Playlist: "Ain't Nothin' But A Tea Thang"

Hope these songs will mix well with your tea...or coffee or orange juice or mimosa? this morning.
If you're looking for fairly upbeat, happy songs to cheese out and maybe even dance a little in your chair to, these are it.



Wow, these vocals! Paired with finger-snapping (you know I love that) and the lyrics behind the voice of Mapei, this song is too catchy to not put on repeat.





This "tropical house" remix of Noosa's song "Begin Again" by Thero has had me wanting fresh pineapple and sand between my toes all week.





Isn't this song fun?! I have to say that it has a nice mix between being indie, pop, and electronic.

Thursday Threads: Extraordinary Night Out

Extraordinary Night Out by thezorya featuring a red skirt

Pied a Terre short sleeve top, $24 / Red skirt, $17 / Sole Society black wedge sandals / Rhinestone earrings / Giorgio Armani perfume fragrance

I just discovered the Giorgio Armani perfume Si and I'm in love!
Creating an outfit around the fragrance, I didn't want to go overboard, but still lovely--and sweet, gotta be sweet!

The top here is real unique. Along the chevron lines is actually a lacy pattern. It gives it a more feminine touch, which is great to go with that flirty mini skirt and strappy wedges. (I am dying to try on those wedges.) Just add some delicate earrings....and...voila! Spritz on some of that lovely perfume and you're ready for a night out.

{Widened Horizons}

I'm going to go ahead and dig in with this week's Widened Horizons post.
Starting with...this lovely pair of peach earrings!

Seriously adorable.



Next up are these cosmetic bags made with water resistant lining. They are too bold to pass up.




I was really taken by this duvet cover and how clean and cute it is. If my bedroom wasn't purple, I would most definitely pop this sucker on my bed in an instant!




I love these really neat, reasonably priced mugs that react to the sun!




The owl find I've discovered is this beautifully made stained glass owl. It's quite expensive, so I don't anticipate buying this anytime soon, but I can still look at it, right?

Quick Links: 

• The brain may flush out toxins during sleep

• 21 medical terms for every day problems

• Blueberry cucumber sparkler recipe 

Wordful Wednesday//Going to College with a Chronic Illness (Do's and Don'ts)

Thaaaat's me! My first year of college. I wish I still had that bod. But not that greasy hair. And not that lipring!
Can you believe my school's blacksmithing crew made that bench? Ahh, takes me back!

When I first started school--a year late, due to health problems--I was so nervous. Of course everyone's nervous, but my nerves were due to my illness and what I was going to do on my own. I bawled when my parents left that day. I wanted to fly from the nest, but it's so hard to do when you have a broken wing.

I did tough it out and I surprised myself along the way with how well I did--with grades and with how I changed as a person. However, going to college with a backpack of health problems is hard. That's why I'm here to try to help you birdies fly from the nest.
While I did end up medically withdrawing from college my last semester, and I'm still nursing my wounded wing, I do intend to finish what I started. I also want to help you by learning from my experiences and prevent you from making any of the mistakes that I made...


DO: If you're unable to walk long distances, either check to see if there's a service available to take you back and forth to classes (sometimes the public safety on campus will do this), or bring your car with you. If you are fortunate enough to have a car, get your doctor to sign for you a handicapped sticker. This will save you a lot of time searching for a parking space, and a lot of time walking.

DON'T: One of my biggest mistakes was that first of all, I picked a college that was nothing but hills. I couldn't complain much because, well, it was my dream school, but I was constantly out of breath and my body was frequently in pain. The college I went to also did not allow for freshmen to have cars on campus EXCEPT for people with disabilities. I didn't check for this exception and they told me only after I arrived on campus and had sold my car. Bummer! So make sure you check every mobility option BEFORE you arrive on campus.

Food from my college's vegan cafeteria 

DO: If you don't think you'll make it to every meal because of how awful you're always feeling, you can ask an RA/RD to bring you back some food from the cafeteria--they should offer these services. Or, if your school operated like mine, you can have a friend use the flex points that comes with their meal plan for you. Later on, perhaps you can do the same for them. At the very least, scope out a few close restaurants that aren't too bad healthy and ask a friend to pick you up something.

DON'T: I was too shy to ask anyone for help with food. I also didn't want to feel like a burden. When I did eat at school, I ate extremely healthy because the college was very eco-friendly and self-sustaining. When I was feeling really rough and just didn't think I could make it across campus, what did I do? I would either call in a delivery for Papa John's or chow down on the microwavable yuck I stockpiled from Wal-Mart. This only added weight to me, upped my insulin, and increased my inflammation. Plus, knowing I had food in my dorm room prevented me from going to the cafeteria where I could have been socializing instead.

You'll never find me!

DO: With socialization, you really do need to try to get out when you can. Trust me, that doesn't necessarily mean partying or running around playing extreme frisbee, exerting yourself to no end (been there, done that). Instead, find a like-minded group interested in a tame hobby and work on meeting regularly to knit, have a silent circle of drawing mandalas, or even just to watch movies!

DON'T: While I was friendly with many people, I didn't go to a lot of cool offerings at my school (I mean things like "Let's Make Hula Hoops" or "Learn to Craft Soap") because I didn't think I had enough expertise or I would imagine myself as the outcast. First of all, there's always going to be a beginner--or beginners, more likely--and most clubs or meetings are prepared for this and willing to teach you! Also, if you have the mindset that you're going to be ostracized, you're already setting yourself up for a bad experience. Try not to make excuses to get yourself out of an event that you kinda maybe want to go to; you might be taking away the opportunity to make a new friend!

My final words of advice:

• Subscribe to Netflix. It's a great escape.
• Get your own printer. You're not always going to be able to rely on the library.
• Try try try to go to classes, even if you have to walk out in the middle of them.
• Know your accommodations! Immediately speak with whoever is in charge of disabilities and accommodations on campus. Even try to talk to them before you arrive--be aware of what you need and if your requests can be met. I was able to request being able to wear sunglasses in the classroom, extra time needed for assignments, and a medical single dorm room (as well as other needs). 
• Try not to pick up any nasty habits. Smoking is a big one. And I was a failure on that part. Even drinking too much coffee can be harsh on your body. Try to stay nourished and hydrated. Buy a reusable water bottle--it's well-worth it. My favorite are these bottles from Nathan. 
• Buy a really organized medicine holder. I had a pretty small one in college (big mistake). I recently bought this one and have been in love ever since. 

Have fun! Be yourself! Don't quit just because you had one bad day.

You can do this!

Playlist: "Crisp Mornings"

I've had the good fortune to wake up to some wonderful crisp summer mornings lately.
With that inspiration in mind, I picked out some songs that I would jam to on one of these mornings--but that I thought you would enjoy too.




The lyrics to this song are sweet and fun. As is the song itself. Torrini's voice is so nice to hear in the mornings, and if you remember, I've featured her before on the blog. Can't get enough of her!




How can you not love this voice, first of all? It is so captivating--great for the morning, when you are still a little drowsy. While the lyrics are a bit more melancholic than the other songs listed today, I just couldn't help but add it because of the incorporated synth and how dreamy it sounds. Dreamy, "Fever Dream," get it?




Sounding a bit like a more chilled out version of The Black Keys, I just couldn't help but think this song was too mellow to pass up. The man behind Bahamas, Afie Jurvanen, has put forth a song that makes me relaxed, inspired, and happy. What more could you want?


Hope you're ready to take on the day now!

Macabre Monday: You're Next

If you've seen The Strangers, then you might have in mind the same idea that I did when coming into this film. 

However (and it's a big however), without giving away too much of the plot, I need to stress how less of a horror movie this really is because of how comical the scenes stretch themselves out to be. They aren't in-your-face comedic like Shaun of the Dead, for instance, but more of something along the lines of Evil Dead. You know--almost cheesy, that kind of deal. 

Like I said, I don't want to give away all the goods, so I want to tiptoe around my words with this review. But the basics of the plot are that a family gathers to celebrate the parents' 35th wedding anniversary at a secluded house. It seems obvious in one of the opening scenes who the main characters are going to be, including one of the children's cheerful, charismatic, Australian girlfriend, Erin. We learn more about the other children and the parents, but very little, because this is one of those movies that doesn't really seem to care about who's who.

Sharni Vinson as "Erin"

A few elements of this film that were reasons why it stayed with me were: well, my favorite is a spoiler, so there's that, but the others have to do largely with the music score (which is just one song, really), the juxtaposition between comedy and horror/suspense, and the beautiful camerawork. There is one scene in particular that happens where a character knocks a light bulb out and it's actually quite spectacular.

I know this film has been out since 2011, and I also know that it hasn't necessarily received the best reviews from critics. But this film doesn't play off of numerous jump scares or shaky camera movements (thankfully) like the norm; instead, it's one of those movies where the pacing is crucial and you will have nothing to do but sit with your knees knocking from suspense. There is a lot of carnage, but I wouldn't call this a slasher flicker, exactly... 

What I will say is that it's worth it to watch. It's fun and it's bloody and it includes a song from the '70s that you won't be able to get out of your head. Which may or may not be a good thing.

{Widened Horizons}

Golly, it's been a full week since I last posted.
I'll be back in the swing of things soon. With a chronic illness, you just never know what will come your way.
And lately, what's come my way has been a bit of everything.



I'm going to begin with a compliment for you guys (via plateandpencil). For putting up with me--especially when I do things like go on a week-long hiatus.

:)



The following earrings I picked out are stunning beyond belief. I have a feeling that anyone who is lucky enough to wear these will be getting better compliments than what I just dished out.




I love pleats. I don't know why I didn't realize it until the other day, but pleats are perfect in my eyes...especially on a flared dress.




The American Gothic painting should be pretty familiar to most, if not all, of you by all. (I love the parodies of it.) When I saw this painted American Gothic barn, it sort of took my breath away. I mean, really, how awesome is this?




As far as the owl find goes, I just love this throw, or tapestry, or whatever it can be used as. Perfect colors for fall and it just looks so cozy!




And finally, some words of wisdom from good ole Socrates:

Quick Links: 

• Chingy's Instagram is Hilarious 

• 11 Sandwich Mashups

• DIY Refashioned Flannel Infinity Scarf 

{Widened Horizons}

I'm hot, excited, and rearing to go for this week's Widened Horizons.
Of course, I'm probably hot because I have a fever. And a possible kidney stone.
I cannot win.

I won't put you through my misery, though. I'll just get straight to the goodies!



Anything upcycled wins points in my book. These unique record earrings fit into that category, and they are pretty cute too if I do say so myself.




I am a candle hoarder. There, I admitted it. I don't have enough of a problem for any kind of intervention (now my lotion hoarding on the other hand...), but I definitely need to stop shopping for them.
Well, at some point I'll stop shopping for them. But for now, check out this handmade blueberry and vanilla candle.




Who is into the palazzo pant trend? This girl. I don't know how I feel about all the crazy prints, but when I saw these chiffon pleated ones, I just knew they would work wonders on so many gals.




I couldn't figure out exactly where this is from, but the photograper is Jessica Antola and what I'm about to show you is just...OUT OF THIS WORLD.

Seeee? 


Looking for purses is a challenge. For example, my mom just went out hunting for a purse and it took her three hours. She came up with nothing.
What I like most about this beautiful bird-themed purse is that it's more of a crossbody type, which is basically the only type of purse I wear, and it has those awesome wooden buttons! I hope it finds a home soon.




I own 100 billion owl earrings, but I still want more. I'm greedy.
These owl find studs are different because it's just the head of the owl, and I really like that.




Finally, before the quick links, I just wanted to pull in something new for Widened Horizons: a visual quote.

I'm sure a lot of you, especially those of you--like myself--who are still trying to figure out what the heck is going on in life, can relate to this.
So dream it, build it, and they will come.
(just kidding. sort of.)

Quick Links: 

• Recycle Empty Bottles to Feed Stray Dogs (Genius)

• Clever Corner DIY Ideas

• Create Personalized Meal Plans  (Free, Awesome, and Kinda Fun?)

10 Movies from the '80s to Laugh Your Pants Off to

1. Just One of the Guys (1985)

From IMDb: Terry believes her teachers don't take her serious, just because she's a pretty girl. When she fails to win a journalism contest, she decides to switch schools - and gender. She plays her role well and is accepted as one of the guys. However then she meets Rick... and likes him.

If you've seen and enjoyed She's The Man, a modern film many critics compare this film to, then you can perhaps get a grip on why I love this film so much. It's quirky, it's cheesy (but hey it was the '80s), and it will probably never be on any "the best movie ever" list, but it's cute and fun and a great romantic comedy no matter the decade.

2. Airplane! (1980)

The clip I've included makes me chuckle every time I see it. That's one way to get through the airport!

From IMDb: Still craving for the love of his life, Ted Striker follows Elaine onto the flight that she is working on as a member of the cabin crew. Elaine doesn't want to be with Ted anymore, but when the crew and passengers fall ill from food poisoning, all eyes are on Ted.

This is one of the first parody films I remember watching. I think Leslie Nielsen's "spoof" films are what everyone truly loved him for ;)

Looking for just the right one-liner? Chances are, it's probably in the movie Airplane! or at least in the sequel.

3. Caddyshack (1980)

From IMDb: An exclusive golf course has to deal with a brash new member and a destructive dancing gopher.

Some truly unforgettable actors make appearances in this film: Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and of course, Billy Murray. 

I loved Chevy Chase's performance in Caddyshack--especially the noise he makes as he's golfing (watch above). 

It's an inside joke with me and my dad to make that noise randomly. (My mom hates it.)

There's also a very memorable pool scene that gets parodied A LOT......

4. Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

From IMDb: An unorthodox and irreverent DJ begins to shake up things when he is assigned to the US Armed Services Radio station in Vietnam.

The actor who stars in this funny but very meaningful film is none other than Robin Williams. Need I say more?
It's also loosely based off of real events. I love those types of movies.

Good music, good humor, good acting = good film! 

5. Throw Momma From the Train (1987)

From IMDb: A bitter ex-husband. A put upon momma's boy. Both want their respective spouse and mother dead, but who will pull it off?

I don't own a lot of movies. I own this movie. That should tell you something right off the bat. 

If you've seen The Goonies, and you know who the real villainous woman from that movie is, then you will recognize her in this black comedy. She is a favorite character of mine for reasons I just can't explain other than the situation around her makes her funny. 

6.  Overboard (1987)

From IMDb: A cruel but beautiful heiress screws over a hired carpenter, who later is the first one to find her when she gets amnesia. Looking for a little revenge he convinces her that she's his wife.

This is, without a doubt, not even one of my favorite romantic comedies from the '80s, but from all-time. 

The pair Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell together is charming and amps up things in the romance department considering they were a real couple then and still are. 

7. See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)

From IMDb: Dave is deaf, and Wally is blind. They witness a murder, but it was Dave who was looking at her, and Wally who was listening.

What a laugh-out-loud comedy. The situations these guys (Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder) get themselves into will have everyone watching cracking up. 

8. Three Amigos 

From IMDb: Three unemployed actors accept an invitation to a Mexican village to replay their bandit fighter roles, unaware that it is the real thing.

Really great casting with this one. If you haven't seen it before, watch it just to see Chevy Chase in a sombrero. 

9. Spies Like Us (1985)

From IMDb: Two bumbling government employees think they are U.S. spies, only to discover that they are actually decoys for Nuclear War.

Okay, so by now you're probably thinking that either Chevy Chase was either in a lot of '80s comedies or that he's grabbed me personally by the funny bone. The answer is definitely both.

But I can't leave out Dan Aykroyd, who with Chevy Chase, just leaves me in hysterics.

Aside from the comedy, the movie is set at an adventurous pace with plenty of interesting antics going on around the pair. 

10. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

From IMDb: Two con men try to settle their rivalry by betting on who can swindle a young American heiress out of $50.000 first.

Most people I talk to only think of Michael Caine's humor movie path as being part of the Austin Powers series.

They obviously have never heard of this film. And what a wonderful film it is. 

So there you have it folks! Hope you find a new movie to love and to laugh to. 

Thursday Threads: Joy of the Country

Joy of the Country by thezorya featuring butterfly jewelry

Pussycat chiffon blouse / Madewell mini skirt / Slingback shoes / Nine West clutch / Anne Klein gold watch / ASOS butterfly jewelry / Bobbi brown cosmetic


Piecing together an outfit reminiscent of what I'd wear casually here in the country paired with a few updated touches such as a perforated clutch and bold red lipstick, I really wanted to show how the cargo skirt can be made modern without trying too hard.

Trying to figure out what to wear on your next date? Let's talk about cargo skirts! C'mon--why haven't I seen any lately? They're cute, fun to wear, versatile, come in colors I don't even know the names of, AND they have pockets.

The ruffled blouse, glittery sandals, and neat faux pearl earrings all make a flirty statement. (Isn't that what date attire should do?)

Speaking of those earrings--how cool are they? The triangle is actually part of the backing, with the faux pearl in front. It's clever, and I love it so much...not to mention, below $10.

Wordful Wednesday//Sound, Oh How I Love Thee

I love the sound of...

rain, but not storms (at least when I'm apart from my dad)

laughter from a distance

birds. any birds. okay maybe not mockingbirds 

keyboards clacking

a glass filling up with liquid

coffee brewing

a ceiling fan--especially during a late summer night

a classy lady's high heels on a tile floor

being with those I love and their noises

keys jingling before the opening of a door

pages being turned

right before a song plays

ringing my grandparents' doorbell

plants growing and my mother talking to them

white noise

silence

What are your favorite sounds?

{Widened Horizons}

Sorry I haven't been around for a few days--I had a lumbar puncture, otherwise known as a spinal tap.
All I have to say about that is ouch. I'm still tender!

But because I've been able to do nothing but basically lie still, flat on my back, I've had plenty of time to find some goodies for Widened Horizons.



First off, I would really like to be here right now...plodding along the path, just enjoying nature.

It looks so serene to me!
(Does anyone know the source?)



These purple wooden earrings would look great dangling from my ears as I walked down that path ;)
They have a dainty, vintage feel to them and oh--they're my favorite color.




I have an obsession with buying tons of journals and then...well, I write in them...but I keep buying them, and well...you get the gist.
This suede journal made my mouth water. The colors are so bold and daring--especially this turquoise. Plus, it even has a little place for your pencil (and the fact that it includes a pencil is even better!).




I was looking at clothes on the website Tibi, and ended up finding this spectacular dress.
The color--which is "mint"--would look great on pale skin, and really any color actually. I just find the little ruffles at the bottom compared to the rest of the dress's chicness to be so darling.




The owl find for today is cute, functional, and luxurious.
Soap! I don't actually know what "white lychee" smells like. But I would be willing to give it a try!

Quick Links: 

• 77 Healthy Crock-Pot Recipes

• Backyard Bird Identifier  (So neat!) 

• Why Spoilers Are Good For You  (Interesting...)