T is for Tracy Turpen

Ok. First things first. Yes, I know. I failed at my challenge of writing a new blog post every day. To be honest, it was just exhausting! And, I was stressing myself out a bit. "Get home, get home, it's almost 11:46! Ahhh!" So, to my faithful following (mom) sorry about that!

I'm back and, yes, I'm talking once again about...photography. I have always loved photography, but I was never really good at it. I mean, yeah sure, I can luck up every now and then and take some sick pictures like these, but it's few and far between.

Last year, a dear friend of mine got married and used a wedding photographer that I've absolutely fallen in love with (among many!). Her name is Tracy Turpen and her work is creative, dynamic, original, breathtaking and, most importantly, alive. I feel like she just gets it. She understands how to tell the story of that special day through an image. Take a look:









Isn't she wonderful? Yeah, I thought you'd like her!

H is for The Help

I just picked up this book today, and am already obsessed. I'm sure tomorrow's post will be my review and I can't wait! I just read that they are in the process of making a movie based off this book, starring non other than American's sweetheart, Reese Witherspoon. Yet another reason why I must stop writing and go finish reading this book!

H is for Happy Birthday Lindsay!

Birthday dinners are always so much fun, especially went you go to awesome places like Saki Tumi! Here are some of the fun things we ate and enjoyed for Lindsay's 25th!

To start, we had some kind of awesome fried rice. It had egg in it so I was happy!



Doesn't that look amazing! It's shrimp tempera. The only way I can eat "sushi."



We had a few shots of this. I think this was called "Blue raspberry delishiousness saki"! (And that it was!)



To round out the night, we finished with this...



Raspberry cheesecake! This masterpiece was found at the one and only, Nonnah's, Columbia's secret little gem!

Such a great evening for a great friend! Happy Birthday Lindsay!

Note: The author of this blog definitely ate every last bit of everything photographed... and she's pretty proud of that!

G is for Grooveshark

I'm about to change your life... again! For those of you that, like myself, have desk jobs, listen up! (And those of you that get to go and come as you please can continue to read, but just know that you're not who this entry is intended for and I'm very jealous of you!)

If you're anything like me, music at work is a must. I literally cannot just sit there, in silence, tapping away at my computer, trying not to listen to conversations happening around me, wondering what my friend in another department is doing without having some kind of background noise to drawn out my wondering thoughts. At first, I was alllll about some Pandora. (If you don't know Pandora, then... umm.. well.. ask any young professional you meet). I had Pandora on from the time I sat down, until the 5 o'clock bell. It was a normal part of my routine. Walk in cube, turn on desk light, move my mouse to gently wake up my computer, log into my email accounts (yes, plural), open a browser for the Huffington Post (my favorite) and then, bam, hello Pandora!

Oh how I loved Pandora. I had created every station known to man. I had everything from Elton John, The Pointer Sisters and Michael Jackson, to Jay Z, The Plain White T's and Needtobreathe. I just loved it... until the day the music stopped.

I frantically minimized every browser window I had up until I got to the Pandora page, only to see the message "To continue listening, sign up here" was staring back at me. I had come to the end of Pandora. No more free music, no more cube parties, nothing. Done. Everything was over...

Well, fast forward out of that depression and into present day, and I have been saved. I found the best thing ever for a hard working, desk job-er! Please enter... Grooveshark!

Unlike Pandora, you can REPEAT songs, listen to songs in whatever order you like AND fast forward! Additionally, if you are lazy and don't want to create play lists, you can listen to satellite radio. WHAT?! I know! Grooveshark is that amazing and I hope that you, my fellow deskers, can enjoy and appreciate this little gem as much as I have.

N is for Nothing to say...

This "blog entry every day" this is a bit much. Umm... maybe I'll have more to say tomorrow. Sorry...

C is for The Civil Wars

A friend told me about this band last week and, since then, I've listened to this song about 150 times! I think one of the reasons I've fallen for this song are the powerful lyrics. The song is this awesome, but somehow broken, love story played out in a tug-a-war between each verse.

In addition to song itself, I am completely smitten with the voices of Joy Williams and John Paul White. Simply blissful. Around the 73rd time in listening to Poison and Wine, I stumbled upon an article about the duo and how they came to be. After singing together for one song, they both said, they just knew they were meant to sing together. Something like musical soul mates. I just love that...

So, I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. Have a listen.

Poison and Wine
By: The Civil Wars
You only know what I want you to
I know everything you don't want me to
Oh your mouth is poison, your mouth is wine
Oh you think your dreams are the same as mine
Oh I don't love you but I always will
Oh I don't love you but I always will
I always will

I wish you'd hold me when I turn my back
The less I give the more I get back
Oh your hands can heal, your hands can bruise
I don't have a choice but I still choose you
Oh I don't love you but I always will
Oh I don't love you but I always will
I always will

R is for Rachel's Sunshine and Smiles, Deliciously Good Omelette/Omelet Recipe

My sweet friend Rachel came over the other day when I was held up in my house by painters all morning. I couldn't leave, so she offered to come over, have a good chat and make me breakfast. To that I said, I'll make the coffee! (Cinnamon of course!)

After just a few minutes, here's what Rachel made...



Doesn't that look delicious?! It definitely was, and I thought I'd share the recipe.

Rachel's Sunshine and Smiles, Deliciously Good Omelette/Omelet
3-4 Egg Whites
A good amount (not a lot) of olive oil
A bunch of basil leaves, cut
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt
Pepper
Tomatoes (strong suggestion!)

Directions:
Wear a cute apron like this...



Heat pan on medium heat
Pour in "good amount" of oil
Add the egg whites
Add cheese, tomatoes, salt, pepper and, the golden ingredient, basil
After it sets up/firms, fold in thirds and cook until golden brown

Serve on white plate with cinnamon coffee and a napkin and wait for this...



I hope you all love this as much as I did. Thanks Rachel! Enjoy!

Note: I wasn't sure how to spell, umm, well I'm sure you know what I'm talking about!
Note #2: Apron is from none other than.. Anthropologie!

P is for Photography

I have friends that are legit, professional photographers. They tote around their awesome, high tech cameras that have crazy zoom lenses and super fast shutter speeds, seemingly saying, "Yeah, I'm cool. I'm a photographer."

Well, I don't have a camera that could even compare to that, but my little Canon Elph Power Shot, works for me and gets the job done. I went back through some of my pictures over the last year, reliving some of my favorite trips and moments, and I came across some images that, in my opinion, could rival some of my professional friends' work. You be the judge...









And my personal favorite...




This last shot was taken in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This was the most amazing experience of my life. We saw so much in such a short amount of time that it was somewhat overwhelming to take in while we were there. Looking back, this image humbles me and is a good reminder of my many blessings. Yet it also encourages me to not overlook people, but love them and be an example of truth whenever, and wherever I can.

G is for Girl Crush

However inappropriate you might feel right now in reading the title of this entry, it's true. I have a legitimate girl crush. Sara Bareilles will always be someone that I not only admire as an artist, but just all around love. Ok sure, she's a bit crass, cusses like a sailor and probably doesn't bathe regularly. But to me, she's wonderful!

I have to admit, shamefully, that I heard of her after her first song, "Love Song" dropped. To be honest, I thought it was bobby and fun, but very trendy and surface. Then, a dear friend and former co-worker at Starbucks gave me her CD to burn (oops, I know). After one run through, and literately gasping during the middle of "Gravity," I was sold.


Since then, I have been nothing but all things, Sara B. In September, the Grub and I are heading to Charlotte to see her and... we may, or may not, have VIP tickets! (We do, we totally do!)

It's something about her arrangement of real, transparent words and true emotions that get me every time. The lyrics and tunes ooze beautifully together and it's simply magical. (Rolling Stone, I'm ready for a job!) I love her. Love what her lyrics and life story have done for my life and am so excited, the time has finally come, I get to see my favorite, do her thing...live! Pics and my overwhelming reaction to come!

C is for Cinnamon

Only true cinnamonaholics need to continue reading. Ok, here goes... I'm about to change your life. The other morning, I was sleepily making coffee the same way I do every morning. Grab the new filter, grab the coffee, scoop the coffee, fill the water... you get it. Boring and vanilla, UNTIL my eyes glanced in the direction of my new spice rack. (Thanks Grub for the house warming gift!) The first spice I saw was the cinnamon. Simultaneously, in mid thought and mid action, I wondered what it would taste like if I added some ground cinnamon to my ground coffee and brewed it. ...PAUSE... For the visual readers of this blog, here you go...



After a few moments, my kitchen smelled like goodness and my coffee never tasted better. All I have to say is... you're welcome. ;)

T is for Today

Today I had a revelation. I realized that I need a challenge. Something that will move me out of my cozy comfort zone and stretch me into a better form of me. In thinking deeper through this, I tried to think of what I could do. I also thought about how long I could do... it.. to be significantly substantial in my life. Within those passion driven, somewhat aimless thoughts, I remembered how inspired I was by the movie Julie and Julia. Not so much by the movie, although I do love Amy Adams, but the idea, motivation and determination she had to successfully complete a challenge... no matter what.

So, as you can see, I immediately started thinking about what I could do that would radically change my life in one year. In order to do this, you have to do something that you're passionate about. How hard would it be for someone who can't sew and is clumsy around a pair of scissors to say that they want to make a new dress everyday for a year?! That wouldn't be exciting, that would be utter torture.

After much thought, and a few Sara B. songs of encouragement later, I thought of what I'm going to do. For one year, 365 days, everyday (to the best of my ability) I'm going to commit to one blog entry.

Lame? Anti-climatic? Were you expecting something more? Well, let me explain. Writing, has always been something I'm passionate about. I have started, stopped and restarted, to only stop again, numerous books. Over the summers, my parents, both master's barring educators (you know we didn't get away with anything!) would give me one word. Red. Boat. Sun. And I would write an entire story around that word. Ha! I loved it! (Stop laughing, that's what I thought was fun during the summers!)

Even though now, I get to write on a daily basis at work, I don't always have the free will to write about anything I'm feeling or experiencing.

I'm definitely not promising a novel every entry, but I am going to (try) and promise at least one entry on a thought, something silly, a picture, etc. I had throughout any given day. That shouldn't be too hard, right?! Hopefully, on August 26, 2011, I can sit here and type my final entry. An entry I'll go ahead an title, A is for Accomplishment.

R is for Ring

On my amazing trip to Ethiopia last year, I bought this ring I saw a lot of Ethiopian women wearing and it has quickly become a signature piece I wear everyday. I love this ring. It consists of seven thin rings held together by a band. The Ethiopian story behind this type of ring says that the rings represent the seven days of the week and the band is a prayer over the seven days that binds them together. Simply beautiful.

The interesting part about this is that today, was such an awfully hard, taxing, bad day... and one of the seven rings broke. While that brought a baby tear to my eye, the awesome part about this is that the prayer band is still in tact.

Moral of this story you ask?! Whether in a piece of jewelry or in life, prayer holds everything together.

H is for House

So... I bought a house! I closed today and I'm just so excited! It's such a cute little thing and I'm going to love moving in and decorating everything! If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and see me!

F is for Feelings

Feelings, to me, are like shadows. Good or bad, they never leave. They are these little things that creep into every crevasse and situation of your life. One minute your feelings are happy, excited and care free. The next minute, your feeling are solemn, uncertain and melancholy. Right now, my feelings are completely confused. A few weeks ago, I really felt my feelings were telling me that I was making the right decision about a situation. I felt at peace and very confident. Moving forward on those feelings, I did and said certain things that made huge changes within that situation. Now, my feelings are changing and I'm feeling as if I made a wrong decision.

How can this be? How can one minute you feel one way and another minute you feel something completely different. The real question is, how are you to approach life when your feelings are obviously going to change at every bend in the road?

One thing I hate about feelings is the fact that they are, sometimes, all consuming. They collectively decide to overtake everything that makes up... you. They latch on and don't let your mind forget about them.

However, one thing I love about feelings is the fact that they are there. They let you know that you are alive and experiencing something; good, bad or ugly. While I'm still completely confused, I know that my feelings are helping propel me through life and figure things out. I don't understand them all the time. And I don't always want to agree with what they're telling me, but they are there for a reason, and I owe them, at least, acknowledgment. What to do next... yeah, I'm not sure either. Hopefully my feelings will let me know something soon!

C is for Cupakes

If you've ever met me, I'm sure that somewhere within the first 2 1/2 minutes of our introductory conversation I mentioned how much I love cupcakes, could eat cupcakes all day, love going to (and financially supporting) cupcake shops and would love to own my own bakery...strictly for cupcakes... one day! Well, this past weekend I thought I would try my hand at making HOMEMADE cupcakes! None of that box stuff, I'm talking flour, eggs, butter, deliciousness, sugar, etc. After an hour or so, here's what came of my efforts:I know, right?!! I did such a great job! And it was very tasty. The only thing that I messed up on was the amount of time I baked the cake. The awesome (Magnolia's) recipe calls for 20-25 minutes. I baked my cakes roughly 23 minutes and it was too much. I always forget that cakes continue cooking even after you remove them from the oven. (Hint, hint!) Next time, I will do 19 minutes and then take them out. (Those pics to come!)

On to the icing. Soooo good! This recipe tastes just like the cupcakes at The Magnolia Bakery. When I went... oh, I have a pic.

(And yes, if you're wondering, that is the "Bakery Bouncer" in the background with the crisp white apron. He definitely asked us how many were in our party! HA!)

So starts my cupcake adventures and up next, chocolate. The natural progression after vanilla I think. (Ebony and Ivory... gotta love it!)

D is for Delicious

What Bliss

A is for An Education

So sue me the last two entries were movie reviews, but after seeing 'An Education,' I couldn't not write a review. It was AMAZING! From the doe-eyed lead, Jenny, and the endearing airhead Heather, to the romantic fashions and magical locations, this movie had it all. I absolutely adored the young, brilliant, eager student who only wanted to do what her overbearing, but loving, father wanted her to do. She was focused and determined until the mysterious and charming, David, rolled into her life on that rainy day. From then on, she seemingly, came alive right before our very eyes. She was exploring new things, wearing new clothes, tasting new treats and experiencing a life unhinged.

Without giving anything away, I think that she was a strong enough 16 year old to handle what happened to her and David. She was able to take from that time what she found of value, and managed to continue on with her life; her goals and her dreams. This movie really spoke to me about the importance of coloring outside of the lines. Of trying new things and taking the road less traveled. Even though these experiences might be tough loads to bare, there is something about them that you can learn and grow from. Take no experience, good or bad, and say it was for nothing. There is always something of value in everything you do; no matter how much or how little, but it's up to you to make the distinction and carry it with you.

5 is for 500 Days of Summer

This weekend I saw 500 Days of Summer. Personally, I thought it was fantastic. The thing I think I liked most, was the way it was so unlike most non-love movies I've seen...ever seen. My general thought pattern, mostly stemming from the fact that I'm a hopeless romantic and some because of society, is movies with a boy and a girl are suppose to be sweet, lovie dovie and romantic with a happy endings. This movie, while (SPOILER ALERT) it didn't have a traditional happy ending, it did, in a weird way, have a ending that was acceptable.

The movie starts on day 488, and from there jumps around telling the story of their on again, off again love-something and how each viewed the wonderful/hateful world of love and life.

While Summer completely destroyed Tom's heart and hope in love in the end, it wasn't without warning. I know this isn't something a true, hopeless romantic would normally say, that's what I got in the end. Maybe I'm not a hopeless romantic anymore....

I loved the notion that, while it completely and utterly sucked in the end, it was real. In life, I've learned that things don't always work out, people let you down, you don't get the job, you get overlooked, you aren't the bride, but the bridesmaid and you come up short.

One of the many quotes from the movie that was hard, but necessary, was this:

"What happened with all of those relationships?"

"What always happens... life."

Life is hard. But it's how you choose to go about it that's the clincher. Maybe that's why I loved this movie so much. I, for the first time, must be starting to understand, and appreciate, the ups and downs of life.

M is for Michelle O.

Ever since she stepped onto the scene in her kelly green pumps at the inauguration, I have been slightly obsessed with all things Michelle Obama. From her hair and clothes, to her shoes and accessories, she's just got it going on! Being of similar size and stature, I am immediately drawn to her fashion and style. Now when I go shopping, I think back on outfits and pieces I've seen her wear and try to emulate and incorporate those things into my own wardrobe. One of my favorite things about Mrs. O is the way she plays up colors. Who would have thought a mint green tweet skirt, lemon blouse and a purple patent skinny belt with tan pumps would look so stunning! Here are just a few of my favorites:

This first lady's, first class fashions are absolutely fabulous!

R is for Rome

Earlier today I finally got around to uploading pictures from my trip to Rome and Ethiopia. Here are some from Rome. This place is magical! Take a look...

More from Ethiopia to come...

T is for Texting

Before you assume this entry is about the recent Oprah episode about the need for people to stop texting, tweeting, BBMing and emailing while driving, it's not. While that's very important, this is about how much I hate how relationships in today's society have moved from talking to texting. I have known too many friends that have been in "relationships" solely based on text messages. Now, this isn't just a quick text here or there to say "goodnight," "I had a fun night," etc. No! These are full blown conversations, lasting HOURS!!! Here's what I think...stop with the texting, man up and talk face to face!

For those of your that have read some of my past entries, you can guess where this is going. Something happened to me, I got fed up and immediately jumped on my computer to tap out my frustrations!

Last year, around November, I was asked if it was OK to give my number to a prospect. After a quick thought....I said YES! Making a long story as short as possible, the guy wrote me a text message later that week and, after a few messages, we set up a time to go to dinner. A few days later, he called just to talk to say hello and that he was looking forward to meeting me. A little out of the blue, but a very nice gesture and something I appreciated. All's well and good until...day of the date. He sends me a text saying something like, "Work came up and I need to reschedule our dinner." To that I replied, "That stinks, but no worries. I understand." After a few moments, my trusty text tone indicated that I had another message. "I'll give you a call next week."

This past week... nearly two and a half months later, I get this text message:

"I know this will be an odd text because we haven't talked in a while but can we eat dinner soon?"

What is that? Why couldn't he be a man and make a phone call. Or better yet, be a man and realize that his time has passed on asking me out! This whole texting as the sole communication in the start of a relationship is crazy. So, in rapping this up, please know, I don't hate texting. I actually love a good text. But when you are texting more than you're talking, there's a problem. Just sayin'!

M is for Mugs, Muffins and Movies!

This morning I had my Life Group girls over to enjoy a cup of joe, some homemade (yeah, right!) muffins and a fun movie! Cute, right?! Everything was great and perfect for a cold Saturday morning. After the movie, I pulled out my awesome new Mac and one of the Apple savvy girls immediately began showing me the ends and outs, shortcuts and do da's my computer could do. After spending about an hour on Photo Booth, here's just a sample of the almost 50 pictures we took:

I absolutely love love love my new computer. It's super cute and I can't believe all the nifty things I can do on it! Stay tuned, my next Apple tutorials subject...making video confessionals! ;)

M is for MacBook Pro!

I believe it is only fitting I write my first entry of the year (I know, I'm really working on being a better blogger) on my new toy... a MacBook Pro! My old computer, a lowly Dell, was nearly six years old and on the fritz! There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't have a severe panic attack for fear of losing my life in document form when the blue screen of death popped up. Now, not only do I have a new computer that works when I turn it on, but it plays my iTunes on request and doesn't shut off when I click on a link!!

For some reason, I do believe I will be more active with my blogging all because of this awesome new machine!

More to come...promise!