Secondhand Sundays

the week's links #4

2013-05-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

Image Sources: Bottom // Top // Composition my own

I'm so excited for the long weekend! Ryan and I are in Virginia for Memorial Day and we've got big plans of seeing as many people as possible in the next 72 hours. May not sound super relaxing, but we've missed our Virginia friends and family so much since moving to Philly. We'll sprinkle in a little porch sitting, lake swimming, and bbq, don't you worry. Of course I'm excited to see everyone, but the real highlight for me is seeing my sister Sarah. Pretty much anytime I get to see her is epically awesome.

Before you head out for the holiday (if you're American that is) here are a few links for your weekend:

+ Two things are happening right now: 1. My pajamas are disintegrating and need to be replaced stat and 2. I'm about to join a yoga class, like 3 months membership join. I'm thinking it's time to invest in some new lounge/work out clothes. What do you think of something like these?

+ You may die from cuteness when you look at this post. You've been warned.

+ When we one day settle down enough to buy a home this will be happening on our walls. It's so perfect!

+ This post by Breanna Rose is an awesome reminder to reflect, and offers a neat way to discover even more about yourself through an online test. Intriguing.

+ I've just recently started eating kale raw, and it's kind of awesome. I want to try this recipe sometime soon.

Have a great weekend! big kiss, bekuh

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what to wear to: the airport

2013-05-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

I'm a little bit of a fanatic when it comes to packing for travel. Though I love to feel stylish and fresh, it's more important to me to be comfortable as I'm lugging my bag through the airport. After many, MANY, flights I've found that a few key items can save you a lot of time and pain when you're rushing through security to find your gate.

1. My hair does not like to travel. As soon as I even whisper the word airport it becomes a flat, oily, lifeless mess. To keep from feeling totally unkept I usually throw it up in a ponytail or pack an easy-to-wear hat. A beanie or turban are a great choice because they pack down really small in your bag.

2. I love dresses for traveling, especially in summer, but I don't recommend them for airplanes. When flying I like to make sure I can sit in any imaginable position without showing my panties. A pair of nice, thick leggings are just as comfortable, but show a whole lot less a** when you're sitting cross legged on a tile floor.

3. There is nothing more annoying when you're flying than the person in the security line that has to remove a thousand things before walking through the metal detector. Keep accessories simple and clustered if you can. A single necklace, or a few strategic bangles will look chic, without all the fuss. Bonus points for not holding up the line as you pass.

4. I find airports and airplanes to be extremely chilly. I don't care what time of year it is, everything feels cold and clammy to the touch. Because of this I always wear something with at least a little bit of sleeve when I travel. A longer tunic style top is comfortable and easy to wear no matter what our destination.

5. Your carry-on bag is probably one of the most important pieces of travel gear you'll ever own. I've not invested properly in the past and my arms, back, and wrists have paid the price. A backpack, like this one, is large enough to fit a couple of days worth of clothes and all of your tech needs. They are where it's at, and a worthy investment for sure.

6. Finally your shoes. With most airports still requiring you to remove your shoes at the security check point, ease is absolutely necessary. A slip on pair of shoes, that are flat and comfortable are the way to go. A pair with a little extra style, like these, never hurt either.

For you well traveled readers out there, what are your recommended wears for airport days? big kiss, bekuh

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the history of a traveler: part one

2013-05-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

Memories are a delicate and precious thing, so it's easy to want to hold them close for fear of losing them, but it is in that fear that the true loss occurs. Time and age ultimately, viciously, steal them away from us, and only in sharing are we able to keep them alive. Why not let others taste what you did when the memories were created? It is in the tasting that they may recognize a piece of themselves, and continue the story where you left off.

My most precious memories are those I've made while traveling. Up until this point I've only casually hinted at the journeys I've taken on the blog, foolishly reluctant to share them with you. Somehow I felt that by sharing my experiences with others I would be cheapening them, or doing my memories an injustice. I floundered to even describe them in my travel journals as they happened. How could I ever expect you to relate?

Now, I realize that all I can do is try. All I can do is share my memories, my experiences, and hope that their meaning transcends my inaptitude to describe them. This is my first big step in leading a life of passion, shared...

Growing up travel was reserved for visiting families to the north and south of us. I spent my childhood dreaming up excursions to far away lands, but I would be 18 before any of these dreams became reality. Ironically my first trip abroad was anything but pleasant. I couldn't sleep on the plane, I whined a lot, and missed my then boyfriend something terrible. I was touring England with my sister an my mother, but all I could think about was Virginia. Then, half way through the trip it clicked.

I can remember, with extreme clarity, the second the travel bug bit me. We were sitting in a pub watching a football match on TV, eating mediocre pub type foods, listening to locals shout at the screen, and I was smiling. I was suddenly in love with the world. Something about experiencing this part of England made sense to me. I was seeing beyond the touristy veil for the first time, to what life was like in another part of the world. I was, for a split second, so very English. I liked it.

To experience a culture outside of your own expectations, accepting it for what it is, is a beautiful thing. It is a lesson unlike any other in life. I walked away from that experience in England a changed person. I recognized that though I desperately wanted to see the world, I wanted it to be on my terms. I didn't want to experience the world through the "must see" attractions tourists cling to, but through the locals who called it home. I wanted to get lost in whatever culture I found myself in next. I wanted an education in what it meant to be from...(fill in the blank).

Lucky for me, this was just that start of my journeys and little did I know just how soon I'd be traveling again. Stay tuned for part II next week. big kiss, bekuh

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i'm more interesting than this

2013-05-16T10:00:00.000-04:00

I've been looking at the parts of my life that I share online and I've come away thinking, "I'm more interesting than this." Somewhere along the way I stopped sharing my passions, my loves, the things I think about incessantly, and can't stop talking about with Ryan in the wee hours of the night (wee being 11PM because I'm old). I love sharing my day to day activities, but there's so much more to me than weekend recaps and flowers.

When I look back on the eras, the people, and the art that inspires me it becomes abundantly clear that I'm not sharing enough. The people I admire most showed great courage through vulnerability in their actions. They shared their deepest heart's desires openly, recklessly. They abandoned society's expectations of them, in favor of passion and art. I am weak in comparison. I, like them, want to lead a life of passion shared not just felt.

So why have I retreated to this watered down version of myself? I have no idea. Perhaps out of fear, or laziness. Excuses aside, now is the time for action. I AM more interesting than this, and I'm going to prove it to you. Who's with me? big kiss, bekuh

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new york is in love

2013-05-13T10:00:00.001-04:00

New York City is a maze of wonderment, a place I walk away with a deeper appreciation of each time I visit. I enter the city bright eyed, and anxious to explore every nook and cranny of its neighborhoods; never even catching a glimpse at the real under belly of this grand city. I seek out encounters with people from every culture, nation, and every walk of life; all perpetually moving towards something. That something for me was the Traveling Trunk Show for BHLDN, this time. A chance to meet the real brides I seek to reach everyday in my office.Two days of fittings, and girl talk. Two days of giggles, and pictures, and admiring the great diversity of women drawn to our brand. Everyone so full of love you could burst with happiness. Not even a dreary, rain stained window could dampen the hearts of these women. The contrast only making them more beautiful to observe. A perfect start to what will be a week of much the same. The infectious happiness spread to even our work worn bodies. At one point we found ourselves in the cavern of a cab being whisked across midtown Manhattan with "Age of Aquarius," blaring from the radio. Three girls with the windows down, hair blowing in every direction, laughing hysterically...can you imagine it? big kiss, bekuh

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happy mother's day!

2013-05-12T13:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the fabulous mothers out there! I'm sadly away from mine today and wish I could be with her to celebrate. Only now as a grown woman do I fully appreciate my mother's role in my life, and recognize how deeply I need her with me always. big kiss, bekuh

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the week's links #3

2013-05-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

follow me on instagram @bekuhdoo

I'm headed out of town this weekend on a cross country road trip for work. Ok, it's only half way across country for me, but still. First stop is NYC in all its glory. I get to meet about 30 brides-to-be in 2 days, and then its on the road again. Lucky for me it's also my sweet friend Alicia's birthday weekend so I'll get to partake in a little pleasure along with all this harried work. Mixing business with pleasure could basically describe all of my work trips in the last three years. What's the point of working so hard if its not a little fun?

Anyway, enough about me. Let's talk a little pleasure for you; this week's links are all pretty, and fashion, and fun for Friday. Enjoy!

+ Have you guys seen the Paraders new site? They're a fabulous vintage shop I'm kind of obsessed with. They're also hosting a $150 giveaway that I'm dying to win.

+ If you're like me, you're consistently amazed by the illustrations you see around the web. I'm in awe of the talent and easy at which people post their designs. I just started writing on my images and it takes me for-ev-er to get a final product I like. Lucky for all of us, these amazing artists share their techniques from time to time and this week A Pair & A Spare shared an amazing How To: Illustration.

+ Bri is giving me the itch to thrift with all these pretty flea market pictures. Ryan and I haven't had much luck finding a good thrift spot in Philadelphia, but posts like this keep me hoping that we'll strike gold one of these days.

+ I've talked a lot lately about finding my style, and defining it in a way that makes it easy to get up in the morning. Though this post is more about defining your blog style, there are a few points that can translate beyond our cyber reality and into our daily lives. Read it.

+ My favorite pin this week makes me wish that Ryan were coming with me on this whirlwind adventure. We need a road trip stat, I love hitting the road with my man.

Have a great weekend, and sleep in extra for me will ya? big kiss, bekuh

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gerda taro, a new love

2013-05-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

Gerda Taro, picture taken by Robert Capa

There is much debate about the pros and cons of services such as Netflix, but I'm going to go out on a limb and thank the big-bad-man for inventing this service because it's exposed me to to so many interesting people I would have never known otherwise. See I'm addicted to the amazing selection of documentaries on Netflix, and I'll watch just about anything they offer. Which leads me to Gerda Taro...

While browsing the documentary section the other day I came across a documentary called The Mexican Suitcase, a film about a long lost (then found) bag containing 4500 negatives capturing the Spanish Civil War. A civil war that is scarcely talked about, and often over shadowed by WWII. These photographs were taken by Robert Capa, David "Chim" Seymour, and dun-dun-dun Gerda Taro. Though the film predominantly centered on the work of Robert Capa, I found myself more enthralled by his female companion in life Gerda. In her I saw a kindred spirit, and a woman before her time.

Gerda Taro photos from the Spanish Civil War

Gerda was most likely the first female war photographer who travelled with men on the front line, capturing the battles as they happened. She was known for being fearless, often putting herself at risk for a good photograph. She was not Spanish, had no ties to Spain, but felt strongly that these battles needed to be shared with the public to hold back the tide of fascism in Europe in the 1930s. She was rebellious, talented, and intelligent by all accounts. A role model for any modern woman. The images of her taken by Robert Capa capture these pieces of her character so elegantly.

Gerda Taro with Robert Capa

Sadly Gerda would be a casualty of the Spanish Civil War, dying in a terrible accident before the war's end. A majority of her work would then disappear with the "Mexican Suitcase," making her an even more tragic figure in art history. A large exhibition of her work was not seen until 2007 after the retrieval of the suitcase, and the printing of this massive body of work. To learn more about the Mexican Suitcase visit The International Center for Photography site.

It is as if she has been born again for all of us to see at last. I do hope you'll read more about Gerda online, and watch the documentary when you get the chance. She's a new idol of mine for sure. big kiss, bekuh

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floral perks

2013-05-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much for all your love and support on my post yesterday! I kinda think I have a dream job, and hearing so many of you say the same thing solidifies the fact for me. One of the incredible things about working for such an inspiring brand is I get perks like free fresh flowers on product shoot days. Last week they were finishing up shooting fall product and left three huge tubs of flowers for people to pull from. I couldn't resist the sweet smells these flowers made, and grabbed a few handfuls of blooms to carry home with me. We've been enjoying them ever since. Just some pretty pictures for your Tuesday enjoyment. big kiss, bekuh

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what i do all day (aka my job)

2013-05-06T10:31:00.000-04:00

So, I've been mentioning my job a lot. Have you noticed? It's a big part of my day-to-day and it's a brand new role for me, so it's kinda consuming my thoughts too. I thought it would be fun to share with you what my typical day looks like in the office, and some of the things I'm responsible for so you can get a better feel for this aloof concept of managing social media for a brand.

My position at BHLDN (pronounced beholden) is Community Coordinator, I manage all of their social channels and engage with customers through the various platforms throughout the day. I also manage all of the real wedding submissions that come in, and direct the imagery to the proper departments as needed. My position falls under marketing, and I work closely with our PR manager and the head of marketing for the brand. I kind of need to know-it-all when it comes to BHLDN, so I sit in on a variety of meeting throughout the day, and try to stay on top of anything new and exciting coming up the pike.

One of my favorite parts of the job is working with our web creative team on developing the posts for Facebook. I'm learning a lot about graphic design through these talented women, and I'm already seeing an improvement in my skills. I create photo collages, themed albums, and styled photo posts using our products. In a way our Facebook page is like an extension of our blog B-Inspired. I typically post 1-3 times a day on Facebook.

Outside of Facebook, I also manage the Pinterest boards, Twitter, Instagram, and Vine (@BHLDN) accounts. Unlike your personal accounts however there's a lot of analysis, planning, and over reaching themes that I have to seamlessly align each day when I post. I also have to answer to directors who have certain expectations for the quality and quantity of content that's put out there, and how it's received. It's not all fun and games, and it's a full work load that often spills over into the night.

In a way I have to be a photographer, producer, merchandiser, stylists, copywriter, publicist, blogger, and graphic designer...all that on top of pinning, tweeting, posting, gramming, and shooting. It is the most challenging, and fulfilling position I've ever held. There's so much more I could share, but I'll save it for another day. Your first taste at what it means to work in social media. Follow BHLDN on all the social channels to see what I'm up to from 9 to 5! big kiss, bekuh

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the week's links #2

2013-05-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

Image Source

This week has been one of those weeks for me. A week where nothing seems to run smoothly, where every curve ball out there is thrown at you, where you feel like crying because you don't know what else to do. Yeah...one of those weeks. Thankfully it's Friday though, and I can take a deep breath, and sleep for the next 48 hours (just kidding). I am looking forward to a little r&r though. This week's links are to calm your fears, to make you feel good, and to give you something pretty to look at. Check them out:

+ I am loving the blog Life as an Artistpreneur and this post on staying motivated, and not losing heart, is the perfect way to reboot if you're feeling down.

+ When I'm feeling blah I love painting my toes, and taking long baths (hello girly-girl), but I'm going to add practice a new makeup technique to the list of things to do this weekend, and give this "Baby Bardot" tutorial a try too.

+ Doing something for yourself is also a great way to clear your mind, only selfishness allowed. I love that Isabel Knowles is doing a little Selfish Sewing right now.

+ Bridget had the sweetest post on 10 things you can do to be happier this week. It's a good one, read it.

+ Princess Diana is so timeless, look at this gorgeous outfit. I would totally wear it tomorrow. #canihavethat

Have a great weekend everybody, and give yourself a pat on the back for making it through another week. I know I will.. big kiss, bekuh

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sunday's child closet sale

2013-05-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

After a bit of a break I'm ready to relaunch Sunday's Child, my online yard sale site. I have a large amount of clothing I'm looking to pass along to a new loving home, and so everything is priced for quick sale. Nothing over $20, and shipping is included in the price (continental US only)! New, vintage, and hand-me-down items in a variety of colors, and sizes await you. See what's new today. big kiss, bekuh

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insta life// april

2013-05-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

follow me on instagram @bekuhdoo for more

April was a busy month for us; we had friends to visit, I went on my first work trip, spring finally arrived, summer plans were discussed...the list is endless. This month felt like a month of preparation for me. It is as if we're on the cusp of more exciting things, despite already having had our share of exciting in the new year. How is it possibly that life can feel so good? Here are some highlights from April:

1. Chinatown on a sunny day, seriously my favorite place to wander.

2. The blooms, the blooms!

3. After a long workday that's go-go-go it's oddly unnerving to sit around waiting on the shuttle, so I take pictures instead.

4. Everybody I work with eats outside when the weather is even remotely nice. It's amazing.

5. Another waiting around for the shuttle pic.

6. I'm painting, and sketching more these days which makes me happier than I can say.

7. The blooms fell off the trees too quickly in my opinion, I miss the rosy branches already.

8. We tried out Bassett's ice cream in Reading Terminal Market for the first time. Their special flavors are awesome, and just looking at that giant cone makes me hungry for more!

9. My new favorite necklace arrived in the mail this week. Check out Les Arts Plastique if you get the chance, her pieces are incredible.

How did you April shape up? Are you on the cusp of something exciting too? big kiss, bekuh

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what should i wear today?

2013-04-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

I'm sure most of us can agree that this is a troubling start to our everyday lives. Waking up in the morning, grumpy and half a sleep, looking in the mirror and asking ourselves, "What should I wear today?" I do this practically every day, and nine times out of ten I end up regretting my sleepy-eyed decisions by noon. I pick the wrong necklace for the shirt, or the wrong color shoes for my skirt, or straight hair instead of thrown up in a bun. It's wretched living this way, but what is the answer?

I've tried pulling my outfits out the night before, or several at a time, but in a studio apartment that can seem claustrophobic on its cleanest days, that practice can quickly overwhelm our tiny space. I feel like Cher sitting at her computer trying to find the perfect ensemble and getting the clashing message over and over (Clueless references are the only appropriate ones at times like these). Talk about first world problems, am I right?

Once I've freed myself from cheap/trendy pieces, and edited my closet down to the most well fit staples this should feel like less of an issue, but I'm still a long ways from reaching that monumental end goal. So, I ask you...What do you do to avoid outfit heartache? Any techniques I'm oblivious to currently? I know I can't be alone. big kiss, bekuh

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they closed down broad street

2013-04-29T10:00:00.000-04:00

Wandering aimlessly seems to be our new norm on the weekends. We start out with a vague purpose, and then slowly make our way to different parts of the city as the day progresses. On Saturday we heard there was a street fair happening on Broad St. so we slowly made our way south from our apartment, and were amazed to see that they had (in fact) shut down a large section of Broad St. for the silliest, family friendly gathering we've seen yet. There were rides, street performers, and food vendors everywhere. We heard a string band playing, acrobats practicing, and got lost in the crowd a couple of times. To avoid the long lines we headed up South St. instead, and drank cold tea on the street.

After enjoying the fair, and South street we made our way back north, and ended up in Washington Square for a long sit in the shade. We found ourselves talking about future picnics in the square, Nellie growing older, and I'm pretty sure there was a pinky promise to travel abroad in the spring. Whether it's real or not I'm going to hold Ryan to that promise.

Just another normal weekend for us Brownings. Perfectly pointless, and designedly so. What did you do this weekend? big kiss, bekuh

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the week's links

2013-04-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

Img Source

This week I spent half my time in NYC and half my time in the office. It didn't feel like I spent much time at home at all. Not that I'm complaining, because my job is so good right now. Balance has become something I think about almost constantly. Balancing my work with family. Balancing my time as a worker bee and blogger. Balancing friendships and marriage. Balancing, balancing, balancing. It can be tough to find a good groove, but balancing isn't meant to be easy. It's about putting yourself in that dangerous realm between firm footing, and falling off the deep end. It's part of a life lived passionately, and it's what makes life fun. That being said I'm over the moon it's friday, and I have a full weekend ahead of me.

To kick your weekend off right here are some inspiring links I found this week:
+ For those who are busy, busy this list of 55 gentle ways to take care of yourself is an excellent reminder that we're no good for anyone else, if we're not first good to ourselves.

+ I need bigger art for our walls, and this batik dye wall hanging DIY is incredibly inspiring.

+ I think I'm the last person on the planet to know about Elin Kling, but I seriously just found out who this woman is, and I love her style! I want to copy every single one of her looks. So amazing.

+ My new favorite studio space. Ella Salame is really an inspiring creative, and I hope to follow her work in the future.

+ I've never put much thought into visiting Palm Springs, but after viewing this travel diary I may just have to check it out soon. Loving the vintage signage and desert vegetation.

What links have interested you this week? Have a great weekend! big kiss, bekuh

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what to wear to...a garden party

2013-04-25T10:34:00.000-04:00

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

What does one wear to a modern garden party? Florals seem too expected, and pastels too light for bright spring and summer days. No need, wasting time looking like everyone else. Something more minimal, and fresh is called for on such occasions. So here's what I propose for the garden parties of today:

+ All garden parties require the perfect hat to finish a look. No lady attends a garden party without this essential accessory, or at least no lady in my mind. This hat from Terrain is the perfect mix of bygone era classicism, and sun protector.

+ Though not necessary for conversing, sunnies are a spectacular touch to a garden party look. Adding mystery to your appearance, and extra protection as you wander the rose bushes. The Hepcat Shades from Madewell are swoon worthy for spring and summer with their vintage aesthetic, and classic tortoise shell appeal.

+ I'm ready to forgo the florals, but not the outdoor chic of spring dressing. A large print gingham, or check seems an appropriate nod to the setting, without seeming too polished. I've been a big fan of Ace&Jig for awhile, but their collection for this spring/summer has me begging for more. I love the giant picnic plaid of this dress so much, and it's the perfect centerpiece for ths garden party look.

+ Chunky jewelry, though fun, can feel burdensome in windy conditions. That's why I would suggest an understated necklace or lightweight scarf for a garden fete. This simple shell and tassel necklace from Plumo feels like a good fit for this look.

+ Having an outdoor party means you're at the mercy of mother nature's whims, and why a cardigan or light jacket is a must for pulling a look together. A simple chunky knit sweater is a casual, and classic way to do this. Pulling from the ribbon on the hat I chose a black-ish sweater from Uniqlo for this ensemble.

+ Finally your shoes; something sweet, feminine and light should suffice. I'm obsessed with these ornament sandals at Anthropologie currently, and I'd recommend the pink because nothing is girlier than pink on a spring day.

There are my tips, essentials, and ideas on garden party dressing. What are yours? big kiss, bekuh

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that time i stayed at the ace hotel

2013-04-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

Guess where I've been for the last two days, NYC! Late last week the office decided to send me with our buyers to bridal fashion week, and I spent Monday traipsing around the city to appointments with designers. Lucky for me we were also hosting a press event on Tuesday, so I stayed overnight with our PR manager to attend that event as well. They decided to have us stay over at the Ace Hotel for the evening, and I was excited to say the least. I've wanted to check out these hotels for ages!

I didn't really get to spend any time exploring the hotel, due to our busy schedule, but it was still a really neat experience for my first overnight work trip. The rooms at the Ace are all uniquely charactered, and the whole place has a cool dive-bar kind of vibe. The lobby practically turned into a night club by 10pm, and the two restaurants on site looked (and smelled) amazing. I definitely want to check-in again, and get the full experience some time. You know with more than two pictures and all.I feel like I learned so much in the last two days about our company, the different publications we work with, and just how fun my job can be! I'll probably be tired for the next week, but it was totally worth it. How's your week shaping up? big kiss, bekuh

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earning my stripes

2013-04-22T10:32:00.000-04:00

This weekend was one of those perfect spring weekends where every second spent outside makes you happier and happier to be alive. We ate ice cream, played in the sun, and I changed three times; because that's what you do when you're happy, and the wind blows your skirt over your head. Embarrassingly true.

Where to buy: shorts: UO // shirt: Free People // necklace: Catbird NYC

I think I must have an addiction to vitamin D because I can't get enough of the sunshine! I spend most of winter drained of my energy, lack lustre, faded. Then spring creeps in and I feel like jumping all the time, dancing in the streets, and singing randomly to myself. I'm feeling like a rockstar, watch out world. big kiss, bekuh

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Weekly Obsessions: Drama & Romance

2013-04-21T13:21:00.000-04:00

Image Sources: 1- unknown via // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

Working for a wedding brand is starting to have an effect on the way I see the world, and what elicits a response out of me. Suddenly I'm drawn to warm vintage black and white photos, dramatic color, feminine textures, and sensual embraces. My taste is now decidedly Parisian boheme. I now want a life of insane drama, and uninhibited romance complete with high-end apparel, and decadent escapes to foreign lands. If only...

Luckily there's this handy place where I can store these imaginary scenarios. A place called Pinterest. There my wildest fancy is appeased, and I can even keep some things secret. It's a place where my closet looks like a movie star's, my house is perfectly styled, and I'm always off in far away lands with my love's arms wrapped around me. Money is no object in my fantasies, but is it in anyone's? big kiss, bekuh

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it's friday and i'm in love

2013-04-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

Birds by Andrew B. Myers

Just saw this picture on Pinterest, and had to share. I'm in love with this photo, spring, and my love. Have a great weekend everybody big kiss, bekuh

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ryan's blog

2013-04-18T10:00:00.000-04:00

Looks like this is going to be a family of bloggers now. Ryan recently started his own blog called On The Cooling Board, and I'm super excited about it. He's got so many great plans, including a feature I know many of you will be stoked about. Every week or so he'll be writing a post titled "Eat This. Drink This. Hear This." and it pairs food and drink with music! I think it's a genius idea. Hop on over and show him some love. big kiss, bekuh

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annie dillard & trees

2013-04-17T10:12:00.000-04:00

I'm reading Pilgrim at Tinker Creek right now, a fresh classic written by Annie Dillard. Though I've read some of her other work this is my first time reading this novel, and it's a beautiful examination of both the human spirit, and the science of nature. I'm about half way through the book and its been a stirring read to say the least. I feel like I'm in a part poetry/part biology class, and leave behind each chapter with new found knowledge on the lives of insects, sycamores, and the human resolve.

I don't think I could have picked a better time to read this; with nature resurfacing from winter's hibernation. The quote above is one of my favorites thus far from the book, describing trees in a way that makes us seem the trespassers, and the temporal beings. They are the ancient creatures we should draw wisdom from, and revere. I'm in love with it all.

I may be a little partial to this book, knowing first that Annie Dillard graduated from Hollins University, my beloved college, and second that it's written about the area of Virginia we moved from, but disregarding all of that I still recommend it to you. big kiss, bekuh

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friends in philadelphia

2013-04-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

Our friends Martin and Mollie came to town this weekend, and we gave them the whirlwind tour of Philadelphia. By whirlwind I mean the longest fun filled adventure walk ever known to man. Friday night we ventured into Chinatown for peking duck and drinks, and then again on Saturday morning to see the sites like the gate and shops bustling with color and produce. Of course we weren't going to stop there our next stop was the close-by Reading Terminal Market.

We braced ourselves for an overfilled bumble of people, but were pleasantly surprised by how laid back the market was so early on a Saturday. I actually got to take pictures inside, without being glared at or mulled over! Going there with friends made it even better, mostly because their eyes got really huge looking at all the amazing goodies to eat.

After drooling over all of the food at Reading we decided to head out for an early lunch at Monk's Cafe. Ryan discovered Monk's while researching Philadelphia before the move, and we'd been anxiously awaiting Martin and Mollie's trip to try it out. Apparently Monk's is one of the best places in the world to get beer. Sadly it was so dark inside the dining room I couldn't get any pictures. If you like beer though it is seriously the best spot in Philly and a must visit for awesome bar food. We will be going back.

What trip to Philadelphia would be complete with the obligatory stops around Independence Hall? We read history plaques, took goofy pictures, and enjoyed the most spectacular spring weather we'd had yet. Everything looked so pretty with the blooming trees, and clear blue sky. Gorgeous. We walked all the way down to Penn's Landing looking out towards New Jersey, and enjoying the breeze by the water before heading home.

It meant so much to Ryan and I to have friends visit us in our new home. We're settling in well, but homesickness for your loved ones creeps in just the same. We've missed our weekends with Martin and Mollie, and hanging out with them for two days was kind of amazing. They're the best people ever. Really truly. big kiss, bekuh

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Where Wear Wares #1

2013-04-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

I've been experimenting with new ways to showcase weekly obsessions over the last few months (if you haven't noticed). Sometimes a favorite feature can start feeling a little dull and out of place with the rest of your life. Inspired by Bleubird's Want Need Wear Read feature I felt something similar may be fun to try. That's how Where Wear Wares came from. Not every week, but every so often, I think I'm going to try my hand at this style of post. It's fun trying to pair together images that have a similar feel and reflect a mood or emotion without being completely related.

Where? Lake Balaton, Hungary. I shared this painting awhile back on Facebook, and I just can't seem to get out out of my head. I love the perspective of the clouds, the thick brushstrokes of paint, and the cool colors. Makes me think of perfect summer days, and foreign travels. (Img: Lake Balaton with Wreathing Clouds, ca 1905 Vaszary Janos. Found via)

Wear? A vintage polka dot dress, with a perfectly red hat, would be just the thing to wear in a painting like that of Lake Balaton. Just tie a ribbon around the hat and you're sure to inspire some artist when the wind blows.

Wares? No truly perfect lake house could be complete without a claw-foot tub, and decorating your bathroom in the colors of your landscape is too wonderful for words. I imagine my house on Lake Balaton would have a blue claw-foot tub, and botanical curtains like the bathroom above.

big kiss, bekuh

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