our last weekend in hartford

 

images via moi  

It was a beautiful sunny day, the sky filled with fluffy white clouds.

So we grabbed a blanket and setted in on the narrow sloped hill. Families surrounded us for the River Festival, filling the air with laughter and music. Hungry, we bought greasy cheese steaks and fried dough to devour in the late afternoon heat.

And we waited. For the sun to set, so the fireworks could illuminate the sky. One last time.

Two weeks ago, boyfriend and I packed up our lives into cardboard boxes and set out on a journey to enjoy our favorite places in a city we know we'll never live again. These next few posts are of those final days...

here i am, kelly rowland

 images via poponthepop.com

While driving to work this morning, the radio station I was listening to played a preview of Kelly Rowland's third solo album, Here I Am (which incidentally hits stores today). My initial reaction was confusion. This is Kelly Rowland? It certaintly doesn't resemble the shy girl who forged her way playing second fiddle to Beyonce. When I sat down at my desk, I found myself compelled to investigate further...

Here I Am is raw, strong, and sensual. A definite departure from previous albums. Kelly Rowland seems so natural and alive in her own skin. The photographs above are truly beautiful, capturing a place of both vulnerability and strength. Overall, I really find it inspiring to see Kelly Rowland (or any woman for that matter) so liberated. I'm just loving her new image.

Thoughts?

summer closeup

images via photographymatch.com, fotoblur.com
(sandra mccabe), and etsy.com respectively

As July comes to a close, I find myself wondering where summer has gone. It seems like just yesterday I was so excited to finally shed my spring jacket. The first bursts of green appearing on trees. Viewing glimpses of exposed toes, walking around, soaking in sunlight and warmth. Time's really been flying this year...

This post is a gentle reminder to celebrate summer, and all its pleasures.

obsessed: voguepedia

images via voguepedia

I recently came across this amazing resource in another blog post and just had to share. Voguepedia is essentially wikipedia (for fashion) on crack. If wikipedia is your standard vodka and cranberry, voguepedia is a chocolatini with whipped cream and godiva liqueur. It's beautiful, decadent, and once you taste that first delicious sip you'll never go back...

I now know how I'll be spending the rest of my afternoon. Enjoy.

obsessed: bethenny frankel (a place of yes)

image via bing

On my way home from work yesterday, I picked up a copy of A Place of Yes by Bethenny Frankel. I've recently moved and my afternoon commute now takes a whopping hour and a half instead of 15 minutes, so I decided it was time to adjust. Since I can't read while driving, I went for a book on CD. And believe me, there were slim pickings. However, after much digging around and exasperated sighs, I managed to find A Place of Yes wedged between The Power of Now and 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Not knowing what to expect, I popped it into my car and pressed play.

Let me start off by saying I love Bethenny Frankel, so I figured at the very least I would be somewhat amused. I must admit, though, I was a bit skeptical. Bethenny Frankel is many things: funny, honest, a great chef. Bethenny Frankel is not a self-help guru, nor is she a trained psychologist. Is she really in a position to be giving this kind of advice? After listening to the first few chapters, the answer became very clear... yes.

A Place of Yes is not only witty and entertaining, it's empowering. Bethenny seemlessly blends intimate personal experiences with reflections and insight. Her "10 rules for getting everything you want out of life" are thought-provoking. Her voice is distinct. And her stories are captivating. I highly recommend this book if you're struggling with any area of your life or just want to hear an interesting autobiography. Frankly (no pun intended), I'm obsessed.

courtney cox's fire pit

 image via elle decor

While perusing the magazine aisle in barnes and noble, I came across this month's issue of elle decor, architectural digest, and trends. All three happened to feature incredible oceanfront properties. So I did what any girl would do: grabbed all three, ordered a soy chai latte, and dove into the glossy pages. How magical is this lava rock fire pit surrounded by a slate grey, custom-made banquette? Pretty magical indeed. And it belongs to none other than Courtney Cox, who apparently sips her morning coffee on it every morning. There's basically nothing left to say because I actually just died. Enjoy...

i could have danced all night

image via bing

Last night, boyfriend and I had our first private, ballroom dance lesson. And it was fabulous. Ever since watching my first episode of dancing with the stars, I've dreamt of gliding across the floor in a fabulous gown or shaking my hips with a rose in my mouth. Maybe a bit dramatic, but true. Of course boyfriend saw how positively smitten I was with this concept and surprised me with private dance lessons for christmas. Of course. And after just one hour waltzing, tangoing, and foxtrotting around the room, I knew this was something I wanted to continue. So there you have it: blogger by day, dancer by night...

i just bought this...no...really

Last week, I sort of made a major impulse purchase. After an hour of internet research, I walked myself into best buy, grabbed the first boy in a blue shirt I could find, and pointed to this beautiful work of art. Just look at it. Isn't it the most beautiful thing you've ever seen in your whole life? I thought you'd feel the same... My credit card, however, did not, as it is currenlty having a massive breakdown. This tends to happen when I spend a few weeks salary in one purchase. Credit card shock.

Please say hello to my new canon eos rebel t3i. I named him Benjamin for short. Benjamin came with two lenses, a big bag to lug him around in, and a memory card. I have used him twice thus far and am very excited with the results. I still have much to learn, but I have the basics down. The basics being aperture, shutter speed, and iso. Sometimes, when I increase one, the others don't work so great. I know it is only a matter of time though because as they say, practice makes perfect. If practice doesn't make perfect, I will simply refer back to the tutorials on digital photography school (an amazing free resource if you've never been on it). I'm going to go now because I'm rambling.

obsessed: true blood (season four)

sundays at 9/8 central on HBO 

I decided to wait a few weeks before declaring myself completely and totally obsessed with True Blood. After watching every single episode of the last three seasons, I wasn't quite sure how the show could possibly maintain its amazingness. I was wrong. After completing episodes one and two, I am once again hooked (no pun intended).  

Fun. Suspenseful. Sexy. True Blood is an awesome escape from reality. What's not to love about vampires, politics, and a straight-talking southern protagonist who also happens to be a faerie? If you haven't seen this show, now's the time to order seasons one through three on netflix. I'm serious. Park yourself on the couch, open a bottle of wine, and press play. You will not be disappointed. I promise.

p.s. This show is perfect for viewing with or without your man. It's that good.

anniversary weekend

we began at the beach, for a night of fireworks...

we conquered the roller coasters at six flags...

and camped out under the stars...

last but not least, boyfriend gave me the most beautiful diamond necklace...

positively glowing, I can happily announce, it was the most incredible anniversary, ever

we're moving

  

  

It's finally set in that boyfriend and I are moving. I've been avoiding this topic for the past two months. The idea of just picking up and leaving the home and memories that we've built is really unsettling to me. But when boyfriend pointed out that this coming weekend would be our last in our apartment, I realized I had to start accepting the reality of the situation and cherishing the next ten days. I'll be taking lots of photos of this amazing town we live in, along with our own little corner of it. Please be patient with blog posts. I promise I'll fit them in...

p.s. This past weekend was simply magical. Amazing posts soon to follow.

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happy 4th of july weekend

image via amelia key photography as seen on etsy.

Looking forward to the crackling of fireworks, the return of our troops, and the memories of years past...Happy 4th of July weekend everyone!