OMG. want.

Although one of my toes is starting to wear through my red TOMS, I'm looking forward to another pair. I saw these crochet ones on a girl at the mall recently, and thought how perfect they would be for a bride's casual summer wedding. Or these grosgrain ones? They'd be such a comfy break from heels after the ceremony. Keeping those stashed away in my mind....

I'm back!

Back in the States, and back on this blog, that is! It's been a while...I've been busy with graduations, at the beach, and recently in London with my aunt and uncle's family!

Hopefully things should be relatively quiet for the rest of the summer, with slow-paced days at work and evenings to formulate lesson plans for this fall. (Of course, when I'm not doing either of those things, I will certainly be lounging poolside, enjoying picnics, hiking, and thrifting with some of my besties :)

London was incredible, and I saw so many monuments I'd previously known very little about. It was great to spend time with my relatives who I hadn't seen in over a year. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from my trip:

I also wanted to let you know about an AMAZING giveaway that Jordanis hosting. She's giving one (extremely lucky) reader a trip to Paris! You can enter the giveaway here. Even though I just returned from Europe, I wouldn't mind heading back soon! Anyways, I love her blog, she always has super fun party ideas, and it's great to read about the adventures she's been having in France lately. Go check it out!

Finito.

I'm now a college graduate! It's such an exciting thing to think about, especially since I'm lucky enough to have a job waiting for me this fall. The graduation ceremony was indicative of the atmosphere at UGA; it was full of [slightly buzzed] kids acting silly with their friends while trying to be a part of something serious. I've grown a lot in Athens while making some great memories and learning inside and outside the classroom. <sigh> Love it here.

During the graduation ceremony I carried this little adorable little bag that I snagged at a clothing swap. The pop of robin's egg blue was a nice contrast to my gray dress.

And after the ceremony I celebrated with Francis Ford Coppola's Sofia champagne. It's in a mini can. (A pink one). And comes with a straw.

I've had a wonderful time this weekend with all my friends and family :)

Heh.

I decided to change my blog title because 1: it's way more fun. And, 2: it suits me better.

I was a little disappointed with the cleanse last week. I don't know what I expected from it, but I didn't feel drastically different. By the 5th day of it, though, I was definitely feeling healthier and accustomed to not eating carbs. I was still pretty hungry though and my muscles felt a little weak when I went running, which may have meant that I needed more quick fuel for the cardio workout. Regardless, I'm sure it did my body good to have a break from the stuff I eat regularly, and it's easier to see how I should change my daily habits.

Something I've been wanting to try for a while now is making my own hummus, so today I made a batch from a recipe on the Family Fun website. It was really easy and is super yummy. I flavored it with garlic, my favorite, but I'd like to think of some other additions for next time. Suggestions?

 My new thrifted pinecone necklace!

Cleansing

My roommate inspired me to do this cleanse with her this week. I was a little skeptical but I figured I'd give it a shot. Now I'm through with day 3 and feeling ok. Day 2 was rough, since my body is so accustomed to lots of carbs and dairy, and of course my coffee, so to cut those out completely has probably been a bit shocking. I've been eating lots of vegetables and running when I can to sweat out those supposed toxins. The food is surprisingly good, though, even the super-green juices! I'd enjoy making those when I'm eating normally again, too. I hope to feel lighter and more pure by the end of the week, but I'm pretty sure I couldn't keep up a lifestyle like this. Just cutting back on certain things in my diet would be beneficial. But try the cleanse if you're interested! I'll let you know how I feel after!

April already

I can't believe there's only one month left of classes! April is going to be full of fun and will flyyy by. I can't wait.

Check out the cutest little tote bag that my friend painted for me:

I might have to carry my lunch around in it next year. And look for a pair of yellow flats like those...

My roommate and I are running in the Great Urban Race on Saturday. It sounds like a lot of fun, but we still have to decide on costumes. Currently we are thinking superheroes, because that includes tights and capes ;)

why

Why oh why must I go to work today? I'd much rather listen to the chirpy bird sounds this morning through my open windows. It's so lovely and breezy out; I would definitely be reading out on my porch, if I had a porch. Though I ought to be getting started on my homework, I think I will sit here and enjoy my third cup of coffee. mmm mm.

I entered Anna's giveaway with EmersonMade. You should check them out! They have some adorable blouses. I'm partial to the fishy print one.

Also, this sweet friend of mine has a great writing style to express her strong, well-reasoned opinions. She's started writing for InsideCatholic.com, and you can the latest article she's written here.

Enjoy your Saturday!

Erin go bragh, y'all

I don't own much green, so for festivity's sake I put a little leprechaun gold on my eyelids today:

It's so much fun; I'm really gonna have to exercise restraint to not wear it to class every day!
Now I'm going to drink a Guinness and relax from all the driving I've done this week...

universal

Today, my church held a special Mass with priests from 7 different Catholic rites concelebrating the Byzantine liturgy. It was so cool to be a part of. They brought in icons from a Byzantine Catholic church nearby and set them up in front of the altar. Their vestments were all different, and very beautiful; we stood the whole time and everything was chanted a cappella. We were also literally spoon-fed Communion by the priests! The whole celebration was a unique experience for me; it was different from the Latin rite, but still definitely a Catholic Mass! I'm really glad that the churches decided to organize this, and I hope they hold another one so that more Roman Catholics will attend and learn more about the universality of our Faith.

I can't title all these

Coming up with creative titles is practically impossible for me. Come to think of it, I don't think I titled my pronoun paper the other day...whoops.

The movie last night was cute, I suppose. Pretty actors in pretty clothes. (The entire wardrobe was provided by J.Crew, soooo....) But it just sort of ended. We've noticed that's a trend for a lot of movies these days, that there's no closure. I guess that makes it more like 'real life' where not every situation is summed up perfectly and everyone's happy, but it's not as fun to watch.

A cleanup crew came through our street yesterday and chopped off the tops of all the trees and scraped up all the underbrush. It opened up the view a lot but I liked it better before, all rambly and overgrown.

Halfway through the week

Hoorah, it's Wednesday!
Since it's the week before spring break, I expected the week to drag, but it hasn't been too slow! It's quite yucky outside today though, so after Ash Wednesday Mass, the roomies and I are going to watch The Romantics. It reminds me of A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy, but more dramatic. I'm happy to have a relaxing evening, since I was up late last night writing a paper on 3rd person pronouns in academic essays. Not quite as boring as it sounds, believe it or not.

First!

Well, I've decided to start a blog.

I have no long-term aim or goal for it, much like my life, but I'm sure it will contain projects, purchases, and plans (oh, hey, there's that alliteration I promised).

Running off to work now, but here's a picture of my delicious after-class snack today:




















Tastes just like homemade. mmm.