|| Project Runway Spoiler Alert ||

I am really happy for Anya.

|| I Have Feet ||

|| It's that time of year ||

Have you painted your nails orange yet this Fall? I haven't...I didn't bring any of my orange polish with me, but I did buy a rusted orange color yesterday so I plan on putting that on soon. I remember the day my sister Stephanie got married I brought 3 bottles of orange nail polish to the Temple and painted my nails in the bathroom with one of them while she was getting married. Orange was in her wedding colors. Don't those pictures make you want orange on? Go throw some orange on your nails! 

I miss my bucket of nail polish I left behind. However I am building up a collection here too.
nails|nails|nails

|| October 28 2010 ||

a|b|c|d|e|f|g|h|i|j
Happy a year ago I got engaged!
A year ago Jachen proposed and I received this beautiful ring on my finger. Ever since I was old enough to think about what kind of ring I wanted, I knew it wouldn't be small or dainty. I loved wide rings{I always loved how wide Laurie Farmer's ring is}. When I began searching for real, I decided that instead of wide I wanted to be able to have a small stack of rings. I randomly came across this ring and it was perfect. Unique, which is what I was looking for. Then I decided after trying on a rose gold ring at a local jewelry store that I didn't like it as much as I thought I would and that liked yellow gold better. Then I came across the ring that I have and fell in love with the horizontal oval. I bought a fake ring years ago that was a horizontal oval with a fake green stone in it and when I wore that ring I thought it would make such a pretty wedding ring. So then when I found my ring, I knew it was meant to be. The great thing about working with an artist via Etsy is that you can request a custom change{well then it's up to them if they do them}. I wanted my band thicker{however it does cost more money because they use more gold} because I was afraid of a super skinny band. Then later I found my heart wedding band and of course received that ring on my finger during our wedding ceremony. It is great having a band because when my Aquamarine ring is being cleaned, or I am showering or just don't feel like wearing it..I can still wear my heart band and remember I am married. :)

I wanted to share some rings that I love and maybe spread the news that you don't have to go with a diamond and that you can go nontraditional. The letter J was actually one of my top ring choices when I was searching for my ring which is a super different ring. It is great having a fun, "monica" ring that is stackable{oh ps I also told the ring artist that I would be wearing my ring with a band so that is why she made my stone raised so bands can fit with it}. I am hopingggg for our first year anniversary I get a new addition to my finger. Here is a website{however right now the website is under construction} with some great bands if you are a "just a band" girl or also like the stacking idea. I loved getting my ring via Etsy. It felt personal that I was able to talk directly to the artist about what I wanted. Actually...she had discontinued the horizontal oval, but I knew about it because I found it months before she discontinued it...so when I first began talking to her I showed her the picture I had saved of that/my ring and asked if she was willing to make that one again and she was willing to make me what I wanted. Now, she sells it again. When first deciding if it was okay/safe to order a wedding ring through Etsy I had some doubts...but luckily if you are familiar with Etsy you will know sellers depend a lot on their ratings that we give them so it would be unwise for them to cheat anyone. I also think it is important that if you do get a ring via Etsy you should check those ratings people have already written and as well have a little personal contact with the artist just to make sure you're comfortable with the transaction.

Another tip when soon to becoming engaged and looking at rings is if you are as picky...don't be afraid or think it is untraditional to pick your own ring. If you are really wanting to be surprised, but still have say...you can pick a top three for your boyfriend and then let him choose from those. I love Jachen, but I have NO idea what he would have chosen for me all by himself and also I honestly didn't want to put the burden on him of choosing ME, picky me, a ring. And Jachen is not one of those guys who felt like he had to chose it himself. My ring isn't any less special because I chose it...also Jachen was involved in the process and my deciding so he was included. To some, a ring is just a symbol of marriage and they think they will just wear whatever...but I think it is important to love the ring too. You don't even have to spend a lot to have something pretty and unique these days. But of course, what is important is that you love your ring and that it is you whether it's simple, flashy, white
gold or yellow gold. 

|| Acorn Necklace ||

I saw this necklace via Pretty Zoo and I literally gasped. Then I saw the price. DANG IT. Why, why so expensive?? I mean sure it is made from solid silver...but still. There is a little squirrel inside too. Cute.

|| Pretty Multiples ||

Lovely.

|| Random Thoughts ||

|| I took some pictures of myself after I crawled out of bed this morning...I get to {over} compensate for the lack of pictures of myself on this blog. I am particularly fond of my hair still having red in it after dyeing it like in February with a washout box.
|| Apparently, after 27{almost} years I still have a hard time spelling some of the months...especially February.
|| I watch a lot of TV during the day. A. because I love television{not all} and B. because I am home alone all day and I like to hear people talk instead of silence and I like it even more than music. The current shows I watch are Parenthood, Modern Family, Parks & Rec, The Office, ANTM and I watch them the day after they air. Shows that I watch when not watching those are past seasons of The Office, Gilmore Girls, Seinfeld and NCIS. Well I watch NCIS with Jachen in the evening.
|| Monday evening we had our first appt for flats hunting and had no success...well besides learning what we don't/do want. Tonight, we have another appt for a place that looks too good to be true. So we will see if its death or love at first sight.
|| Which PS...we are moving and I am so excited. We want to start saving money to move back to the States and we can't do that if we continue to live in this big house so we are looking for a flat. We are looking for places closer to Jachen's work and by the Bodensee...which is the big lake that lines Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
|| Remember how we have fires in our house? Well that is because I have chosen to freeze us and not turn the heat on in the house. We have decided to only turn the heat on when we can see our breath...however, I am wondering if we should move up that date.
|| Having a husband is great. Someone holding you while you are crying to sleep is a pretty special thing.
|| Jachen has a 5 day weekend and we are prettty excited about that. That makes his next week only a 3 day work week...also lucky for him.
|| I can't believe it is soon to be November. I can't believe I am soon to be 27. I feel like that is a really big number.
|| I am reading Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets...for a second time. I have never read a Harry Potter book twice.
|| I am digging this watch.
|| These cookies look, capital D-elicious.
|| I am in love with this knitted/crocheted blanket.
|| I really love this mint colored purse. A lot.

|| Self Acceptance ||

It is almost midnight and Jachen and I are breaking the rules and are still up...not even just awake, but downstairs on our computers. Naughty. But, it is funny how at the most seemingly random moments we can receive insight or revelation...or just read something you needed reminding of. I read this blogpost by the fabulous blog Moorea Seal{I think that is supposed to be two words} about her personal experience on self acceptance that she had to learn throughout life in a tough way. While reading it, which I highly recommend you ladies do, I just couldn't believe people actually bully like that. I never had that experience in high school{at least not on a regular basis} and I don't even think I saw it happening...unless I forgot or wasn't around to notice others going through it. I am sure there was bullying behind backs, but Moorea went through some full on in her face teasing.

She shared her experience honestly and then encouraged her readers to recognize their own beauty and self expression. She wrote, "I hope that you can look at yourself and within yourself this week and recognize, your self expression IS beautiful because you are purely and honestly being you.  Beauty is found in a confidence of self.  No matter what you look like on the outside, no matter how weird your facial expressions are, your truest beauty is found in the confidence you hold in your love of self.  Express yourself.  And love yourself in your form of expression.  Your own words that you give to yourself are powerful, valid, and beautiful, so much greater than any mean words anyone has said to you.  You are strong, you are powerful, and you can choose to love yourself.  You CAN express yourself.  Your self expression is beautiful and you are allowed to believe that.  I believe in you." Very encouraging. We all have little aspect of ourselves we are embarrassed by, cover up, dread over, worry about and wish to change whether it is something with our looks or personality. It is really great to see someone spread this positivity and I think that is one of the great things about blogs. You can choose to influence women in all aspects whether in art, culture, stories, experiences...or through the subject of self worth. We all know how we live in this time where women are questioning their worth and I believe it is a topic that needs to be spread and also taught so heavily to our children. She wrote about the power of words, the power of choosing good words and about how telling yourself good words will make you believe them. She began this topic by telling about a compliment she received and compliments are such amazing tools. I learned once, randomly, in college I don't remember from whom or where or why, but I remember learning that if you think of a compliment about someone you shouldn't hesitate to give them it. And I have tried since then to be more brave to give compliments...because I always had them I was just not ALWAYS brave enough to go up to someone especially a stranger and tell them it. Since I learned that it has been a really fun little part of my life. I remember seeing some stranger walk past me with awesome pink hair...so I told her. Even if it is just about their hair or clothing. However, it is also good to go a little deeper than that{but you can't really do that with strangers} and compliment personality, talents, skills, attributes etc etc.

I think as women we can all use a little reminder of evaluating/reevaluating how we think of ourselves and the words we tell ourselves. I bet we could all use a little adjustment. I know I do. Here is what I commented on Moorea's blog. {after sending the comment off, I realized there were a couple mistakes in grammar, whoops}

I hope you take the time to stop and think about how you perceive yourself...not how others do...and then after that try to make some changes or congratulate yourself for treating yourself right always. I love how Moorsea said "your truest beauty is found in confidence you hold in your love of self." She could not have said it better.

|| Hillary Bird ||

Cute, right? You may have seen Hillary Bird's work before, I don't know how I haven't posted any of it before...or maybe I have. I know that Thank You card has been a favorite for a while now so I may have shown you it already in the past. Possibly. I love the colors, shapes, florals, style, texture and her subjects. These are my favorites, but she has some other great ones on her Etsy. Which is your favorite?

|| Oh, Harry ||

Okay, I got a little teary eyed when I watched this. I am not embarrassed to admit it. WHY does watching Daniel Radcliffe sing and dance make me sooo happy??? It must be because I am a proud friend to Harry Potter and like any friend when you watch another friend succeed/be talented it's exciting...ya, that must be it. I knew he was on Broadway, but never thought to see what that entailed...I had no idea he was singing and dancing. Sheesh. So if you are behind on times like me apparently, watch the video and you can catch up too! I know my sister Natalie will enjoy this.

|| Kris Orlowski ||

This Seattleite makes great music. His voice, his guitar skills, his string quartet and his lyrics all add up to greatness. His second album Warsaw is soon, not soon enough, to be released on November 22nd. You can find his little EP called The Passenger String Quartet at the Fremont Abbey on iTunes and I am sure other places online. I just love finding musicians from Seattle, it makes me happy. 

Photo source|source 

Great music for sure, what do you think?

Also listen to his song Your Move, here
and his song Warsaw, here
and his song Way You Are, here
and Happiness is Waiting, here.
All so very good.

|| Staying True ||

This cute blog posted this and I had to share too. Miss Watson sure is a lovely character and like I have said before, that short hair is a dream. I think it is important that we always stay true to ourselves, who we are and what we stand for. No matter what. Even if it doesn't make sense to others. You set your limits and then be brave enough to follow through with them. I am currently watching this seasons America's Next Top Model which is an All-Star season...they brought back their most talked about contestants. One contestant is from the very first season and she was known for not photographing nude or in underwear or lingerie...no matter what. Those in charge of the modeling shoots would try and put her in lingerie and she would remind them she doesn't shoot in that and so they put her in a piece that was basically a swimsuit bottom, which technically was skimpier than the lingerie piece. Which to some could be contradictory or confusing, BUT her point was and her rule to herself was that she wouldn't shoot in something that was private...a swimsuit she wears on the beach. To her it was different and really that is all that mattered. She stayed true to her own limits she set for herself and that is the point. Luckily, they let her wear what is comfortable and appropriate to her. I thought that was a great example, even if shooting in a swimsuit bottom could be more revealing she didn't let those on the show persuade her to do something she didn't believe in. 

|| Grocery Store Dancing ||

I sure love your music Sara Bareilles with all my heart, but I just don't get why you are a Greaser dancing with that {cool} leather jacket in that Mexican grocery store to this song. I am sure you have your reasons? Note: one of my pet peeves are music videos that have nothing to do with the song also when you can majorly tell they are lip-syncing. But you sure look cute dancing Miss Sara.

I rather prefer this girl singing and dancing at the grocery store...it makes sense{well besides
the girl in the 80's workout outfit}. And I rather prefer her polkadot blazer.

But of course we allll know who the KING of grocery store dancing and singing is...this dollface.
Do you dance in the aisles when a good song comes on? I do.

|| I Really Love Gold, Part Four ||

I have a million, yes a million, things to post about, but I keep putting those off and finding myself posting more GOLD. Maybe I will have to force myself to take a break? Probably not. I just hope you don't get sick of all this gold...because if you look at my blog...you can't escape it.
Mustache Ring// It seems as though it is already sold out, but I would love a mustache ring, how fun.
Gold Eyes// If only I knew how to do fancy makeup.
Gold Sequined Dress// Wowza, right? I mean I would only wear that for a Halloween costume or on the red carpet...sure pretty to look at and imagine a need for it. It is only over $3,000...no big deal.
Gold spoons// Fun glitter teaspoons and there is also a gold glitter serving utensil.
Gold metallic Oxfords// Yes, please.
GOLD part one|part two|part three|

|| The Perfect Sequin Blazer ||

My current wardrobe would have no use or place for a statement sequins piece...BUT I hope it will someday have need for a sequin blazer...specifically this one from ZARA. I love sequins, I think I always have and I am all for a great statement jacket, blazer, sweater, cardigan or shirt with sequins. I especially love it worn a little edgy/relaxed like this girl is. Not all sequins are good, but this blazer is done just right from cut to color. I think it is fabulous. Drool.

|| Mylo Xyloto...wah wah ||

Well a few months ago when I found out Coldplay was coming out with a new album I was really excited. Counting down even. If you are a Coldplay fan, I am sure you were too. However, today I listened to the previews for each song on iTunes and I am not in love. I don't think it is a bad album per se, but here is what I think of it...

I feel like it lost the essence of Coldplay which is a tricky thing because I get when musicians want a new fresh sound and have made their personal choice to go a different direction or they feel inspired to try something different...however, I feel like this album is just too everywhere. You have slower songs...Coldplay's specialty, but not even that powerful of slow songs, the fast over the top pop songs and then some random R&B love song with Rihanna. I just feel like it is a messy album. I read the Rolling Stone review of this album, which was a whole lot of fluff and filler I think, and they did say this album was "Inspired by 1970's New York Graffiti and the Nazi-resistance movement known as the White Rose" then said "it's probably no coincidence both were about young people embracing art in times of turmoil." I can see how their inspiration fits with the final product, but just don't get why they went there. I don't usually like to post negative reviews or statements because I know how annoying/frustrating it is when someone puts down something I like or love...BUT gosh, I am just bummed about this album. I do however still like their song Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall that is on this new album. But, I mean where is a song as good as Postcards from Far Away? or Rainy Day? or Glass of Water? or Clocks? or Fix You? or Speed of Sound? or Swallowed in the Sea? It is a shame. Maybe the previews don't do the songs justice? Have you listened to the album? What are your thoughts? Do you miss the classic Coldplay like I do or do you like this new style they are embracing?

|| Feathers ||

You know how I love a good feather. My first post I wanted to show the more eerie elegant side of feathers. Today, I wanted to show you my picks for dainty and playful feathers. I actually find it interesting that the drawing of the flowing girl has feathers that resemble leaves very closely. I think that is a pretty way of translating/transforming feathers. I don't think all real feathers or drawn feathers are pretty or nice looking. Meaning the other day I was in search for a certain kind of feather on etsy and there are just some ugly/cheap looking feathers out there and people actually make art or jewelry with them. And I think like lots of things in life/art, just because it IS a feather doesn't make it automatically good...you still have to refine your taste and style. I hope that makes sense. Aren't these great ones though? Yes, they are.
Feather source.

|| Six Months Married! ||

Today is SIX months being married...half a year you know...to this looker. Before we know it it will be a whole year. We have been celebrating the weekend with a Staycation...so yesterday as you very well know we went to Luzern and today we stayed in. We celebrated today with a fancy chocolate chip muffin for breakfast, looking at our wedding photos and watching our wedding video, hanging out, watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, falling asleep on the couch and lots of hand holding. A pretty low key day, but good to recover from Staycation part 1 yesterday.

Oh hey babe, it has been great being married to you. I sure had to go a long way to find you. Who knew I would find you in Switzerland. How lucky I am. How lucky you are. You sure are handsome too...that doesn't hurt. I sure enjoy eating ice cream with you, cooking dinner for you, watching movies with you, going on drives with you, pillow talking with you, listening to music with you, doing chores around the house with you and buying Swiss bread, cheese and chocolate thanks to you. XOXO.

|| Our Luzern Day in Aqua and Yellow ||

You are about to be picture overloaded.

And it is a great thing.

Jachen and I, like said in the previous post, made our two hour drive to Luzern today. Jachen had the brilliant idea yesterday and of course I was all for it...Luzern is one of my favorite cities. It is such a beautiful drive in these parts of Switzerland {Out of my experience and professional opinion the Eastern side of Switzerland is far more beautiful than the Western} and I had the big time luck of driving through Rapperswil, one of my other favorite places, on our way. I have such fond memories of Rapperswil. THEN we drove to Waedenswil{pronounced Vadensvil} THE place/village I lived in when I was an Au pair a year and a half ago. I LOVE Waedenswil so much. Not only do I love the physical place, but the whole experience I had makes it such a special place to me. After our drive around Waedenswil we made our way to Luzern. Luzern was hoppin' today. Luzern is one of the more touristy cities. I don't blame it. It is gaaaourgous. First we stopped off at our favorite little park/water front...ate chips, walked around, took pics, were cold, found acorns and then used the nearby museum's bathroom.

Thennnn, we found parking in our favorite parking garage{we used twice now but it's officially our favorite} then first up was buying me some Luxemburgerli aka mini-macaroons...which the store is conveniently right outside where we park. Last year when we went to Luzern was the first time I had macaroons and I fell in love. Duh, I expected to. They are as good as they look...better even. Then we moseyed on over the bridge{the real bridge} and found some new places neither of us had been before, found one particularly huge swan, spotted some American's and then made our way to the famous wooden bridge. This bridge and how it is long and situated is sure magnificent in real life. Then we walked around the shops and even went in a couple. Fancy us. After our escapades we headed back to the car for our drive home. Oh, but you can't forget our fancy dinner at Mcdonalds. 

Okay. So to be real here. Mcdonalds we can pretty much trust to be well...Mcdonalds...however not in Switzerland. They play by their own rules...in my experience. Not only do they have occasional themed months{like the Swiss month when they sell Swiss inspired burgers as pictured} and nice giveaways which is great butttt also...in my experience every Mcdonalds we have eaten at here is a disappointment. Meaning they are such skimpers! As you can see Jachen's 11.90 Swiss Mcgrillwurst is quite pitiful looking...WHAT is going on with that wimpy bacon? And do you see how those "onions" near the mustard are like flung on? Jachen seemed to like the burger, but the quality for the price is not there. It is almost embarrassing. I have had previous similar problems at Mcdonalds here. And thennn, I got a Swiss inspired Mcflurry on our way out and they put soo little ice cream in the cup. It is ridiculous. If I could speak German I would have demanded the right amount of ice cream. This is a common theme in this country, in my experience, they charge $$$$$ for little amounts. So frustrating. The end. That is my Swiss Mcdonalds rant. However, they do make nuggets just how I like them. I can count on that.

What a great day we had. I sure love that Jachen kid. He holds my bags for me{without me having to ask him to}, he lets me take a million pictures in general and of him, AND he likes being in the pictures, he lets me complain about my still annoyingly hurt ankle, joins in on the "spotting American's" game and he is just a great travel buddy. He is up for anything and holds my hand all the while. 

Okay, now on to the pictures. You ready? 

There are 49 to be exact.

Isn't that a great picture to end with? I think so.