"pinned" fashion...

With school already in full swing, I've been finding that my brain reaches it's max by around 9:00PM (granted I've been starting at around 9:30AM, so I get about 12 hours in). To help unwind, I do one of many things: listen to music, watch TV, play Lego Batman on the Wii (don't judge), or - more recently - look at various things on Pintrest. Tonight, I looked at "winter" fashion...

Source: Uploaded by user via Lauren on Pinterest

Source: witwhimsy.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Lauren on Pinterest

(Make note, these are for winter in central CA, not CT or any other places with snow)

Sadly, I won't be able to wear these if we keep having this amazingly unseasonable weather (it's supposed to be 77 tomorrow). I guess I'll just have to look up spring fashion then! :)

blimeycow...

I just recently discovered this dude on Youtube, and I'm sad that I only just now discovered him! I don't think I've ever actually seen a Christian comedian on Youtube - it's a nice change from the usual "PG-13" rated channels.
He has a lot of just fun quirky vids, but also a few relationship advice vids that are, actually, pretty spot-on (for me, at least). I think this one is my fave so far - it's so true!!

no light, no light {sotw}...

Yep, I just can't get enough of Florence. Her music is so unique and original, I can't help but love it.
I haven't heard all of the songs on her new album yet, but I've heard the "top" songs and I definitely know why they're at the "top"...they sound so good! I'm too stingy to buy the CD, but I'll be listening to it online a lot.
My pick for the SOTW is one of her newest songs. I love the rich, deep music in this song. So full and satisfying.

My SOTW: No Light, No Light; by Florence + The Machine.

photo shoot {alex & sarah}...

I was blessed to have the opportunity to take some photos of my dear friend, Sarah, and her boyfriend, Alex. As I said in my previous post, they are truly a wonderful couple, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for them in the future. Love you guys!!

heading home...

After one super quick week with my awesome bestie, I'm heading home to SLO today. I had such an amazing "good for the soul" kind of weeks that only laughing with your best friend since childhood can bring. Exactly what I needed before another long semester of school.
Before I left, I had the privilege of taking some couple's shots for Sarah and her boyfriend, Alex. I don't think I've ever seen to much whole-hearted devotion to God and to each other before I saw these two's relationship. They have such a pure, honest friendship and love that you can clearly see why God put them together. I can't wait to show you more of the shoot! But I have to go through 140 photos first. :)

my brownie...

Sarah's Dad has an auction business in Greenville, and we helped out at the auction tonight. We were in the back when this camera came into the bidding line, and I thought it had been sold. Right before we left, I started to say that I was a little disappointed that I had missed the bid on the camera. Little did I know that they hadn't sold it and the dude was still there! So I jumped out of the car with style (almost doing a face plant), ran back to the seller and bought my "new" 1957(ish) metal-cased Kodak Brownie Camera...for only $5. I'd say that's a pretty good deal.
The interior of the camera is in great condition, and the dude said it uses s.620 film, so I could probably use it. But I don't think I will. I'd rather clean it up really well and have it as a nice decorative piece on a bookshelf, cube, etc.
Yep, definitely a good find. Wonder what else I might find here? :)

my bestie boost...

I will be flying out of San Francisco tomorrow morning and heading to Greenville, South Carolina to visit my very best friend, Sarah. We have known each other since we were in diapers, and she is truly my go-to gal for anything and everything. Whether it's a confidante, or a gentle/strong push to get me in the right direction, Sarah's the girl.
I only get to visit once a year, and I can't tell you how excited I am to see her. You don't realize how much you need a "bestie boost" until they're on the other side of the country.
I'm so stoked to head out...I better start packing!

adele {aoty}...

I was really struggling with what song to do for my first SOTW for 2012. You can't really tell what song will be the biggest hit of the up-coming year. Then I thought, "Why not pick one of the biggest artists of 2011 and choose one of their songs?" So, that's exactly what I did. Who did I choose? None other than Adele.
Adele has made an incredible comeback with her album 21. The songs are rich, heartfelt, and honest. She says it like it is, which may be one of the reasons she's loved by so many.
My fave song of hers - by far - has to be Set Fire To The Rain. The music is mixed so well, and really showcases her voice. I seriously love it.

So, my SOTW and artist of the year (AOTY): Set Fire To The Rain, by Adele.

2011 {love}...

Looking back on 2011, there were so many memorable moments that in order to honor them and fully recollect and share the experiences with you would take another year!
I can recall going through so many emotions (more so than actual events) in the past year that I never could have predicted I'd have. I had to evaluate and resolve many emotions in order to rebuild and revive others.
I lost some, found others. I longed for some and was repulsed by others. I ached over some and cried because of them. I wish I could get rid of some yet I know I will always have them. I long and pray for some that I've never had, but I'm so anxious to have. I've gone through so many emotions. But the biggest one that stands out: love.
I love to love, and I long to be loved. This was, and has long been, a struggle for me. I'm constantly surrounded by love, relationships, commitments, marriages, families; it gets a little lonely in this ever-growing sea of relationships.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love and am so happy for all of my friends and family who are lucky enough to have that special someone. I'm just flat out jealous, is all. (darn you sin)
Throughout this past year, God has been and continues to call me back to Him. I'm constantly reminded that that little (actually pretty big) ache in my chest, that I THINK is me wanting that hand to hold while I walk down the street, is really the Holy Spirit aching for a deeper relationship with me.
I mean, I think I got it rough? How about the One who, out of true and pure love, made us and is continually pursuing us; and yet we keep giving Him constant rejection. Now that would make me depressed.
At times, it is SO incredibly hard to love someone who you can't see or touch, and I will always long for that physical love that only a hug or a hand-hold from my boyfriend can bring. But I need to remember that God needs to come first. He's my first Love, and I need to build a strong, faithful, and loving relationship with Him before I pursue another. I mean, He did make me after all. I at least owe Him that much.
This year, I will continue to pray for my future husband. I will pray that he will continue to pursue God much more than I do. I will pray that he will constantly be reminded of His love and mercy, yet also His just anger and jealousy. I will pray that when we meet, He will pursue me almost as much as he pursues God - but not more than Him.
This year, I hope you too will be encouraged to pursue and cultivate your relationship with your first Love. I know I am. :)