COSMICaroline

five gems

2012-01-27T13:19:00.002-06:00

{ swedish dalarna horse mug - perfect for tuesday afternoon chai tea }

{ a reason for the freezing temperatures in nashville - boycotting rain and making my own snow }

{ hanging crochet doilies for easy earring display }

{ perfect hiking sidekick - irish leather equestrian backpack and spanish bota bag }

{ i could do without zac efron and taylor swift, but betty white and danny devito saved it }
i saw the trailer for the lorax a couple nights ago during a girl's evening, complete with the cupcake's family dinner, a stop at pinkberry, and the beauty and the beast 3D. it's a reminder that a child can only grow up if you let it happen to yourself. i couldn't be more excited about how fluffy the trees will be. i've been munching on fresh guacamole and chago's queso with the rebel, watching garbage island, and marking things off my list at an alarming rate. i've been enjoying the graveyard's encore at exit/in, standing on birthday front porches to listen to the railroad in the distance, and turning on stiletto turbo power to dip between drops of heavy rain. old family friends have come to visit, and i marveled in the power of a smile, a hello, and how easily a flare with a flip of the wrist can make friends. but, it's supposed to be work hard, play hard. i've found plenty of the work hard. i seem to be looking and lacking for the play hard, and it's a little more difficult to come by. so, tonight, i'm hunting.i added a pinterest button for my COSMICaroline page, feel free to click away and see the boards i spoke of a while back. more from me soon. this weekend brings new technology, new ideas, and a search for pink. happy weekend to you, you deserve it.

breathe peace.

crayon

2012-01-24T19:49:00.002-06:00

photos by the porte-plume.

wearing thrifted pink velvet pencil skirt, vintage lipstick red leather jacket, f21 felix the cat tank, urban outfitters printed clutch, spain flea market aviators, and unlisted purple booties.

sometimes you just want to wear every color in your closet. you end up looking like some sort of demented crayon, but you're okay with it. and as you can see above, it's tough for a blonde to wear hot pink and not come across like barbie. the linebacker leather jacket helps a little, but either way, pink will always be tough for blondes who don't want to appear like a stepford wife. and let's be honest, this color mixture is loud. i mean, screaming. but, i think there's an importance to the balance of keeping things a little loud and keeping things a little quiet. so, that was my loud. here is my quiet.

if you didn't take a second to shut off your mind, mute your mouth, and watch that...you're dumb. i realized that lately when someone asks me how school is going, or how i've been, i just rush to "good" and move on. everything is fast-paced, but we already know this. i run around all day with almost every second filled with something i "need" to do. but, what keeps me sane? i'm someone who doesn't feel right without the touch of grass on my fingertips at least once throughout my day. so, to those who choose sidewalks over mud, hate the rain and love a tanning booth, and complain about the most minute details of a bridal shower, i feel pity for you. the video above is a reminder that the majority of what you're doing during your day probably isn't based around enjoyment. no, life isn't all sunshine and donuts, but to walk outside on a day like today in nashville, see the blue sky, and not enjoy it for half a second? you're wasting more than you realize. there's more than our bubbles, and we all forget that sometimes. including me. i could do without it's cheesy and epic soundtrack, but use the video above and the giant lake-sized puddle in your backyard as a reminder of the simple beauty around you. cheers to you, momma nature.

breathe peace.

five gems

2012-01-20T14:30:00.000-06:00

{ tea-sized fruit tarts and chocolate cream desserts for a downton abbey sunday evening }

{ little bunny foo-foo iphone dreams - coming soon perhaps }

{ this face - who happens to be staying with me this weekend }

{ classic combination of tomato soup with a grilled cheese - perfect for a rainy afternoon }

{ rest in peace etta james - your voice will be legendary forever }
all these things are getting me through this grueling week of school on top of work on top of lack of sleep. i hope you all have been staying warm and staying dry. it's the time of year when rain boots almost seem like a necessity, but i continue to convince myself that heels make more sense because i'm above the puddles?... i don't know, it's not working out so hot. i'll get there one day. thank you to all of those who have sent me e-mails, sharing your views and opinions about SOPA. for a detailed version of my own personal views, visit the COSMICaroline facebook page.in other less political news, i've been diving head first into new clorange tunes, an upcoming album deadline, and an exciting night in february. good things are still to come. i've been hiding under wooden tables with the porte-plume between cheap beer and cheeseburgers, eating squash with the cupcake and her wonderful family, and supporting an interesting temporary career of hers at a deafening irish tavern. long talks over pool tables about the importance of family, the reggae screams of dreaming fools, and the act of cherishing your elders. catching up with old friends over an embarrassing game of darts, finding interest in the idea of a beer delivery service, wondering why no one has tried to make that happen yet, and watching my mind screws unwind as i sift through poem after book after poem. more from me soon.

breathe peace.

sopa

2012-01-18T00:45:00.003-06:00

SPEAK UP

BLACK OUT

STOP SOPA

bow, tightsplease part 2 of 2

2012-01-16T14:10:00.002-06:00

photos by the porte-plume.

wearing delia's satin belt ballerina dress, f21 fringe vest and sphere necklace, toms classic 101 sunglasses, alloy makenzie clutch, red or dead ingie tights (courtesy of tightsplease), modcloth everlasting emerald heels.

TIGHTS PLEASE

a little while ago, i was sent my first pair of tights from the wonderful people at tights please. see the post here, featuring the gorgeous jonathan aston tuxedo tights. and for this post, i finally received my second and final package containing these red or dead ingie tights.
these red or dead tights are not only super soft, but they're perfect for winter because they're great for keeping bare legs warm when the wind starts blowing. they're available in black, brown, dark red, and pale grey. the print is not only a little festive for this colder season, but i love how easy these tights mix with a printed dress or skirt. thank you so much to the wonderful people at tights please for sending these my way!

and for some reason, you all really love these inspiration explosion posts. so, by request, here's a bunch of photos that don't relate besides the subject of beauty.

boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah. this world is just awesome.

since we last spoke, i saw a late night version of the girl with the dragon tattoo and although i was squirming in my seat at the length, i thoroughly enjoyed it. i had a late night dinner at maggiano's with the rebel, complete with before dinner drinks, pasta in lobster sauce, an italian man singing a serenade of ambience, and glasses of white and red wine. i had a strange and awkward sitting on a carpeted floor for a friend's birthday, and i was thoroughly pleased that i was not the only one who felt displaced. saturday was filled with afternoon mac and cheese, an extremely long run through mossy hilltops, and a wonderful show at the end. a huge thank you to everyone who came to the end on saturday night to support clorange. not only was i surprised at the large crowd, but the new songs were well-received and there was even a screaming encore. so, thank you. the nightcap consisted of back room pool games, complete with the cupcake. it's good to have the munchkin back. oh, and sunday consisted of a traditional bangers and mash dinner with the family, complete with dessert fruit tarts and harrod's tea. all in all, a wonderful weekend.

breathe peace.

dive

2012-01-12T19:35:00.000-06:00

photos by the porte-plume.

wearing express skirt, heritage 1981 plaid button down, a/wear vest, f21 knit scarf, target leg warmers and tights, zara wedge ankle boots, private gallery clutch, and spanish flea market earrings.

the following is something i found and i'm so glad i did. it's epic, it's rock 'n' roll, it's daring, it's frightening, and it's one of those videos that makes your mouth and your mind shut up for a second. my favorite kind.

now, if only i could hold my breath for longer than thirty seconds without puffing up my cheeks and acting like a little girl from whoville.
i've been running straight into the rain and snow with eyes wide open, supporting a friend's musical endeavors on a random wednesday, and recording in the old soul's new tree house studio. i've completed owned the rebel's "skills" in darts, found out i have a serious knack for smoothie-making, and enjoyed nashville's first snow of the year. i kind of want to donate my space heater to the dwarf bunnies' shed next door. i've been swinging down playground slides between classes, remembering my true love for a warm chai latte in the early morning hours, and dipping between raindrops with a nipping dog at my heels. i've had rainy mexican dinners with the porte-plume and frozen mango mojitos, dreaming of upcoming snowboarding trips, and preparing myself for the first clorange show of the year this weekend. and a happy 27th wedding anniversary to the muddah and the fuddah. you guys are the best.

breathe peace.

five gems

2012-01-09T15:35:00.005-06:00

{ raspberry and blackberry smoothie made with my hamilton beach single-serve blender }

{ toms classic 101 sunglasses - every pair benefits "one for one" }

{ simple f21 pendant necklace i can't stop wearing }

{ incense stand from cosmic connections - adds a little extra flare to the rabbit hole }

{ a great song - mixture of groovy old and catchy new }
i understand i'm a little behind on the eliza doolittle cheer squad, but better late than never. in other news, classes have begun and i'm back to the same old grind. the balance of class, an internship, trying to constantly keep exercising (and not getting bored with it), surviving in the rabbit hole, and forcing myself to have some kind of social life is exhausting, to say the least. this doesn't include a band, a blog, an approaching graduation, and a million other things. but, being busy is truly a blessing. this is why i enjoy the "five gems" posts. they remind me about the importance of the small joys in life. so, to every other college student juggling 3,000 things, keep your head up. keep kickin'. stay hungry, stay foolish. this is it, after all, isn't it? whatever "it" may be.in other news, i've watched my world turn a new, inspiring, and exciting corner as of last week. it's funny how it feels when someone really steps up and surprises you. a smile comes across your face, of course, but i like how much strength is within that smile. here's to new beginnings and old feelings making a return. here's to a wonderful start to a new year. i've been playing with the line of fear and insanity while watching the devil inside, munching on fresh guacamole and mexican barbeque with the family of the rebel, dancing with rubber band balloons to montezuma fire machine at a wildlife charity show (complete with belly dancers), meeting the porte-plume's tiny furry villain, and hiding in back booths in the east nasty while words become jumbled on the tips of swollen tongues. it's good to be back. more from me soon.

breathe peace.

thanks

2012-01-05T10:59:00.001-06:00

I just broke 1,000 followers through Google Reader/Friend Connect, and it's all thanks to you! Though this doesn't include the hundreds of other followers through my Facebook, BlogLovin', Chicisimo, and more...this is a wonderful start to the new year! Thank you all so much for being so supportive of COSMICaroline!

caramel

2012-01-03T20:03:00.001-06:00

photos by the porte-plume.

wearing truck flare jeans, target brown leather jacket, lucky brand embellished blouse, thrifted aviator sunglasses, f21 sparkling pendant necklace, bebe gold cuff, private gallery fur bag, and michael antonio meris boots.

the following is something i found through pinterest. find my COSMICaroline pinboard page here. i will be putting a permanent link on my sidebar soon enough. but, for now, enjoy this glorious treehouse.
if you're like me, your love for fashion bleeds over into a love for interior design. so, the apartment therapy website is absolutely a breath of fresh air. that's where these photos originate from, and the article includes an in-depth story and description of not only the inhabitants, but the story of the tree house. i encourage you to take a closer look here.and in the spirit of all things wonderfully compact, enjoy the following as well.i'm tempted to make my own version. it's another reason to travel.i hope everyone had a wonderful and happy new year's eve. my night was filled with old friends and adorable girls from the east, riding in style, downtown crowd control, a free lynyrd skynyrd show, the music note drop, jumbotrons, street vendor beer, glitter eyes, breaking of champagne glasses, and a screaming countdown with thousands of strangers. a night to remember, no doubt. but i've kept up everything i promised myself in the last post, and a thank you to those of you who took the time to read what i had to say. sometimes you've just got to puke your words all over the page and hope they're aimed in the right direction. in this past little bit of last year and the turning of the new, i've visited the treasures of ancient egypt exhibit at the frist, wooten brother-ed all over a random wednesday, danced in circles for deep fried five, and thoroughly enjoyed watching the intricate details in sherlock holmes: a game of shadows. i've realized bernard is frightened by my warped face, a single-serving blender is the greatest gift for a single-serving apartment, and sometimes, people really can prove you wrong. and for that, i hope i'm right. classes resume in the morning, it's the last night in town for a close friend, and the turning of the year has definitely scooped up some extra inspiration and plopped it on my head. thanks, 2012. more from me soon.

breathe peace.

begin

2011-12-31T12:39:00.005-06:00

photos by the porte-plume.

wearing nordstrom amber fringe dress, lulu's world tour sheer brown top, target blue tights, asos fur snood, f21 assorted necklaces, lunacy designs handcrafted small metal purse (gifted from the porte-plume for christmas), sam edelman ria booties.

these booties and the gorgeous handcrafted bag were lovely gifts given to me for christmas, as well as the flowing top. it's always wonderful to have new closet additions that can be added in here and there for a refreshed winter look. in other news, i'm sure most of you have seen this adorable video. if you haven't, what are you doing new years eve?

absolutely wonderful.
THE FOLLOWING IS SENTIMENTAL. THE FOLLOWING IS DRAMATIC.THE FOLLOWING IS A RAMBLE. THE FOLLOWING MAY BORE YOU.the following is basically for me.
when the year turned and i was planning my next steps, i had someone close to me say, "it's just another year, nothing special". not only did this frustrate me, but i realized that this year was much more than that. i needed a year to discover what i wanted, what i didn't need, who i was, who i would like to become, and who i would like to have with me during my journey. i'm not saying that i've got all the answers. i should never have all the answers, or even close. but, i do know that despite attempts to stomp on my easily inspired soul, i made this year the best yet. the following is a collection of the most memorable bits and pieces that i accomplished this year.
i went to my first monster truck rally. i began learning how to belly dance. i brought yoga and running back into my life. i got my first apartment, decorated it, and haven't burned it down yet. i removed all roommates and put my feet up. i ventured east to learn how to snowboard on the state border. i discovered pinkberry and small talk. i recorded at ocean way studios and miktek. i headed south to florida for a week with some people i love most in this world, and we conquered each evening with a vigorous revelry. we even travelled a tiny bit further south to clearwater beach to hide from late night embarrassment. i wrote and sang nostalgic songs of warmth to commemorate birthdays. i even turned 21. i shot my first potato gun, i flopped on my first go with a rope swing, and i met a labrador who makes me feel like a child every time i see him. i visited center hill lake for the memories and reminders of the importance of simplicity. i canoed and kayaked down the harpeth river. i even had a friend from italy travel all the way to nashville for a weekend, just to say hello. i got a pet fish and named him bernard. i celebrated a retirement well-earned with one special moment after another. i played with sand art, i visited the fair, and i said hello to the flea market numerous times. i american songwriter magazine-ed. i saw disney on ice and sang every word. i even dressed up like the mom from E.T. on halloween, for halloween. i cooked more in one day than i think i have in my entire life, and i loved it. i attended and covered nashville's first fashion week. i shot my first shotgun and my first pistol.i saw cold war kids, the kills, the temptations, the four tops, blind pilot, perpetul groove, robert randolph & the family band, brett dennen, here come the mummies, the royal bangs, m.ward, dawes, jonny corndawg, the apache relay, and many more in concert. i even saw tim gunn.i conquered dayglow.clorange and montezuma fire machine. enough said.i ventured to lindstrom, minnesota for a wonderful family weekend filled with scandinavian history, lake porches, grandma birthdays, and newborns eating ice cream. there's nothing like a grandma and a newborn to clear the clouds. and since then, although my uncle will be sorely loved and missed, there have been further additions to this family's tree.and most importantly, i lived in spain during part of my summer. madrid, santiago de compostela, aran juez, toledo, villagarcia de arosa, isla de ons, a coruna, costa de morte, and finisterre. bullfights, flamenco shows, afternoon wine at clea, pet parrots, beach afternoons, train rides, open markets, eurotrash apartment parties with windows wide open, a time of revolution and uproar, and a meeting of people i will never be able to forget. i even ate octopus, twice. i walked miles out and back into the city on the historical "el camino". i stood on epic boulders high above the city to stare as far as the eye could see. i graduated from a school in a different country, speaking a different language. i jumped over bonfires, burning my soles, all for la noche de san juan. i even stood at the end of the world, alone, no one to hold me back, and let the edge of the rocks frighten me and the wind push against my back. each scene was so perfect. each memory is so vivid and clear. i learned to live with a host family, and i taught them that a blonde american girl is smarter than you think. i even had a visit from my own mother. living in spain was one of my highest points of happiness. i lived.this year, i lost friends and gained old friends back. i realized that i don't need anyone. but i also realized that when i came to some people, i want them in my life. i learned this difference. i spent another year appreciating my family and how absolutely caring and wonderful they really are. living on my own, i'm learning the true importance of self acceptance. i've learned that love should be given only when it can be appreciated and reciprocated. i've learned the power of silence, and i've seen the devastating affects of keeping my mouth shut. i've also learned the difference between the two. again, all questions remain nothing more than questions. i will never have all the answers. but, i at least know that i am learning with open eyes, open ears, and open arms. i am willing to keep pressing forward, and now that i have seen my own strength, i know i will.
this coming year brings endings and beginnings sooner than i expected. i graduate, i will lose some people, i will find new people, i will count my lucky stars. i will give back, i will push myself, i will push my voice, and i will stand my ground. i will continue to appreciate the little things, and i will always look for truthful eyes. i will prepare myself to keep the balance of growing up and staying a child. i will continue to try outrageous and new and daring things. i will remember to look up from time to time. i will live whole-heartedly.

happy new year, folks.

cheer

2011-12-29T15:24:00.000-06:00

the best way to spread christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. because i already had done this since thanksgiving and irritated everyone around me, instead of buying a normal gift for my family and close friends, i opted to cook for everyone. it was six hours in the kitchen for a whole lot of smell-goods and smiles as a final reward.

i made raspberry butter with black and white muffins, pumpkin butter with brown sugar cinnamon muffins, peach butter with praline muffins, and apple butter with caramel muffins. click each word for recipe links, i highly recommend trying any or all of the above.

and the following are a few more photos from the holidays, christmas eve and christmas day with my close family and the warmth that always opens the back door for a perfect mixture of cooking, sweaters, laughter, and fresh winter air. enjoy.

i absolutely adore my parent's house during this time of year. every corner has a decorative surprise with a history of ancient proportions that belonged to someone's grandma's cousin's aunt's daughter's goat that she lived with in viking land back in the day. and i love that. there's something so important about throwing everything aside and enjoying your family during this time of year. i couldn't be more blessed or more thankful for my parents, my brother and sister, their loved ones, and my close friends here in town. it's wonderful to have so much true and genuine love in my life. i only hope that this love is echoed in families all over the world because someone else needs to feel the joy i get from it. happiness is only true when shared. i hope you all had a merry christmas and a happy holiday. see you right before the new year and after.

breathe peace.

bell

2011-12-25T10:13:00.000-06:00

merry christmas, ya'll.

powder

2011-12-21T18:09:00.001-06:00

photo by the porte-plume.

wearing the porte-plume's ny&co cream jacket with wooden buttons, the porte-plume's fur cuffs from etsy, vintage red velvet hat, target brown tights, vintage cigar box purse, and topshop: office turquoise floral platforms.

i recently added COSMICaroline to pinterest. i had noticed a sudden surge of interest in this site, and i've joined the bandwagon. because i don't see the need for my own tumblr, this is an easier way for me to find photos worth sharing. if you happen to have a pinterest, find and follow me! i've got six different inspirations boards organized by topic for easy viewing.

see the COSMICaroline Pinterest Page here!

1. COSMICaroline Looks: photos and bits from my various blog posts

2. Tasty Delights: recipes and homemade goods for drooling

3. Seasonal Goodness: decorations and projects for every festive time of year

4. Beautiful Snippets: various photos of fashion, beauty, art, music, and film

5. Dream Home: interior design inspiration for every room

6. Natural Beauty: international wonders including wildlife and nature

the following is a cluster of photos i've found through pinterest. now, they're here for your entertainment. all of this plus one video i found out of curiosity. and honestly, i'm so glad i went looking.
i am so glad that there are people in this world willing to put the time and effort into seeing if something like this is possible. people are awesome. and i'm even more glad that it worked.
i'm in and out of home for the holidays, and it feels so good. a brightly-colored christmas tree, the scent of evergreen candles, and chicken apple homemade pizza. the muddah and the fuddah and a warm family room, complete with two fluffy puppies. besides the obvious holiday warmth, the clorange show on sunday night was a reminder to stay grounded and see things through. thanks to the rebel for showing up and getting camera-snapping happy all up in our faces. i'll share his photos soon enough. i've been putting together gingerbread houses with the old soul, the iceman, and the rebel, i've been rubbing elbows with fiery shopping moms, and i've been celebrating the graduation of some friends i hold dear with mexican food, live jazz music jams, and big comfy couch naps. more from me soon.

breathe peace.

five gems

2011-12-16T15:59:00.002-06:00

{ asos hush color blocked bow platform in nude and silver }

{ winter crisp nail colors in revlon's minted, blue lagoon, and revlon red }

{ my baby christmas tree with jingle bells and pine cone embellishments }

{ antique ice skates as holiday mailbox decorations }{ forgive the song - but, this guy is the epitome of christmas cheer }
well, i survived finals week once again. i can't believe there's only one more semester to make it through before i have to pretend i know what i'm doing. but, i know i'll never stop being a kid, so i'm not too worried about becoming a cross business lady. i could never. i've been remembering how important it is to take a break and grab a beer with friends. i've been saying goodbye in the early morning hours to a california-bound girl, planning to assemble a gingerbread house, and thoroughly enjoying the comfort of my own home away from the madness outside. i've been running miles away from home to get caught in the rain, i've been searching for stray puppies, and i even had a ridiculous staring contest with a five-year-old. i won. this weekend brings new beginnings, throwback shows, and free drinks. and after this weekend brings holiday cheer and family. there's a reason i love this time of year so much. there's hope in bountiful amounts, and there's peppermint joy on the tip of every tongue.
COSMICaroline on FacebookCOSMICaroline on BlogLovin'

breathe peace.

tuxedo, tightsplease part 1 of 2

2011-12-12T13:41:00.001-06:00

photos by the porte-plume.

wearing vintage reconstructed denim dress, merona by target double-breasted coat, jonathan aston tuxedo tights given by tightsplease, f21 sequined clutch, thrifted golden bow pin, revlon lips in wild orchid, and purple unlisted ankle boots.

TIGHTS PLEASE

a huge thank you to the wonderful people at tights please for sending me these gorgeous jonathan aston tuxedo tights. i'm always a fan of using tights to add a little extra flare to a look, but these tights go above and beyond any pair i've had before. the addition of the bow, the flattering stripe in both the front and back of the leg, combined with the sheer texture make these beauties a wonderful addition to my everyday wardrobe.
because the bow hits in such a flattering place and the tuxedo stripe is rare to find on tights anymore, i think jonathan aston has done a beautiful job mixing the old with the new. i also adore how tights please does a wonderful job of collecting different designers and patterns from all over and makes them easily accessible in one place for a customer. thanks again, tights please! go check them out here.

moving on. the late night to early morning study sessions are getting real old, real quick. but it's the light at the end of the tunnel that's been keeping me going. and a little bit of the kills, because it doesn't get any better than that.that song is something so special to me. there's an open heart in every line, and there's a lost confidence with every word. it reminds me of how important it is to love with your whole heart, but only if that love is given back in the same weight. alison mosshart, be mine?in other news, i've been standing over highways with the wind whipping past my ears and shaggy dogs jogging past honking horns. ice skates on mailboxes, stories of spain on the bedroom floor over a glass of white wine, and the metamorphosis of a dog into a hedgehog. probably the cutest thing i've seen in a while. i've window-shopped through the village, ran entirely too far away from home for a timely return (again), and i've dreamt of what's to come of bernard. i've munched down burger up and been utterly thankful for the invention of truffle fries, i've defended my territory of a pool table against wolves with foaming mouths, and i've realized that sometimes people just need a minute. or a year. but i've also learned that force is poison, wanting is not needing, and needing is immature. the only true person that anyone ever needs is his or her own soul. a little bit of family goes a long way, but besides that, at the end of the day, the only person you need is yourself.

breathe peace.

five gems

2011-12-09T14:24:00.001-06:00

{ glass and paper ornaments for anthropologie's holiday display }

{ freshly sliced cucumbers for a sunny afternoon snack }

{ 1 photo from the 45 most powerful images of 2011 - see article here }

{ a piece of eye candy from the many gorgeous dye jobs by runwaydreamz shop }

{ i blame the rebel for getting this booming song stuck in my head - and i'm thankful }
while i find myself without brain cells due to handing them out like candy for all of my classes, i really don't have too much else to say. the end of my last fall semester as a college kid isn't coming fast enough. but, i suppose i shouldn't be wishing things away. its movement away from me will come sooner than i expect. perhaps there's a chance that this applies into all aspects of my life, and i really am just a big, scary, gremlin monster that not only turns heart to stone, but makes running away pretty easy. whatever, i'm deprived of sleep and no longer making sense to those on the other side of sanity.in other news, there have been some absolutely wonderful shows in the last couple days. specifically montezuma fire machine, gabrahm vitek, and roots of a rebellion. i love how i'm this young and my friends and fellow college kids are musical geniuses. i also love how my friends don't mind when i not only pull childish pranks with them as the victim, but they throw me over their shoulder instead of getting angry about a wet sock. so, here's to hopefully getting my shoes back from a kentucky girl. here's to pulling all-nighters and spending the majority of the morning hours watching jenna marbles. and here's to one day realizing that the most important people in your life are the ones whose hands are firmly placed on your buttocks while you think you're holding yourself up in times of exhaustion.

breathe peace.

mush

2011-12-06T14:48:00.002-06:00

photos by the porte-plume.

wearing mango draped brita dress, alloy perla lace top, metal necklace from open-air market in spain, private gallery faux fur bag, revlon matte lipstick in pink pout #002, and two lips tease boots.

thank goodness for the porte-plume. she not only laughs at my awful jokes, but she helps me make it through days like the one above when i do weird things to my hair, put on weird things, and decide that all of this weirdness is totally awesome. thank goodness for her.

so, in the event of mush, i give you the following. a pile of mush to fill your senses.
if you didn't watch that video, that's fine, i get it. but, i will ask you to do the following:1. press play2. fast forward to 2:273. watch for ten seconds4. fall in loveyes, i do have his new christmas album. and yes, michael bublé is a guilty pleasure of mine, but i see nothing wrong with that. his full voice, the jazz, the soul, the structured refinement and big band sound that comes standard with everything he does, how could you not enjoy it? his christmas album is absolutely wonderful. it's everything i love about michael bublé's music mixed with everything i love about the holiday season. it's happiness and spirit. speaking of, last year, i shared the calgary hitmen teddy bear toss, so click here if you want to see this year's installment: 25,000+ teddy bears. that's true spirit.clorange had a show at springwater last night, and i don't know if it was our choice of opening song, but i thought it was a strong show. thank you to every single person that came out, it was awesome. in other news, school is winding down and picking up speed at an alarming rate all at the same time. and in the midst of all things busy, i find myself still coming to terms with the reality of what's in front of me. sometimes, you fill yourself up with hope, but is it so bad to hold tight to that hope during this time of year? it's winter. people pull back, they feel held down, we get grumpy, exhausted, frustrated, antsy. but, i still have hope. it's christmas. but knowing myself, when christmas is gone, i'll still have hope. because despite sometimes feeling the winter weight myself, i know it's only from the time of year. so, i have hope. i may be falsely indulging myself, but i'll figure that out in time. probably sooner rather than later. time for mint kisses and the last bits of actual class before i'm robotically thrusting my forehead against a cement wall. what's that mean? finals.

breathe peace.

blush

2011-12-02T18:59:00.001-06:00

photos by the porte-plume.wearing hakei neon pink skinny jeans, vintage french striped sailor top, thrifted black boyfriend blazer, target dusted pink feather earrings and navy blue legwarmers, dorothy perkins nude clutch, and zara wedge ankle boots.
this has been played without stopping during work this past week. i found it only necessary to share it with all of you in hopes of getting it out of my head for at least an hour or two. all you need to hear is the chorus and it will remind you of tarzan. wait for it, you'll see.the past few days have been spent sitting in pickle juice, eating mint chocolate hershey kisses, and continuing to obsess over a video containing red pandas playing in the snow. i've been herding dwarf bunnies around my backyard, visiting with old favorites in a dusty hookah bar, and proving my own beginner's luck wrong. oh, and i've been learning how wonderful a three dollar sandwich of pulled pork from hog heaven can be. but in other news, this weekend brings the welcoming of a new little man in the world, a festive festival of festivities, and winter windy afternoons. i'm loving that netflix acknowledges the old rudolph and santa's surprise videos, and i'm loving that i have nothing else to say because i'm too preoccupied with watching that 70s show christmas episodes. more from me soon.

breathe peace.

five gems

2011-11-30T13:12:00.000-06:00

{ jeffrey campbell studio ltd platform in tan suede with beige snake bottom }

{ holiday additions to flower arrangements - cranberries, red blooms, and a little white sparkle for extra cheer }

{ necessary small christmas tree scented candle - fills the apartment with the smell of december }

{ christmas dish filled with ghirardelli squares in peppermint bark, eggnog, and pumpkin spice }

{ a perfect representation of how i feel when i hear someone blasting dubstep in the middle of the day }
good news is that some projects are over and done. bad news is that some are nowhere near being finished. this semester may be coming to a close, but it's moving as slowly as possible. literally. i keep looking at the clock and i'm continuously amazed that only four minutes have passed, yet i can't seem to work fast enough. it's a feeling similar to having your head squished between two giant fat men's stomaches. frustrating and a little nauseating. the temptation to just get up, go, and leave everything behind is growing entirely too strong as michael franti reminds me that in the back of a greyhound bus, you can be who you are. regardless, the five gems i shared above are keeping me preoccupied through this whirlwind. no time to ask questions, not a minute to spare to sit down and put my feet up, but i've got all the time in the world to squeal over christmas. i make time. and when my nose isn't being pinched in between the pages of my school textbooks, i've been thoroughly enjoying the company of old acquaintances becoming new friends. a simple invitation becomes a good conversation, and i'm left wondering why a grassy afternoon in the park hadn't been shared before. frank sinatra's spirited pep helps me clean dishes, ray lamontagne's lesson learned whispers as i fall asleep, and i've found myself mumbling the words of norah jones in one of her more doubt-filled songs. the next few days brings minor chaos, a spring break remembrance ceremony, old holiday movies, more afternoons in the park with a frozen nose, and bellydancing galore. more from me soon.

breathe peace.

wreath

2011-11-28T15:59:00.001-06:00

thanksgiving is done. which means, christmas has erupted in the rabbit hole. it's almost so festive that i disgust myself. but, it's one of the few things getting me through the overbearing amount of studying that this time of year requires and the dreary weather that follows suit. so, in the attempt to brighten spirits, i took it upon myself to save some money and make my own christmas wreath. it's actually pretty easy, and if you'd like to make one of your own, here's how.

{ two bags of freshly packaged spanish moss strips, one roll of green raffia ribbon }

{ glue gun and a pre-wound raffia wreath mold }

{ using the glue gun, glue moss strips around the wreath mold one by one }

{ once the wreath mold is covered, wrap the moss in green raffia ribbon to maintain stability }

{ add a little bird made of red feathers for an extra holiday touch }

{ voila! }all of the supplies can be purchased at any local craft store, and it only took me about an hour. plus, it smells absolutely wonderful and fits in perfectly with the rabbit hole. more christmas projects to be shared soon as i continue to overload my senses with pure holiday joy.and in the spirit of taking a minute here and there throughout the day to breathe and distract myself, the rebel showed me the following. not only is it relaxing to watch, but i have now added it to the list of things i eventually plan on doing. yes, i am aware that means one day i will be flying at 100mph while scraping my fingernails against the edge of a cliff, but i'm cool with that. who's with me?right? how could you not want to do that? in other forms of distraction, i've been muting my thoughts during late night movies under blinding neon lights, letting my place fill with the intoxicating scent of a christmas tree, and slip-sliding down wooden handicap ramps with as little grace as possible. i took a break from studying to help a friend or two learn that karaoke is not only wonderfully humiliating, but entirely too much fun to miss. while meanwhile, i was reminded why sometimes an attitude is not only a curse, but an enraging and bubbling zit that causes nothing but discomfort. sometimes, folks, we just need a little reminder that jokes should be taken lightly, a sunday night is not a night to start what you can't finish, and not having a point in an argument does not give you a reason to only yell louder. so, steer clear of the crazies. if you find the people who are wonderful, relaxed, and stand by you while the crazies run in their circles blowing smoke, then never, ever let them go. perhaps the crazies need to purchase a flying suit and hang out with the norwegians, too. there's hope for all, but i'd rather wait quietly while they figure that out. or perhaps, buddy the elf just needs to give you a hug. more from me soon.

breathe peace.

gracias

2011-11-25T04:06:00.003-06:00

photography by the porte-plume.

wearing francesca's collections mustard striped skirt and tan sequined tank, target merona fair isle cardigan in gray and tan feather tuft earrings, kate spade "hand in hand" bangle, vintage cigar box purse, and michael antonio meris ankle boots.

i hope everyone that celebrates thanksgiving had a wonderful one. it's usually an early start, filled with smells and too many goodies to eat. and let's be real, by the time the big feast comes around, we're usually already full from tasting everything throughout the day. but regardless of how buttons may be popping off your freshly ironed holiday shirt, it's a wonderful tradition to sit down, say what we're thankful for, and stuff our faces to the point of explosion. happy thanksgiving, i know mine was.

{ wheat crackers served with midnight moon goat cheese and cranberry gouda }

{ turkey, turkey, turkey, turkey. homeward bound, anyone? }

{ boiled parsnips and carrots }

{ family stuffing with bacon, celery, and seasonal goodness }

{ green bean casserole }

{ sister shubert rolls - a southern favorite }

{ mashed potatoes - taters a la hurricane }

{ gifta with whipped cream - a swedish cranberry dessert }

{ apple and pumpkin pies }

and in the spirit of nothing holiday at all, i give you the following. this is all i was listening to earlier this week and i thought it'd be wise to share. despite this video being a little dated, it's one of the few high quality versions of this band getting down. trombone shorty & orleans avenue bring the funk without any question. and if you're not wanting to sit through the whole thing? just fast forward to 1:57 and get ready for a mind-blowing trombone solo. as november turns to december, it's time for my large amount of holiday spirit to be justified. christmas decorations are up, paper chains are being cut, elf is being played, and i don't feel so bad when i hum christmas carols in the shower. today will be spent brainstorming about the perfect christmas gifts, creating my own christmas wreath from scratch (which i'll share later on), and fighting off the large amount of food i ate yesterday. safe travels to all you on the road or in the air, warm thoughts to those who have yet to find a winter coat, and a virtual christmas cookie to those who find this time of year the least appetizing due to overpriced shopping experiences and forgotten christmas cheer. i'm with you on some of the annoying parts of the holiday season, but put them aside because BEING JOYFUL IS WAY BETTER. oh dear, it's begun.

breathe peace.

five gems

2011-11-23T16:42:00.003-06:00

{ meet bernard - my new pet betta fish and the first official roommate in the rabbit hole }

{ holiday-colored flowers displayed on a nearby street corner }

{ the perfect wine-stained lips with revlon's super lustrous lipstick in crème blackberry #640 }

{ anthropologie's holiday bundled up critters candles - rabbits with juniper vanilla scent }

{ press photo from nashville scene-the spin's live music review of clorange }

first off, a huge thank you to the wonderful people at the nashville scene and the spin who included clorange in their review of last thursday's show at the end. it's always a good feeling to be involved in a band with not only some of your closest friends, but for people to respond positively to live shows. see the entire review and the show slideshow by clicking here. otherwise, here is the excerpt from the article.

"Why didn't anybody tell us about Clorange? Given The Spin's deep love for all things doomy and psychedelic, and our love for tough rocker chicks in leather jackets, and guitar players who look like Leslie West, and guitarmonies, and ...well, you get the picture. How we didn't know about this band is a mystery to us. But they're a mystery no more! Sign us up for the Clorange Fan Club!"

in other happy news, quite a few of you have expressed interest in seeing more frequent posts from me. well, it's time to start what i'm going to call, 'five gems'. this is the first edition, and i hope it's what some of you have been looking for. it will continue to be a weekly post, scheduled around the normal outfit photographs, containing five points of inspiration that i've found myself obsessed with lately. it will be anything and everything, from vintage stores and new shoes to dinner recipes and newfound music. enjoy and thanks for reading.

breathe peace.

furry

2011-11-21T14:49:00.001-06:00

photos by the porte-plume.

wearing free people oversized willows pullover in deep blue and blue textured tights, vintage slip dress, lace one shoulder dress from blush, target mossimo supply co. fur trapper hat, holiday sphere necklace, and katherine engineer boots, and urban outfitters printed clutch and pink crystal necklace.

these new boots are everything awesome. the old clorange boots had taken quite the beating, caked in dirt, tied together with string, broken soles, and loss of color. sad thing was, i didn't even have them for very long, but these new boots, by mossimo supply co. through target, are a welcomed replacement. and what came of the old boots? since they weren't worth a donation, the rebel and i happily lit them on fire. hairspray is good for more than one thing.

photos by the rebel.

a new pair of boots is a needed staple when the seasons turn frigid. obviously, as you can see in my look above, i'm at the stage where i'm mixing my white nothings and new sweaters and hats to make a hodge-podge of an idea that's supposed to keep me warm somehow. but that glorious hat makes me feel a little bit closer to the following.

sorry little fox, but i'm not sure that it gets any cooler than that.the clorange show last week went well. it's always nice playing to a little larger of a group, a cold winter night, and a couple canadians. and now after sunday's practice, there are more new songs than my little brain can comprehend. here's to a band that enjoys being progressive. the mystery celebrated quite the birthday weekend, complete with house parties, caramel cake, and a porch dog named after his lady friend. a family moment featured buttered recipes by paula dean, cajun shrimp, and a round table moment of cheers and smiles that always comes with a birthday. a good weekend.this next week brings seasonal smells and tastes, and although i love a good thanksgiving feast, i am vowing to wake up in time for the macy's day parade above everything else. i didn't do it last year, and i definitely didn't do it the year before. so, this year i am promising myself to see one dropped baton, one giant balloon, one tripped shoe, and too many jolly faces with too much makeup on. ahh, tis the season. and once this festive day is complete, it's time to whip out all things christmas. let's not even begin to comprehend how i finally have a place of my own for the holiday season. this means, you won't be able to recognize it by christmas morning as another other than one giant snowflake. hello, elf moment. with all of this said, that means another 365 days is coming to a close. i've got my thoughts to process, perhaps it's time to fantasize your own. look back. take a second. make sure you close it right.

breathe peace.

less

2011-11-17T14:36:00.001-06:00

photography by the porte-plume.

wearing motelrocks low back lace top, target cream skirt with gold detailing and black lace tights, f21 tribal earrings, vintage carpet bag, and cole haan zipper ruffle booties.

whenever someone asks me how i'm doing this time of year, i usually say something along the lines of... "drowning, trying to stay afloat, surviving" and so on. and then i found the following last night during a moment of procrastination.

it's almost a little bit too perfect. because here i am, wrapped up in the strangest web of need-to-get-dones and have-to-do-nows, but i at least can still see myself looking forward. there may be wind pushing me back and chilling blows to my strength every morning that my alarm clock scares me out of bed, but i've at least got both eyes looking straight ahead. and sometimes we all feel like our life is flashing before our eyes as we float slowly down to a dark sea floor. but let's be real, like the video above states so profoundly, all of those horrifying and nostalgic thoughts will be interrupted by a fish. and for me right now, i know what that fish is. my fish guides me away from my panic, my worries, my frightened moments. my fish has nothing to do with anything on my list, but it doesn't surprise me at all that it is my fish. i know what my fish is. but here's what continues to keep me in a balance between the fear and the fish. i'm aware of the simple fact that i don't know it all and i can't predict what's going to happen. and although i can't say that for some of the more ignorant around me, i at least know i don't know very much yet. i've got a lot to learn. and i'm excited about just that. i'm also aware that what i just wrote does not score well on the rubric for making sense.

in other news outside my brain, the mystery had a birthday on monday night. we attended a jumpin' and jivin' motown celebration, but this is only the beginning. this weekend brings a homecoming of friends i miss, numerous moments to raise a glass for the mystery's birth, and a warm family dinner. clorange has another show, three cheers for ongoing live music. i've been taking a small break to catch up with the cupcake over sushi and white sangria at pm, i've been completely obsessed with cotton ball earrings, and i may or may not have recently come into possession of a furry hat with ears. quite the eventful few days when the majority of my life is spent with my face smashed and possibly even glued to the pages of my school textbooks.

breathe peace.

oktapodi

2011-11-14T12:50:00.000-06:00

photography by the porte-plume.

wearing urban outfitters neon corduroy skirt and brown belt, target pink tshirt and fringe bag, h&m floral jacket, top shop: office boutique turquoise floral heels, and sunnies i picked up in the madrid airport.

the following is something so pure, innocent, and absolutely adorable that i find it impossible not to share. see more amazing short films here. a few weeks ago, i sent out different short films to some close friends, but this one i kept for myself to watch over and over and over again.

so great.this past week, i've found myself stretched for time. school is piling more and more weight on top of my shoulders, and my heels are starting to quiver in fear. it's amazing how the end of college is so close, but it still feels years away. this morning, i registered for my final semester. registering for classes one last time was not only a sobering milestone, but i was also feeling a little nostalgic and had just woken up from a strange dream involving a wedding with an unsuspecting friend. a peculiar way to start the day. i've been happily attending an awards after party at the nashville warner brothers office, i've been running up and down new streets in hopes to get a head start on the holiday pounds, and i've been hypnotized by the turns and toils of a slinky, as they become a giant knot that i've got to untangle all on my own. the irony is pretty thick. friday was a clorange show at the muse, and despite my attempts to fall off the stage, it went very, very well. it's always a heart-heightening moment to make new fans. saturday was a matinee and shopping with the boo, meeting up with the porte-plume, and drooling on the escalators between the sparkling floors of nordstrom. plus, a little lunch of crab wontons always serves well with sunny autumn weather. a night of watching music kiddies from belmont struggle to find their way into stardom, and a later night of hopping between smokey atmospheres in midtown. back to another week of counting down, mind games, and forcing myself to believe i do want lettuce for every meal. yuck. i would write more, but i fear i may say too much, as usual.

breathe peace.

top

2011-11-07T13:36:00.002-06:00

photography by the warhol.

wearing thrifted double-breasted coat, white lace dress from boutique in oxford, target black tights, urban outfitters feathered clutch, f21 black suedette pumps and floppy hat.

since life has been abnormally busy and sickness has infected those around me like a vicious plague, resources are limited. this look was from last winter, and i never used it, so a little thank you to the warhol for all his help. also, the porte-plume, get well soon. and in the spirit of not having time to put together a well-organized post, i give you a splurge of inspiration. some of you hate these posts, some of you love them. it must be the fun of scrolling, who knows. regardless, enjoy a little bit of everything.

i get on my soap box very frequently to scream about my frustration with top 40 radio. i get very upset with the fact that so many people believe that what you hear on the radio is actually talent. the names that people label as "artists" are usually robots. but, the good news is, not only is there an enormous amount of actually talented musicians making a name for themselves, but there are even some people with oodles of talent still on the radio. beyonce is someone that i've ignored for the majority of my life. it was just never my cup of tea. but, "love on top" is something different for my ears, and i'm loving every second of it. the numerous key changes at the end is what got to me, it made me stop in my tracks. sing it, girl. because no one else rocks like that. thank goodness for the hope that there is still real soul in some singers today. also, she rocks a beautifully tailored gold tuxedo, and i love the intricate detail on her pilot's hat. if you're looking for more songs from her that resemble this same power, i recommend "1+1". the music video makes me want to take a shower and eliminate all 80s references from my life, but the melody is old school and wonderful.i was totally swamped and drowning this past week. school, on top of studying, underneath piles of books. but when i had a moment to catch a break, i was scarfing down woodstock burgers and truffle fries at burger up for wednesday dinner traditions. i almost threatened the life of my cute little kitchen while cooking pasta dishes with the rebel and i drooled on myself from laughing so hard at fox's underrated show, new girl. the cupcake came up to visit on friday night, and we tromped through old memories in strange bars with old friends, heels and migraines and all. saturday was spent at the zoo at grassmere, with a behind-the-scenes look and interview with their mammal experts, always a childish treat, and visiting old friends for downtown birthdays and south side bonfires complete with four brown dogs. sunday was spent with my close family. a celebration of endings and a tear fallen for one lost. i love my family to death, and sometimes life brings bumps in the road, but we're there for each other no matter what. to my uncle david, rest in peace. you'll be greatly missed.

breathe peace.

season

2011-11-02T13:55:00.004-05:00

it's that time of year. if you're not embracing it, then you need a revamp of your holiday spirit. i thought i'd make a short list of the things i'm loving most about this time of year. a collection of inspiration points that keep my overwhelming student life from completely consuming me.

1. let's be real. the greatest thing about the turning from october to november is halloween. and the greatest thing about halloween is the costumes. this year, i channeled dee wallace as mary, the mom from the 1982 sci-fi movie, E.T., when she dresses up for halloween. the porte-plume and i always had a strange fascination with her fairy wand, and for some reason, i have always adored how her costume never made any sense. leopard and a fairy wand, a combination i find hard to resist on such a cooky night as halloween. click here to see more of her fabulous costume in action.

2. a little extra magic on my front stoop. light-up pumpkins and ghost decorations make for a nice welcome home and a tiny "yippee!" from me every time i get out of my car. an overflow of holiday spirit is never a bad thing, even if you resemble a small, giddy school girl.
3. a short bike ride to the frothy monkey for pumpkin spice lattes on crisp autumn afternoons is a perfect cap to my lunch breaks. though they aren't an everyday luxury, when they return to coffee shops in the fall, i'm the first to go searching for the best. even a burnt tongue couldn't keep me from a little frothy mustache.
4. pulling out some of my winter staples is always like early christmas presents during this time of year. these beauties sit in the back of my closet throughout the summer, but when the time is right, the velvet just needs a little dusting and they're good as new. the beautiful winter green, the silk ribbon touch, and the pointed toe make these shoes a favorite of mine for the colder seasons. they are modcloth's everlasting emerald heels.
5. painting over white and pastel nails with dark, fall colors is an easy transition into a new season. these are two of my favorites, purchased from urban outfitters earlier this year. yes, i'm aware that the green matches the pumps above...funny how that works. "DJ" on the left (green), and "midnight" on the right (navy).
6. i needed a pick-me-up last week, and gigi's cupcakes was necessary. it had been far too long since i had been by and i knew that there had to have been some new additions for the fall season. scarlett's red velvet cupcake, white midnight magic cupcake, and midnight magic cupcake. and finally, my favorite, the southern comfort cupcake with pecan pie, caramel frosting and powdered sugar. it doesn't get any yummier.

7. a little musical inspiration. daneverly, featuring violin by the mystery. simple and relaxing, this sound is something a bit reminiscent of andrew byrd. an ambient, soft droning with a soothing, low voice. it's a perfect mix. i absolutely adore this video, and i love the sounds that the mystery makes on the violin, a perfect compliment in all the right places during this song. see some great footage of him after 4 minutes in. awesome.my halloween weekend consisted of a wonderful new experience on friday night: the rocky horror picture show. the porte-plume took me, and i haven't had that much fun in a movie...ever. toast was thrown, faces were painted, balloons were popped, water was splashed, a mixture of toilet paper, popcorn, newspaper, and screams was flying through the air and i was giggling harder than i have in a while. ridiculous. i saw a wonderful lady from kentucky on saturday, and i wish our time didn't keep getting cut short. cough, cough. a furry friend of mine named bonny stayed in the rabbit hole this weekend, and i wish i had her all the time. but regardless, the costume was put on late saturday night and well, it's a leotard...once it's on, it doesn't come off. a teeny road trip to a house in nowhere land with chuckie finster, freakazoid, and elwood j. blues, a basement show singing with the ones i know best, and a surprisingly good time. the necessary night cap at waffle house followed. i'm never disappointed with a window booth and a side of hashbrowns covered. monday night consisted of a re-do of the leotard on actual halloween and either i'm getting smaller or the leotard is stretching because getting it on and off wasn't quite as awful as before. anyway, i'm always down for a party with the closest i love the mostest...that's what this was. here's to a successful halloween weekend. more from me soon, but the weather's too nice and i've got too much to do, so it might be a minute.

breathe peace.

flea

2011-10-26T16:01:00.001-05:00

photography by the porte-plume.

wearing express sequined dress, f21 "flying squirrel" sweater and combat boots, target polka dot tights, and fire finch black circle sunnies.

there's something really wonderful about a day at the flea market with the porte-plume. not only is she my better half, but we get excited about similar treasures that can only be found in flea markets. together, we're quite the pair. i couldn't imagine conquering this monthly adventure with anyone else but her.
each tent has its own wonders, each turn has a new story and bundle of antiques. it's hard to not spend your whole day just rummaging through lost belongings and hidden gems. if you're ever in nashville, a visit to the nashville flea market is necessary.
but the following is something i've been waiting on for a long time. i hope that someone else knows about blind pilot. they're underrated, beautifully serene, and a well kept secret. their first album, 3 rounds and a sound, is an album that holds so many memories and nostalgia for me, it's hard to listen to one song without daydreaming. their second album, we are the tide, which was just released last month, is a step in a slightly different direction. the following, a song called new york, is the moment i have clung to the most on their sophomore edition.the rebel and i attended their show last night at exit/in. long awaited and well-received, blind pilot owned my night with ease. a mixture of old and new songs with a calming echo of sounds that i hold so dear. the words speak quietly, but with firmness. a collection of instruments not normally found in most bands, and a swirling soup of emotional overload that makes it difficult to distinguish between a needed smile or a necessary look back. it was a moving show, to say the least.in other news, clorange filled my weekend. a friday night show, called ladypalooza, at little hamilton with a collection of female-fronted bands. all for a cause. saturday consisted of the flea market beauty above and a journey to monster mountain with the porte-plume and friends. an eery outdoor haunted house with enough twist and turns to flip your senses inside out. the smells, the squishy floor, the clown on a stripper pole, an upside house. each and every scene was a masterpiece in itself, and the scare factor was not lacking. sunday was spent driving to atlanta for the clorange debut at the gravity pub. atlanta, thanks for the open arms. things are busy, things may be juggled, but things are good. i even made a coffee shop friend today with a puppy named happy. i find it all too ironic. and now, halloween weekend rears its haunting head. two years ago, marie antoinette became my hair. one year ago, the mad hatter infested my brain. this year has yet to be decided. regardless, more from me soon.

breathe peace.

pizza

2011-10-20T21:26:00.002-05:00

i don't normally post recipes, but having a nice camera means that i take pictures of every little thing that goes on in the rabbit hole. i had a little potluck dinner with some boys i hold dear last week, and here is one of the two dishes i made. the other i will post soon enough. but, as someone who attempts to eat healthy and minimize my bread intake, pizza is quite the conundrum. i love pizza, i love the fuddah's pizza, i love two-for-one tuesday nights at mafiazoa's for the pizza. but, i fill up so easily on the bread that comes with eating a hefty pizza crust. this little recipe eliminates that. instead, it's the pizza toppings in dip form. enjoy!

8 ounces of cream cheese

1 jar of tomato pizza/pasta sauce

1 bag of sliced pepperoni

1 bag of shredded mozzarella cheese

preheat oven to 350°. spread the cream cheese on the bottom of the pan. then, evenly spread half of the jar of tomato pizza/pasta sauce on top of the cream cheese. next, slice pepperoni into sections of four and sprinkle them on top of tomato sauce. finish it off with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. place in the oven and let cook for 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly. serve with corn chips. i prefer frito's scoops, great for dipping!

happy home, happy mind. susie housewife likes to come out to play, but its only when i really need her. regardless, i still listen to the following at full volume while i cook in my kitchen. susie housewife or not.

this weekend brings memories i know will not be forgotten. and after a flea market run with the porte-plume, the rabbit hole may be complete. it's a frightening thought, but soon enough, i'll be sharing photos of the finished project. clorange will be making their atlanta debut, i'll be hiding in the corridors of a haunted house, and pumpkins will be carved and shared. i always forget how little of the autumn season actually hits nashville, but the sunsets make up for it. anyway, i've been taking snapshots of every moment that reminds me of this beautiful time of change in weather, and i'm sure i'll share all of it here as well. so here's to taking your doubts and fears, setting them aside for the evening, and enjoying the warmth that comes with risk. here's to learning how wonderful loving family and true friends really can be. and here's to realizing that sometimes no matter how much you water a plant, it just won't bloom. enjoy your weekend, kiddies.

breathe peace.

autumn, anastasia

2011-10-17T16:24:00.001-05:00

photography by the porte-plume.

wearing topshop white woven dress, vintage faux sheep vest, dayaday tan clutch, target braided belt, gianni bini lexi platforms, circle sunnies from river island: dublin, and makeup featuring illumin8 bronzer courtesy of anastasia: beverly hills.

ANASTASIA: BEVERLY HILLS

a huge thank you to the wonderful people from anastasia for sending me the illumin8 bronzer. it's perfect for the transition of sun-kissed skin into the autumn and winter seasons, ushering the change in pigment process from one shade to the next with ease. anastasia has been the makeup expert for numerous women that pop culture finds most inspiring. madonna, jennifer lopez, oprah, selena gomez, and more.
recently added to all sephora stores, anastasia makeup uses cosmetic formulas that mix with various skin tones and transition with pigment shades over time. the illumin8 bronzer is consumer-tested and has proven to not only provide a sun-kissed glow without the sun, but it also hydrates skin and reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, paraben free, free of artificial dyes, and fragrance free? that's my kind of makeup. i received the illumin8 bronzer in "sun-kissed", but there is also "sun-bronzed" for a darker look. thanks again, anastasia: beverly hills!

the following is something the rebel shared with me. it's straight forward, a little twisted, and a scream for listening ears. it speaks to my generation and those above and below who forget how influential pop culture has really become. final thought of the video? think for yourselves.

thou shalt not make repetitive generic music.thou shalt not make repetitive generic music.thou shalt not make repetitive generic music.thou shalt not make repetitive generic music.now, if only more would listen. to those of you who turn on your radio and honestly believe that the majority of your pop idols actually sound like over-processed robots, think again. and i suppose this entire point could go hand in hand with that of my previous post which shared gut-wrenching photos and a heartfelt message about opening one's eyes to the rest of the world. your worries and troubles? yes, they are your own and they rule your life. we're human, we have things to go through, climb through, and get over. but the difference is...some people know when an issue is small and some people know when to put on their big girl panties and move on. i only hope that more people learn the difference between petty drama and what really matters in life. there is not a fine line. it just takes time to learn. i'm still learning, and i accept the fact that life itself is a learning experience. but, i at least have a pretty good grasp on the difference of energy being wasted over something so small and when my attention should be focused elsewhere. and no, your attention should not be focused on the next lindsay lohan gossip or britney spears single. it doesn't matter, and somewhere deep down, you know that.in other news that doesn't resemble that of a preacher's sunday sermon, i am absolutely grateful for having the most wonderful family and group of friends that any girl could ever ask for. this past week was beyond busy. it was a juggling act. but, i'm thankful for wednesday dinners with the cupcake consisting of fresh guacamole and mango mojitos on the sidewalk porch at chago's. i'm thankful for the final installment of lightning 100's live on the green featuring here come the mummies. the porte-plume, the diva, and friends danced and shook our patooties to a perfect mixture of innuendo and funk. friday night was perpetual groove at exit/in and more dancing was involved. if you took dubstep and made it into actual music, you have perpetual groove. jaw on the floor and mind confused as to why i had never been to one of their shows yet. melrose billiards, a successful clorange practice, and a welcoming of the second season of the walking dead complete with zombie-inspired food and the greatest group of people in my life. now, i'm off to continue the most productive day of october.

breathe peace.

heart, zara part 3

2011-10-12T15:15:00.000-05:00

photos by the porte-plume.

wearing alloy truck jeans with stretch flare, express ruffled tank, h&m plaid jacket, f21 floppy black hat, golden clutch from blush boutiques, and zara wedge ankle boots, feathered earrings, and basic gloves in black courtesy of zara.

ZARA

a huge final thank you to the wonderful people at zara who have involved me in the US launch of their online shopping website. i know that every girl was excited about that day in september. i posted about the lovely little gift here. besides the inspiring "dear america" photo collection, i also had the chance to use a gift certificate on the new US website. these basic gloves were my final purchase with that money, after the ankle boots and feathered earrings. simple and warm, with a wonderful addition of this fold-over piece for the thumb, these are the exact black gloves i had been lacking in my fall/winter wardrobe. thanks again for everything, zara.
in other news, sometimes its nice to take a minute and let someone else sing the words for you. take the load, marcus.

marcus mumford, marry me?
everyone has their songs. the songs that make them twitch and feel a pull, feel anything again. this is one of those songs for me. a simple poem. it makes me stop staring at the ceiling above my bed and write what i'm feeling behind my eyes. it also, coincidentally, makes me write much faster than normal. either way, its the perfect mix. page upon page come pouring out of my fingertips as the song repeats and plays on. i like a song that washes away writer's block, welcomes emotions that are usually brushed under the rug, and keeps your mind turning and toiling in the space between being level-headed and indulging in the black hole of insanity that we all have hidden somewhere. it's a scream and a whisper all at the same time, and i'm not sure i'll ever be able to speak quite as clearly.i've been enjoying the final products of clorange completed tunes, reminding myself what jams in the old soul's attic home used to sound like, and thoroughly enjoying my own clown dance with a drum set. who cares if i disrupted everything. i've been running between closed doors and car engines, finding a way to squeeze everything in with just enough time to take a breath as i lay my head down for sleep. props to people who can do this 365 days a year. i don't know about you, but i need grass and a day of bubbles every once and a while. yeah, i know. i'm never growing up. i've been literally laughing out loud at the cheesy 80s music choices for spin class this week, cooking up a storm to the accompaniment of james brown in the rabbit hole, and bringing the warmth of clorange into my kitchen. complete with full stomaches. i plan on sharing recipes soon. mid-terms are sort of over, and i've got plans for nights of music, after music, after music. the thrill of live tunes doesn't seem to get old.

breathe peace.

hope, zara part 2

2011-10-08T18:35:00.001-05:00

photography by the porte-plume.

wearing american apparel petticoat skirt in ballet pink, thrifted goldfrapp tee, vintage black suede belt, alloy makenzie clutch, and zara wedge ankle boots and feathered earrings courtesy of zara.

ZARA

the following were shown to me by the rebel. and in the spirit of recent events with lost friends, i find it necessary to try and remind that we are so very, very blessed. take what you have and thrive from it, enjoy it, and grow. the troubles we think are so trivial and important in our lives are nothing in comparison to the rest of the world. nothing. open your eyes. these are only a few from this wonderful article about the best pictures of this decade. there are over a hundred, but the photos below were the most powerful for me. click here to see the rest.

each photo has a story, a meaning, a history. i encourage you (yes, you!) to scroll through the rest of the best photos from the decade here and read each and every caption. then, look at your worries and set them aside, for they are minor when compared to what some people on this earth have to go through.

the following was also shown to me by the rebel. not to continue with the gut-wrenching and guilt-building preach, but i guess i'm going to anyway. the following is beautiful, tranquil, and eye-opening.

take what you have and appreciate it. enjoy it. use it to better something around you through sharing and giving. don't waste what you have with neglect and pity cards. make your own movement and grow up.

alright, enough lecturing for now. the rabbit hole is slightly more complete as i continue to be thankful for a home all my own. i've learned how important it is to have a sanctuary where work can be completed and goals can be reached without distractions. i've been thankful for wednesday dinners at a second family's home with the cupcake, and i've been thoroughly disappointed with brett dennen's lackadaisical set at live on the green. a little pep in the step would have been nice. i've been in and out of smokey basement billiards after class, and blowing my own mind with seeing people i haven't heard from since elementary years while chomping down the perfect late night burger and fries with feta cheese. the porte-plume and i attended disney on ice and could not have irritated the people around us any less. and i'm okay with that. growing up with disney makes it absolutely normal for the two of us to sing loudly to every song while sparkly costumes dipped between glowing castles and mysterious curtains. yes, i can vouch for disney when i say that it really is...an ice skating spectacular. in other news, another clorange tune is complete (finally), i'm on the verge of suffocating myself with biology flashcards, and later, i'll be wishing an old, close friend another year of celebration. more from me soon.

breathe peace.

kid, zara part 1

2011-10-05T16:06:00.001-05:00

photography by the porte-plume.

wearing eyelet one shoulder dress from blush boutique, f21 black floppy hat, target black tights, urban outfitters snakeskin print clutch, and zara wedge ankle boots courtesy of zara.

ZARA

a huge thank you to the wonderful people at zara who have involved me in the US launch of their online shopping website. i know that every girl was excited about that day in september. i posted about the lovely little gift here. besides the inspiring "dear america" photo collection, i also had the chance to use a gift certificate on the new US website. these ankle boots were my big purchase with that money. simple and chic with a perfect mix of leather and suede, these boots are exactly the fall staple that my wardrobe was lacking. stay tuned for the last two parts of this three-part zara series.this is just a little preview of this thursday night. i've been indulging myself with live on the green this fall, and this thursday features brett dennen. see you there.
i've been learning that the impossible ring toss game is not impossible at all with a bushwacker in your system. i've been learning that sometimes people really will just waste your time. and i've been learning that my family is absolutely wonderful in every way. i've been happily destroying myself at spin classes, running up and down streets i find through discovery, and enjoying a little bluegrass IBMA fan festival in the early morning hours. a building filled with child prodigies. clorange had a basement show in east nashville on friday night. it's always nice to get back into the groove of things, clorange shows just don't feel right without cold weather. good to be back. saturday night was spent with my three eastern girls. a little pinkberry, too much laughter, and embracing our absolute love for apples altogether.but more wonderful than anything was the celebration for the fuddah on sunday. the food, the drinks, the tears, the laughter, "blue skies", and an absolutely wonderful memory for the books. a collection of the most wonderful people i know, all rejoicing in the hard work of the fuddah and his time as a man of the clouds. i'm so very thankful to have the fuddah and the absolutely beautiful family that i have been blessed with. i'll share pictures soon enough.

breathe peace.

ice

2011-09-29T16:40:00.000-05:00

the last do-it-yourself i shared with you was my bicycle. now, it's time to share the other projects i worked on this summer and spoke of here. show and tell.

due to my recent move into the rabbit hole, i went all insane asylum straight jacket on the design part of my brain and banged out as my ideas as i could. i plan to post photos of the entire complete project when i feel it's finally done. but for now, there are two pieces i can proudly say are finished. this vanity and chair were gifts from the muddah. used in an art installation, this vanity was just a little chunk of wood. dark, rusted, broken down, covered in cobwebs, and left for the dumpster. so, i took a little elbow grease and got to work. i sanded it down, painted it a chic ice blue, replaced the wooden knobs with crystal touches, and added my own personal items: various jewelry, my smelly-goods, old magazines i refuse to recycle, and some old photographs i find inspiring for primping. as far as the chair, i wasn't digging the rotting golf fabric for the seat cushion. so in order to fix it up, i sanded down the wood, stained it with an oak finish, replaced the foam padding, and reupholstered the cushion with a yard of mint green fabric with a quirky bird print. nothing a little work can't fix. the rabbit hole is about as perfect as it can get. it's just a sunny bike ride away from anywhere i want to be, including a park i've used for studying the past couple afternoons. the slug war is slowly being one, i can squish my teeth into strawberries and suck on homemade raspberry ice cubes, and i find myself really wiggling my way into my groove again. just a few more touches, a necessary trip to the flea market next month with the porte-plume, and it'll be ready for sharing.

the following is a mixture of the inspiration that is most magnetic to me. turquoise furniture, ice blue touches, fresh flowers, and romantic textures. technicolor bicycles, mirrored effects, and every little nook filled with some precious, simple, and meaningful. how a home should be. enjoy.

perhaps you were inspired at some point. but if not, use the following. it's blunt motivation, it's simple and easy to hear. so silence your mind for all of 60 seconds, breathe in deeply, and exhale as you push play. three cheers for the levi's ads because they make life just a little more inspired. oh, and a fourth hurrah for the fact that this particular ad is using russell means, the voice of chief powhatan from pocahontas.

in other news, i've been thoroughly enjoying the swinging dreads and raspy vocals of tuesday's reggae night at exit/in with r.o.a.r. and the movement. but more importantly, i was pleasantly surprised and blessed to get the chance to hear the werks guest starring the greatest piano player i've seen in a while. if only i could remember his name. this weekend brings clorange at a house show, old friends visiting town, the ibma festival, and a surprise long overdue. good things are headed this way.
FABRIC & HANDLEthe lovely people at fabric & handle have given me the chance to offer you an exclusive discount code. enter "FHcosmic" during checkout and receive an extra 20% off your purchase. valid through october 5. i encourage you to check out their backpacks. yum.

breathe peace.

smooth, go jane

2011-09-26T02:37:00.010-05:00

photography by the porte-plume.

wearing go jane olive chiffon hankie hem skirt, f21 purple feather vest, pangea silver jingle statement necklace, and vintage black belt.

GO JANEthank you to the wonderful people at gojane for sending me this lovely little fall piece. as a lover of the high-low hem, this addition to the closet is welcomed with open arms. the color grey in some light, green in others, i appreciate the trickery of the color and shape. also available in black, i'm excited to begin the fall weardrobe with this beauty by my side. thanks again to the people at go jane. i encourage you to take a look around their site, as the mass amount of products leaves room for you to find at least one little thing that makes your heart go pitter-pat. three cheers for savings.

it premiered on her 28th birthday and since then, it has had over 3 million views. the more you watch, the more you listen, the more people that buy "body and soul", the more contribution there is to the newly-founded amy winehouse foundation. the foundation began in honor of amy and to support and care for the struggling youth of the united kingdom and abroad. whether this means financial troubles, addiction, depression, disability, or loss, the amy winehouse foundation is accepting donations here, and proceeds from the sale of "body and soul" will be passed along to the foundation and children's charities.

the sweetest little jazz killer with a voice like none other.i've been slowly finding my way through this past week. ripping back the curtains and assuring that both my feet are grounded. regardless of this security check, by the end of the day, i'm floating again. i've been enjoying mafiazoa's tuesday nights once again with the alice and the chicago. i've been watching jonny corndawg, dawes, and m. ward at the opening night of soundland at the war memorial, appreciating the raw talent of robert randolph & the family band at live on the green with the mystery, hiding in new orleans style train cards in the east nasty, and enjoying the neuhoff factory stage party with the royal bangs, jessica lea mayfield, the apache relay, and tristen. three cheers to having an awesome internship, it's the only reason i found myself happily enjoying soundland 2011 from behind the scenes. and the top of this whole weekend, my saturday night was spent at dayglow. in case you're not aware, this is the world's largest paint party tour and on saturday, it came barreling into nashville. lose yourself, forget where your mind wants to take you, ignore your gut feelings about lost company, and throw your arms higher than you can imagine. because at the end of the day, you're all you've got to dance with anyway. no one else. and when the music doesn't drown out the noise, you get on a stranger's shoulders and let yourself get blasted in the face with paint while the beat throbs deep within your veins. a good time.

GIVEAWAYi posted a giveaway here on last monday. thank you to everyone who sent in emails and comments, and a huge thanks to PromGirl for providing such a wonderful dress for the event. and it's time to the post the winner of the gorgeous PromGirl formal black dress! and the winner after all the emails and every comment is...
Chocolate Orchid from Atlanta, Georgia!(winner chosen by random number generator)

breathe peace.

promgirl

2011-09-19T10:41:00.004-05:00

GIVEAWAY

PROMGIRL.NET

thank you to the wonderful people at promgirl.net for wanting to collaborate with me and host this wonderful little giveaway! the dress shown above, details can be seen here, is the perfect little special occasion dress. it can be dolled up with a bright colored pump, a sparkly clutch, and a feathered hair piece. or, it can shine on its own with a simple black slingback, classic silver jewelry, and rich red lips. either way, it's a dress that turns heads with flattering ruffle detail on the chest and a full skirt perfect for twirling. now, all you have to do is enter!

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Follow COSMICaroline through your Google Gmail Account and/or Blogger Account.

2. "Like" COSMICaroline on Facebook and/or BlogLovin'.

3. "Like" PromGirl.net on Facebook.

4. Leave a comment below with your name, e-mail address, and briefly describe your upcoming formal event and how you would style the dress for your special occasion this fall!

this giveaway will close on sunday, september 25 at midnight.

i will announce the winner in my post on monday, september 26.

good luck!

breathe peace.

rhyme

2011-09-15T13:30:00.001-05:00

photography by the porte-plume.

wearing h&m pastel print dress, alice in wonderland bunny belt (courtesy of cassie stephens), the porte-plume's f21 combat boots, and gifted black feather headband i cut into a hair clip.

i think there's something refreshing about indulging in childhood fantasies. a huge ice cream cone, a carousel ride, a state fair fun house, and nursery rhymes. the porte-plume and i spent a night at the tennessee state fair and had way too much fun comparing eskimo bunnies, petting newborns, and laughing at the idea of becoming beekeepers. i've been thoroughly enjoying second family dinners at the cupcake's nashville home, singing to the thundering clouds and lightning strikes, and throwing my hands in the air in a "whatever" motion, if you will. because at the end of the day, i wish more people could distinguish between what matters and what really doesn't. a waste of energy is nothing but simply that. find the people that don't indulge in such nonsense, and hold them close. and in other news, the fall winds have me extremely excited for hats and mittens.

a big thanks to minnetonka moccasin for featuring my last post on their facebook page!

INTERVIEW

i spoke of my last post of an interview i did for zalando's fashion news blog. see the interview here!

GUEST BLOGGER

and i recently did a guest blog spot for julianna from jules in the jungle blog. see the "what's in my bag?" guest post here.

breathe peace.

bicycle

2011-09-12T11:47:00.003-05:00

this is the finished product of one of my many recent projects. i fixed my bike up a couple years ago, painted it blue, added a basket and a bell, the works. but because of my lack of knowledge when it comes to paint, the bike lost any sparkle it had over the past year. to a point where i quit riding it. now, after a little elbow grease and added color, the bike is back in business. enjoy a little before and after on my own diy project.

photography by the porte-plume.

wearing mango snakeskin print shorts, alloy eagle #3 athletic top, minnetonka moccasin boots, and diy flower crown.

a little light yellow spray paint, some new flower additions to the basket, a new seat, a little air in the tires, and a shining of the little ladybug bell i picked up in england many years ago. now, i'm back in business. finishing a diy project is always an accomplished feeling. and once the rest of the projects are complete, i'll be posting them as well. a little foreshadowing? an overflow of light blue paint.

in other news, i had the privilege of sitting in on this session at american songwriter magazine. this is only one of this duo's three-song acoustic set, and i was standing in the corner with my jaw-dropped. one guitar from 1951, one guitar from 1954, and the two are married in a perfect combination of bluegrass sound.

three cheers for the milk carton kids.
in other news, i've been making sand art and munching on strawberry lime las paletas with the porte-plume, celebrating the turning of years for the boo at cantina laredo and mai, and wandering through tables filled with mini cupcakes and champagne for fashion's night out with the warhol. playing with oversized silver balloons and swooning over edie sedgwick footage at the frist's andy warhol exhibit, circling around bonfires in the east nasty, and fighting an ongoing slug and grasshopper war in the rabbit hole. soon, the war will be won.

in other news, i did a "blog banter" interview for zalando's fashion news website. a huge thanks to the wonderful people at zalando. see the interview here!

breathe peace.

zara

2011-09-06T18:16:00.000-05:00

when i was contacted by the lovely people of zara a couple weeks ago, i was already dumbfounded. and to learn i was going to get the chance to be a part of the celebration of the US launch of the zara online shop? too good. i am completely humbled, and i'm also absolutely in love with the little pre-launch gift that the wonderful people of zara sent me in the mail. it's called Dear America. it is a collection of photographs especially curated to celebrate the US launch of the zara online shop, complete with the most gorgeous of packaging and an invite to an exclusive online preview of the launch. and for everyone chomping at the bit? what i've seen so far has been awesome. so get your mouse clickers ready because you all are going to drool. a huge thank you to the wonderful people at zara. the official launch is september 7. get ready, it's been a long time coming. three cheers for the obsessive love for zara that we state girls have.

a quick note. i was featured in the first issue of 'go lightly' magazine back in march, and now the second issue is out! click here to see the new issue.

breathe peace.

train

2011-08-31T11:02:00.001-05:00

photography by the porte-plume.

wearing printed dress from oriental boutique in spain, vintage mustard vest, dusted gold clutch from blush boutique, and the porte-plume's frye wooden wedges. i really appreciate that she has a wonderful taste for style.

thanks to a new job/internship, i found the following. a remarkable collection of talented musicians and the perfect mix of old and new. enjoy a down south wailing song. my pitiful guitar knowledge is slowly growing. next...banjo?

mumford & sons, edward sharpe & the magnetic zeros, and old crow medicine show. i'd sell my soul for a chance to hang out backstage. but after spending entirely too much time yesterday just reading through pages and pages of mumford & sons lyrics, i know that marcus mumford would never let me live without a soul. he speaks to loudly about the power that it can have on each step your tired feet may try to take. and if you're into reading long and in-depth interviews, i encourage you to read AS Magazine's "drinks with" interview. click here.but seriously, if you've got some free time. read the lyrics to everything mumford. everything they've got. heart strings pulled.i know i left the last post quickly, i had a little italy to attend to. so, i spent the weekend and the past few days swarming in work and happiness as classes began, paint covered my eyes, and a smile drew itself to lay between my cheeks. the italy came to visit my corner of the world for a few days this weekend. friday was spent inhaling sushi at pm, singing impromptu throw-back songs at the bongo java after hours theatre with little notice, and driving with the top down to a world filled with sweaty college kids crammed into a tiny cardboard box. drinks all around, a reunion with the loudest people i know, and wiping my eyes so i could see past the strobe lights. what an interesting evening. saturday contained love circle sunsets, pinkberry, and swimming between christmas lights in water that turns my hair bright green. i apologize, muddah. a 70s show ride down the street to a crammed nightcap of men preying on the italy while i sat back and laughed, learning how to play darts, and appreciating leg room. oh, and say yes to bushwackers. but in the end, i hated saying goodbye to the italy. she really is one of the most beautiful people in this world, inside and out. monday night clorange show at springwater, the keys to a new apartment, and a weekend filled with new blank pages. the ball is rolling.

breathe peace.

stone

2011-08-26T13:45:00.001-05:00

photography by the porte-plume.

wearing f21 black bird printed romper, vintage military jacket (recut from here), f21 black suedette pumps, alloy black chain bag, and diy flower crown.

the following is an indulgence that i've been ignoring. epic photo inspiration overload. well, there were another thirty photos i would have loved to put up, but i know there should probably be on limit on these things since it's not a tumblr. but in the meantime, enjoy a collection of the points of inspiration i've held close during these past few days. and yes, that does mean i've been practicing my bellydancing alone in my room at 4 in the morning. and no, i am not ashamed of that.

anybody want to try that? it's dancing in the street at its most hardcore. who's in?

and the new florence + the machine has me thinking about ethereal whites and deep southern draw. and there's something that makes me weak about the addition of mirrored images in a video. enjoy.

i appreciate her spurts of insanity towards the end.besides drooling over a few new music finds, i've been discussing new horizons with clorange, dreading and anticipating the beginning of my last first day of college classes, and squirming at the idea of a little italy coming to my corner of the world. i've been pretending i know how to play guitar, stone-stepping on stones that shouldn't be stepped on, and painting furniture like the world's ending. i've been hearing new words, listening intently, and absorbing. but, good news is...she's here. italy has made it, i just got the call. time to do some damage. so, instead of giving you further details on my life that you'll never remember and don't actually matter, i'm going to go tackle the cutest little italian lady. have a splendid weekend.

breathe peace.