velvet cupcakes

Obsession of the week: Taylor Armstrong

2012-01-30T18:30:00.000-08:00

When I was in college I was involved in a verbally and physically abusive relationship. I was caught in a cycle of shame and hurt that was fueled by low self esteem and drug addiction. Despite the fact that I have healed mostly from the pain but the things that were said and done will continue to haunt me. When you are in an abusive relationship it is difficult to see that there is a way out. You become lost and have no idea that there is a way out, you have no idea that other people understand, let along could help. I didn't think I deserved better and each time her told me he loved me that bad melted away, until i finally broke and couldn't take it any more. I still feel shame regarding the situation. How could I let someone hurt me that way? Why didn't I ever stick up for myself... In comes one of my favorite shows, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 2. Taylor Armstrong has gone through domestic abuse and then her husband's suicide. Her story reminds me of the pain and perseverance that I had to muster to escape the downward spiral that undoubtedly awaited me. It's women like Taylor that help keep strength alive in those that struggle with abuse. Taylor has written a book that will come out February 7th and I have absolutely pre-ordered and can't wait to read it!!

Happy Weekend!

2012-01-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

This has been a particularly hard week for people in my life and I'd like to think I've done all I could to make them feel better and support them, but it is hard to say I did. When people around me are hurt or need help I tend to throw everything I can into making things better for them and I am not really sure why that is. Is it because I am genuinely a good person or do I have the deepest desire to be liked and approved of by others? Who knows, perhaps a bit of both. Regardless, I am hoping that this upcoming week is a bit easier for these people and that they will find the strength to keep doing the next right thing. I on the other hand am in somewhat of a stagnant place, putting my life on hold for sickness and other people. Therefore, this weekend I am really looking forward to some me time. Hopefully kicking off tomorrow am with some delicious brunch. Anywho, hope you all had a great week and have something fun to look forward to this weekend!! Per usual, here is some inspiration for the weekend ahead...

Beautiful

2012-01-26T23:02:00.000-08:00

As a woman we are constantly trying to find new beauty products that work for our hair, skin, eyes, lips. I am so in love with this photo. I feel like it's every characteristic I want and strive for. Tousled hair, gorgeous lips. Love.

Brights at the Gap

2012-01-25T22:53:00.000-08:00

I worked at Banana Republic for three years and while employed with the company I found that their sister store the Gap had really stepped things up since my Baby Gap days in fourth grade. I realized that i could find great staples but also some fun pieces to go out in at an affordable price and they would last longer than your average joe. Since leaving the company I still finding myself wondering into the Gap and leaving with a few items from time to time. This past weekend I was delighted to find bright colors waiting for me! I snagged a neon green sweater and a bright yellow scarf but there were other things I would love to go back for. As someone who prides herself on being a fashionable girl, I am almost ashamed to admit, but I love the Gap.

Obsessions of the week...

2012-01-24T19:47:00.000-08:00

Homemade Old Bay Hummus (by my dearest dulce soul) and Nights Spent in Reading Magazines

Surf Videos

DEAD END - Part I from DAZE AT SEA on Vimeo.

Sometimes...

2012-01-23T21:11:00.001-08:00

Sometimes things don't go as planned.
Sometimes people don't react the way you expect or hope.
Sometimes being human outweighs being right.
Sometimes we say things we don't mean to hurt people we love, because we are hurt by them.
Sometimes our defects get the best of us.
Sometimes we feel down and lonely and hopeless.
Sometimes our cats die.
Sometimes our friends pass away.
Sometimes the one we loved turns out to be the one we resent.
Sometimes we want to disappear or escape.
Sometimes we need to go through a storm. Or two. Or three. Or four. Or more. Just to see the beauty in the ordinary day.
Sometimes we need to be broken hearted to devour each second we have the full one, that awaits us.
Sometimes we want to desperately help or fix those we care for and we can't.
Sometimes all we can do is share our experience, strength, and hope.
Sometimes we must learn to lean on others when we cannot be stronger.
Sometimes we must be selfish and immature in order to heal.
Sometimes we must think about ourselves before others in order to carry on.
Sometimes we will grow and learn and other times we won't, we will repeat the same mistakes.
Sometimes our efforts will fail and we must accept and learn and move forward.
Sometimes we would loose sight of what truly is important if we didn't have the chance to fall.

Happy Weekend and Wish Twizzle Well

2012-01-21T06:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Weekend Everyone! On the upper east coast we have some snow this weakend which means it's the perfect chance to lay in bed, watch movies, and drink hot chocolate. People like me will be selling their soles to work instead. Regardless of what your doing this weekend I hope it's a good one! That being said weekend inspiration has been cancelled in honor of Twizzle Funk who is super sick and might not be ok. Please send him all your good wishes and prayers. I love this little guys so much. I never thought I would get so attached to a cat, but he is definitely a part of the Funk family and I love him like a little brother. Love you Twizzle, please get better!!

Happy Weekend

Shoulder Dusting Earrings

2012-01-19T18:33:00.001-08:00

trend: dangles by funk2935 featuring turquoise jewelry

A trend I am obsessed with!!

My Someday Life

2012-01-18T21:34:00.001-08:00

My roommate and I (who I have been friends with since the 9th grade and adore living with!!!) last night were reminiscing over our pasts and realizing that this is probably the first time in our friendship that we both have been happy and content. Although that is somewhat of a sad realization (that we both have been so unhappy in the past) it is truly a beautiful thing to not only see your dear friend finding herself and learning to love that person, but to feel the same way! I am a big believer that happiness equals finding the beauty in everyday things and wanting what you already have, but sometimes it is nice to dream about the details of the future however small they may be. Although I am happy with things exactly as they are, I wouldn't mind seeing the following things in my future. Simply because it never hurts to dream...

A house with gorgeous wood floors:

To stay in a home surrounded by water

To hold those who can't be there near and dear at my wedding

This face waking me up:

A crafting closet that looks like this:

A Kitchen Aid mixer in an AMAZING color:

To be given a bow by someone who loves me:

Bookshelves with a rolling ladder (reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast!):
What are some things you someday hope for?

Obsession of the Week: Marina and the Diamonds Obsessions

2012-01-17T21:23:00.000-08:00

I have always had a heinous self- esteem, which tends to dictate how I behave and feel. My own insecurities have drawn me to strong female role models. Women with healthy bodies, positive messages, and an empowered sense of self. In the past Sia, Anna Nalick, and Florence and the Machine have been able to inspire me when I needed a little pep to my unenthused step, and now I can lean on Marina and the Diamonds to help me out of those tough spots with my new favorite song Obsessions!

Nicole in Simone

2012-01-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if I love Nicole more or her Simone leather jackets, but either way I LOVE these looks!

Happy Weekend!

2012-01-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

It's time for the weekend my friends and after my first week back in school I am ready for the weekend and luckily I have Monday and Sunday off!! I will be working tonight and all day tomorrow but those two days off will be worth all the working! Hope you all have something fun to do this weekend and Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Winter Vacation

2012-01-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

Today is my first day of my last winter quarter of grad school and I am starting to think about a vacation already. My family has always gone skiing and I am craving a trip to our Lake Placid house. I love snow, but not when I have to live my normal life in it, therefore winter vacations are ideal. Mornings skiing, afternoon naps and coffee reads, and early dinners at some of the sweetest little places. Dreaming of a ski trip... Now back to class... Ick.

Random Things I Love Today

2012-01-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

I rarely recommend things to people. Everyone has their own opinions and to be honest it usually angers me when someone's disagrees with my declaration of "the best pizza ever" or the "cutest top", so I tend to keep those things to myself. That being said. i have found the best vegan brownies and had to share the recipe with you. They are gooey and delicious and if you add vegan chocolate chips you will thank me even more! So whip up a batch of these bad boys and while you wait, paint your nails with Jack Wills nail varnish. My roommate works there and I've never been much of a fan. It reminds me of an upscale Abercrombie with an even bigger attitude, but the other day I was waiting for my roommie and noticed that their nail polish was on sale and figured I would give it a try. I grabbed a dark purple and a gold (which don't seem to have names) and I must say they are fabulous. They go on smooth and dry quickly. I am a huge fan and can't wait to go back and grab more!

Gratitude List

2012-01-09T11:12:00.001-08:00

Today, I am grateful for the following things...
1. Recovery
2. All of the Supportive People in My Life
3. My Education
4. The Opportunity to Live in a City Where Everything is at my Finger Tips
5. My Health Both Physically and Mentally
6. My New Warm Fuzzy Uggs (Walking to work would be dreadful without them)
7. Finding Myself (I am sure this is not the final version of me, but I am truly happy the way I am today!)
8. Being Able to Pay My Bills
9. My Job (& everyone who works there!)
10. Sugar Free Red Bull (the only thing that keeps me moving)

It's so easy to think of the negative sometimes, so I figured I could use a good old fashion gratitude list today. What are you grateful for?

Happy Weekend!

2012-01-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

The 12 days of Christmas are officially over, therefore I have finally accepted that the holidays are history, but I must admit I don't like it. I hate seeing curbed trees sad and alone. All of the rush and money spent on the holiday season seems to fade into a distant dream and it always makes me peevish. That being said, I suppose I am ready for the year to move forward. After all, 2012 hopefully has good things instore, like my masters degree! Anywho, this weekend I will be working like a mad woman, with the hope of a lazy sunday in my near future. Sunday will be spent in bed reading, drinking coffee, and watching movies, like a sunday should be spent! What are your weekend plans? Happy Weekend!!

Lustful Thursday...

2012-01-05T10:05:00.001-08:00

Chic Coffee Runs...

Dainty Bracelets

Layering Lace and Sweatshirts

Jeweled Collars

What are some things your dying over lately?

Obsession of The Week: Taylor Swift

2012-01-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

I heard this song for the first time last night and it pretty much sums up a relationship I had when I was younger. I needed this video so badly back then, but hearing now is just as sweet! Love you T. Swift!!

New Years Recap

2012-01-02T07:03:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve I worked at Fado for the second year in a row and it was a great time. I had great friends around me and plenty to entertain me. Despite the fun it was pretty obvious who was missing. Her presence last NYE was infectious and you could see her absence in our faces. I don't think it was a coincidence that I kept thinking I saw her around the city the day before, I don't think it was a coincidence that i smelled her perfume that night. I know she is still with us even though it's really hard to remember that she is gone, I still kinda expect her to come back. Even though this New Years was oddly quiet without our friend we tried our best to make it festive with sequins, glitter, fake fur, of course cupcake, and I may or may not have poured several glasses of champagne on the floor in honor of our dear friend. Wishing you all the happiest of New Years, especially my Fado family.
Here is a recap of my night...

My 2011

2012-01-02T00:09:00.000-08:00

Instead of doing a best of 2011 in a general sense I decided to do a more personal view of 2011. Here are some of my most memorable moments of 2011.
I won over my long term crush!

My friends are having babies (and baby showers)!

I moved in with good friends (In 3 different apartments!!).

I became a Mac owner and therefore grieved the loss of Steve Jobs.

I spent time with excellent friends!

I was crafty.

I enjoyed the beach even when it was chilly!

I was in a close friends wedding!

My sister got engaged and we started to plan her wedding!

I lost a dear friend. Miss and love you RM.

I learned how to bake vegan friendly.

I went to and fell in love with Scotland.

I danced in the snow.

Of course many other things happened but these are some of the biggest. Here's to a healthy and happy 2012! What were some of your most memorable moments of 2011?

It's Been Real 2011

2011-12-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

I just love New Years, with all the glitz and the glam and the over the top nonsense there is nothing that could make it more me. Therefore, I tend to collect NYE photos all the time, hence this ridiculously long post... My New Years will be spent with me enjoying the day with the boyfriend, watching soccer, eating tacos, napping, getting ready for work, and heading out to Fado Irish Pub at about 7. I am working coat check, which sounds super lame, but it's just about the most fun you can have while working. i dance, I laugh, I drink mass amounts of red bull, and my friends constantly come to visit which makes it a blast! I can't wait to strap on my faux fur and sequins and dance my heart out! Hope you have fun plans to look forward to this weekend and if not I hope you park your little but not the couch and enjoy a night of relaxing, which is equally as fun in my opinion! Here's to a happy and healthy New Years everyone! Happy New Year!

Oh, and be sure to come back and check out my annual Best Of post will be up tomorrow, so check it out!

All that Shimmers Sparkles

2011-12-29T05:31:00.000-08:00

When I was about 7 or 8 I started taking dance class for the sole purpose of obtaining a sequin costume. I would of course started an extra curricular for the opportunity to purchase a new outfit. I hated dance class, but it was all worth it when I put on those glitzy costumes at the end of the year. My obsession with sparkle never faded and led me to a few embarrassing years where I experimented with body glitter. Mistake. That being said, I still adore all things shimmer and there is no time like New Years Eve to let that be known. So in honor of my glitter obsession, I will now post an obscene amount of glittery pictures that I tend to stare at when I have been having a bad day, because let's be honest, all things are better with a little sparkle!

New Years Eve Outfit!

2011-12-28T08:33:00.001-08:00

New Years this year will be spent working at Fado Irish Pub Philadelphia doing coat check, which sounds less than glamorous, but riddle me this, I make insane money while hanging people's coats, looking cute, and chatting it up with everyone. It's a million times better than serving drinks and I usually have a blast doing it! Our theme at the pub this year is black and (crown royal) purple, so I was thinking something akin to the following photo, which would allow me to work in my new fur coat which I am OBSESSED with and want to wear as many ways as humanely possible.

New years by funk2935 featuring a leather necklace

What are your NYE fashion plans?

Tuesday's 5 Random Thoughts...

2011-12-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

1. New Years has always been a holiday that I spent in Lake Placid, NY skiing. My family would take the 8 hour trek the day after Christmas, after spending the morning opening gifts with my grandmother. The trip always included shopping with my mom and sister on Main Street for on sale clothes and trinkets for the house and skiing with my dad and brother on the warmer days. I used to hate getting drug from my warm cozy bed just to get bundled up and sit in the cold. I would complain under my breath with each step I took. Now I can look at those trips and see all of the money and effort my parents put into those trips and can be thankful for the time they put aside to spend the week with us. Now I am older, I am rarely able to take time off at the same time as our family vacations and that seems terribly selfish now. I feel like a spoiled brat and I miss my childhood trips.
2. I loved being able to show the bf my home. It's important to me that the people in my life understand where I came from and I don't think you can do hat unless you live it. You see where time was spent, you take those drives, you breath that air. I love showing off my town and I appreciate you my dear sir putting up with my tour guiding, especially since I can't tell my right from left. I also loved that my family loved you. I knew they would, like you said, what's not to love?
3. I don't want to go back to my internship. No one ever shows up and it drives me insane. I have to be evaluated by supervisor tomorrow and I am praying that the client shows up. If she doesn't I will be so annoyed. Please show up. Please show up.
4. Real House Wives of Beverly Hills (yup, I just went there)- Team Taylor ALL the way. If one of my friends ever came to me and told me her husband was beating her, I would stick by her no matter what. How the heck could you not support her and instead question her Camille? Ick. So what she got way too drunk and lost it. She is going through a horrendous ordeal, cut her some slack yeesh.
5. I love being at home. I love it. I talk a lot about how much I love Cape May County. My childhood/ adolescents was not easy. I was a lonely kid with a lot of angst and pain that seeped out at the edges and made a big mess and sometimes it's hard for me to be where the destruction happened. But other times home is such a refuge, I come here and feel like a kid. I feel like myself. Maybe because I was an adult at such a young age I am slowly able to connect more to my childhood now, than I ever was. Whatever it is, it comes out more at home and I love it.
Oh and...
5.5. There are 12 days of Christmas people, enjoy the holiday for more than one day post Christmas. The 12 days have religious meaning so if you weren't aware look it up instead of un- decorating. I hate seeing trees tossed two days after Christmas.

photos via blog.freepeople.com

My Merry Christmas!

2011-12-26T18:54:00.000-08:00

My Christmas went something like this...

Wonderful time with family with friends. Great food. Tons of fun watching movies, giving gifts, and baking. Things change but the feelings of Christmas stay the same.