PeaceLove+Cupcakes

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-11-04T16:52:22-06:00

Can I catch my breath??? Wow. October has been packed full of funness.

This seems like F-O-R-E-V-E-R ago:

Once we got to Fall Creek Falls, It was sprinkling + getting colder...We weren't sure if we were going to do the overnight hike or not. We decided to stop by the nature center + check things out. You can see some of the falls (Cane Creek Falls) right by the center. We asked this lame girl park ranger if she would go out there in this and she just sorta smiled + giggled. That was helpful. Then she says it MIGHT be a little slippery in the gorge. That was an UNDERSTATEMENT haha. I was already feeling disappointed if we didn't go, so we decided to go. The first part was easy. I enjoyed looking at all the mushrooms + mosses. Things changed real quick when we made the 400 ft., 1 mile descent into the gorge. It was steep, slick + had lots of obstacles. We made it to the bottom in about 2 hours!!! This is where we encountered the first swinging bridge...It was so slippery!!! I caught myself falling on camera :] We had to take our packs off and crabwalk it across. Then we had the 400 ft. ascent over about .9 miles which took about 2 hours too!!! We were exhausted + crawling up this thing on all fours. We finally made it to the campsite + I dropped my pack + laid on the ground. Once we stopped moving it started to get cold quick. I knew I should not have let my hair get wet! We immediatly set up the tent + tried to get a fire started. Everything was soooo wet. We had fire while we sipped on hot chocolate + ate ramen noodles, but we were ready to change into dry clothes + get in our sleeping bags + try to stay warm. It never stopped raining. I started to get scared. I didn't know it was going to get so cold. We were prepared for 50-60 degree weather, not 30-40...the missed the forcast BAD!!! I talked to mom + scared her so bad she called the park ranger. She then scared me more + I started shaking uncontrolably + freaking out. She said the park ranger said "No one is out there in this weather"...She said "Yes they are!" and He said "In the backcountry???"...She said "Yes!!!". He called us + was super nice + made sure we had everything we needed. He made me calm down :] It rained all night + the wind was fierce. It was a very strange feeling being out there with NO ONE. I woke up about every hour + for every noise. It was scary outside the tent in the darkness.
The morning was very peaceful + relaxing. We listened to my campfire playlist + drank hot tea + made oatmeal. Then we started the hike back (a big 12 mi. loop total). We saw lots of waterfalls, lookouts + swinging bridges that day. We also started running in to more people as we got closer. They were all looking at us like we were crazy for having overnight packs + for hiking that long :] It make us feel good + proud of ourselves. I was dying the last mile. My sweetest of all sweethearts carried my backpack the very last part :( I felt so bad but I was barely making it. (flickr set)

Halloweeney Time:

I made Green Gobble-'Ems Garlic Bread Chunks, Penne-Wise Pumpkin Pasta, and Full Moon Sundaes for dinner...

And Zac + I carved pumpkins...

For Halloween we were a cute little skeleton family...

We went to visit my mom at a party + dropped off Vera + then Zac + I went to William's out in the country...

And THEN we drove all the way downtown to visit more friends...

We had so, so, so much fun dancing + hanging out + looking at costumes :] That night was crazy!!!

Then the next morning we woke up + drove to Nashville for the Titans vs. Jaguars game:

We had great seats + it got cold so we got to drink hot chocolate + snuggle :] Fun, fun...love♥love

Costumes

2009-10-27T13:24:25-05:00

I'm pretty excited about my Halloween costume this year. I wanted to be something scary with ghostly face paint. I came across this artist Sylvia Ji + I knew that was it!

I am also wearing this shirt from Elsie (it glows in the dark!!!):

And this headband from NevaPlume:

With black + orange striped leggings + a black petticoat. ;] I can't wait. We are going to be a little skeleton family...I got this for Vera:

And Zac got this:

We're trying to think of a way to spice Zac's up. He wants to do a Michael Jackson spin on it. Haha.

I'm wondering if I should get a black wig? or wear my natural hair really wavy/curly.

Music in the air

2009-10-13T16:06:33-05:00

One night we [Z+I] were driving home from class + I heard this beautiful woman's voice...I looked it up the next day + found out it was Amy LaVere. Anyways- She played here [Levitt Shell] last Thurs. night. Zac, Cox + I went. Michael joined too. The Juke Joint Duo played first, then Amy + then Lucero.

I think it's really cool that they decided to renovate the shell. How sad if it had been demolished. It's where Elvis first played on stage! Crazy!!! I've always loved it. I thought it would be cool to have done a photo shoot there before they redid it:

I sat on the blanket listening to Amy's voice + thought about how perfect that moment was. How special + exciting life can be if you seek it. There was definitely some *magic* in that night.

wanna play 20 questions?

2009-10-01T16:37:47-05:00

1. Show us the inside of something cute

My art box I carry around everywhere:

The inside:

2. What's the last home cooking you had?

My sweet boyfriend has been cooking for me every Mon + Wed when I had class...He last made hamburgers, salad + fries. He's a really good cook :]

3. What do you miss?

This sweet thing:

I haven't seen her in 4 days :( I'm a bad mommy. She stays at my mom's which is outta the way. I'm going to get her tonight though :]

4. What makes you laugh often?

This face:

Ahh I freaking LOVE that man :] He makes me laugh all the time + super duper happy

5. What's your favorite word?

tweedle/twiddle- not sure how i wanna spell this made up work zac + I have fun with ;] Zac has confirmed it is "twiddle" :]

I love saying the word caprese (like the salad)-kah-press-ay

6. What are you trying to quit?

nothing :]

7. What's your favorite commercial right now?

8. Whose style do you dig?

9. Link to a great blog you've discovered lately...

beautiful photography

killer music

backpacker photo school

10. What's the last craft you made?

Camera strap for my new camera:

My mom found the coolest fabric EVER!!! (thanks mom!!!)

11. A photo of the last happy mail you got :]

12. Something you've got lately?

13. What are you looking forward to?

going overnight camping with my buttonhole (♥Z) at Fall Creek Falls...it's going to be beautiful...the leaves will be changing...waterfalls...campfires...smores...snuggling in sleeping bags...being one with nature
i love this time of year- getting pumpkins, halloween, caramel apples, crafts festival
the weekend coming up

14. Post a recent snapshot of yourself.

15. Recent Favorite Movie?
don't really have one...i guess Time Traveler's Wife even though I was disappointed

16. Something you're working on right now?

Finishing my mom's quilt + rachel's baby (Cooper's) quilt

17. If a movie were made about you, who would play you?

18. What gives you goosebumps?

19. Share a new obsession.

My mood ring:

20. What's the meaning of your life?
La Vie En Rose

if you'd like to play along, please do! and please post a link to your 20Qs here in the comments here, if you'd like. :)

Elsie's

LA's

Another perfect day, They keep piling up, I got happiness that I can’t maintain

2009-09-29T14:05:52-05:00

(lyrics by MONSTERS OF FOLK...gotta check them out if u haven't [i ♥ jim james])

I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to blog in 4-EVER!

Sept. 18th (Friday) I met with David Evans @ Underground Art + got to see the drawing of my tattoo. It looked so good! He put the stencil on + I knew I wanted it...It already felt like a part of me:

Sept. 19th (Sat.) Zac, Cox + I went to the Cooper Young Festival...It started to rain so we watched the UT vs. FL game @ Celtic Crossing. Kristen, Dan, Shannon, Sam + Jared met up with us + then we all walked around some more after the game. We went to Celtic again!!! haha. This guy came up to us + told us we were retardedly cute. Haha. I LOVE it!!! Michael met up with us for a bit before we left. I bought 3 beers to get the super cool Ghost River glass :]

I love their Hefeweizen... "is a German style of wheat beer in which the yeast is not filtered, giving it a cloudy appearane. The Hefeweizen style is particularly noted for its low hop bitterness and relatively high carbonation, considered important to balance the beer's relatively malty sweetness." It's so good!

We went home to Zac's + changed to go to the Memphis vs. UT Martin game. Go Tigers!!!:

I ♥ my nerdy boys ;] They make me smile:

Sept. 24th (Wed) Zac + I went to the Silversun Pickups show @ Minglewood Hall. I had class that night so we were a little late. We missed Cage the Elephant, but we saw Machester Orchestra + they were awesome (I haven't stopped listening to their cd since). The lead singer was just hanging outside his tour bus before + after the show. Walked by him twice :] Silversun was really good too.

♥♥♥

Sept. 26th (Sat.) I got my tattoo!!! I was so nervous/excited. When I first got there I kept saying "David? Really? Am I doing this?". Haha. I tried to act tough before saying pain doesn't bother me, but when it got close I got scared of it. What was it going to be like? David said it would "feel like nothing I've ever felt before." I was thinking ok...great...haha. He told me to lay down on the cot + my hands started to sweat. I couldn't believe I was doing it. Then the machine started...ahh...He told me to relax + he would start slow + gentle. Zac was so sweet holding my hand + giving me the look that I could do it + it was going to be ok. Parts were really painful + parts were ok. It was a rush + kinda fun. It took a lil over an hour. I really love it!!! It's a girl button + a boy button (for Zac). We both picked out the same 2 exact buttons. Cute huh? Here's some pics:

Sunday Mom, Kacey, Vera + I drove to the country + took some pics:

(more here).

Dreams come true

2009-09-17T14:43:20-05:00

Beautiful moon:

I finally took a shot of me + my new camera + camera strap cover I made (luv the fabric!!!):

I turned 26 on Sept. 11. I have to say this was one of the best birthdays since childhood. This year something felt different...I didn't put so much pressure on "my birth day". I just knew it was going to be happy no matter what happened- Z had a lot to do with that. Maybe it is true that birthdays seem less important as you get older. I woke up to birthday texts + then I went to work. Lucille made me feel special- she had balloons, cake + a card for me. The feeling special didn't stop there...Dad brought me flowers + a card...then, when I was answering the phones, Z's flowers arrived. I've never had a guy send me flowers at work. A few months ago I was wondering if that really happened in real life + not just in movies. After lunch, my mom's delivery of orchids was in my office (stunning). What a lucky girl ;]

Flowers Z sent me (so beautiful!!!):

My birthday party set up at work (roses from Dad on right):

Orchids Mom sent (please don't let me kill these):

That night Z + I went to Art on Tap at the Dixon (we signed up to be Young At Art members). We went with Cox + Whit. Then we ran into Katherine after parking + finally my Mom + Kristen showed up late. The glasses they give you to taste the beer were really cute + had my birth date on them which was awesome! We had lots of fun walking around looking at art, sampling beer + eating. Would you believe that I FORGOT my CAMERA??? When has that ever happened? haha. Here's the only pic pics I took with my I-phone:

After Art on Tap, Kristen, Zac + I went to my mom's + opened gifts + spent the night. My parents gave me an original Beth Edwards watercolor. I was so surprised. I love it!!! Zac gave me a bracelet + the coolest ring ever (I'll take a pic soon). Kristen gifted me this gray + white sweater that's totally me. Mom also gave me some clothes, shoes (cute Uggs!!!) + etc. I got a new charm (sapphire birthstone) for my waxing poetic necklace from my grandparents:

Sat. night Mom, Zac + I went to Iris for my birthday dinner:

Then we went back to the house for cake:

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes + for making it so special!

Stay-Play-Love

2009-09-10T16:14:24-05:00

"I'm begging slow 'cause I'm coming here...
I wanted to stay
I wanted to play
I wanted to love you" (DMB #41)

Zac + I playing around @ the airport in MEM...we were EXCITED!!! :]

Until our flight got delayed, which made us miss our next flight to Fort Lauderdale, + we realized Air Tran sucks!!! We eventually made it around 1:30 AM. After the crazy car rental place (p.s. we got a highlander [my car]) + me yelling "I've got a migraine + do you want me to drive (b/c Zac wasn't used to the brakes, haha)" in the car (which I still get made fun of for)... etc we made it to bed around 4 AM.

The next day we woke up pretty late...Zac + I grabbed lunch @ Smith & Jonesbefore his golf tournament ("Martini Classic") started. Shannon (Zac's Dad [Dan's] girlfriend) + I stayed at home + helped make some trophies. It started storming + then...the power went out. So...we were stuck @ the house with no power + no car. Shannon was starving + I showed her how to light the gas stove. She called me a girl scout haha :] We had some fun fighting with the FPL people. Then I took a nap for about 3 hours + got ready for our night out.

We ate dinner overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway @ Pelican Landing + then went to The Elbo Room:

Before we went home, we went for a romantic walk on the beach. The moonlight hitting the ocean was beautiful + all the lights from A1A:

The next day Zac + I had lunch @ Spazio(overlooking the beach) before he played golf again. Shannon, Anna (Shannon's friend) + I went shopping after that @ The Galleria + Las Olas Boulevard. That night they had people over + cooked fajitas + had the awards ceremony. Zac won 3rd place!!! Go baby!!! This is a view from Zac's Dad's dock (so awesome!!!):

We went up to the sun deck/roof that night. It was so beautiful!!! You could see downtown lights + the water. There was a breeze + it was super romantic. Magic:

The next day I got to spend the whole day with Zac! Yay!!! We had breakfast at Victoria Park Diner. Then we went shopping at BC Surf & Sport (awesome!!!). Zac + I both got some cool sunglasses (in photo below). I got some Volcom t's, shorts + a dress. We also went to Utrecht (awesome art store). Zac said I was super happy going through all the supplies. I was totally stoked. There's nothing better than really awesome art stores. I love the smells too. I can't wait to play with my new pencils, pens, ink + watercolors!!! Sweetness. Then it was time to get back to the house b/c the Memphis vs. Ole Miss game was starting. After the game we went to dinner @ Wild East:

Then we went to the W Hotel + Whiskey Blue (so cool). This is taken from the rooftop:

Then we went to some bars downtown. One had a really good band :] They played DMB #41 (my fav) + Zac + I got our dance on :] We had an awesome night!!!

Our last day we went biking on Las Olas to A1A (the beach + shopping) + back. I REALLY enjoyed that!!! It was so fun!!! Here's some pics:

(our new shades...mine are Von Zipper's Rockford + his are Electric's Technician)

(view from the Las Olas draw bridge)

It was so cool riding your bike over the draw bridge because you could see through the floor to the water. It was kinda creepy, but awesome :]

Then we had lunch at H2O Cafe, overlooking the beach + people watching. We went back to the house + napped + packed. Shannon cooked dinner before we had to leave to go to the airport. We made it just in time for another frazzling journey with Air Tran. On the way to Memphis we sat in the plane for 30 min. before we could take off. We made it to Memphis around 1:30 AM with no luggage to be found. Oh boy! Then I had work the next day. Yep, but I did get my luggage the next day. It didn't disappear into the universe.

It was one of the best trips I've been on. I really had an amazing time thanks to Zac. We travel well together + are always having fun + smiling :] It's great.

Happy Thursday!!!

2009-09-03T14:19:03-05:00

Feels like a Friday to me b/c today is my last day of work before I go to Ft. Lauderdale w/ Zac♥ for a long labor day weekend. I can't wait!!! So excited.

I found this photographer (Tec Petaja [blog]) on Southern Weddings blog. His work is amazing!!!:

I tried VersaSpa last night @ Palm Beach Tan. It was easy to breathe + all open. They even have a heater so you don't get cold. I have a tan line from the bracelet I kept on. I feel a lot darker, but natural. I liked it better than the MyMist/Mystic.

I read about this on Elsie's blog. It's so fun to play with photo filters + this one you don't even have to have photoshop. Here's some I made:

I hope everyone has a wonderful labor day weekend ;] I know I will :]

The weekend flew by

2009-09-01T15:46:36-05:00

This past...

Thursday:

Emmie, mom + I went to "My Big Backyard" @ Memphis Botanic Garden (see last post). Here are some pics:

I would love to live in a house like this☺

I love bottle trees! When I have a house, I want one in the backyard ;]

Swinging in the "rain":

Friday:

Zac + I went downtown to the art trolley tour on s. main. I got a cute scarf + shirt @ American Apparel. Here's the circle scarf (these are really in for fall):

We just walked around + went in galleries. Saw the brush your teeth show:

and the Horn of Plenty, MCA Horn Island Alumni Reflect and Remember, 1985-2009 show.

We rode the trolley to Circa + had an amazing dinner: proscuitto wrapped asparagus; crawfish beignets; pork tenderloin medallions; sesame crusted ahi tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes, seaweed salad, soy-ginger beurre blanc; and bananas foster soufflé with vanilla gelato and warm caramel-rum sauce. Yum!!!

Then walked back to SOB (south of beale) and had drinks.

Saturday:

Zac + I rode part of the tour de wolf at Shelby Farms. It was too hot for me, haha :] and I'm just getting back into it, but Zac was such a sweetheart staying with me + making sure I was ok ;]

After riding, we ate at Deli Mexicana (Las Tortugas). Zac fell in love :] I love that place too. It has the best, authentic mexican tacos/sandwiches and fresh fruit drinks (I got hibiscus + Zac got watermelon). Fire!!!

That night we (Zac + I) had dinner w/ William + his girlfriend Hallie at Rain and then went to Wimbleton to watch kickboxing + mma fights. It was lots of fun. I've never seen anything like that in person. Then we had drinks at Dan McGuinness. I got grape vodka with sprite- it was really good!!!

Sunday:

I had brunch with Zac, his dad, dad's g-friend, brother + brother's friend @ Interim. I didn't know they had sunday brunch. I had french toast + it was really good.

Then mom + I went to the Dixon to see Beth Edward's (my college professor) show. This was my favorite painting in the show:

"Happy Day", 32X38", 2007, Oil on Canvas

The nose is unbelievable in person + so are the eyes + couch. Photos do not do it justice.

I saw this one in progress + fell in love (not in the show):

"Fall", 14X19", 2008, Oil on Canvas

And...I saw this one hanging on her wall a while ago + wanted it so bad (not in the show either)!!! The lips are great!!!:

"Lost 1", 38"X32", 2006, Oil on Canvas

Happy Friday!!!

2009-08-28T17:11:47-05:00

Yesterday at lunch mom + I took Emmie (my niece) to My Big Backyard at the Memphis Botanic Garden. We had a picnic + played. Mom said I enjoyed it more than Emmie (i think so too).

People always ask how do you find that music? Well...I usually say I don't know...it just sorta finds me. Today I was listening to SIRIXMU and the guest blogger radio person was Aquarium Drunkard. They played some really cool, funky stuff. You can check it out here along with their free summer mix. I also love music on My Old Kentucky Blog. It rocks.

Plans for tonight???

Art Trolley tour, dinner + cheesecake @ the Cheesecake Corner-yum!!! on South Main... I'm going with this sexy man ☺ :

♥ wanna make ur own poladriod???