Wordless Wednesday

All images via Pinterest.

The Peace of the Ocean

A Few Pretty Things

Sometimes I just need to look at something pretty to get into a better mood, which is why I love my Pinterest boards. Nature always does the trick for me. I love soft colors, soft grays. Really, I like feeling I'm in a fairy tale.

April Showers

I'm not going to lie. I love rain! Love it! I love it best when I'm back home in Alabama because the rain and the trees are so beautiful together. I bought a pair of Sperry rain boots a few months ago while they were on sale at DSW, but I haven't been able to use them much since it doesn't rain often here in San Diego. I've discovered that rain boots are perfect for the beach, too. Who knew? What's so great about rain wear is that you can dress them up or be a bit whimsy in your style.

Since the April showers are upon many, and since I love rain so much, I've gathered some apparel that are perfect.

 From London Fog - $80

(I have a trench from London Fog and love it! Keeps the rain out and I have an Audrey Hepburn moment.)

The North Face  - $180

Sperry - $70

Hunter - $125

Target - $30

Burberry - $195

 
Target - $17

From London Fog - $25


Not sure how to wear them? Here's a little inspiration:

The 27th Year

In November, I turned 27. It's crazy. I'm the same age my mother was when she had me. No, I don't want kids. No, I'm not changing my mind. Why do people ask me that? Anyway. It got me thinking about my life. I've been blessed to have experienced and accomplished a lot. I have my Master's, I've traveled all over the country and to Europe, and I've found the love of my life to name a few. But then, I've focused on what I haven't done. Getting closer to 30, I know it's beyond time to really buckle down and start preparing for the future. Better to do it now than to wait until it's too late. That said, 27 is the year of prevention.

So, how do I go about doing this exactly? What do I want to accomplish?

1. This is the year I become a runner. I always have wanted to be one, but I find it boring. So, I'm thinking I'll sign up for a 5K. That's a small enough goal to motivate me, and it will be something my husband can do with me. There's one in September, so I'm aiming for that one. I think it's along the beach, too. Bonus! This is a habit I want to create so that I can have a healthy, strong body. Getting in real shape while I'm young and able will be great for my health in the future. Cancer runs in my family, and I know that exercise helps to prevent getting it.

2. Body routines. This is slightly embarrassing, but I don't always remember to brush my teeth at night. I'm so bad about flossing. I'm making a schedule for face washing - including which day of the week to do a scrub -, hair mask, teeth, everything. I'm also making sure I apply anti-aging products everyday. Prevention is key.

3. Yoga. I'm stressed out, so yoga does that and it's great for strengthening. I'm weak in the arms, and yoga uses natural body resistance, so that will really help. I want to work on the stress and managing it better. I always feel stronger and more relaxed after a good yoga session.

4. Better food choices. I'm still recovering from bronchitis. Nasty virus. I couldn't help but think if I had eaten more fruits and vegetables that I might not have suffered a much or as long as I have. That said, I am focusing more on eating to prevent nasty viruses, illnesses, and diseases. I don't want them.

Hopefully, I'll be feeling better soon and for a long time.

Inspiration: a Writer's Desk

I love old furniture. I'm not a fan of taking something new and destressing it. I like for it to have an old world feel while still looking nice. A good desk is essential at some point in life; it's one of the reasons I love libraries and universities so much. I found some beautiful desks but are they pricey! I would never buy it. These pieces are so amazing because they tie in my love for travel with a flare of old school libraries. If Indiana Jones were real, I could see him having one of these. They are found at Restoration Hardware. It's a beautiful but expensive store. Right now, they are offering some neat stocking stuffers that actually don't cost a lot.

This first desk is my favorite. The shelves remind me of the old card catalogs in libraries. From the side, it looks like a trunk. How beautiful is this? The desktop is actually sturdier than it looks. My only concern is I like to stretch out my legs while I'm at a desk. For me, this is a "writing only" desk due to the size of the desktop. 

I really love this one. I feel like I should be getting ready for a trip somewhere. It has plenty of space above and below and plenty of space. I love how both pieces have a trunk feel. I never would have thought of it, but for me they're perfect. I would love this if I were a professor, which I a part of me would love to be. A guess I can't fight my teaching roots too much. I have been thinking about returning to teaching back home....

Inspiration: Pippa Middleton

I admit that I'm a fan of the Middleton sisters' style. Most of the time, their style lines up with mine. I like seeing what they wear and how they pair their items to get some new ideas of my own. Pre-wedding Kate's style was a lot like mine. Don't get me wrong; I still like her look now. I'm just at a point in my life where I don't want to wear too dressy of outfits like I use to wear. I love Kate's simple, yet elegant style. Pippa's style is becoming more like mine. Not completely because I don't like plunging necklines, but many of her outfits suit me, especially for work. Here are a few of my favorites.