Internal Sequin Issues

Instagram: January photo a day

2012-02-01T13:50:00.002-05:00

When I decided at the beginning of the year that I wanted to spend more time focusing on photography, I wasn't just deciding on a resolution for the New Year, but actually setting some goals for myself. I wanted to continue developing my skills with my Nikon DSLR, and I also wanted to start seeing the world from a more 'photographic view'. While I brushed up on my manual for part 1 of my goals, I decided to join the January photo a day challenge on Instagram to help me get started on part 2.

Some of my images from the month:

[1] day 5- something you wore [2] day 4- letterbox [3] day 8- your sky [4] day 9- daily routine [5] day 10- childhood [11] day 14- something you're reading [12] day 16- morning [13] day 17- water [14] day 18- something you bought [15] day 19- sweet [16] day 20- someone you love [17] day 21- reflection [18] day 22- your shoes [18] day 23- something old [19] day 26- colors [20] day 27- lunch

While I don't own an iPhone which boasts an impressive 8 megapixels, my 0.63 megapixel iPod touch gets the job done just fine. I like having an intended image to capture each day. Thirty days later, I'm already seeing a difference in the way I look at everyday items. Instead of seeing fruit in a basket while I grocery shop, I'm seeing a future cropped, lightly focused imaged. Seems my 0.63 megapixel challenge is just the tool for helping me reach my goal!

Follow me on Instagram to see my February photo a day challenge!

Memory Making

2012-01-26T16:13:00.000-05:00

Last year I was seated on a jury in a higher profile case for our area. Unless you've been on a jury, it's hard to explain just what the deliberation process is like. ( Though this commercial is a pretty close representation!) Whenever my family and friends bring it up, I find myself saying over and over that it is not an experience that I will soon forget.

In fact during the trial I would come home each night and could say nothing else ( legally of course) except, "well I've got more to add to the story I'll tell our grandchildren years from now". If the news cameras and the live twitter updates from the courtroom weren't enough to tip me off, I was in the middle of making a life memory. My courtroom memories were obvious though. It was a once in a lifetime experience, and I knew while I was in the moment that I would tell stories about this, and re-live these conversations for the next 30+ years.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the memories we'll hold on to, that we don't realize we're making. When I'm teaching my granddaughter the secret to the perfect cookies ( assuming I've discovered it by then), what moments from my life now as a 25 year old will be deemed moments worth telling her about? Who knows what simple tasks each day, are becoming memories ingrained in our minds. There won't always be news cameras and twitter updates to make things quite so obvious.

Favorite of Days

2012-01-24T10:55:00.000-05:00

Sunday's have become my favorite day of the week. In September I would have said that Sunday's rocked because of football. Now that the season is coming to an end, Sunday's take on a more productive role. As an obsessive list maker, Sunday's have become the perfect day to get it all done.

Most weeknights, after dinner I have just enough time to decide between enjoying the evening relaxing, or checking something off of my ever growing To-Do list around the house. Even if I'm feeling motivated and opt to check something off the list, it's likely that I'll only get one thing done before bed time will creep up on me. Sunday's though are a different story. With the whole day to take advantage of I can accomplish a few different projects, take a nap and have time to relax on the couch with Johnny all before bed.

By the time I climbed into bed last Sunday, 2 loads of laundry had been completed, the dishes had been done, the DVD cabinet had been organized, I had edited over 600 photos, taken a nap, taken out the garbage, watched both football games and organized my nail polish and hair product boxes. The house was clean, my list was shorter and I was ready to face the new week. Oh the sweet feeling of productivity.

100 Day Detox Final Thoughts

2012-01-19T10:46:00.000-05:00

Here I am almost a month after my 100 days Shopping Free ended, and I'm finally feeling ready to talk about it. It may be dramatic to say that this challenge changed my life, so instead I'll say that it changed the way that I view shopping for what I hope to be ever. I've always had what I deemed an appropriate relationship with shopping, though I have gone through many phases. At times I shopped to fill a need, at times for fun, sometimes I made purchases for the retail therapy, and other times I liked the thrill of adding to my closet. I have always been a bargain shopper and have never made a purchase instead of paying a bill, so in my mind my relationship was still an appropriate one. A few years ago, shopping had become a past time for me. Each night after work I would stop by a different store and I would never walk out empty handed. I didn't have another pass time to occupy myself with, and so I let shopping fill that need. I quickly recognized that I was headed down a dark road, and cut back to trips once a week to my local thrift stores. I set strict rules for my purchases ( only if it will work with 3 other things in my closet ) and I decided to start re-mixing more and purchasing less. I was settled into a new, even more appropriate relationship with shopping. Naturally during the last year or so, I have begun to shop less frequently. I simply don't find the desire to as strong as I once did. That isn't to say though that after a particularly hard day at work I don't hear the voice in the back of my head saying loud, ' You deserve to spend some time unwinding by sorting through racks. Maybe they still have that sweater you want. You have a coupon anyways, why not go? '.

When I first heard about the 100 day detox hosted by the Unpretentious Teacher, my first thought was ' Wow that's a long time. I would do that if I had a problem but I don't.' About 15 minutes later I realized my mistake. I had dismissed the idea, clearly showing my problem. If there is no problem, then why not do it? I had challenged myself in that moment, went right to my blog and posted my participation for the world to see. There was no backing out now. I did a quick count, Christmas Day would mark the end to my challenge and in my way stood holiday shopping, Black Friday and my birthday. What exactly was I thinking?

My biggest surprise? This challenge wasn't so hard. On approximately 5 occasions I sat at my desk and thought, ' Man I would really like to go shopping after work today. Guess I'll have to do something else', and all of those times happened during the first 2 months. After that I just didn't give it much thought. Suddenly, instead of thinking about shopping I was filling my time with my passions, reading and photography. I went with my girlfriends and sisters to the mall and some of my favorite stores and purchased nothing. I even tried some items on to simply leave them on the rack when we were done. I simply didn't need those items. Even more importantly? I was saving money. That extra $20 each week I may have used to pick up a few great thrifted items, was now going right to the bank. I did make one purchase during the challenge, a watch which I blogged about and consider my exception, something I had denoted at the beginning. My family kept joking about the impending shopping spree that would occur once Christmas Day would come, and I hadn't thought they were wrong. Instead however, the holiday's came and went with no purchases. I had started this project with the intention of going 100 days without shopping, and about 75 days in I realized, that I just don't need to be shopping like I had once thought. Eventually of course I would make a purchase. I bought 3 button downs and a Mustard Sweater from an off-price store near my house about 2 1/2 weeks after the challenge lifted. Just this week I also bought a Christian Siriano purse and a Red Leather Jacket from the Goodwill that I found while shopping for a costume. Mostly though, I've been saving my money to make some purchases for my camera. The relationships I had before with shopping may have been appropriate, but the relationship I have now is healthy, and that is a much better place to be.

Stylish in the City

2012-01-17T13:40:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday, Johnny and I headed with some friends to New York City for the day. I know how to look chic for a day spent walking in 70 degree weather, but in 10 degree weather the situation changes. It's about form over function.

I live the life of a suburban girl, which means that upon leaving the house each morning I bundle up to brave the elements before reaching my warmed up car, and then face them again before entering my warm office. I change out of winter boots and hang up my thick jacket and I have my stylish layers underneath, untainted by the weather. A trip we took to the city last December taught me the hard way, there is a time to be cute and a time to be practical, and the snowy season in NY is no time to be cute.

Johnny's family in Long Island often mentions that the temperatures are colder in Albany. A true fact. What they lack in temperature they make up for in wind. I wore my fleece lined leggings ( have you discovered these things yet?!) under a pair of jeans, and layered a knit sweater under my ski jacket. I was feeling a bit puffy, but I stayed warm all day. My first day back to the office I was greeted by a broken heating system. I froze all day and couldn't help wishing I had kept my 'city walking' outfit handy for my 'suburban job'. Maybe in 10 degree weather it is never about function over form.

Rocky Horror Picture Show

2012-01-13T13:47:00.000-05:00

There are a number of 'classic' movies that I have not yet seen. Up until a few nights ago, Rocky Horror Picture Show was on that list. A few months ago I told Johnny that since I had until now gone 25 years without seeing the cult classic movie, I felt like my first time should involve the full experience. I wanted a showing with all the dressed up fans and the screen shout-outs. I wanted the Rocky Horror works.

* CAUTION: Spoiler Alerts Ahead *

It took a few months of keeping my eyes out before I was finally able to find a theater in the Capital area who was showing the movie. Johnny's sister is a fan of the movie and I knew she would love to join me, and we convinced a friend ( a fellow ' virgin' ) to join us for the evening. Being that I knew very little going in my expectations were pretty low, but they were more then exceeded. Our experience included the movie and actors on stage right below, who acted out the movie while it played. At first I was freaked out by the birdseed being thrown around me, but was completely on board by the time we had to duck and cover our heads with newsprint.

We had so much fun. Not only was it great to experience the classic that is Rocky Horror, but it was nice to have a fun casual evening out with my friends. We jumped up and did the Time Warp, and we giggled our way through the make-out sessions. The only thing missing was glasses of wine and prop bags of our very own. ( Things we now know for next time!) At $8 a ticket, we all agreed we got more then our money's worth. For less then a movie ticket we each had a great time, saw a movie and had an entertaining evening. I plan to keep checking out the theater troop's website and head over for some future shows. I won't be showing up in my corset, but I will come prepared with some high heels and handfuls of glitter. Who doesn't love a performance that includes showers of glitter?

Consider me a Rocky Horror Convert. ( but not that kind ;) )

Arm Party: My place, anytime

2012-01-10T08:58:00.002-05:00

The Man Repeller coined the phrase, and I have been taking full advantage of it's meaning. There has been an Arm Party at the end of my appendage each day! It seems my family is taking notice to with a beautiful bracelet from my mother as a birthday gift and an amazing silver cuff from my sister in law as a Christmas gift. Move over necklaces, it seems bracelets are taking over as the most worn accessory in my collection.

Simple Warmth

2012-01-09T10:41:00.000-05:00

During the middle of last week, temperatures here in New York took a dive. Apparently Mother Nature suddenly realized that it's actually winter. We still haven't seen any snow, but I don't think that it's far behind. With our mild conditions up till now, I had gotten used to dressing for a weak winter. When I woke up to find it 8 degrees outside, I realized that I had forgotten just what warm weather dressing was all about.

( via Jill from Good Life for Less )

An 8 degree day called for inspiration, and luckily I had this photo of the lovely Jill from The Good Life for Less, sitting in my online inspiration folder. I often get caught in the trap of thinking that when it comes to layers, more is more. With her outfit combination, Jill reminded me that that isn't always the case.

A simple long sleeve shirt, and a Zara sweater ( an amazing Goodwill find) were the perfect layering pieces for a cold day. I didn't spend my day fussing with buttons or extra items. Instead I hovered close to my space heater and enjoyed the warmth from my simple layers. Lesson learned, less really can be more.

2012 Photographic Goal

2012-01-06T14:04:00.000-05:00

My second goal for 2012, is to continue to improve my photography. When Johnny got me my Nikon D5000 for Christmas in 2010, I'm not sure even he knew what an extension of my arms that camera would become.

I loved having my camera with me this year. It was great to be able to ease myself into seeing the world through the viewfinder. I spent time finding new ways of looking at life's moments, and capturing them all on 'film'.

Now after a year of trial and error I'm ready to jump into the photographic waters cannon ball style. I've studied my SLR books cover to cover, I've downloaded some new E-books and I've got my Digital Photography School articles coming each week. Using my camera's automatic mode just isn't going to cut it for 2012.

To start the year off right I joined in two photo challenges, the first using my Nikon DSLR hosted by a local photographer in my area. Each week through-out 2012 she'll post a challenge and I'll share my photographic results on my flickr page. I also joined a less formal photo a day challenge on Instagram. My itouch may not have the same megapixels as my SLR, but I'm excited to push my ideas for each day's challenge through-out January.

I'm not sure where my images will take me, or how long this 'hobby' will last. What I do know is that me and my camera are ready to take on the world in 2012, one photo at a time.

* All photos taken in 2011 except for the first *

New Years Goals

2012-01-03T13:34:00.001-05:00

I'm not usually one who get's behind making 'New Years resolutions', but do stand behind setting long term goals through out the year. I am constantly setting and re-evaluating my goals and plans, and the start of January allows for a great opportunity to establish some new goals for the upcoming months. I've set two goals for the new year. The first of the two, is to work on my listening.

At times my listening skills are not as strong as I my speaking skills. I'm thinking about what I'm going to say next and not always paying close attention to what is being said to me. I know that there are even occasions where sometimes the to-do lists and ever running thoughts in my head tend to speak louder then the people I am with. Allowing myself to listen to the thoughts in my head instead of the voices of others in the room with me, can make me feel not present in situations, and a bit lost in conversation. I have got to work on my listen to people.

In 2012 I also want to spend some time learning to listen to me. Last year was a medically exhausting year for me. I know that this one won't be any calmer. I am slowly learning what life with chronic migraines means, what things effect me and how I can manage them. I need to learn who this new me is, and the best way to do that will be to stop and listen. I want to integrate yoga and meditation into my life, and experience listening to what my body is saying on the inside. I need to pay attention for little cues my body gives off letting me know we have reached our physical max. I have got to also work on listening to me.

Here's to a happier, healthier New Year and keeping all of our goals!

New Years Wish

2012-01-01T10:30:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T15:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you have a safe and fun New Years! See you in 2012!

2011 Wrap Up

2011-12-31T11:00:00.000-05:00

2012 is quickly approaching. I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. I started a journal a few years ago, where on the last day of the year I right down some key things about the year thats ending. It's a great way to reflect on the past year, and some of the changes in our lives. Instead of 'journaling' down key moments like I do in our year end notebook here, I thought a photographic representation of the year would be better.

One of my resolutions last year was to dedicate more time to blogging, and I think I achieved my goal. It was a style filled year for me as I learned to work with a new body, and a new attitude towards daily fashion. The biggest thing gained during 2011 may have been my amazing hair stylist I met last Spring. ( Can you even remember when I had dark brown hair? What was I thinking?! ) I'm still working on some goals for 2012, and figuring out just where I want my priorities to be in the New Year. I do know that my blonde hair, and those black skinnies will be sticking around.
Thanks for sticking with me for 2011! I can't wait to see what 2012 has for us all!

Post Holiday Mayhem

2011-12-30T10:49:00.002-05:00

I hope your holidays were as peaceful as mine! Unfortunately Johnny had to take off to Florida to be with family so I packed up my comfiest pajamas and headed to the country to spend a quiet Christmas with my family. We celebrated together for 2 days enjoying Black and White movies, conversations and the warmth of the fire. It was one of the calmest holiday's I've had in quite awhile. Not to worry though, as soon as I picked Johnny up from the airport and we settled in back at home, chaos moved right back in.

We had one day off before my return to work, in which we originally intended to cook for my family. I called them early to get a rain check. The house was in disarray, and I knew I had a mountain of cleaning a head. What I didn't know was that by lunchtime instead of cleaning I'd be hiding under the covers trying to ward off a headache. Even in our quiet house and with the best nurse anyone could ask for, it was no use. I had a migraine approaching and there was no stopping it. I made it to work the next day, but not without tears. Medication wasn't working and I could barely see out of my left eye. It only really hurt when I moved, or blinked, or coughed. An hour after leaving the house, I arrived back at home as what I'm sure resembled a blubbering mess. Johnny tucked me into bed, brought me water and a sandwich and about 24 hours after it began, the haze lifted. Forget cleaning supplies though. We can live in dirt for a few more days, I'm just glad to be blinking again.

I can see no reason for what brought on my sudden migraine attack. Johnny mentioned that maybe my body was reacting to all of the holiday stress after the fact. I was inclined to agree. Until I made it to work the following day. A few meetings later and it seems my job tasks would be changing. In our small business, many of us wear a few different hats, and it seems they need me to bring back a hat I haven't worn in quite some time. I'm starting to think my body wasn't recuperating from past stress but preparing for the impending. Maybe next time my body knows something I don't it can give me some other sort of warning signal? I'd prefer a fruit basket with a nicely worded card. What can I say, I'm a planner and there is never a good time to plan for post holiday mayhem.

Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday!

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you all enjoy your holidays!

Holiday Tradition: Ornaments as a Gift

2011-12-23T12:13:00.000-05:00

For our first Christmas together, one of his gifts I gave Johnny was an ornament that was representative of our past year together. It's become something we do every year. I look forward to finding one thing that will mark the past year, and he looks forward to seeing just what moment I've chosen to hang on our tree.

This year as we hung each ornament we realized that 2010 seems to have gone missing. What's worse is I can't even remember what ornament I had gotten. I'm holding out hope that it'll show up when we bring all the boxes back out to pack all of our decorations back up. If not I may need to do some post-holiday ornament purchasing. Is it wrong to replace the 2010 ornament? Will it even matter 20 years from now if one in our collection happens to be a replacement year?

Wrapping Wars

2011-12-22T11:14:00.002-05:00

I happen to love wrapping gifts, until I've been at it for about hours that is. It's almost as if I forget about the exhaustion that is gift wrapping each year. I excitedly pick out the perfect wrapping paper at the start of the season, I gather all of our gifts, lay out boxes and gift tags and let the gift wrapping begin.

It isn't all bad of course:

- Enjoying delicious cups of Hot Chocolate while I wrap

- Thinking about all of our friends and families faces as they unwrap their gifts

- The feeling of accomplishment as each wrapped gift gets tucked under the tree

- The sweet sounds of Christmas tunes playing in the background

A few hours in though, and I can't remember any of those good things:

- The back ache from bending over all the gifts

- Running out of tape always when you need just one more strip

- My manicure, which is no match for wrapping paper apparently

- Realizing that you spelled a family members name wrong on your very last gift tag, what's worse? Realizing that you spelled your own name wrong in your haze

- The inevitable insomnia that will follow after spending 4 hours downing Hot chocolate to keep up the pace

It's somewhere around 10pm that I realize just why it makes sense to donate money to the gift wrapping tables in the mall and have them take care of some of the wrapping for me. Around 10:15pm though I dragged myself back out of the slump and finished up my wrapping. I would have felt weird letting someone else wrap my gifts even if it was for charity. Seeing everything under the tree and ready made me feel accomplished and proud. It isn't always smooth sailing, but it's still a tradition. Besides who ever said all holiday traditions had to be fun?

Gift Guide- For the Fashionable Ladies in your life

2011-12-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

I have so many fantastic girlfriends who all deserve a little extra sparkle in their lives. These great gifts all make the perfect little treat.

by internalsequinissues featuring a teal necklace

Heart ring, $9.99
Teal necklace $20
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, $21
Victoria'S Secret Holiday Collection Merry Merry Pink™ Eau De Toilette, $24
OPI Nail Varnish - Rainbow Connection 15ml Health & Beauty |..., £11
OPI Nail Varnish - Gone Gonzo! 15ml Health & Beauty | HQHair.com, £11

Gift Guide: For your boyfriend who is more fashionable then you

2011-12-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

It's high time Johnny gets some new items to add to his closet. I've got a few ideas to of just what he'll love to find wrapped under our tree.

by internalsequinissues on polyvore.com

H.E. by MANGO Chaussures Cuir Beige, €90
Pepe Jeans Jeans Straight Leg, €159
Mens Barbour Northam Red/Eclipse Check Shirt, £68
Basic V-Neck Pull, €40
Classic Leather Belt, £25

Last Minute Christmas Craft

2011-12-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

Johnny and I have a mismatched collection of ornaments. Some are from his childhood, some are from mine and some we seemed to have picked up somewhere along the way. After getting everything on the tree this year Johnny commented that he really liked one of our 'picked up somewhere' ornaments, a pine cone. I agreed completely and decided that our tree could use a few more.

I knew that doing craft projects the week of Christmas was a bit crazy ( I suffer from ' putting more on my plate then I take off' syndrome' ) but I also knew that this would be a quick and simple project. I already had a hot glue gun, and I picked up some different sized red ribbon ( $2 a piece) and a bag of decorative pine cones ( $3.38 for the bag) from our local Wal-mart. A dab of hot glue to the tops of the pine cones and a bit of red ribbon and my project was complete. I started and completed this project ( and almost 20 cones) all during a 30 minute episode of Fashion Police.

Our new little ornaments were the perfect addition to our tree. As I was crafting away I couldn't help but wish that I had thought of this little project sooner. What a great little addition these ornaments would have made to our gifts this year! I think next year our friends and family can expect to see these adorable little guys on top of all of their boxes!

Gift Guide: For your Mom who doesn't spend anytime on herself

2011-12-20T22:06:00.000-05:00

Oh Mom. There are days when she is my favorite person to shop for, and days when I have no idea just what to get her.

by internalsequinissues featuring moccasin shoes

Dorothy Perkins crewneck sweater, $57
Paige Denim black super skinny jeans, $235
Madewell moccasin shoes, $40
Rocha John Rocha gold jewelry, £44
Friis Company knitted shawl, €34

Holiday Cheer

2011-12-19T15:21:00.000-05:00

I am one of 'those' people. You know the type, humming holiday tunes starting the week before Thanksgiving, finding ways to work the words Santa, gifts and big day into every conversation and decorating almost every square inch of our home in Christmas paraphernalia. I am in love with the infectious excitement of the holiday season and think it should last for the entire month of December.

I do understand that not everyone feels quite the same way that I do about the season, and I try my best to keep my month long excitement to a minimum. Luckily, this seems to be the week that everyone joins me in the fun. Johnny will tell you that I'm the one who cares about decorating the house and putting everything out for the season ( true) but when we got our tree this weekend not only did he pick it out and put the lights on it, he also choose Christmas music for us to listen to while we decorated! ( I love little holiday touches like that!) We watched Mickey's Christmas special and Elf and enjoyed a quiet weekend in our happy holiday home.

Luckily it seems Johnny isn't the only one who caught my holiday fever. I found a friend at work has taken to playing the Frank Sinatra Pandora music station non-stop, and even the lady in the toll booth this morning was uncharacteristically nice this morning. I know that by this time next week the joy of the season will be coming to a close, but I'm not sure I'll ever be ready for it to leave. I love some good old fashioned holiday cheer!

Gift Guide: For your sister who is to cool for school

2011-12-19T10:46:00.000-05:00

Maybe you've finished all of your holiday shopping already, or maybe if you're like me you've still got a few things left on your list. All this week I thought I'd show off a few gift guides for some last minute inspiration!

by internalsequinissues featuring oversized handbags

Stripe t shirt, $176
Dolman top, $18
Vince Camuto stiletto boots, $159
ASOS oversized handbag, $36
Ring, $20

Megan Nielsen Winter Collection

2011-12-17T10:30:00.000-05:00

Are you familiar with Megan Nielsen? If you aren't, you should be. She is an American living Aussie who takes care of her 2 adorable children and husband, sews most of her own clothes, runs a fantastic blog and in her spare time designs her own line of clothing. Seriously, how does she do it all?

Her Winter Collection came out this week, and I am truly smitten. Not only does Megan know how to design clothes that look amazing on all body types, but she has a way of making clothes that women want to wear.

That striped top with the Peter Pan collar ( The Ridgeway) , and the Plaid Circle skirt ( The Chantilly) ? I'm just wondering how fast I can make them mine.

Shop the Megan Nielsen Collection

This collection was modeled by Tania of What Would a Nerd Wear

The collection was photographed by Sydney of The Daybook

Musical Coffee ( or Tea) Break

2011-12-16T13:37:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I got an email from Johnny that was titled ' Your favorite band you just don't know about yet'. Boy was he right. I heard this song yesterday afternoon and it has been on repeat every since. I love listening to holiday music this time of year, but don't mind taking a break for this little diddy. Of Monsters and Men, I see a long love affair in our future.

Enjoy.