Week in the Life: Monday

Highlights from Day 1 of the project

Monday's favorite shots

Post shower with foggy mirror

Wrinkle Prevention

Belting the Dress

Waiting for the train to NYC

Sliding doors

Paige and me at the New York Women in Communications awards. So very excited

Miss Oprah presenting to Gail King

Mariska Hargitay leaving. Could she be any more gorgeous?!

Doing some shopping

Beauty and Iced Tea

On the train, heading home

Parking

Getting a little more comfy

Uploading some photos

Snuggling and watching the Watchmen

Week in the Life - Getting Ready

This morning I was thinking about my Week in the Life project that I will embark upon for the second time. And I was realizing that I will be taking photos of myself at a high school and trying to figure out how to do that without looking like a total dork. And then I went to work. And was asked to go to New Orleans from Wednesday through Friday for a presentation. Next week. So there goes trying to be creative about photographing dorky stuff!

I am very excited about this trip. I like to travel (hate to fly, but that's ok) and I've never been to New Orleans, so I'm thrilled that I will be in a new place. And I love taking pictures of scenery, architecture, flowers, etc. so I know I am headed to a great location. Oh, and I love to shop.

I will be presenting on millennial generation students (and I technically am a millennial, so I like this stuff too) and will be networking with professionals from across the country. I never used to enjoy this, but it has grown on me. I think I am most flattered that my director would want me to do this, as I am her representative for this. I am honored.

And that takes me to the Week in the Life project. I'm still going to do this next week, but I am not sure if this will very accurately document a typical week in my life. I will only being doing my typical morning routine on Tuesday. The rest of the week will be very abnormal. But that is what makes the project what it is. My life gets crazy like this, things pop up and gears get changed. Plus I'm pretty sure I will have lovely photos for the week.

To get ready for the project itself, I will be gathering the following:
2 cameras



I carry a point and shoot with me daily everywhere I go and have a larger semi-SLR for getting the great shots.

Moleskine notebook to jot things down as they happen


I hope to use the travel/airport time to compile Week in the Life information and get a blog post ready for when I get back, at least to share the week.

I've Come to Realize

(taken on a drive home when I surely was deep in thought)

I’ve come to realize that my job isn’t what I expected to do, but that I like it more than I would have expected.

I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . . I can’t be in silence. I need to hear music or podcasts. And I feel like I am wasting my time if I don’t listen to something fulfilling.

I’ve come to realize that I need. . .less internet, more interaction face-to-face.

I’ve come to realize that I have lost. . .my constantly “up” attitude and that it is ok to not always be happy.

I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . . I lose my keys.

I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . . um, I never really am. And if I am then there is a problem. So if I’m drunk, I have a problem.

I’ve come to realize that money… is just money. Needs to be respected, but can’t be revered.

I’ve come to realize that certain people. . . will be happy no matter what happens and others will be miserable even after they get everything they *think* they want.

I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . . be a little scatter-brained. And that it is hard for me to concentrate on one thing at a time. Right now I am listening to a podcast while drinking my tea and typing this. Ooops and just checked my email.

I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . . (just my brother) knows how to enjoy every day and has some really cool hobbies that he is not afraid to continue with. This includes building with legos, fishing, and outfitting a kayak to be a pseudo-battleship.

I’ve come to realize that my mom... and I are opposites in attitudes, beliefs, and ideas, but always both focus on love.

I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . . is not expendable.

I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . . that I didn’t want to wake up. But this is a daily event.

I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . . watching Law and Order SVU and House so late may be giving me nightmares.

I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . . of taking a shower and actually getting myself ready for the day.

I’ve come to realize that my dad. . .is a man of faith and an amazing supporter of his family

I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . . a lot of people don’t like the weather, their husband, or their bff.

I’ve come to realize that today. . . . is a gift and I am just enjoying the day off.

I’ve come to realize that tonight. . . I will be with some incredible ladies.

I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . . I don’t really have too many things to worry about and that I have to pay the rent.

I’ve come to realize that I really want to . . . find a church this year that I will enjoy attending.

I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to re-post this is. . . Paige :)

I’ve come to realize that life. . . is an adventure and I don’t always like it, but I have to get over that.

I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . . will be full of celebrating.

I’ve come to realize that my friends. . . are indispensable and they are so caring and loving and supporting.

I’ve come to realize that this year. . . is just beginning so time to make some things to look forward to.

I’ve come to realize that my husband. . . accepts me for me.

I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . . go take that shower and get moving.

I’ve come to realize that I love. . . having a clean, neat living space. I know, weird, right?

I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . . my mother and she doesn’t get me. But that’s ok :)

I’ve come to realize my past. . . has to be a part of me, but that I need to live without regrets.

I’ve come to realize that parties. . . are fun and enjoyed with good people. But I don’t love planning them. I like going to them.

I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . . of losing my parents. It will happen and I know it will be very hard for me.

I’ve come to realize that my life. . . is best paired with supporting people.

Simplify: Springing Forward

Continuing with the simplify challenge has been a bit tough for March. I think it is the busy-ness that seems to creep up this month each year. Lots of celebrations, work is intense, cleaning a little deeper, and changing out clothes. I also find that spring fever starts to hit me and I am ready to throw my winter coat away for good. As soon as we had a warm day this year, I stuffed all the coats in space bags and sent them to my mother's attic for safekeeping and now sport my lightweight spring jackets.

And simplifying unfortunately got pushed to the side. In fact, I think I have to admit that March was a tough one to feel simplistic in.

But these were the steps I took to simplify for March:

1. Cleaned out my closet and dressers. This was a huuuuge undertaking, but I got rid of any clothes that didn't fit perfectly or didn't make me feel great while wearing them. I found that by selecting the pieces that were beautiful and comfortable, it is easier to get ready in the morning and I now feel a new sense of confidence.

2. Continued taking Simplify 101's Organization 101 online class. This was a wonderful course that helped me streamline lots of spaces in our apartment. And the philosophy of tackling one organization project each day has stuck.

3. Attended a time management and multiple priorities seminar. Learned some wonderful tips about utilizing the time I have to do the things I enjoy the most or need to complete. And my favorite tip: When you think it, ink it. Which brings me to...

4. I have a to-do list book. For the very first time in my life, I have been listing all the tasks I need to complete for each day of the week and I check them off as I go along. And it has been a success. It helps me keep track of what I actually need to accomplish and I seem to have more time to spend scrapbooking and reading.

Remember to check in with your word, see if you can put it into practice in a new way. And if it doesn't still fit, you can always change it.

Dwell in Beauty

I rarely do sentimental, mushy blog posts. I don't really think I'm worthy of the faith-filled, passion-driven, life-affecting blog posts. There are so many bloggers who do that and they do it better than I ever could. Because they are faith-filled, passion-driven, and life-affecting.

Maybe that's why I avoid composing the deep blog posts. Why I write about the fluffy things in my life - my family, my stuff, scrapbooking. I guess I wonder if I can even be someone who blogs deeply, one who blogs deeply and well. Perhaps I'm afraid of attempting it. Am I one who is moved to speak about life's journey and how sometimes I feel like I am drowning and other times I feel rescued for unknown reasons? I do know I want my posts to me a little more thought-provoking and have wanted that since I first started posting.

Then I started reading some incredibly deep blogs. Blogs where women (just realized, I don't read any male blogs...interesting) bare their actual selves, the good, the bad, the interesting, the incredibly moving. And I have become very drawn to reading very deep blog posts.

That's how I found Sarah Markley and her post on beauty this week is truly touching. And I am taking the challenge. This is the perfect moment for me to make this blog a little deeper. Here is what beauty is for me.

Beauty and I go waaaay back. Back to being a little girl who was just about as girly as you get. Dresses were worn daily with the matching lace ankle socks and patent-leather mary janes. I know I felt like I was a beautiful child. Outer beauty alone defined me. And I know that bubble popped.

And the pretty clothes changed to drabish uniforms. And I conformed. To everyone and everything. Heck-I was a full-blown people pleaser. And I lost the sense of what made me beautiful and why. I was consumed by an overwhelming lack of anything beautiful in me.

Once I went to college I had a tiny ounce of freedom. I tried to make myself beautiful. I needed to have the most fashionable clothes, the hippest bags, the chicest makeup. I wanted desperately to be beautiful.

And now I have to face the reality that all the stuff the world can't make me happy or make me beautiful. I know it's something I should have learned when we all learn that in first grade, but I learned it late. And I'm still learning it. Now I'm embracing it. Beauty can't be bought. It doesn't come in a jar. You can certainly trick people into thinking you are beautiful, but there is so much more inner destruction that happens when you go that route. When I went that route.

I became truly ugly instead.

vain

gossiping

arrogant and haughty

dare I say something that rhymes with witchy

the girl who sees everyone else's splinter, but misses her own plank

high and mighty

lack of stability

faith-less

This is the farthest thing from beauty. The absolute depths of the grotesque.

And so I am now on a path to find the beauty that is already in me.

To seek the goodness.

Trust me, finding the real, true, inner beauty is worth the harrowing journey.

I now find that by embracing my flaws, accepting their existence, and focusing on eradicating the ugly, I can find my beauty.

I am finding my authentic self, the woman who likes bold patterns, heavy-hearted books, and loves supporting friends who share in the good and the bad. The woman who is beautiful. Inside and out. Without needing to try too hard.

I now know that seeking my existing beauty is more amazing than trying to buy it from somewhere else. Finding people who support beauty makes the journey a lot easier, too. And as my inspirational and truly beautiful voice teacher once told me, to be truly happy one must always dwell in beauty.

Now is my time to dwell

and admire

and encourage

and experience

and be beauty every day

Because once I revealed the bad and the very ugly, the beauty finally started to emerge.

The light of goodness is starting to gleam a little brighter.

Week in the Life 2010

Back in 2008 I took photos for one week documenting my life's daily happenings. I really intended to then scrap them, but it never actually happened. The photos can be found here.

This year, Ali Edwards plans to do once again complete her project from April 19-April 25th. Here is Ali's original post as to how you should document this week in your life. She has wonderful tips on how you should really do this and why it doesn't have to be a perfect project, but a process that instead captures what you do everyday. I think that is the core of the project:focusing on the everyday coolness that is the routine of daily life.

These are the things I think helped me complete the documenting part:

1. Keep your camera with you all the time. I tend to do this anyway, but if you aren't in the habit, it is something to get used to a bit.

2. Have a notebook with you and set a page for each day of the week in advance. Either "think it and ink it" by writing down your activities as they happen, or choose to spend some time each evening writing a re-cap. Trust me, when you want to permanently document you will rely on these notes.

3. Take lots of photos. More than you think you will need. For me it turned out that I ended up taking tons at the beginning and fizzled a little at the end. It helped to have more to select from overall.

4. Upload your photos daily to your computer or a website like flickr and name them. This allows you to remember more and match the photos with your notes.

This year I really want to actually make the scrapbook immediately following the photo and documenting process. And this year maybe I will actually share it with all of you :)

Cardmaking...why?

I used to only be a scrapbooker who made scrapbook pages. That was all I did. I never understood the enjoyment of cardmaking at all. Why would I want to make things that I gave away (sounds a little selfish, I know)? Well, then I visited a local scrapbook store and the sweet owner explained it to me. You get to make little treasures to share with others. You buy supplies specifically for cardmaking so you don't feel guilty cutting that piece of 12x12 paper. Or use some of those scraps (which we scrappers keep piles of anyway).

And so, based on the instant gratification of quick creating, I started making some cards. And the first ones were pretty plain and simple, but when people receive handmade anything, it is a cool thing. I love it when someone knits me a scarf or makes me a card. So I guess I think of it as something to brighten a day, a little sprinkle of love into someone's life.

And that is when I realized the benefit of the "handmade from the heart" items. I think it's why I own six Lisa Leonard necklaces and why I love going to small local stores to peek at the owner-designed paper art. Why I love personalized wall art. Why I love my Crochet for a Cure scarves and bag. I love the art that is created for others to enjoy and sprinkled in my life.

So, I am sharing some digital cards. I sometimes forget that I made them and as I looked through my gallery at 2peas, I noticed that some were fun to make, so why not share them here?

Sending happy digital wishes for a quick spring!

Probably my favorite thank you card. I just love these papers.

A wedding card for dear friends. I tend to do monogrammed wedding cards.

A simple birthday card. This one lies pretty flat for easy mailing.

This was a shower card and tag.

And one of my favorite birthday cards. Just loved making this one.

Favorites in February - Movies

I won't lie. Movies that I enjoy are either sophomorically funny, epic series, or tragically beautiful. I can't even remember the last time I watched a chick flick (Sex and the City doesn't really count. It was waaaay deeper than I expected) and I don't do action or horror movies too often either. And I rarely watch a movie multiple times. Those that I do watch over and over are watched when I am doing something else, like scrapping, cleaning, or reading.

So these are the ones I love. And it is a weird bunch indeed.

Silence of the Lambs my all time favorite movie.

Ever. I still remember the first time I watched it sitting with my dad and brother on the floor in my parents' bedroom. My mom yelling at my dad for letting us watch it. Maybe that has something to do with why I love it so much.

Elizabeth I from HBO

So technically this is a mini series, but ah, just an amazing account of the Virgin Queen's rule. The acting in phenomenal, the sets beautiful, the costumes stunning.

Newsies

What mid-20s something woman didn't watch this at a sleepover?And pick the newsie of their dream? And sing along to the catchy tunes? 'nuff said.

Hotel Rwanda

So chilling. A reminder of what we must never allow to happen again.

All the Harry Potter films

Bringing the books alive makes these movies a guilty pleasure.

Crash

I remember watching this movie and just sobbing. Our lives impact way more than we think they do.

And Elf

This movie cracks me up every time. And I tend to watch it year-round. Really I like all Will Ferrell movies (there's that sophomoric part)

Favorites in February - Scrapbook Essentials

I've been scrapbooking for about six years now. I've found that sometimes I get into a real scrapping groove, constantly taking great photos, using lots of cool products, and making great projects. There are some really great items out there that make scrapping easy for me and are real essentials.

1. A great scrapbooking website

I love twopeasinabucket.com . I've been visiting the site since April 2004 and love that I can post my layouts there, learn what products are worth buying, and learn the latest and greatest about the industry. The gallery at 2peas is filled with amazing cards and layouts and I use it often for inspiration.

2. A fabulous cutter

If you can work at home and have endless space, I recommend the Tonic Guillotine trimmer

It cuts through several sheets of cardstock and acrylic and is super sharp.

For crops and simple scrapping, I use my Fiskars Euro Trimmer (this isn't exactly what I have, but it seems to be a newer version, hence the NEW circle).

It is precise and cuts very well. You do need to buy replacement blades, so slight bummer.

3. Strong, acid-free adhesive

I think you need both dry and wet adhesive depending on the project.

I like Scotch Quick Dry Tacky Adhesive

and I am looooooving my ATG gun.

Yes, it's large,but the refills are so inexpensive and last forever and are so super sticky.

4. Glue dots

These little wonders make ribbon, metal art, wood, stick to anything.

5. Fabulous Cardstock

I use Bazzil or Prism mostly. Great texture and very easy to work with. I have learned I do not need every color of the rainbow, I now just buy those go-to colors I use most:

white, black, dark brown, kraft brown, greens, teal/icy blue, and pomegranate red.

6. A fabulous Local Scrapbook Store

I've been shopping at Scrapper's Playground since the week it opened. What helps is that this store stocks all the latest and greatest and is open to any suggestions on what to stock. They have amazing papers, a "wall of color" with every ink, paint, copic marker, chalk you can imagine, a knowledgeable staff to tell you how to use the product, and awesome classes with their talented staff members and "celeb" scrappers too (it's where I went to Donna Downey's classes last year when my hair was way longer).

Most of all, just enjoy the process. Once it becomes a burden, I have learned to take a little break, pack up my stuff and ignore it. Then the bug hits and I am back in the groove.

So go get scrappy :)

Favorites in February - Beauty

I have a crazy obsession with makeup and skincare products. I have tried them, fell in love with some and ditched many others. These are my current favorites.

1. My skin is the only skin I have, so I do have a pretty serious skin care regiment. And I drink a lot of water to keep my hydrated.

-Face wash for AM is Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

Gentle and effective.



-Face Wash for PM is Philosophy Purity Made Simple



Really gets my skin clean.

-Daytime Moisturizer is sadly, no longer available, as Prescriptives said goodbye to the beauty world this month. I have a new bottle of All You Need + SPF 15 to get me through a few months and then I'll be finding a new moisturizer

.
-Eye Cream is also Prescriptives, so alas, I am unable to tell you to get it.

-Evening Moisturizer is Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream

I have some slight redness and this soothes without making my skin too oily

2. Foundation
I am pretty fair-skinned (some may say pale, that's ok) and so I am constantly in search of the best foundation with even coverage that lets me still look like me and not too masky.

-I love Clinique's Perfectly Real foundation

Good coverage, great colors, and affordable

-NARS Sheer Matte foundation is also lovely.

Way more expensive, but really nice stuff.

3. Powder

-I am really liking Bare Essentuals Hydrating Mineral Veil

I do also like the foundation powder, but right now I am liking this powder for everyday. It does have a teeny bit of luster, so if you are very oily it may not work for you.

-Stila Sheer Pressed Powder

This is always with me in my bag. Love the flawless coverage.

4. Eyes

-Mascara I have fallen in love with is Sephora Brand Waterproof Triple Action Mascara

It's natural for everyday and truly doesn't clump or smudge.

-Eyeshadow Cargo Essential Palette

Very natural and wearable, smooth application

-Undereye concealer and highlighter Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector

Instantly makes me look a little perkier. Affordable and a great formula.

5. Cheeks

I never used to 'get' blush and I kind of avoided it. Now, I am loving it. Especially cream versions for their natural flush look.

-Stila Convertible Color

I've been liking Poppy lately

-Smashbox OGlow

This is a build able gel formula so you can go from day to evening.

-Sephora Blush Me

My favorite powder version. I like all their colors.

7. Lips

I adore gloss. I am constantly searching for that perfect pink shade that is naturally pretty.

-Cargo Classic Gloss

This is the least-sticky gloss I have ever worn. My favorite shade is Tobago.

-Stila Lip Glazes

Get the mini set and you are going to love all the colors. They add instant plump and the colors are great.

-Philosophy The Supernatural Superglossy Lip Gloss

Glowy and smooth.

What are some of your beauty essentials?