Five Things Friday: Gratitude Changes Everything

A few weeks ago, Lara Casey wrote a post about Gratitude.  A few days later, I wrote a post about being thankful my grandfather.  In the past few weeks I have truly learned how gratitude can change everything.

My best friend just called me out for not writing in a few days.  Thanks Sarah.  I haven't posted in eight straight days.  Before that, I was sputtering in with posts at random intervals. The thing is, my world's being rocked and I had to take a moment to catch my breath.  My family is in the thick of an all-out-battle with my grandfather's health.  I have found a new arch nemesis in his daily Creatinine levels.  Needless to say, it's no bueno.  But through all of this I have found what I am truly grateful for... which brings us to today's Five Things Friday.  Here are the five things I am blessed to have in my life.

1. Family
My family has been through some serious trials. We've cried, we've questioned, we've worrried, we've wondered, and we've been absolutely stumped over the past four weeks. But, as always, we've done it together.  We are a team, and we are the way we are because it has never been acceptable to be any different.  Loyalty is ingrained in us. That said, my mother is absolutely phenomenal.  Because she's local, the lion's share of the responsibility of caring for my grandparents over the past few years has fallen to her, and in the past few weeks she's spent an insurmountable number of hours at my Papa's bedside.  I don't know what my family would do without her.  Mom - you rock my socks off. I love you.

2. Friends
My sweet friends are the best in the world.  I would fight to the death in a comparison of friends, mine WILL win.  I like to think of them as my own little army of prayer warriors.  I have never known a group of people to be more supportive and encouraging in a way that consistently brings glory to God.  (As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17) This group of women makes me a better woman of God, and at the same time they are the group of people who can make me laugh till I snort soda up my nose, pee my pants or start crying... or do all three.  I don't know who I would be had I not been surrounded by these girls in college  -- they truly make me a better version of myself.  

3. Jobs
Say what you will about having to go to work every day -- some days are better than others, and it's not always a dream to go to work instead of spend our time as we wish, but in the recent weeks I have found a new kind of gratitude for my work.  The group of people I work with both in my full-time job and teaching at the studio are a phenomenal group of some of the most talented professionals I have ever met -- not only that, but they are supportive and kind and understanding.  I spend more time with them than I do anyone else, and I am blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people.  If work is but a distraction for the mess of unknowns and inexplicables going on in my life right now, it's certainly more than welcome.   

4.  Creativity
Getting lost in my creativity is one of my best coping skills. It is my happy place.  My eye, my brain, my appreciation for all things beautiful will always be an escape from whatever is going on in life.  Whether it is through dance or design, my creativity is what drives me, it's what fuels me and restores me, it's what gives me a chance to find clarity and composure.

5. Laughter
This past week was especially challenging.  My grandfather started emergency dialysis and my great aunt passed away unexpectedly all in the span of 36 hours.  In a time where it would have been easy to throw our hands up and give in to overwhelming grief, my family laughed as my grandfather's somewhat drug-influenced reaction to my Aunt Sally's death caught us all off guard: "Well she was old," he said.  His sense of humor is unwavering.  Completely inappropriate, but unwavering no less.  I read something on Pinterest that said, "The greatest sound is the laughter of the ones you love."  I couldn't agree more.

What are you grateful for? Make a list, post it somewhere and remain humbled by your blessings. 

Life a life of gratitude. It changes everything.

Style Files: Rainy days in Red

We've had a beautiful few days of spring here in Florida, but it seems we're due for some thunderstorms.  Shield yourself from the sprinkle in style.  And throw in a pop of color to make even a dreary day delightful -- my color of choice: RED.  R is for Red. R is for Rain.  It's perfect!

Ralph Lauren Grace Oxford Shirt

Burberry London Trench Coat

Abercrombie & Fitch Super Skinny Jeans

Joules Rain Boots, no longer available, Similar

Lands End Tote Bag

Michele Deco Diamond Watch

Essie Fifth Avenue Nail Polish

Wedding Wednesday: The Documentation Photos

Welcome back to Wedding Wednesday!  I took a break at the beginning of the week to catch my breath.  I'll write more about what I was doing tomorrow... but for now, lets talk Wedding photography!

One of the (hopefully many) discussions you have with your wedding photographer will be a conversation about the specific photos you want to make sure you get from your wedding -- the look on groom's face when the bride walks down the aisle, the moment when you're zipped into your dress, that sort of thing.  But some of my favorite photos from weddings are the documentation shots.  They give you a chance to revisit (really any event, not just a wedding) your special night and see it from all of the different perspectives.  And, so often, I hear couples say "Oh, our wedding was such a blur, I don't even remember that."  Documentation photos help solve the mystery!  Here are some of my favorites.

Via Pinterest

Via Pinterest, by Misha Media

via Pinterest, from Southern Weddings

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest, from Belle Magazine

Green for Any Occasion

I sure hope you've got your green on today... but in the off chance you need a bit of help to brainstorm a way to get some emerald or lime into your wardrobe, here are some of my favorites from my Pinterest Closet Envy page. 

1. Clover Earrings: Furnish, no longer available.

2.  Mali Sabatasso Green Turquoise Bracelet, $350

3. Haute Hippie Blouse, net-a-porter.com, SALE $164.50

4. Green Converse Low-top Chuck Taylor

5. One shoulder ruffle dress, Mod Cloth, $49.50

6. Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings, Nordstrom, $58

7. Alice + Olivia High Waist Pant, Shopbop.com, $198

8. Green Shirt Dress, unknown, via Pinterest

9. Madison Shorts, $88, Anthropologie

10. Ruffled one-shoulder bathing suit, unknown, via Pinterest

11. Kate Spade High Falls Melinda bag, $278

12. Oscar De La Renta gown, net-a-porter.com, $4,690

13. Charles James Ball Gown, Metropolitan Museum, c. 1954

14. Green Seersucker Bow tie,  Starboard Clothing Co., $45

15. Emerald Ring, Tiffany & Co., $7,650

Five Things Friday: Fashion I die for

Have you ever heard the expression "Things come in Threes"?  Maybe it's an I-was-raised-Catholic thing.  Either way, I've heard it my whole life.  When babies are born, when people die, when good things are happening, when bad things are happening, when run-of-the-mill-not-at-all-related things are happening... "Things come in threes."

Well I think things should come in fives.  

Three is too manageable. It doesn't push the envelope.  I like fives.  The halfway point leaves you with quite a bit accomplished, but still a good bit ahead of you.  Think of your five favorite people -- now cut it to three.  It sucks right?

What about your five favorite songs?  When cut down to three, it's lacking something.  Maybe a whole genre, or a whole artist, or a whole time period is missing.  It just won't do.

Now think of five goals you have for your life.  It's lofty, right?  But they're your goals! Why shouldn't they be lofty.  And, hey, with the trend of this post, I'll give you five years to accomplish them.

Alrighty then, enough mucking around.  I'm starting a new tradition.  It's called Five-things Friday.  In each post I'll tell you about FIVE things... predictable, I know.  Maybe five trends I'm loving.  Five songs I can't get out of my head.  Five new pieces of clothing I'd like to add to my closet.   The possibilities are ENDLESS... except when it comes to reaching #6.

And without further ado... the five fashion trends I'm totally LOVING right now.

1. Colorful Denim. 

I mean, if anyone's shocked by this one, they haven't read my previous blogs, or looked at my pinterest, or read anyone else's blog or looked at their pinterest... Everyone loves the colored denim that has become all the rage this season.  It's really not even that novel of an idea anymore -- but I'm okay with it.  The world is better if for no other reason that people's pants are making the world prettier with all their colors! Their available at every price point and in every fit, so there's a way for everyone to rock this fashionable favorite.

Image from The NY Times / J Brand Denim

2. Hippie-Chic

Chic is the operative word here.  Please bathe. Please wear deodorant. Please look fabulous in your favorite florals, denim, fringe, jumpers, feathers in your hair, sunglasses, big jewelry and anything else you can find indie inspired, because I freaking love it all!  My personal version of hippie-chic has an added side of Navajo. I like a good native-american-vibe when I can find it.  Of course the two styles are different and individual, but when combined, I think they have quite the impact. 

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

Gahhh, I love this look so much.  via Pinterest

3. Pink & Orange: New Best Friends

Who knew these colors went together until someone GENIUS put them together!??! I mean, hello world of fabulousness.  I die for you pink and orange.  I absolutely die. Mostly because you're a color palette my hair color just won't allow, but anywho I do love to stare at you.  Brunettes, blondes, please, I beg of you, embrace this trend.  Do it for those of us who look like pale, ghastly creatures in the shades of tangerine and Texas.  (Warning, the three looks below are very similar.  I tend to over-endorse spectacular execution of good-old-fashioned STYLE... please excuse.  Also, please buy a handbag in a bold color and wear it with your orange and pink ensemble.)

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

4.  Bold statements, with equally bold tan lines.

As someone who worries more about sunburning that sunbathing, I often find myself perplexed when I hear the comment, "Ugh it would leave such awful tan lines."  Tan lines, you say? What are those?  I love a good ruffle, some fringe, perhaps an oddly placed strap (or a hundred?), I've even been known to covet a giant bow.  See also, the one-strap, the endless ruffles, and the straps here-straps there styles I'm also coveting.  Naysayers be damned, I've got on SPF 70.

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

I love a good one-piece. via Pinterest.

Image via Pinterest

5. Tutu-precious

I am a dancer. Every dancer loves a good tutu.  Ok, some hated them.  But I'm sensing a ballet-inspired trend coming on and I must say, I LIKE IT.  Soft subtle elegance ranges to daringly bold playfulness. I like it all.  And hey, you have to be bold to rock a tutu.  

Image via Jack Rogers

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

So tell me, what five fashion trends are you loving right now?  What look are you dying to try? What do you think looks great on others but maybe isn't for you? (We've all got them, mine is orange and pink!) 

HAVE A FABULOUS FRIDAY, y'all.  Tomorrow I'll be breaking my cardinal rule of blogging and posting on Saturday. It's St. Patrick's Day. I must. It's required.

xoxo.

Making it Happen

So today (it's still Wednesday as I write this post for Thursday) was part one of the Making Brands Happen Business and Branding Webinar.  It focused on your brand, what your visual representation says about you and how to better hone your brand to reflect your authentic self -- really that only scratches the surface of what we discussed, but you'd have to attend one of these webinars for yourself to really wrap your head around the whole process. 

Anywho -- Lara Casey and Emily Ley (the creators of Making Brands Happen and other stellar companies to boot) have been two of my pseudo-life-mentors for a while now.  I say pseudo because we don't actually know each other (details) and they're not just talking to me when they blog about all of their wonderful thoughts, ideas and day-to-day genius. But, alas they've made it their life goals to inspire others, to spur them on toward greatness, and encourage everyone to Make Big Things Happen in their lives.

Image via Pinterest

Listening to them talk today got me thinking about what my dreams really are.  I struggled to find a way to articulate them in simple, concrete ways.  I want to be happy. Well what will make you happy? I want to be successful. At what would you like to succeed? I want to be creative. What exactly would you like to create? And then I had it...

I want to play an active and consistent role in creating and maintaining happiness and fulfillment for myself and encouraging others by way of living life to its maximum potential, finding joy in all circumstances, creating both beautiful and timeless tactile goods, experiences and surroundings, and at all times doing the things that put a smile on my face and the faces of others. 

Hmm... scratches head... well, how did you land on that one? 

I did a goal-setting exercise today that asked me this:  "What quote do you live by?"

After a few bible verses popped into my head, I realized they were my "should-be" answers.  (It's true, the gospel should be the quote that I live by.  But I was being brutally honest, and the alternative is not contradictory to the Gospel, but rather, I think, complementary.)  Instead I landed on these two quotations:

“Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it.” - Wilfred Peterson

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. ... We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Nelson Mandela

Image via Pinterest from Making Things Happen

I picked up on a few very important trends in these quotes: 1. Find what fires you up, 2. Let your light shine, 3. Encourage others to shine, and 4.  Surround yourself with people who encourage you.

These four things are encouraging me in a rather overwhelming soul-searching adventure I'm on.  Once I reach the end of it, I might share what all the fuss has been about. But for now, I leave you with this:

Image via Pinterest

Go. Go now. Get out there. Start today what will make your dreams come true tomorrow.

Chase your dreams.

xoxo.

Wedding Wednesday: A Breath of Fresh Air

I started a whole new pin board today to begin the process of planning my best friend's wedding.  Now, she's not yet engaged, but I've already been informed that I'm "planning the whole thing."  Challenge accepted.  She wants an outdoor (read: on a farm), fall wedding with rustic and "Farm-tastic" details. 

Enter: Baby's Breath.

I've always loved Baby's Breath.  Something about those tiny little white flowers is just so ethereal.  If I could get close to the clouds, I feel like they might just be made of baby's breath and we just can't tell all the way down here on the ground.  (Ok, so I've been on a plane, and I know the clouds are really just condensation, but come on, go with me on this one.)

Baby's breath (Scientific name: gypsophila) is among the least expensive flowers you can buy, which is great news for brides, as it's becoming one of the most popular trends in weddings. 

With an outdoor wedding, there's nothing but space to contend with.  And while large floral arrangements are gorgeous, they're also expensive and can pretty much blow a hole the size of Texas in your budget.  Using Baby's Breath introduces a light, airy feeling while still dressing up an area that, on most days, is just a green pasture.

I love these bouquets of Baby's Breath secured to the ends of the aisles.

Image via Pinterest/Southern Weddings

 

These wreaths of Baby's Breath are absolutely to die for.  Great for doors leading to the indoor "facilities" to help guests know they're allowed to go inside.

Image via Pinterest/La Fleur Weddings

I've already mentioned my love of long banquet tables at the reception, but nothing is more annoying than centerpieces that keep you from having conversations with the people across from you. These tall vases of Baby's Breath are not only beautiful, but they don't block your vision! 

(And I absolutely adore the abundance of votive candles.)

Image via Pinterest/Style Me Pretty

Then there's the bridesmaids' bouquets.  A definite opportunity for a big statement, but also an opportunity for a big distraction.  Think about it. Their bouquets are right at eye level of the loved ones gathered to witness the exchange of vows, not the exchange of flowers... Why not do something simple and gorgeous like Baby's Breath?

Image via Style Me Pretty

 

It's hard to tell, but I think this is an arch made of twigs with Baby's Breath woven in.  If I'm right, I don't even have to see the photo clearly to tell you it's to die for.  And, in a wedding that's outdoors, but still very religious, it's a challenge to create something of an altar for the ceremony.  This would be a fantastic option. 

(I also love the vintage wooden buckets of flowers to complement the ceremony location.)

Image via Style Me Pretty

These garlands just put the whole Baby's Breath thing right over the top for me. I mean, who wouldn't want garlands of flowers decorating their ceremony and reception site.  Especially on a farm.  There's plenty of uses for a garland, not only decor, but roping off areas that are restricted or less-than-desirable (read: risk of stepping in cow poo?) I wouldn't dare cross a garland line -- rope, on the other hand, I'd totally ignore.

Image via Style Me Pretty

What are some of your favorite uses of baby's breath? Seen anything cool lately? Anything I should file away for the (long-off) fall farm wedding?  Send the ideas my way.

On an unrelated note, thanks for bearing with me yesterday as I used the blog for a more personal post.  My grandfather is doing well, but truly, every day is a blessing.

Xoxo. 

Forever Grateful

It's rare that I will get super-personal on here. But there's something on my heart, and I wanted to share it.

I was taught from an early age to say "thank you" and mean it.  Writing thank you notes happened on the day after our birthdays, the day after Christmas and the day after any other gift-giving occasion.  When I had dinner (or any meal) at a friend's, I was counseled to try everything the host served and compliment what I enjoyed -- which, as a child foodie, was most of ANY meal.  I thought that my family was teaching me good manners, when, in fact, they were teaching me to be grateful.

Grateful (adj.): the act of showing appreciation for kindness; thankful.

One of my favorite bible verses of all time is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.  It says: "Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Give thanks in all circumstances. (There's the kicker: all circumstances.)

In the words of Ms. Britney Spears.  It's hard y'all.

This past week my grandfather has been in the hospital.  He's being treated for the various things that tend to happen as people age. None of which sound less scary just because you're old. 

The man has beaten cancer multiple times.  He's raised two daughters. He's helped raise his grandchildren.  He's been married to my grandmother for 60 years.  He was a public school teacher for more than 35 years, and a professor for a solid decade when he taught teachers to be better teachers.  He was in the Navy.  He was raised in Ossining, NY by his Irish Catholic mother and his father, a prison guard at Sing Sing.  

But, all of this tells you next to nothing about the man that my grandfather is.  He is, without a doubt, the most grateful and gracious man I know.  He is kind, caring, giving, compassionate, intelligent, witty, and wonderful.  If I am grateful for any one particular person in my life, it is him.  (Not to discount everyone else!)

I got to visit him on Sunday while I was in Orlando. As scared and as saddened as I was to see him lying in a hospital bed,  I was excited just to see him.  I was shaky and nervous as I navigated the hospital to find his room. The hospital's under construction and I was visiting alone; No one from my family was at the hospital with him when I arrived, and I only had a room number to guide me.  It made me nervous at first that I would be by myself, alone with him in a hospital bed and all the machines that make all of their scary noises. But still, I knew I wanted to see him.  His blue eyes opened wide as I walked in the door to his room. He greeted me with his standard, booming "Hi sweetie!"  Then in his regular fashion, he immediately began spouting off my (somewhat exaggerated) resume to his lovely nurse, Linda. "She graduated from the University of Florida last spring," he told her as she took his vitals for about the umpteenth time that day. "Then I'll bet she's smart," Linda said.  "Yes, she is."  I was relieved.  It was the same as always.  Nothing had changed.

I've never doubted that my grandfather was proud of me.  Not once.  It's impeccable, this talent that he has for making a person feel loved in a way that assures them they are intelligent, beautiful, funny, and so on.  

I will be forever grateful for this man.  

It popped into my head as I climbed into my car to make the drive back to Tampa in the rain.  Grateful: the act of showing appreciation for kindness; thankful.  That is how I would always feel about him.  I would be continually impressed by his seemingly endless knowledge, and always amused by his uncanny ability to transform his own Irish Catholic culture to match the ethnicity of whatever restaurant we were in.  But the overwhelming emotion I feel when I think of him is unending gratefulness for the impact he's made on my life. 

This got me thinking about my own life.  I'm 23 years old.  College is behind me, but I have so much ahead of me.  Career, marriage, children, travel, grandchildren, life experiences that will continually shape and mold me into the person I will become.  I can only hope that one day people will say the things about me that they say about my grandfather (I mean, seriously, everyone he has ever met loves him.) But, furthermore, I can only hope that I will live out every day of the rest of my life, grateful to be alive, and to be having the experiences that I am.  Grateful the way that my grandfather is.  The man, who wearing in a hospital gown propped up in bed, gave me a five minute speech on how glad he was that I'd brought him his own hairbrush from home.  (It's the little things, I guess.)

Be joyful always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances.  It's meant more to me these past several days than it has in the entire time I've had it memorized.  I've struggled with the idea of being joyful when things are so unsettling.  Be joyful, Sarah. It rings in my head.  Now how am I supposed to do that, God?  Do it for Papa. He needs joy around him.  I am a joyful person.  I am full of joy because of the many blessings in my life.  I am joyful, because I am grateful. 

I am grateful because of Papa.  I am grateful, because he has shown me how to be grateful. And I will be forever grateful for him. 

Find your Joy. Choose to be grateful.  Xoxo. 

---

If you're the praying type, I and my family would be eternally grateful for your prayers as we continue on this journey with Papa.  Every day is a blessing. 

I'm a Jack Rogers Girl!

Today the BEST thing happened. I was named a Jack Rogers Girl of the Moment! 

Here's how it happened...

About two weeks ago, I posted this photo to Instagram/twitter:

OOTD & MOTD via Instagram

I tagged (of course) Lilly Pulitzer and Jack Rogers in the post, and the Jack Rogers Girl commented on it to say that I should post it to the Jack Rogers Facebook World of Jack Rogers page.  So, of course, I did, because -- let's face it -- I would do ANYTHING the Jack Rogers Girl tells me to do...

And then today, I log onto Facebook really quick on my lunch break only to see MY NAME in a post by Jack Rogers USA!!! I mean, WHATTTTT???

Here's my quote from my Jack Rogers Girl of the Moment "interview:"

"I am a Jack Rogers girl because having lived in Florida my entire life, I've probably worn Jack Rogers every day for the past 5 years. A day that rolls around that is too cold for ''Jacks'' is a very sad day for me. I always have four colors of Navajos in rotation: platinum, black crocodile, gold and nude, and if it's between Easter and Labor Day, I toss in white, too. I have had countless shopping buddies talk me out of a new pair of sandals with this single phrase: ''You won't wear those, you know you'll wear Jacks instead.'' They make an excellent point! Jack Rogers is one of the few brands I would consider myself truly ''loyal'' to, which is why I know in my heart that I am a JR Girl."

It's true. Every word. I am truly LOYAL to this brand!

So, without further ado, I present my Jack Rogers wish-list:

Monogrammed, obvi.

Cork and gold could very well be my next pair.

 

 

 

These hippie-girl cork navajos!

ADPi Colors! (Actually UNC?)

And here's some fabulous looks from some of my other favorite brands... ALL of which would go very well with a pair of Jacks.

This strapless dress from J.Crew would be perfect with my go-to gold Navajos for a summer wedding. Pair with a pashmina for when the summer breeze blows and you're good to go. Maybe an interesting statement piece of jewelry or even a large cluster stud earring? Glam casual... my kind of style.

 

J.Crew

This casual cotton slub dress from my favorite girly line, Lilly Pulitzer is perfect for throwing on during a weekend at the beach.  Whether you're wearing it over a bathing suit and still barefoot, or you toss your hair and throw on a pair of Jacks for an evening of dining al fresco, you'll look fabulous in classic Palm Beach Style.  I think I'd pair this one with the enviable cork and gold Navajos.

Lilly Pulitzer

Then, there's this super casual, and super comfy looking linen romper from Old Navy.  I am always looking for alternatives to wearing gym clothes when I just want to be comfortable.  With shorts this short, it's only appropriate to have on flats, so why not some Jacks?  I think the hippie-style ones I showed above would be pretty! Add on a statement necklace like my favorite one from Francescas, and it would be just darling -- while still casual and comfy.

Old Navy

Alright y'all, this Jack Rogers Girl needs to focus on the Bachelor season finale... The drama is about to begin!! All my love!

Weekend Rollout: Everybody's Working for the Weekend

You know, every once in a while I love a good 80's track.  Loverboy just hit's the nail on the head, I mean, after all we do work for five days straight just to have two glorious days off on the weekend... hence "Everybody's Working for the Weekend."

I have fabulous, albeit SUPER confidential, plans this weekend... So I'll have to share what I did on Sunday when I post my weekend wrap-up.  But to tide you over, I've provided two fabulous playlists... depending on what you're in the mood for, I think one of them could make it on to a mix CD and into your stereo for the, ahem, weekend.

Ok. So there's some Glee sneaking in on on this playlist, sue me.  It fits. Believe me.

• Bad - The Cab
• Better With the Lights Off (feat. Chris Brown) - New Boyz
• Black or White (Glee Cast Version) - Glee Cast
• Cheers (Drink To That) - Rihanna
• Domino - Jessie J
• Fly / I Believe I Can Fly (Glee Cast Version) - Glee Cast
• Hair - Lady Gaga
• I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston
• Look At Me Now (feat. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes) -- Chris Brown
• Marry You - Bruno Mars
• Not Over You - Gavin DeGraw
• Part of Me - Katy Perry
• Shake It Out  - Florence + The Machine
• Starships - Nicki Minaj
• Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) - Kelly Clarkson
• Super Bass - Nicki Minaj
• We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe) - Fun. 
• Wild Ones (Radio Mix) - Flow Rid A

This the music I grew up on, and some other songs that start to sound like the music I grew up on.

• Desperado - The Eagles
• The Chain - Fleetwood Mac
• Songbird - Eva Cassidy
• Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles
• Sweet Baby James - James Taylor
• Piece of my Heart - Janis Joplin
• Can't Help Falling in Love - Ingrid Michaelson
• Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
• Girl with One Eye - Florence and the Machine
• Change is Gonna Come - Gavin DeGraw
• You are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne
• Jolene - Zac Brown Band
• All Along the Watchtower - Dave Matthews Band
• Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
• You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go - Miley Cyrus
• Renegade - Styx
• Cryin' - Aerosmith
• Hell on Heels - Pistol Annies

Enjoy, y'all! See you on the flip side.

101 Things in 1001 Days

This post is entirely inspired by Mackenzie Horan of Design Darling.  I read her 101 Things in 1001 Days post a few days ago, and I was inspired to write my own.  In fact, I tweeted her and told her that based upon her list, I thought we'd be great friends... I never said I wasn't accidentally creepy with enthusiasm.  Believe me, things can get real weird.

Ah, I digress... Without further ado, here is my list:

Start Date:  March 8, 2012
End Date: December 4, 2014

1. Come up with 101 things and figure out the date of 1001 days later. (March 7, 2012)
2. Inspire someone to write a 101 list of their own! Please let me know via comments or twitter if you do this!
3. Take a "family vacation" with my best friends.
4. Establish Sarah Anne Watson Design as a real, functioning business. 
5. Do something I never thought I'd do.
6. Plan one of my best friends' weddings.  *hint, hint*
7. Run another Half Marathon.
8. Visit as many restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives as I possibly can.
9. Get a tattoo that means something.*  (Exempt from 1001-day deadline)
10.  Visit NYC, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Austin, Chicago, Atlanta and Charleston. 
11. Go on an adventure.
12. Have a memorable first date that leads to a second. (and maybe more.)
13. Redecorate my bedroom.
14. Get back on Pointe. 
15. Choreograph something remarkable.
16. Take a master class in contemporary ballet.
17. Hike to the summit of a mountain.
18. Incorporate yoga as a regular part of my routine.
19. Sing karaoke.
20. Write a book of lessons I've learned and who I learned them from.
21. Rescue a shelter dog.  
22. Watch all of the Harry Potter movies back to back.
23. Buy a Louis Vuitton Speedy bag.
24. Dance in an official performance.
25. Drink only water for one week. 
26. Learn to ballroom dance. 
27. Take a photo-a-day for a month.
28. Define my "big dream" and ultimate career goal.
29. Found Anne Alan Design with Victoria.
30. Join the Junior League.
31. Work for a dream client or company.
32. Design and build my online portfolio site.
33. Sell my designs in a boutique.
34. Invest in something timeless.
35. Write a column and have it published.
36. Spend a day doing the "touristy" things in my city.
37. Visit an organic farm.
38. Learn to sew.
39. Memorize 101 passages of scripture.
40. Find a home church.
41. Increase my strength and flexibility.
42. Get photo-worthy abs.
43. Snowboard (again) in Breckenridge.
44. Make a substantial donation to charity.
45. Make homemade pickles.
46. Go to a beach NOT in Florida.
47. Watch all nominated movies before awards season starts.
48. Eat Fried Chicken and Waffles.
49. Go fishing and cook/eat a fish I caught.
50.  Memorize the phone numbers of my best friends.
51. Make 5 new, meaningful friends.
52. Host a party.
53. Bike the full distance of Davis Island and Bayshore.
54. Eat at the Taco Bus.
55. See the works of Jackson Pollack in a museum.
56. Drink champagne for no reason at all.
57. Learn to make a Margarita without mix.   
58. Shadow someone who has my dream job (after identifying said dream job.)
59. See Dave Matthews Band in concert. 
60. Read the works of C.S. Lewis.
61. Have a picnic.
62. Eat vegetarian for one full day each month.
63. Be hired to do the decoration in someone's home. 
64. Go to Disney at Christmas. 
65. Meet a celebrity.
66. Maintain perfectly manicured hands for at least a month.
67. Learn sign language.
68. Build a collection of jewelry.
69. Go camping.
70. Pull an all-nighter doing something worthwhile.
71. Keep a Thankful Journal.
72. Get business cards.
73. Re-watch Gilmore Girls from start to finish.
74. Learn a new skill.
75. Post 25 recipes to the blog.
76. Post 25 design clients to the blog.
77. Write a blog post about all DIY projects.
78. Embrace photography as an art, and take more pictures.
79. Get a tour of the University of Tampa from Nammie and Papa.
80. Try on my mother's wedding dress.
81. Go ice skating.
82. Post 775 OOTD photos.
83. Attend 10 Gator Football games.
84. Land a quadruple pirouette.
85. Wear an amazing gown to a black-tie event.
86. Kiss in the rain.
87. Buy authentic cowboy boots.
88. Grow my hair out till it's longer than my ribs.
89. Participate in a pub crawl.
90. See 50 movies in theaters. (The Hunger Games, 5 Year Engagement)
91. Be a bridesmaid.
92. Attend a Magic game in the new Arena.
93. Watch 20 documentaries. 
94. Clear my email inbox and establish organization that will help me maintain it.
95.  Frame and hang my diploma.
96. Try five foods I've never eaten.
97. Read 25 books.
98. Improve my posture.
99. Get 8 hours of sleep every night for a full week.
100. Hold a newborn baby.
101. Witness a child master a skill I teach them.  

Here's what I learned by writing this list... It's hard to put your finger on 101 things you want to do in the somewhat near future, but when you do, it's incredibly inspiring.  Like right now for example, I don't want to go to bed, I want to cross something off my list!  Anyway, tomorrow begins my journey, why don't you start yours, too?

Wedding Wednesday: The Best Video I Ever Did See

I love wedding photos.  I love the artistic shots. I love the required group shots of family members with the bride and groom. I love the candid moments captured forever. I. Love. Photos.  But, of late, I've realized that there's something photos don't do.  They don't suck you back into the moment the way that a video can.  When I saw this video, I cried three times.  (I don't even know these people.) Three times. And not just little tears, this was legitimate crying.  Anyway, before I start saying too much and killing the real emotion of your first viewing, watch the video for yourself.  See you on the flipside, good luck not crying...

Dead Hearts: The Wedding of Victoria and Jason Evigan from Lightfield Lewis on Vimeo

And, that my friends is how you commemorate a wedding day.  I mean, with the Nana, and the dubstep, and the recording of the groom actually singing his own wedding song.  Come on.  It couldn't be more emotionally perfect.  It captures the vibe of their wedding perfectly.  Maybe the vibe of your reception is less Skrillex and more Big band.  Maybe you're not donning a halo of daisies, but rather a tiara of diamonds.  Who cares, a video has the capability to bring together sights and sounds that evoke the feel of your big day.  I just plain love this video.  Maybe it's the journalist in me and that this feels like it tells the full story in a nice neat package. I mean, after watching this video I felt like I knew the couple, and I could have been at their wedding.  That's a job well done if you ask me.  Kudos Lightfield Lewis, and I mean kew-dos.

Products I Love, Vol. 1: Hair

Sorry y'all. had to take a bit of a personal day yesterday. I hope you understand... on to the rest of the blog! 

If I'm being honest, I get a lot of compliments on my hair.  Maybe it's because it's red, it stands out more? Half the time, I think people are crazy for saying it looks good because I've got flyaways and frizz and there are pieces that are straight when it's supposed to be curly... and, oh man, some days I have a hot mess of what was wet hair in the morning but is just a tangled mass of now dried hair twisted into some semblance of a bun.   But some days, I am rather impressed with its ability to do what I ask and hold a style.  Here's how I get my hair to look good...


Wen Cleansing Conditioner and Straightening Balm
I'm not going to lie, when I first heard about this product it sounded real weird. I mean, you don't WASH your hair... But now, I'm darn near addicted.  The whole point of it is to stop the stripping process induced by most marketed shampoos.  The ingredients in shampoo that create the lather strip your hair of its natural oils causing frizz, breakage, dullness and general unhealthiness.  Your scalp is dried past the point of being cleaned to actually being damaged by the lack of nourishing oils keeping the delicate skin and hair follicles hydrated.  I got my first bottle of Wen for Christmas from my sister who knows much more about hair and beauty products.  I'm now on to my second and I've started using the Wen straightening balm.  (It's amazing!)  It's a bit of an expensive venture ($29 for the bottle shown in the pic, which is 12 oz.) but I must say it's totally worth it.  I can go longer between haircuts because I get very few split ends, and I spend less on hair dye (yes, I dye from the box to help my hair stay red, #goinggreyat23isnotcool) because Wen doesn't strip the color as fast, so maybe it all evens out in the end. You can buy Wen here or here.  I use the Almond Mint variety, but it comes in some AMAZING scents. I've used the Pomegranate and the Lavendar and both smelled wonderful.


Loreal Ever Pure Shampoo and Conditioner
Well now that I've explained to you why I love Wen, let me also explain why I have a bottle of this phenomenal shampoo and conditioner in my shower.  Sometimes my hair gets REAL dirty.  I am a dance teacher AND a dancer, and I take a weekly cycling class, and sometimes I take a shower where I only wash my face and body (Sue me, hair gods, I have to get to work on time!)  Needless to say, when my hair is soaked with sweat or has become a relative oil-slick due to my lifestyle, I like to wash it and start over with an, ahem, clean slate.  That said, if I was my hair with Shampoo and condition regularly, I use Wen, too!  I always make a point to at least work some Wen through my ends.   I use Wen more often than not, but if I HAVE to wash my hair so I can maintain my sanity peace of mind, I use these sulfate-free products... which are still less damaging than the typical shampoos on the market. 


1 in. Barrel Curling Iron:
This thing is my BEST friend.  And it's a cheap Conair from Target! I've invested in some really nice curling irons in my life, but I always come back to this one.  It's ceramic so it smoothes my hair nicely, and the clamp on the barrel doesn't pinch my hair very tight, so it doesn't pull or break the strands of my hair.  


For curls (use only a small amount in the ends or NO product when you blowdry):  Holding the curling iron perpindicular to the floor, curl from the root of the hair down to the ends in small increments, each time pulling a bit farther down the strand and curling all the way back up to the root.  Always curl away from your face.  Be sure to divide your hair in layers and spray each layer with hairspray before moving on to the next layer.


I love this "How to Curl Your Hair" video tutorial from Kate at The Small Things Blog. 


For volume (use root lifter or volumizing mousse to blow dry):  Holding the curling iron parallel to the floor, clamp the section of hair near the root, pull up toward the ceiling til the clamp is around the ends of the hair, roll all the way back to the root and hold for several seconds.  Try to keep the curling iron parallel to the floor at all times, this maintains volume instead of getting haphazard ringlets. Be sure to divide your hair in layers and spray each layer with hairspray before moving on to the next layer.


Tresemme Tres Two Ultra Fine Mist Hairspray:
This is the best hairspray OF. ALL. TIME. period.  The fine mist disperses into your hair to hold your style without creating helmet hair.  I love it.  It's only $3.98 at the drug store and it's the best 4 dollars I spend every month. Moving on.


Bobby Pins:
There's an old adage that if you can't fix something with duct tape, it can't be fixed.  Well that's how I feel about bobby pins and hair.  If you can't do it with bobby pins, it can't be done.  Whether it's securing a ballet bun, tossing an updo, pinning back my bangs or securing my stretchy headband for cycling class, I use bobby pins almost every day.  This is one of my go-to hairstyles -- a lovely half-up-half-down style with curled (or straight) ends.  It makes getting your hair out of your face classy and cute without having to wear a ponytail.  And it can quickly be converted into a full updo (see below for similar) for nighttime or a special event.  (Both images are from Pinterest, here and here.)

Flyties: 
I don't know how many of you are fans of the new feather hair extensions trend, but I am a big fan.  I have 3 "bundles" of Fine Featherheads feathers in my hair, which is about 21 separate feathers.  I have natural, turquoise, white and lime green pops of color that stand out from behind my right ear. I love them.  They're pretty easy to maintain, and virtually impossible to damage, but one thing that can damage them is too-tight hair ties.  Fine Featherheads has just released new hairties called "Fly-Ties" (I've seen similar products on the market.)  I just bought them a week ago, and I already LOVE them. Plus, they come in tons of fun colors!  

Image via Fine Featherheads

Alrighty, then that's all for today...  All my love y'all. Oh and...

KEEP ENTERING TO WIN THE SARAHANNEWATSON DESIGN GIVEAWAY on THE COLLEGE PREP!