning and wonder what's for breakfast.  I wonder, what's for life!"

Right or Lefty:  Righty.

Siblings: I have an older brother and older sister.  I'm da baby!

Time you wake up:  As late as I can.  Usually somewhere around 7:00.

Underwear:  Yes?

Vegetable you hate:  Cucumbers.  Especially in pickle form.

What makes you run late: Getting ready.

X-Rays You've Had:  Recently had a cat scan of my head.

Yummy food you make:  Chocolate souffles. 

Zoo Animal:  Orangutans.

Just Awkward

Shirt: JCrew; Skirt: Anthropologie; Shoes: Urban Outfitters; Purse and Ring: Francesca's Collections; Earrings: c/o LeMode Accessories; Belt: Old

I thought I had today's blog post in a bag. I had previously written something and when I went to copy it over here, I hit control X not control C. Why, whyyy!!!  Key board designers are playing a nasty little trick on us putting those two buttons next to each other.  Anyways, when I went to press undo, my words were already lost in the clouds. Now...I'm at a loss, because certainly, I don't want to rewrite that same post.  But cliff notes version, it pretty much consisted of moments like, accidentally walking out of my house with two different pairs of shoes on; never wearing matching socks (because who has time for that); and falling in front of several people, while walking but mostly admiring, a cavalier king charles spaniel at the same time.  In conclusion, I'm awkward.  

But on another note.  I've featured this skirt previously on the blog before.  You can check out how I originally wore it here.  And maybe re-read that post like it is a new one.  Yayyy...  

DIY: Fashion Pony

I love the look of a high pony tail. It is a great way to keep the hair out of your face, while accenting your features. I love the look of a pony with a little more sophistication. It can be easily worn with any outfit. Here is what I like to do to add a little height and style to the ever timeless pony tail.

Dog Day

Pants: FreePeople; Shirts, Belt and Headband: JCrew; Bag: Gucci; Earrings: c/o Saressa Designs

Happy President's Day!  I particularly hate anyone who has the day off.  Don't worry, I'll like you tomorrow.  It's just that, having to work on national holidays isn't fair.  Am I right?  Needless to say, it was difficult waking up this morning.  And when the hair was pulled back, the makeup done, and the shoes slipped on, I sat on the bed with my doggy, as the sun glared through the shutters, and I asked her if she would trade places with me for just one day.  "You can be me...and I...I can lay around and bathe in the sun all day long without a single care in the world!  It'll be fun.  Promise."  I tried to sell it as best I could.  But she just sat there with a blank stare in her eyes.  Sometimes, though, I think there's more than a blank stare.  She's probably looking at me and thinking, "Hooman, you stupid."  Which is precisely why, I am working today. 

Today's Look

Shirt: JCrew; Jacket: Rachel Roy for Macys; Belt: JCrew; Shoes: Target; Lipstick: Maybelline Coral Crush; Clutch: Francesca's Collections; Necklace: c/o Rasbarri

I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day, sans Valentine or with Valentine.  Husband and I have been going, going going, non-stop...that all we wanted to do was have a night in.  He grilled steaks, I baked these brownies, and we ate in front of the t.v., watching the news.  So romantical, I know, but we're totally content with being an old married couple.
On another note, I love when I shop at Forever21 and come across unique pieces, such as this skirt.  I wasn't in the mood to buy it when I found it, but immediately saw it's potential and knew exactly how I could wear it.  This is my fire-y take on the skirt, pairing it with a bold color, and juxtaposing the dainty pleats against a black leather jacket.  When I remix it, I will go for a more subtle look, playing with soft pastels.

Lovelina Giveaway!!

Get your Valentine's on by adorning yourself or a friend, with a lovely piece of jewelry of your choice, from Lovelina.  Lovelina is a jewelry line inspired by romance, whimsy and all things vintage.  Included in the pieces are sweet charms, delicate necklaces and crystal drop earrings.  I chose the "Love Letters" necklace because love is one of my favorite words, and a constant reminder when worn around my neck.  I also really like the shabby-chic "Pink Floral Painted Wood Button Earrings".  They add a soft, romantic touch to any outfit.  

To enter the Lovelina giveaway:

Visit Lovelina and comment below, sharing your favorite piece

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Follow Lovelina's Blog

Separate comment below for each entry

Open internationally 

Good luck!

Happiness Is...

Do you know up from down?  
When you look down, your head follows, your body slumps.  You can't see where you're going.  You're vision narrows because you're not focusing on what's around you, only the ground at your feet.   And maybe that ground is wrong.  Your thoughts start to follow in the same downward direction, and eventually, you find yourself feeling lost and unhappy.  
But when you look up, don't you see how your eyes sparkle?  Your body becomes open to receive, and suddenly, you notice all the beauty that surrounds you. There isn't just one path anymore; only infinite sky and your soul with wings.
So look up more.  Up is hope.  Up is light.  Up is happiness. 

Today's Look: Blue and Yellow

Sweater and Blouse: Old Navy; Jeans: Urban Outfitters (similar); Boots: Vince Camutto; Purse: H&M; Necklace: c/o Lovelina

Frankly, I hate mustard.  Purely a ketchup kinda gal.  And pickles?  Don't even go there.  But when it comes to pants, anything goes.  Originally, I paired the sweater and top with plain ole blue jeans but it just didn't have that pop factor I was looking for.  Sure, it felt classic, but ho-hum.  Solution?  Throw on a pair of colored jeans and we're feeling much better.  Besides, it's kinda like I'm walking on sunshine on this cloudy day.      

Costa Rica Pt. 3 - Santa Teresa

Our final destination in Costa Rica was at the southern tip of the peninsula at a place called Santa Teresa.  We heard about Santa Teresa from a Dutch couple we had met in Montezuma, and thought, why not?  The surf destination was a dirt road with waves on one side and town on the other.  We made the observation that no one here was older than 30.  Sure, there were a few, but it was those who never left.

The town had a completely different feel from anywhere else we had seen.  Surf bums with killer tans walked the dirt roads with their bare feet towing their boards in hand.  Stray dogs followed searching for food or to play in the waves.  Howler monkeys lounged in the shade of the trees.  When you reached the water, there were a hundred silhouettes of surfers trying to catch the perfect wave.  The sun was so harsh, the air was hot, the water refreshing.  Like a religion, when it was time for the sun to set behind the horizon, every surfer in the ocean, every body on the beach, stopped what they were doing, to watch, in all her majesty.   

Our goal in Santa Teresa was just to relax as much as we could before we had to go back home.  This meant lots of surfing for Husband and lots of laying out on beach for me.  I also had the opportunity to practice yoga, which was a totally cool experience for me.  We also had a couple's massage on the beach and went fishing.  Husband was so proud of himself for catching a Wahu.  Our captain told us it was the perfect fish due to it's size, color and meat.  We were able to eat (some of) it for dinner.  Because of it's large size we made sure to share it with our captain and some locals.  I let my little fishy go back into the water.  We were lucky enough to also see a pod of whales, which was an amazing experience.
So many great memories were made in Costa Rica.  So many that I will cherish.  I live for these moments and I cannot wait for the next adventure!

Costa Rica Pt. 2 - Live by the Sun Love by the Moon

Montezuma was the next destination on our trip. This town was off the beaten path as we had to trek through miles of rocky dirt roads to reach it.  When we first arrived, I have to be honest. I felt out of my comfort zone as we searched for a place to stay.  Accommodations were far from luxurious.  And let's be honest, I'm dressed head to toe in JCrew and my bag has a curling iron in it.  People are driving by me on quads in bathing suits and half the town has dreadlocks.  I was sticking out like a sore thumb.  Eventually, we found a spot with a clean bed and AC.  Once we settled in, we were able to explore the town and the beach to see what they had to offer.  And really, I acclimated quite well once I surrendered my American ways and went sans makeup and hair.  When it came to clothes, less was more in the hot and humid weather; bare feet were optional.

The town is filled with hippies and yogis, and has a super laid back vibe.  There are hand made jewelry makers on every corner, yoga studios, and some really good places to eat.

We signed up for a snorkel adventure tour of Isla Tortuga on our second day there.  We both don't like doing "touristy" things, which is why we make close to no plans when we travel.  But, this turned out to be one of our favorite days in Costa Rica.  We were able to swim in the warm waters and see some really cool sea life.  We had a chance to wander the island, and meet some really interesting people from all around the world with extremely different walks of life.
On our third day there, I got to cross off something on my list; horse back riding on the beach.  I have ALWAYS wanted to do that!  The views were amazing as we journeyed through forest and sand to reach our final destination at a cascading water fall.
Throughout our stay, I enjoyed watching the locals playing futbol and shopping at the local market for fresh bread and treats.  I loved walking the beaches and watching the sun disappear as she ushered in the night. I cherished long talks with Husband, pondering the secrets of the Universe, as we sat in the sand staring up at the vast canopy of stars in the sky.  That same sky, written by one hand, as it has always been.  I can still hear the waves softly crashing against the earth.  And picture the color of the ocean without any moon.
I grew really fond of this place after only spending a few days there.  In fact, I felt like I belonged.  Even though home was so far away.
I think the biggest lesson I learned on my visit to Montezuma was to judge less, and be open.  Be open to all that surrounds you.  Because if you don't?  You miss out.  You miss out on meeting people that you probably would never come across in your ordinary life.  You miss the beauty of the simplicity.  You miss the magic of a single moment.  But most of all, you miss the extraordinary  journey.