The Learning Curve

I promised I wouldn't judge myself, but I can definitely still laugh! Sadly, there was witness to this ditzy moment as I was on the phone with my boyfriend expressing my frustration of why manuals have to come in 9 languages. I flipped through the instruction manual three times in its entirety looking for English thinking it was hiding amongst Japanese, French, Dutch and Finnish. Then I realized the front cover said instrucciones. Oops... it was just the Spanish version. :) I am humbled in my blonde moments.

The beginning...

I just got a new camera and lenses today. I am excited about it, but equally nervous. I am embarrassed that it has taken me this long to learn about photography considering it is one of the family businesses. But, it has always seemed so intimidating to learn. Of course, the overwhelming nature is fascinating at the same time. A whole new vocabulary is being released to me now. A new way to look at everyday things. I cannot wait to see/feel what gets created with my new treasure.




I also got a polarizing filter (which I know nothing about) and tripod with a level (which I found oddly awesome).

Inside All of Us Is A Wild Thing

I watched this movie trailer off one of my favorite blogs - Vanessa's Runway- and had to share it. I had no idea there was going to be a movie adaptation (directed by Spike Jonze) for the child's book Where the Wild Things Are. I haven't watched a kids movie since... hmm... I can't even remember, but I am going to make an exception for this one!

Inside all of us is Hope. Inside all of us is Fear. Inside all of us is Adventure. Inside all of us is a Wild Thing.

Despite today being the start of a new term, it has been a happy day. Big changes have been going on actually. And it seems like life is coming together perfectly and there is no need to stress anymore.

My boyfriend recently moved to my hometown and it is definitely nice having him live closer. Being only a 40 minute drive now is so much more convenient. He also started wine making school today. I was feeling a little anxious for him and his return to school. Getting ready this morning I could tell his nerves were racing and I was trying my best to calm them. On my drive down to school I was wishing/praying that everything would fall into place. His class schedule is chalked full of chemistry classes (I feel sorry for him), but I have confidence he can handle it. It was pretty cute to have him call me later all excited about his first day. He will be so good at this. It really inspires me and makes me happy that he has found his niche. And wouldn't it be cool if he got to go work in vineyards abroad- lets say in Chile?

I guess I do still have one minor stress:

Unpacking! :(

I stay in college so I can spring break

An amazing week spent in West Palm Beach, Florida.
All of us!
The Square Grouper.









Eating at the greatest restaurant ever- The Food Shack- after an afternoon of kayaking.

MARGARITA CHALLENGE!
There were no losers :)

Itchin' for some new music

Since my favorite band has been keeping me in suspense for far to long about when a new album will arrive and since I have been getting bored with all my music, I am on a hunt for some great new bands. Any suggestions? My music taste varies, but I always come back to my love of folky vocals and amazing guitar. Throw in some violin and I am in heaven. I have also been digging Australian singers/bands lately. So once again, any suggestions?

And if you hear when Band of Horses plans on dropping their next album let me know. :) Here is a picture of the lead singer at a live show. I wasn't close enough to the stage to get a good picture at Bumbershoot, so this one I stole from their myspace page will have to do.

Departures/Arrivals

I am back from Florida and I can't wait to share the pictures with you. But, first I will need to find my camera cable...

I'm off to Florida!

Six days of sun, shopping, friends, ocean, relaxing, reading, and fun. I think this will be the greatest Spring Break ever.

Reunited.

I'm so excited for a new episode of Gossip Girl tonight. I have been counting down the days. Woo. Hoo.

Whats your personal style?

After reading a post from Dilly Dallas about her personal style I went ahead and tested to see what mine was. Turns out:

My personal style is a mix of 3 specific styles:

40% French Eclectic

40% Hollywood Couture

20% Modern Elegance

I believe it. Take the quiz here!

Oh Grandma!

I talked to my sweet Grandma yesterday. It reminded me of a time she told me that my Grandpa and her went to the Mexican restaurant for lunch. Turns out that the "Mexican restaurant" was Taco Bell. Made me laugh. She ate a chalupa. She is precious.

Amazing Photographer!

Professional photographers are so... umm... cool? I find them to the among the most interesting people on the planet. Their job is to find beauty in the world (or mask the ugly). Definitely a challenging job, yet so inspiring.

My grandpa started a photo finishing lab located in Portland, OR back in the 60s. He originally worked for Kodak, but took the leap into owning his own business called K & K Color Lab (named after his then 2 daughters- which became 5). K & K or "The Lab" as the family calls it became very successful and a pride for the family. Three of my aunts and one of my uncles continue to work there. As the world of photography has transitioned to digital, the demand for photo finishing has decreased, but K & K will always mean a lot to me. I loved visiting and seeing all the film develop, especially as a young girl seeing all the fairytale weddings. This initial joy has led to my current admiration for great photographers. With the rise of photo blogs, I have been spoiled with the ability to rummage through collections of amazing pictures.

I want to share is Kristy of Wreckless Photography. Her talent caught my attention the moment I saw these pictures. Wow. I fell in love. I only wish she had more photos on her already extensive website, because I can look at them for hours. I recommend you check out everything. Such an inspiration and I can tell through her pictures she really loves her job.



Aren't those photos great? Beautiful dress, beautiful people, beautiful location.
All photos by Wreckless Photography

I want to live here today.

I want to live here today. I imagine myself drinking a lot of tea in this cottage, while designing and building my own furniture. I would also employ a gardener to do the yard work for me, because I don't enjoy weeding and pruning. But, I would enjoy the wonderful smells of lavender drifting in the air.

Picture via cottageliving.com.

A couple new pieces.

I couldn't fight the urge to go shopping today. The sunshine and getting down with class at 1 was an added bonus. I went a cute lil boutique in Corvallis (being there is only three) called Urban Minx. I picked up two cute things. The jacket was a great deal at 60% off and considering it is still cold here in Oregon I will still have use for it for spring and then back again in the fall. The dress will be so universal for summer and for my upcoming trip to Florida. Yay! I feel the models need to do a better job making the items showcase how cute they are, because the pictures do no justice. But, hopefully I will.

Tulle corduroy blazer.
Charolette Tarantola Marci dress.
Oh, and I bought those sunglasses below in black. I am curious to see how they look.

I am really in the buying mood, even though I need to contain myself.

Once I start buying it is hard for me to contain myself! Here are some other purchases I really want to make... but I am going to sleep on it... thats me trying to be rational.



These Fred Flare sunglasses. I am going to Florida soon?! And they are only $11. Besides they have been spotted on Mary-Kate, Lindsay Lohan, Liv Taylor and Drew Barrymore.


This Vera scarf. $9.99 on Etsy from seller VargasVintage.


This Dooney & Burke zebra metallic tote.
Or this one that is "inspired" by it. $46 instead of $300?


This French orchid birdcage-esque hair clip . $30 from Etsy seller pishposhes.


Green feather headband. $10 from Etsy seller LovMely.

My new boots

Check out my new vintage Frye boots I bought on Etsy. Amazing steal. Love that they will already be broken in. I can't wait until they arrive!

"You Should Know From the Beginning This is Not a Love Story"

This movie looks great. I have seen the trailer on two blogs now and couldn't help passing on my excitement. I love every movie Zooey Deschanel is in. 500 Days of Summer.

These are the cutest prints!

I especially like the first one.  Even though, I probably need the second one more to use as a little reminder.  They are from the etsy shop of dazeychic.   

Crocodile

I like this new J. Crew crocodile cocktail jacket. So cute for spring.

Oh, I want to be

This little girl right now.  Just contently staring out into a reflection of trees on the water.  Thinking, wow, life is great.