February Favorites

How is it already March??

This year has flown by, and it's just not fair. Sure, I didn't really enjoy the cold weather...and I'm definitely ready for springtime...but months have passed by and I really haven't noticed it until now. I just can't even begin to grasp that.

While I hope March is a good month for me and for you, I do have to say even though February went by extremely quickly, it was pretty great.
And one thing (or a few things) that made it so great was finding all kinds of "favorites" to enjoy!

This is my first "monthly favorites" post so bear with me!

First of all, February is my birthday month and I turned 25 on the 28th! Yay!


My mother bought me a gorgeous bouquet with some lovely purple flowers thrown in. Purple is both the color of my birthstone AND my favorite color. Very fitting.





My parents and I set up what started out as a popcorn bar and ended up as the former as well as a bar for someone with a huge sweet tooth. One thing I really loved that my mom made was something called zebra caramel popcorn. Even my dad liked it!





I managed to win two BEAUTIFUL Henry London watches from Erin Howard's blog Happily Howards. I gave one to my mom and kept the other for myself. This is a rich, deep, dark purple and I absolutely love how well-made it is!





I bought this Nourish body butter in the scent "Wild Berries" from the shop called One Twine. I know it's currently out of stock but maybe it'll be back!
Honestly, I like this stuff better than my L'Occitane hand lotion! It's not greasy at all and the scent is subtle but still very berry scented. I've been using it a lot--when my mother isn't stealing it away!





Lastly, and most importantly on this list of favorites, I just have to add my puppydog Paisley.
She's been doing better when walking and she's not hyper 24/7 anymore so I can actually hang out with her and cuddle with her while we both watch TV. She's a good dog and cuter than me so I just have to give her a shout-out!



Hope your February was great and that your March will be even better!

Confessions, Complaints, and Catching Up

Ramble On

•  As you've probably noticed, I haven't been on here in a long time. 
• Mostly because we recently welcomed into our home a stink of a puppy that has way too much energy for her own good. And mine. 
• But, she looks great on Instagram. (@paisleytheshorkie)
 

• My birthday was in February. The 28th to be exact. 
• It was a bit lonesome because most of my friends are all off doing their own thing, but it did make me grateful for the friends and family who were thinking of me on that day!
• I didn't even realize it was going to be Easter until yesterday. Holidays are starting to slip my mind so easily. Maybe that's what the candy is for? 
• When that song "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers was really popular, I used to sing the verse "Jealousy, turning saints into the sea" as "CHELLLLSEA..." instead. Pretty sure I actually thought that's what Brandon Flowers was singing the first few times I heard it. 

 

 
• I also might have had a bit of a crush. Probably the only guy I ever thought was cute who wore eyeliner. Besides Adam Brody's character in Jennifer's Body.
 

• My neurologist wants me to think about possibly having a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) put in for my seizure activity. I'm still confounded by the thought alone, much less the decision. 
• Found out my new neighbor has a dog named Bodie. My other neighbor has a dog named Odie. Chaos ensues when one of the dogs is called for. 
• I love coming across random movies that have Gretchen Wieners in them. I really hope you know who Gretchen Wieners is...
• It's been nothing but rainy days here lately. Rainy days are not kind to me, nor to my joints. 
• Now I want to go watch Mean Girls, eat gelato, and relax. 
• I hope to keep this blog updated as regularly as I can! :)

Where's That Girl?

I know I haven't been gone too terribly long from my blog, but I do know I won't be back too terribly soon.

There has been some grief surrounding me, my family, and my friends recently. Loss is never easy to deal with, and it never gets any easier. My father especially has had a rough time as of late, and it has been challenging watching him try to get by and to try to understand what has happened. If you pray, I would really love for you to pray for my family right now.

On top of everything, we've all been incredibly ill. Which, you can imagine, is not going too well with me since I'm already sick.

I'll still be on twitter every now and then, and my e-mail is always open, but I do not know when I'll actually get back to my blogging schedule. There's just been a cloud of depression hanging above my head lately.

I will say I've had one good thing happen: we got a pup.
Her name is Paisley, she's adorable, and she's half Yorkie/half Shih Tzu.
I'll leave you guys a picture of her cute face since this post has been nothing but sadness. She will alleviate all of that, trust me.

{Widened Horizons}

Rainy, rainy weekend over here! (My joints would certainly agree.)
These earrings reminded me of the rain, and what better day to show off something shiny than when it's gloomy outside?




I used to hate clutches, thinking I needed a large bag to fit all my needs ALL THE TIME.
As I've gotten a bit older, I've realized clutches can serve a purpose and look chic at the same time. This handmade leather clutch is something I'd carry around for special events, and I'm sure I'd get compliments galore.




I've been looking for a cute cell phone charger that I can use when I'm somewhere without any power outlets (camping, anyone?). I love the Jonathan Adler ones and their fun patterns, but then I stumbled across this neat little guy and fell in love.

I just think the charger is so cute and it even comes in the colors green and pink!



Finding handmade home decor items is probably my favorite thing to do. When I discover the items are made in North Carolina, I get even giddier! These lovely napkin rings are so sweet and would be a perfect touch to any home.




The owl find this week is a necklace that immediately made me say holy cow! It is so well-made and so adorable. I just NEED to add this to my jewelry collection.




And something for this rainy day, even though you may be feeling blue...

Quick Links:

• Why We Procrastinate

• Doggy Pool Party!

• Cricket Protein Bars (& why insects are the answer)

{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?)

{Widened Horizons}

Hope the weekend is going great for everyone!

I have been visiting my brother and sister-in-law, trying not to feel awful for everyone's sake, and the trip has turned out nice so far. It's always great to hang out with your sibling whom you never get to see. (Plus the bed I've been sleeping on/constantly napping on is charming and comfy, so that is just fabulous.)


Speaking of napping...
I found this picture via Pinterest and immediately felt myself drifting away. It has everything I need in it for some shut-eye, and it of course makes me wish we had a dog again!




I've been like a madman with earrings lately, going through old ones that I haven't worn in a long time, to hunting through bargain bins at department stores. Of course, I always remember the best ones are online. To prove my point, I've posted below a pair of earrings from etsy. I just love the sass, the cuteness, the everything!




As much tea as I drink, you would think I'd have a teapot by now. I guess my fascination ends with just marveling at them. One day, though...one day I will have one. The one I picked out for today is a cute, vintage teapot from the 80's. I love the minimalist design but also the unique touch added to it.




The literary piece I'm about to post, "I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone" by Richard Brautigan, just blew me away. I don't know how many people will actually read it, but if you do, take your time. Reread it. Reread it again. Soak it up and soak it in. Enjoy it because the way it made me feel, the way I hope it makes you feel, is hard to come across. (You will probably have to click on the link to read it.)




I'm crazy about the Tory Burch Resort 2015 collection. Especially this dress! The colors and the pattern and oooooh just give me it already!




The owl find for today comes from Overstock. They have a fair amount of owl products, but I fell in love with this owl pillow! (I post a lot of pillows on Widened Horizons, don't I?!) Seriously considering adding this to the already pillow-packed corner chair in my bedroom...

Quick Links: 

• Teen's Instagram Helps with Eating Disorder Recovery

• Don't Know What to Watch? Try Netflix Roulette

• Out of Ways to Use Avocado? IMPOSSIBLE

{Widened Horizons}

I'm so excited for this week's Widened Horizons post.
I discovered the funniest dog picture over the weekend and I have been itching to share it. That, and, you know...some other cool stuff. And things.

For instance, this "heart christening bangle" from Topshop. It immediately caught my eye because I have one almost exactly like it that I stole from my mom's jewelry stash when I was young and kept. I later found out she had it as a young girl, too! So to see in stores now what I thought was the EXACT bracelet I already own, was pretty nifty.




I'm a huge dress fan. In fact, I basically only wear dresses. So it comes as no surprise that I'm salivating over this dress from Ruche right now:




Ever owned a bandolier? Even know what it is? The Etsy shop cleverhands describes it as "a strap fitted with small loops for carrying pens, pencils, and other handy tools wrapped around a journal, planner, or other book." They're convenient, neat as hell, and can actually be CUTE--a definite plus.




While this is a Pre-Fall 2014 collection, I am digging Adam Lippes' work. Especially this printed blouse paired with these trousers.




Finally, we get to this bit of a masterpiece that I found on Tumblr. It truly makes me shed tears every time I peek at it. I just can't.




OH, but we can't forget the owl find, can we?!
This little necklace is so adorable, and I want it for my own collection. I actually own one similar by the same Etsy store, and it's one of my favorite necklaces. I've posted my owl necklace below as well!

Quick Links:

• Awesome (And Creepy) Microscopy Photos 

• 16 Facts About Sleep

• Poem: "Pearls in a Glass" by Paul House 

Christmas Is for the Dogs

I've come across so many wonderful images of dogs celebrating Christmas and wintertime that I just had to share the best from Pinterest with you all.

Note: The idea of this post (along with my mother's thoughts) has made me consider writing future "featured dog breed" blog posts. So I'm just going to go ahead and say it--I'm terribly sorry if you're not a dog person.

Look at the cute little scarves these pups get to show off! (They are probably really uncomfortable and really unhappy that their parents made them wear these extremely long collar things.)

A doe a deer a female deer!

I have an obsession with pugs. And pug hugs.

He's smiling because he just peed on that tree.

The Internet cannot get enough of Corgis. And neither can I--look at this cutie!

I just want to kiss him and tell him the holidays will be over soon.


And finally, if you refuse to go out in the cold, and you're too cute to dress up for the holidays, then simply stay inside underneath the covers: