Auld Lang Syne

Happy New Year!

What are your New Years resolutions? I don't really make any. If I had to choose something, I think I'd like to be more organized (and a bit more fit).

Enjoy the holiday! Don't forget to "drink a cup of kindness yet."

Nine

Has anyone seen Nine yet? I can't decide if it's worth the $10 to see it in the theater. What do you think?

Niiiice

Chance and I ended up doing quite well for ourselves this Christmas. Not only did we receive lots of necessities for our apartment (pots and pans, a couch, etc.) but our families were also nice enough to give us fun stuff too (movies, candy, etc.). I am so grateful to have such a generous family and to be so welcomed by Chance's family - and not just because they bestowed a bunch of loot upon us. We're lucky people. I should really say that more often.

What Christmas gifts are you must excited about? Who are you most grateful for?

It's Complicated

This looks so cute!

And I'm Off

The Christmas celebration continues! I'm off to Alabama for a few days to visit family. I hope you enjoyed your holiday! I'll leave you with one of my traveling companions, Bailey.

Sex and the City

The trailer for Sex and the City 2 has been released. What do you think? I'm rather skeptical about this one...

Merry Christmas

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Peace on Earth and good will to men!






(Image courtesy of Joshua Davis)

I Wish It Was Christmas Today

Merry Christmas Eve! Enjoy this adorable video of Julian Casablancas on Jimmy Fallon's show.



I hope you have a happy Christmas Eve! It's my father's birthday today, so a very "happy birthday" to him as well.

My Sister's Keeper

At the encouragement of a friend, I am finally getting around to reading My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. It is quite sad but definitely worth picking up.



What have you been reading lately?



(Image via http://www.ala.org/)

The Lovers

Would anyone like to buy me this print of Otto Mueller's The Lovers? It's one of my all-time favorites. It needs to be in my bedroom.

(Image via http://www.art.com/)

Peonies

On a brighter note, I have turned to googling gorgeous springtime plants to pass the time while I am snowed in. I am particularly taken with peonies. Whenever I see them in my grandmother's yard, I know that spring is in full swing. Unfortunately, it's rather early for me to already be thinking of a warmer season as it is just now officially winter. Not to worry, winter, I cherish you too.

(Images via Oh Joy!, Sweet Fine Day, and Ruby Press respectively)

RIP Brittany Murphy

I just heard news that Brittany Murphy has died.

(Image courtesy of movies.about.com)

This girl seriously affected my preteen self (hello?! Clueless). I also loved her in Uptown Girls, Sidewalks of New York, and Girl, Interrupted.

My thoughts are with her family. I think it is very sad to hear of young people dying for no good reason.

James Franco

Can anyone tell me what this fella is doing on General Hospital?


(Image courtesy of hollywire.com)

Survey Time!

Well, we're officially snowed in with about twenty inches of snow and counting. Chance and I ventured out into the snow to make some snow angels and throw clumps of snow at each other (it's too soft for real snowball fights). For the most part, we've been cooped up inside watching the local meteorologist freak out about "crushing the records" for the most snowfall for a Virginia December and some bad Lifetime movies Christmas style.



Getting snowed-in can make you feel a bit stir crazy. Thus, a survey:

What’s your current obsession?
Christmas. Thinking about the new apartment (did I mention I’m moving at the beginning of January?)

What’s your weirdest obsession?
I suppose my magazine obsession is a little weird – it can be rather costly.

What are you wearing today?
Comfy pajama pants and a sweater. The essential snowed-in outfit.

Why is today special?
Because it breaks the record of total snowfall in Virginia. It’s the first day Chance and I played in the snow together.

What would you like to learn to do?
Cook, knit, and various other domestic activities that I do not do.

What’s the last thing you bought?
Christmas gifts for my mom and Chance.

What are you listening to right now?
Serendipity. An appropriately cheesy movie.

What’s your favorite weather?
I love the first warm days of spring. They’re shockingly refreshing. Snow feels more magical than any other weather though, so I love it too.

What’s your most challenging goal right now?
Finish Christmas shopping, wrapping, cleaning, and packing up all my stuff prior to Christmas

What do you think about the person who tagged you?
I wasn’t tagged. I happened to find this on a gorgeous blog that I just discovered today, Sweet Fine Day.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
I’d either like a farm in the country or a spacious apartment in the NYC’s West Village.

Favorite vacation spot?
My favorite places to go: New York City, Savannah, New Orleans, Munich.

What would you like to have in your hands right now?
A warm cup of hot chocolate and some popcorn.

What would you like to get rid of?
Just a little bit of snow so I can actually get out for some food!

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
London, to see it sparkle at Christmas.

Which language do you want to learn?
I’d like to refresh my German.

What super power would you like to possess?
I’d like to be able to travel and get things done at warp speed.

What’s your favorite thing about the city you live in?
I love seeing the mountains. I love that we have a lot of fun stuff to do but we still have a small town atmosphere.

What’s your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?
Jean skirt. Simple, comfortable, wearable with anything.

What’s your dream job?
Editor for a great magazine, children’s book writer, and co-owner of a café/bookstore with my best friend.

If you had $150 now what would you spend it on?
House wares.

Do you admire anyone’s style?
Yes - I love Zooey Deschanel, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Drew Barrymore.

Describe your personal style.
Simple. I adhere to the less-is-more philosophy.

Who’s fashion show would you want tickets to?
Stella McCartney.

Who’s closet would you want to raid?
Zooey Deschanel’s for sure.

What are you most proud of?
That I’m actually starting to achieve goals that I’ve set myself (especially the fact that I’m able to write for a magazine right now)

Let It Snow!

"What a lark! What a plunge!" After staying in all day to wrap presents and clean, Chance and I ventured into the snow because his mom and sisters were stuck in the road. Several hours later, we're finally back home. The snow is now up to my knees! It finally feels like Christmas. I am in love with snow.

Christmas Time in the Country

A celebration is in order because I officially started my Winter Break at about 3:45 this morning. I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Now, it's Christmas decorating, shopping, and wrapping around the clock.

My lovely friend Alison has already spread the Christmas cheer by bestowing lovely gifts upon me today. Not only does she make the best salad-and-bread combo but she knows exactly what gifts will fill my heart with joy.

(Image courtesy of http://www.creativelydifferentblinds.com/)

Beatrix Potter never gets old for me. I don't care how old I get or how many books I read, I don't think I'll ever like any author as much as Beatrix Potter. The Tale of Little Pig Robinson is shockingly one I have not read. Illustrations of pigs in proper little outfits. What could be better?

(Image copyright Sharon Montrose)

Sharon Montrose's animal prints are so gorgeous. Alison knows that I have a weird love of cute animal butts, so this could not be more suitable. It will adorn my walls very soon.

I absolutely adore winter days.

Vogue

I didn't get any farther down my to-do list today. Sorry for the short post, but I'm intending to begin my last exam in a few minutes. I'll leave you with my most recent distraction:



(Image courtesy of nymag.com)

To-Do

To-Do List:

Haircut for the holidays
Anthropology Exam
Austen and Woolf Exam
Christmas shopping
Present wrapping

I'm slowly working my way through my to-do list. I'll complete my last exam tomorrow and then I'm free to shop 'til I drop. Can't wait.

Countdown

It's only Monday and I'm already looking forward to the weekend.

The countdown has begun; I'm approaching my last days of fall semester. I completed one exam today and feel exhausted (History of Literature III, for those who are interested). That means three classes down and two to go. I have take-home exams (my favorite kind) in Anthropology and Austen & Woolf. I can't wait to be done! Let's hope I stay good and productive and get them done by Wednesday.

It's been hard to focus on studying when I have Christmas shopping on my mind and carols on the radio. I have been especially distracted by the Charlie Brown Christmas song this year. Any particular song getting you in the Christmas spirit?

Christmas List

What's on your Christmas list this year? I've just started making mine (I know, late as usual). My wishlist includes:

(Image courtesy of www.amazon.com)

(Image courtesy of listal.com)

(Image courtesy of ikea.com)

I have exams tomorrow, so I'll see you on the other side. Enjoy what's left of the weekend!

Checking In

It's a busy time for me right now. I have three exams left and a big change has just presented itself. I'll try to share more soon. For right now I can just say that I'll be running around like crazy for the next month.

For a quick break, I keep picking up this:


(Image courtesy of www.rightcelebrity.com)

I freakin' love Natalie Portman. Have you seen Brothers? It's one of the most intense movies I have seen in a long time. If you haven't seen it yet, GO!

The Triumphant Return

What do you do when you're feeling really uninspired?

I'd love to know, as I've felt that way for the last couple of months (perhaps that's why I've let my regular posting fall by the wayside?). I have felt drained and like I have nothing of significance to say. Do you ever get that way? Maybe it's because the weather is getting colder, the days are shorter, and school just won't end (except that I'm only three exams away from the end of my second to last undergrad semester). I know that it's a selfish kind of sadness, but I just can't help it.

I'd like to kick my butt in gear and knock myself out of this funk by borrowing an idea from someone else (someone in the blogosphere, not sure who): I'm going to try to write something everyday for a month. 31 days.

This counts as one. Just to be clear.

So, I'm back. Again. Good tidings to you are in order. Can you believe it's already December? We're approaching a new month, a new year, a new decade. Already. Time passes way too quickly. In the midst of the Christmas shopping hubbub, I'm hoping to slooooow dooooown and appreciate one of my absolute favorite times of year.

My favorite things about this time of year:
-lights cover things that are generally not covered in lights - trees, bushes, porches, etc.
-snow! (we've had snow BEFORE Christmas for the first time in years)
-my mother breaks out her holiday sweaters and socks and wears them well into January (one of the most endearing things about her)
-gift giving reaches new heights (I find shopping for others more satisfying than shopping for myself)
-I don't seem weird for only ordering hot chocolate at Starbucks
-fun Christmas lists fill the pages of magazines and are featured on blogs (a la A Cup of Jo)
-it's the time of resolutions, new beginnings, showing your appreciation for others, and spending time with the people you love most

See you here tomorrow.

The Concrete Jungle where Dreams are Made of

Chance and I went to New York City recently. We were fortunate enough to go to two shows, Rock of Ages and Memphis. Memphis is a new musical at the Shubert Theatre; its Opening Night is this Monday, October 19. Anyone planning on being in the New York area sometime soon should definitely go see this show. I loved it! These were my first Broadway shows and they were both awesome. I'm hooked!

We also spent a lot of time in Central Park. We went to Belvedere Castle, the Lake , and the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. I love that the park is so peaceful even though it's full of people.





We also went to The American Museum of Natural History. On the way there, Chance and I bumped into none other than Dustin Hoffman. Fortunately, I did not embarrass myself by grabbing him and giving him a hug. He just walked on by while my mouth gaped open.

Another great thing we got to do was Top of the Rock. We went up there as the sun was setting, so pictures weren't that good. Nonetheless, it was an absolutely remarkable view. My favorite building, The Chrysler Building, was glittering in the sun. It was magnificent.





We did a bunch of other stuff. It was just an absolutely wonderful time. Over the past couple of trips, I've fallen head over heels for the city. I'm crossing my fingers that I will be there this time next year.

The Big, Bad City

During my recent fall break, I headed up to good old New York. I did tons of fun stuff, but info and pictures will have to wait. I'll see you on the other side of a paper and my last two midterms. Until then...


(Chance is to thank for the photo)

Hi!

Hello folks. I apologize for being gone so long. Can you tell things are crazy?

In my absence, it became autumn. I cannot believe how quickly time is passing. Midterm exams are coming up soon, which just completely boggles my mind. There are lots of fun things going on despite all of the chaos. Since I've been gone for a while, I thought I'd give you the rundown regarding what's been going on as of late.

Working on: the October/November issue of albemarle. It will be on newsstands very soon. I am so excited and proud of this issue. I can't wait to hold it in my hands!

Listening to: "Empire State of Mind" - Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys. I think this will be my theme song for the next year. "In New York/ concrete jungle where dreams are made of/There's nothing you can't do/Now you're in New York/These streets will make you feel brand new/big lights will inspire you." Love it!

Looking at: Marie Claire featuring Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page. Vogue featuring Michelle Williams. I love all of these beautiful, strong women!

Watching: The Wackness. Chance and I rented this movie over the weekend. It seems like the desired audience is Chance to a 'T.' Even though I'm not Chance, I thought it was a really good movie.

Reading: Emma by Jane Austen and In Our Time by Ernest Hemingway. This is just a small portion of my assigned reading, but they're both interesting and completely different from one another.

Looking forward to: U2 concert. They're coming to my town next week and I can't wait! It's going to be a great show.

Waiting for: Whip It! Drew Barrymore's directorial debut that comes to theaters on October 2. I love, love, love this girl and I am so excited about her movie. It looks awesome!

Welcome to C-Ville

I recently stumbled upon Kirei Nest, a gorgeous site by Nicole Ossola focusing on 'daily registry and gifting inspiration.' I especially love the site's feature called Locale Lovelies. Special guests from blog-land share lists of what they would include in a welcome basket for people new to their state. I was led to this interesting site through MartaWrites (one of my absolute favorite blogs), as Marta was just featured there with her picks for Idaho.

I was happy to see that the site also has TWO Virginia features (here and here). I loved both of the lists, but it got me thinking of things that I would include in a welcome basket for people just arriving in Charlottesville.

First, I'd have to include some delicious fruits from Carter Mountain Orchard (peaches or apples, depending on the season). Right now, I'd be including some deliciously sweet Gala apples to start the fall season off right.


(Image courtesy of Carter Mountain Orchard)

With Charlottesville's growing wine market (and a few beer microbreweries), I'd have to include an adult beverage or two. With a shout-out to old T.J. (Thomas Jefferson was not only the third president of the United States, but he also lived in Charlottesville and founded UVA), I'd throw in a bottle of wine from Jefferson Vineyards. For the beer lovers, I'd include a seasonal choice from Starr Hill.

I would insist on adding something to satisfy one's sweet tooth. From BreadWorks, I would add a nice loaf of bread, a few Blueberry Streusel muffins, or Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter cookies.


(Image courtesy of http://www.joythebaker.com/)

Other Charlottesvillians would probably kill me if I didn't include bagels from Bodo's. My preference is a Cinnamon-Raisin bagel, so I'd add a few of those as well.


(Image courtesy of Bodo's)

Since there is some major UVA pride in Charlottesville, I would include a UVA foam finger or Cavalier Jelly Bellies.


(Image courtesy of UVA Bookstore)

And a welcome basket would never be complete without an issue of albemarle magazine.

(Image courtesy of albemarle magazine)

What a long list! The more I thought about it, the more I realized that there are TONS of great things about Charlottesville. My list could go on forever.

Project Runway

Has anyone else been watching the sixth season of Project Runway on Lifetime? I had my doubts about the network switch and about the show's move to Los Angeles (it was previously filmed in New York). Although I don't really like the coastal switch, I have been pleased with the show so far. It's been a little heavy on the celebrity appearances with Lindsay Lohan on the premiere episode and Rebecca Romijn on the most recent, but I like a lot of the designers and the challenges have been fun.

My favorite designers this season are:

Shirin Askari

Althea Harper

Louise Black

(Images courtesy of Lifetime)

Of course, this could change weekly! I hope you watch so we can discuss.

Print Will Never Die

Well, I made it through my first week alive (barely). This semester is going to be insanely difficult, as I have way too much on my plate already. Nonetheless, it's really exciting because it's my last year and I'll be doing a lot of really fun things.

In case you're interested, my readings for this week include:

A Room of One's Own, Virginia Woolf
Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad
Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen
Fantomina, Eliza Haywood
Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan

Along with my English classes, I am also taking an Anthropology course entitled "The World at Play." We'll be discussing humor, laughter, and why people find different jokes funny. It should be really interesting!

As you can tell by my reading list, I probably won't be around much! I am still doing my internship, which is tons of fun. On Friday, I met someone who used to intern at the magazine and is now working in publishing in Moscow. If only I could be so lucky! He discussed the state of the publishing industry with me a bit and, although he believes there is a rocky road ahead, he assured me that I should ignore the recent "get out now!" philosophy. It was really nice to hear some encouraging words, especially after the doubt I've recently had regarding my plans.

Back to School

It's getting to be that time again. In just a week, I will be returning to Jefferson's University for my final year.


(Image courtesy of UVA)

I'm dreading it a bit. I am worried about juggling work, a full course load, and an internship. I know I'll be ridiculously busy between the papers and the reading and rushing back and forth between tutoring, classes, and the magazine office. It will be a chaotic semester, but I hope it'll be an enjoyable one. I know once I'm walking along the lawn, watching the little squirrels burying their nuts and sitting in my classes listening to professors lecture about Jane Austen or Chinua Achebe, I'll settle in just fine.

Until then: panic. I've got books to buy, tutoring training, internship orientation, and a whole bunch of other time consuming tasks that I must accomplish before next week. Wish me luck! And don't hold a grudge if you don't hear from me for a while.

On a Lighter Note

Hugh Dancy was on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night.

(Image courtesy of kissfendi.com)

Along with promoting his new film, Adam, Hugh also discussed this strange project he is working on in which he and others photograph the carpeting in various airports across the world. They document their travels (and the carpets) in Carpets for Airports. Check it out! It's interesting to take a look at the strange, often tacky airport carpets around the world.

Wednesday Confessional

I've had a bit of nothing-to-do time in between my summer internship and the start of my fall semester. It's given me just enough time to freak out about my future. It's frightening to be facing my final year as an undergrad. It's going to be a busy, overwhelming year.

As I'm thinking about life after college, I feel like I have direction, which is actually new for me. It's a nice feeling, but I am also worried that I am headed into a dying industry. I shouldn't say dying. Publishing is a rapidly changing industry. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. It could actually be exciting, as I will be part of these changes. At the same time, I am worried for magazines. Many people are saying that the future won't be in print, but that magazines will be transformed into purely digital media. As someone who loves magazines, - loves holding them in my hands, loves filing them away - I fear the prospect of losing the aspects of print media that I cherish. Robert Sacks (www.bosacks.com) says that "It's the publishing model that is dead, not print" (from NYU-SCPS Center for Publishing). I suppose this is comforting. Nonetheless, it's certainly scary to be stepping onto shaky ground and into the unknown.

I've been reading all of this advice from "how to take away as much as possible from your internship" to "how to apply for jobs and pitch stories." It's frightening. Am I here already? It's becoming a little too real for me. It's also showing me that I have a lot of decisions to make. What aspects of publishing do I want to focus on? If I want to be a writer, what sort of publication do I want to write for? What experience do I really need? I'm hoping that the coming academic year will provide insight (and answers) to these questions.

I apologize for the 'heavy' nature of this post. It's certainly not necklaces and headbands.

Happy Monday

Sorry to continue gushing about Marion Cotillard, but I just had to share this adorable video from The New York Times Style Magazine. I think the small errors she makes when she speaks English are endearing. I just think she's beautiful and sweet and...there's just something special about her. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I do!



If you like this video, it is just one of a series called T Screen Test Films. There's a variety of actors featured, including Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Natalie Portman.

To Die By Your Side

Chance and I finally got to see (500) Days of Summer. We both thought it was delightful, but a bit melancholy. Zooey Deschanel is so cute and loveable and Joseph Gordon-Levitt has a heartbreakingly sweet face. I was so pleased to find this silly video featuring the two cutie-pies for "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?," a song from Zooey's collaboration with M. Ward, She & Him.


(Video courtesy of YouTube)

Enjoy the rest of this gorgeous Saturday!

Intern Thrills

My last day of my summer internship was on Wednesday. Fortunately, I extended my internship through the academic year, so basically I just have about a two-week vacation. I guess it's a good thing - I have things I need to do to get ready for school - but I'm going to miss the magazine for the two weeks I'm not there!

I went to the bookstore the other day and got one of the greatest thrills ever! I saw the August-September issue (the first that I've ever worked on) on the shelf with all of the other magazines. It was very exciting.

This is what the issue looks like:


(Image courtesy of albemarle magazine)

It is so wonderful to have a tangible thing to show for all of the work I've done over the summer. I can't wait to get back to the office and work on more issues of the magazine!

Wants: Hair Edition

Now that I have short hair, I feel the need to accessorize. I did some online shopping and could only find a few headbands that stood out.

Peacock Feather Headband:

(Image courtesy of Urban Outfitters)

Flower Headband:

(Image courtesy of Urban Outfitters)

Any suggestions??

Mad Men

I was reading The Girls in the Beauty Department (Glamour's daily beauty blog), and I discovered something super fun: MadMenYourself.com. In order to hype up the new season's premiere, Mad Men allows you to create a '60s version of yourself.

This is sort of me:



This is cool '60s me:



and this is a combo between real Chance and '60s Chance:



You should try it! It's strangely fun!

Today, I Like

Meryl Streep.

I saw Diane Sawyer's interview with Meryl on Good Morning America this morning. She was promoting Julie & Julia, which comes out on Friday - I can't wait!


(Image courtesy of www.wireimage.com)

I am always so impressed by Meryl Streep. I have an immense amount of respect and admiration for her. She has a fantastic view on life, beautiful kids, and a career that anyone would envy. She's one classy lady.

Changes

So, I had long hair a couple of days ago.



I decided to cut it and donate my hair. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite long enough for Locks of Love. So, I donated it to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Next time I grow it out, I'll make sure Locks of Love gets it.


(Don't mind the Goldfish - just a workday snack)

I definitely encourage other people to do this! There isn't really any reason not to. My long hair really grew on me and I ended up loving it. Nonetheless, I'm glad that my getting-ready time has basically been cut in half! It's a win-win.

Please consider donating your hair too!

Fun Week

Sorry for my absence this week. I've been ridiculously busy. First, I must tell you what Chance and I did over the weekend. We met my friend for one of the strangest events I have ever seen, CLAW: Charlottesville Ladies Arm Wrestlers.


(Image courtesy of CLAW)

Two ladies go head to head in an arm wrestling competition. There are various rounds with different arm wrestlers with names like "Spawn of Bridezilla" and "Pitbull." People have favorite competitors and bet on who they think will win. There are many penalties and do-overs. Best of all, the money raised from this awesome event goes to various charities and organizations, such as Books Behind Bars.

Last night, I stayed over at a local fire station to research a story I am doing. The firefighters were so nice and fun. They are volunteer, so they all have jobs or school work to do on top of this huge commitment. I was surprised how hard they worked even when not doing calls. I definitely have a new respect for the work they do. One of the funniest things I learned about the crew was that they love to watch Rescue Me. Who would have thought?! I love that.

I never thought I would have the opportunity to do so many fun and exciting things as an intern. I feel so lucky! Speaking of which, the new issue of the magazine arrived on Monday. I was so excited to see my first ever issue! I was able to mail copies to friends and family with little cards that had the magazine's logo. It was so much fun! It might sound silly, but the biggest thrill was seeing my name in print. I don't think I could have gotten a better internship!

Likes

This week, I'm loving:

-the new Sharpie no-bleed pen

(Image courtesy of www.sharpie.com)

-the Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt photo layout in InStyle

(Image courtesy of I Heart You)

-my iPhone - especially the People magazine application

(Image courtesy of iPhoneHelp)

And:

-bright, sunny days (they've been hard to come by this summer)

-extending my internship through the academic year (woohoo!)

-planning for next year (scary but fun)

A Star

(Image courtesy of marion-media.org)

This is Marion Cotillard. French actress. Oscar winner. My new girl crush.


(Image courtesy of marion-media.org)

I saw Public Enemies over the weekend. Of course, Johnny Depp was fantastic. No matter who/what he plays, he is charismatic and adorable. I also adored Marion in this. Usually Johnny Depp outshines his costars, but they really had fantastic chemistry. It was beautiful.

Away We Go

Chance and I recently saw Away We Go, one of the many movies on my must-see movie list.


(Image courtesy of Away We Go)

I had heard mixed reviews about the movie, but I loved it. I related to it so much. It was funny and sad and reminded me of so many things. Maya Rudolph is so, so delightful. John Krasinski's character is really quirky and funny. Maggie Gyllenhaal has a minor role, but is completely hilarious. She is one of my favorite people and I thought she was hysterical in this film. It was great! Days after, I'm still thinking about it.

Birthday Best

Sorry for my lack of posts as of late. It was my 21st birthday on Thursday. I've basically been celebrating since then. Not to worry, I didn't go overboard with the drinks, but I did fall in love with a Cotton Candy Cosmopolitan. Delicious.

I was given lots of really thoughtful gifts and many "happy birthday" wishes. It was a great day.

Among the favorites:

(Image courtesy of www.barnesandnoble.com)

My cousin gave me this moleskine reporter's notebook, which I love. It will come in handy as I start doing interviews more and more. I just love holding it. It's beautiful and sleek. I love journals and books, but I especially love this one. It's gorgeous.

(Image courtesy of happygirlgreetings)

Chance got me calling cards with a little typewriter on them. They're super cute and they make me feel professional. (Just in case, that's not my name and not my information. Please don't try to use that information). He ordered the cards from Etsy - happygirlgreetings.

(Image courtesy of www.apple.com)

My crazy nice parents saw me lusting over the iPhone I gave Chance for his birthday. So, they got me a white one. I am anxiously awaiting its arrival.

(Image courtesy of www.barnesandnoble.com)

My very thoughtful aunt gave me this book, The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children by Nancy Lamb. She knows about my love for children's books and my desire to publish a children's book some day (it's a dying art being taken over by celebrities, but I'll spare you...), so she gifted me with this book full of useful information. (She also gave me gorgeous pearl earrings, not pictured. Images don't do them justice!)

I got lots of other really fun, sweet stuff. In honor of my 21st, my sister bought me Hofbrauhaus beer, which is a really famous biergarten in Munich. We went there a few years ago (on a non-drinking trip), so she tracked down some of their beer for me to sample. Chance's sister handmade me little butterflies (I have a thing for butterflies) that are my favorite colors. She is ridiculously good at making things and I love them. Chance's parents got me John Lennon related items, as he is my idol. It was just a really perfect time!

I apologize for my long absence, but I'm back and better than ever!