Beauty in kindness

I love this quote. It really explains how beauty is not all outward appearance and a beautiful personality is really what makes a person so wonderful.

This weekend I was fortunate enough to spend the weekend with my older sister who is currently a sophomore in college. It was the first time I had seen her in two months so it was exciting when I heard the news that she was coming home. We went to the Olive Garden the night she arrived home and then went shopping for the "perfect" senior dinner dance for me. It was a very long after noon finding that dress, but she was very patient and helpful. Although I may not have found my perfect dress, I still had a great afternoon reminiscing on old embarrassments together and family trips. It really made me realize how much I miss her. I believe that family time is very special and I now want to spend more time getting to know my family and extended family.

This whole weekend made me realize how important all the relationships are in life. Also, it made me realize how little gestures can mean so much more than extravagant gifts. Here are a few ideas for little gestures to brighten someone else's day.

Figure out someone's half birthday and surprise them with a cake!

Put a dime in someone's meter before their time expires

Repeat something nice you heard about someone else

Pay for a strangers coffee without them knowing

Leave a joke on someone's answering machine

Hug a friend or family member for no reason

Brush the snow off a car next to yours

Tell someone that you believe in them
Buy someone a goldfish and bowl

Leave a waitress a big tip

Laugh

"Laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live."

What is better than a good laugh? Not much. Start everyday with a smile and spend as much time as you can laughing and just enjoying the small wonders of everyday. I really enjoy quotes on any topic of life. If you have any favorites leave a comment with one. I would love to hear your favorite

The Secret Life of Daydreams.

The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.

Ben Stein.

This may sound easier said than done, but I try to believe and practice this idea. Take my old job, I really dreaded going sometimes, so I found a new job. I took a proactive step to improve my life. Just like my job, find something that you are interested in, and make it happen. Now is the time tomake your dreams become reality.

Speaking of what I want, here are a few things to add to my list of wants

1. Textured clothing. This can be lace, a ruffle, or anything that can take a plain outfit and make it into something special. Here is an anthropologie dress that I think is perfect in this way.

2. Flower pattern. This is everywhere! I keep seeing it in magazines and while I'm browsing my favorite clothing stores. Here is a picture I found on lookbook.nu that I thought was really cute.

3. This isn't clothing, but I have recently really started liking Muse. Their music is kind of different, but after giving them a chance, I have found them to be pretty cool. Check them out at muse.mu

4. Fun kitchenware. I just found these ice cude trays that make the ice cubes look like dinosaurs. Maybe not completely normal, but fun!

That's just a few for today. Check back soon for more obsessions!

Valentines.

As we all know, this weekend is Valentines Day. Some people enjoy the holiday almost as much as Christmas. Others find the holiday to be completely useless and a way for candy companies to make money. I say, why not enjoy a holiday devoted to love. This doesn't mean solely a significant other, this means anyone in your life that you care about. Many people don't follow that and find Valentines Day being single is a bummer. Its all in your attitude. Use the day as a way to show your love to other people, not a day to spend pitying yourself. If you do have a significant other, good for you. Enjoy the day together! Because I am such a music enthusiast, here are a few songs I find perfect for the day no matter what your relationship status is.

1. Crazy in Love- Beyonce. Not only is this song totally fun to sing and dance to, but its cute about loving someone. Maybe not the most deep song, but fun nonetheless.
2. Show Me What I'm Looking For- Carolina Liar. This song is about looking for that special someone. Even if you don't have a Valentine, you will find one in time.
3. Fallin' For You- This is for those who are starting a new relationship and have those new relationship jitters where every moment is just perfect :)
4. I Love You Always Forever- Donna Lewis. This is such a cute song. Maybe you have that special one or even friends that you will love forever.
5. Don't Go Breaking My Heart- Elton John. This song is kind of cheesy, but singing it is just too fun.
6. Everywhere- Fleetwood Mac. "I wanna be with you everywhere"
7. Let Love In- Goo Goo Dolls. Let the love into your life in every form. Friends, family, and just loving your life.
8. Better Together- Jack Johnson. "It's always better when we're together".
9. Half Of My Heart- John Mayer.
10. Stay With Me- Josh Gracin.
11. Making Memories Of Us-Keith Urban. I think this is one of the sweetest songs ever. I hope to find someone who feels this way.
12. The Day Before You- Rascal Flatts. This song shows how quickly someone can change your life.
13. Keep On Loving You- REO Speedwagon. "I'm gonna keep on loving you, its the only thing I wanna do".

Thats just a few I enjoy but there are hundreds out there. Spend the special day with someone you care about, or alone just loving life because its all about love.

Snowstorm, skiing, and smiles

The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination.

Ward Elliot Hour

What a weekend! Although I always favor winter weather, this "power house" storm was quite the excitement throughout the country. Although I did not personally see the 30 inches of snow in my own backyard as some places did, the eight inches I did see were enough to keep me smiling! I could probably go on about the snow and such for the entirety of this post but, there are much more important things I must address. Because this is my first post, I have decided to start a weekly ritual to make a list of five things that are current obsessions. This blog is devoted mostly to fashion, so that will take up most of the list, but other times it may be a song or quote I think everyone should check out.

1. Short cowboy boots. Lately I have been wearing these. Here is a pair that I am obsessed with. This type of boot looks great with dresses, skinny jeans tucked in, and leggings.
2. I am a dress freak. I feel very strange if I am not wearing a dress. Because its winter, legwear is important. That is why I am digging cool tights. Cutouts, patterns and colors make tights trendy and fun to wear during these cold winter months. LOOKBOOK.nu: "13.12 ; Striped Tights" by Tahti Syrjala: Here is the perfect example of how tights make an outfit even better.
3. Key necklaces. I made my own from an old key I found while antique shopping with my parents, but there are tons made to buy here is one that I like.
4. The soundtrack to Pride and Prejudice. I listen to this album almost every night to wind down after a long day, or even while I'm working on other projects. Although there are no words, I find the songs to be very comforting and beautiful to listen to. My favorite track is probably Your Hands Are Cold. Such a great buildup and ending. You can feel the emotion without even seeing the movie.
5. Earmuffs. Many people do not think of them as stylish or even practical but after being gifted a pair of Ugg earmuffs my opinion has quickly changed. While not taking up much room, they are very cute and warm on a winter day.

Honorable mentions: Bandanas, embellished headbands, Wanted flats, wool mittens, and Hobo bags.

As the weekend wraps up, enjoy the snow in any way that you can. Have a snowball fight, cuddle up by a warm fire, or enjoy a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate. Spend time enjoying the snow, as you did back in grade school because everyday should be spent with mere amazement.