Photo Friday!

When I see these images, I cannot help but to feel inspired, creative and HAPPY! There's nothing like a SMILE on your face to make everything better! I have been so into vintage, rustic and antique inspired things lately! I have so many ideas for photos and decorating swirling around in my head! But until those things make their way to the surface and start happening, these images will have to do! I am just so in LOVE with all of these warm colors, I just can't seem to get enough!



This makes me want SPRING to actually arrive!
{VIA}



This is so incredibly Romantic and Simplistic!
{VIA}



This is quit possibly one of the coolest things I have ever seen...I want to be there!
{VIA}

Look at those colors! I'm in LOVE!
{VIA}

So there you have it. My Five Favorites for Friday!
What things are inspiring you and making YOU happy today?

Defying Gravity

A few things for today::

Number one - today marks my tenth year with the same Man, who I am PROUD to call my husband! Happy "Decade Day", Babe! Love you! XoXo



My high school Graduation



Number two - after listening to my Glee soundtrack, I found a song that hits home {as of late}. It is a show tune, and I am not afraid to admit that I LOVE the theatre and Broadway! And it is from 'Wicked'. Which I have yet to see, but really want to...I am getting off track! The song hits home, because at this moment in time I can relate to the lyrics whole-hardily. So without further adieu, here it is, "Defying Gravity"

{at least an excerpt from it, as performed on Glee}:

"Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!

It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down!

I'm through accepting limits
'cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I'll never know!
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost!
I'd sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity..."

 

On My Mind...

Here is what is on my mind today::

• inspiration
• ideas
• positivity & negativity
• opinions 
• politics
• pop culture
• parenting techniques
• how to get things done
• completing projects
• housework
• right vs. wrong
• frustration 
• weather
• music
• art
• books
• LIFE

{VIA}

{VIA}

What's on your mind today?

Weekend Update

I hope your Easter weekend was a good one! 

Lately I have been in a funk {which I am going to blame on the weather}, and this usually causes me to hit a road block. Now to some, this may seem like nothing. No big deal. But to me, it is always a bunch of little things that pile up, and end up overflowing into my life. I can only hide things from myself for so long, until I explode. I understand that this is not a healthy way of dealing with things, but it is {for whatever reason} the way that I have dealt for as long as I can remember. But who really wants to read about all this? Probably not you! So on to the next...

On Saturday I had a photo mentoring session, hosted by Mandy over at a sorta fairytale, that was held in Seattle's infamous Pioneer Square. It just happened to be one of the most beautiful days we have had this season {or year for that matter}! I don't think we could have asked for a better day! She had the most photogenic couple model for us, while we acted like the paparazzi! We practiced lighting techniques, and learned tips and such about metering and the basics {such as the exposure triangle}. Overall, it totally honed in the information that I already knew, and put things into layman's terms for me. Here are a few shots of the most helpful, photogenic couple: 

 Oh yeah, I don't take nearly enough photos of my beautiful Girl! Nor do I write enough about her. Crazy, right?! Well here is a start:

Two Posts In One {Double Whamy}

Lately there have been some minor...'issues' piling up on my plate. But like most other people, I shrug them off and leave them in my dust. I have come across these images and quotes, and have been stock piling them for a post such as this! In one way or another, I find them liberating, helpful and inspirational. I kinda hope you do too!

 Also as of late, most of you know that I am attempting this photography thing and diving in head first. Sink or swim. Well I am choosing to swim! There are those out there who think differently of what I am doing, and I am trying my best to shrug them off as well. But sometimes its hard. I am coming to realize that not everyone is as supportive of me, as I am of them. And sadly, that is starting to become OK with me. After all, I cannot let a few people get me down! With that said, I had the opportunity to take maternity photos for a co-worker of my moms. They may not be "professional quality", but for my first time doing this type of thing, I don't think they turned out half bad! Here are a few::

 

Weekend Full of Sunshine!

This past weekend was MY Mama's birthday! And to celebrate, we had to two fun-filled days of sunshine and adventure! 
On Saturday my mom, her roommate and I drove to beautiful Anacortes and hopped the ferry to the San Juan Islands! Friday Harbor, to be exact. I always forget how much I LOVE it there! The sky was so blue, and the sun was so bright that we had to break out our shades {sunglasses that is}! We meandered through the shops in town, had a local lunch, and visited all of their art galleries. Which you wouldn't believe that they have so many. Their local art is incredible! The had the cutest shops, and the best antique store!

Antiques

An awesome mural

From one of my favorite shops

Look at that sky!

 

 

After a fun and rambunctious ferry ride, and drive home, we were BEAT! So much fun was had! Then on Sunday, my mom, my aunt and I drove up to Mt. Vernon to check out the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Needless to say, we were all disappointed. There were barely any tulip fields this year, so we just drove on by. But not all was lost! We stumbled upon the Tulip Festival Street Fair, and saw some AMAZING art! They had a lot of vendors, and live music. The architecture in this town is my favorite! Old and weathered. 

Local street art

Beautiful weather!

After the Street Fair, we drove over to La Connor. Which is a cute, quaint little town on the waters edge. We walked around town, did some MORE local browsing, shopping, and eating. This town also had quit a few art galleries! We also literally found a haunted building {I will dedicate a post to this later}! 

I loved these old letter press stamps!

This antique store is more like an oddity store!

After another rambunctious drive back, we stopped at mom's place for some home made birthday cupcakes! Overall, we had a GREAT weekend filled with some MUCH needed downtime! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!

Sickness

Last week, my kid had croup. This weekend, she got a double ear infection. And yesterday, I caught {quit possibly} the worst cold ever! How about a day without sickness in our household? That would be ideal! 

The thing that bites, most of all, is the mere fact that Mama's do NOT {ever} get a sick day! We cannot call the Boss and say we're sick, then sleep all day. NOT AN OPTION.

So I, like many other mothers I know, do my absolute best to not do anything. In hopes of feeling better. Meaning; the laundry is backed up, my kid is running around naked because I don't feel like getting her dressed, my house is {in my opinion} a mess, and I am planning on staying in my pajama's ALL. DAY. LONG! Now if only I could taste my coffee...

Even though my messy house and dirty laundry are bugging me {so much more than you could imagine!}, I literally do not have the energy to stand up long enough to deal with any of it! 

At least the body aches went away over night...that's a BONUS! 

You know how most men whine and complain when they're sick? Well this time it's MY turn! I never do, and kinda feel like I have earned the right this time around! Well, I won't actually whine, but I will probably complain {he, he}! And why you ask? Well, because simply put - four years without a sick day has earned me the right. For at least 24 hours! 

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

I was finally able to get some photos for this weeks hunt {even though my kiddo had been sick all week long}! And with the equivalent of one day of sunshine, I of course had to take advantage! 

1. MOTION - At the first glimpse of sunlight, this shot came to mind.

2. WAITING TO CLICK - Em's "boyfriend" from school had his birthday this week at Kidz Bounce. His mama rented out a room, and it was actually a lot of fun! Here's the Birthday Wish...

3. IN FASHION - Believe it or not, my child actually fell asleep willingly on the couch! By accident of course {but I suppose that that is what croup will make you do}.

4. ANIMALS PERSPECTIVE - This one was little tough for me {I'm not gonna lie}, so this is what I came up with...

5. MANY - Awhile back I got Em some fancy flashcards, and luckily she loves to do them! In fact, she will beg us to help her with them! And I gotta brag a little: she rarely gets ANY question wrong!

 

TAG! You're It!

I read this on a blog I follow, titled Angel Perry. It looks like fun, so I thought I'd give it a try. Here is how it works:
All I have to do is answer the "About Me" questions, then pass it on to a few other RAD bloggers!
So here it goes, a list of my favorites!


Food: Seafood. Such a treat, YUM!
Color: Green, earth tones, and lately I have been gravitating towards yellow & grey together.
Animal: Giraffes, owls, peacocks.
Dessert: Tiramisu. Totally.
Artist: Depends on which kind of art. I love Chihuly, Picasso, and so many more. I could never list them all. My list grows longer every day!
Pair of Shoes: Cowboy boots, Chucks, Tennies, or flip-flops in the summer.
Outfit: Flowy t-shirt type shirt, with either leggings or jeans.
Skinny Jeans: HECK NO! I have tried, and they look ridiculous on me!
Brand: Doesn't matter to me!
Perfume: L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, or Princess by Vera Wang.
Accessory: Either a piece of jewelry, or a cute hair clip.
City: Well, I heart Seattle {of course}, but I also fell in love with New York and Paris.
Hobby: Photography, music listening, blogging
Beauty Product: Cover up. Trust me. You don't want to see me without it!
Holiday: Christmas. Hands down!
Snack: This preference changes by my mood! I do prefer sweet over salty though...
Movie: I could watch Almost Famous everyday!
Song: There is NO way I could narrow this down - please don't make me choose!

Guilty Pleasure: ETSY. Blogging. Wandering around aimlessly at Target!

TAG YOU'RE IT!

_CARLY_

_STEPH_

_ALISSA_

_MANDY_

_GRACE_

_NIKKI_

_ASHLEY_

_JEN_

_GRETCHEN_

_BRIENNE_

Things That Make You Go Hmm...

I have noticed a trend. With so many bloggers lately, no one seems to be able to keep up with their posts. Me included! Everyone seems to be starting out their posts with mentioning their absence, or lack of blogging.

Most of the blogs I follow are from out of state, and some in other countries...but for me personally, could it be this weather?

I mean COME ON! Is it too much to ask that Washington state {at least the Western half} get a few rays of sunshine? The weather has never seemed to effect me as much as it has this past year. The rain, the snow, the wind, the HAIL! I am beginning to think that it may never stop? 

I am a true Washingtonian who has always embraced our weather. Crappy or not! After all, we DO live in a rain forest! But the lack of vitamin D has me feeling less and less inspired on a daily basis. 

If only my family was the type who could go on vacation to a faraway sunny place whenever we wanted! At the drop of a hat, on a whim! Oh how NICE that would be! But since we are not, I get giddy over the smallest glimpse of sun. When I see a ray shining through the trees, I smile. I suddenly get a bunch of ideas running through my head again, and I want to utilize every second of it! But lately, by the time I make it out the door, it is gone. 

My Backyard on a good day!

So I ask my fellow bloggers this:: Do you have any ideas on how I can utilize this overcast, dreary, rainy, damp and cloudy weather? If so, PLEASE share! I think I may have used up all of my ideas! 

Here's keeping my fingers crossed for SUNNY weather!

The ABC's of Me

Here are some tidbits about ME, MYSELF and I. Twenty six of them in fact! Just in case you were wondering...

Age:27

Bed Size: Queen

Chore you hate: Laundry!

Dogs: I love them, but do not own one

Essential start of your day: Caffeine!

Favorite Color: Green {and all earth tones}

Gold or silver: I'll take both! But seriously, WHITE gold AND silver!

Height: 5'4"

Instruments I play (or have played): I used to play the violin, but have always wanted to play the drums!

Job Title: SAHM and Nanny

Kids: Emma Ray

Live: Washington

Mom's Name: Darcie

Nickname: Mommy, Mom, Lins, Wilkie

Overnight hospital stays: Yes. Childbirth {mine & my daughters}!

Pet Peeve: Being sticky, being cold, rude/intolerant/ignorant people, and bad drivers {to name a few}!

Quote from a movie: "How come Andrew gets to get up? If he gets up, we'll all get up, IT'LL BE ANARCHY!"

-The Breakfast Club

Right or left handed: Righty

Siblings: By blood? Nada. But otherwise, I have a few sistas!

Time you wake up: On the days I work, 6:45 am. On the days I don't 7:30 am.

Underwear: Heck Yes!

Vegetables you dislike: Peas, Lima beans, kidney beans, the usual.

What makes you run late: MY KID!

X-rays you've had done: MRI's of my knees and head, and some dental x-rays.

Yummy food you make: I make a mean tiramisu during the holidays!  

Zoo animal: GIRAFFE! But do I really have to pick only one? Cause I love Orangutans too! And a lot more...I heart the zoo!

And how about you? What are your ABC's?

My First Feature & Music Monday

Remember awhile back when I told you that I joined For The Love Of Blogs? Well, today I am the featured blogger of the day! Silly how excited I am! Check IT out, then check THEM out! Yay for being featured! 

 

On a completely different note, I am bummed that I can't seem to find the time to enter any photo challenges. BOO! I am hoping that this week brings better weather, and more time to Snap some photos! Fingers crossed...

For Music Monday I have just a short, simple thing to mention. I will not get into huge detail, but let me say that I am STOKED to announce that two of my favorite bands are coming out with new albums within the next couple of months! Who you ask? Why let me tell you:: Death Cab for Cutie, and Incubus! The best part about these new albums? The fact that neither band has come out with any new material in YEARS! So yes, this excites me A LOT! I know that Death Cab's first new single off of their album is out now, titled "You Are a Tourist", but I have yet to download it because I am strange in the fact that I like to wait for the album to come out, rather than buying the singles. And I am actually not quite sure if Incubus has released a new single yet, but something tells me they have. In fact, I am going to go research this now! 

If you have read my complete list of ramblings this AM, I thank you!

Have a FANTASTIC MONDAY!

Weekend Wanderer

{WARNING:: POST MAY NOT BE TOO EXCITING}

With as busy as I have been lately, I'm pooped! To the point of near-exhaustion. 

I was supposed to attend a photo mentoring session hosted by Mandy over at a sorta fairytale

on Saturday. But with our lovely Seattle weather, we had to reschedule for later in the month. Initially I was bummed, then I realized that it was giving me the chance to REST! YAY!

So with one day of rest under my belt, today we made yet another big-ticket-item purchase. One that we have literally been putting off for years - a new box spring and mattress!

I honestly think that one of the main reasons I am so tired everyday, is because our current bed is such a huge piece of CRAP! It hurts our backs, has NO support whatsoever, and barely any comfort! Oh how I wish I was exaggerating, but sadly I am not! 

So this Wednesday we will be sleeping on a BRAND NEW BED! Woohoo! 

Isn't it funny the things you get excited about, the older you get?!