Versatile Control

Summer Loving

2014-02-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is a slackline. It's a balancing sport that can be as difficult or as simple as you want. Some people practice yoga on slacklines, some people perform insane tricks while others simply enjoy walking back and forth. Daniel and I prefer balancing while walking back and forth, but this day we had the chance to give slackline yoga a try. It was actually quite challenging to hold this position for more than a few seconds, but provided an afternoon of fun.

Daniel and I are looking forward to putting together a slackline of our own for this summer and working on our balancing.

Has anyone ever tried slacklining before?

Sunrise on the East Coast

2014-02-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

The last day we were in Myrtle Beach, Daniel and I woke up early to see the sunrise. We got some great shots of the vibrant colors as they peeked up over the horizon, but these pictures are my favorite.

Lost Treasure

2014-02-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Daniel and I decided, one afternoon during our vacation in Myrtle Beach, that we wanted to go mini-golfing. We chose Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf. It's the oldest of all the Professor Hacker's courses.

You start off with a train ride to the top of the course and work your way to the bottom. We enjoyed the first round so much, we decided to play the second course as well. It was probably the most fun we had all weekend. (Not counting sitting on the beach!)

Has anyone ever played mini golf at one of the Professor Hacker's courses?

Broadway

2014-01-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

One of the highlights from family vacations to Myrtle Beach was visiting Broadway at the Beach. So, naturally that was on the itinerary for our vacation. We went a few times so we had enough time to be able to look around the whole place. It was so neat to see what had changed, and to look at all the new things that had been added. It's a great way to spend an evening after a long, relaxing day soaking up the sun.

Twisted Sister

2014-01-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

While in Myrtle Beach, Daniel and I visited a local vineyard called La Belle Amie. It is a cute little vineyard off the beaten path, and on Wednesdays they offer half-off wine tastings. So of course we went on Wednesday! We came home with a bottle from their Twisted Sister collection.

Myrtle Beach 2013

2014-01-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

At the end of May 2013, Daniel and I took a much needed vacation. We packed up and headed to the coast. My family has vacationed in Myrtle Beach ever since I can remember, but Daniel had never been. So, we booked an extended weekend at the Avista Resort in N. Myrtle and had a blast!

We had perfect weather - nothing but clear blue skies. We enjoyed it so much we ended up extending our stay an extra day.

Has anyone ever been to Myrtle Beach? What's your favorite vacation spot?

Blue Ridge

2014-01-26T11:00:00.000-05:00

If you ever get the chance to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, I highly recommend it! The higher your elevation, the more breathtaking the views are. We took this drive in the middle of the day, so the sun was a bit harsh. Despite that, Daniel managed to get some pretty amazing shots!

Photo Credit: All shots by Daniel Gonko

Luna's Living Kitchen

2014-01-25T22:22:00.000-05:00

In April of 2013, Daniel and I took my Mother-in-Law to Charlotte, NC to meet up with with my parents. We visited Luna's Living Kitchen, which is a plant-based cafe centered around raw foods. I ordered a green juice, which was strong but quite good. I'm more of a green smoothie kind of girl, but the juice was a good change.

It was a quick stop in our afternoon in Charlotte, but a nice break to relax and catch up a bit with the fam.

Has anyone tried a green juice or smoothie? What's your favorite combination?

Afternoon Tea

2014-01-25T21:42:00.000-05:00

In April of 2013, my Mother-in-Law came to visit and see out new house! One of the places Daniel and I took her was Dobra Tea in Asheville, NC.

I ordered the Bees Knees, Daniel got the Staroborshov, and unfortunately I don't remember what My Mother-in-Law ordered. Everything I've tried has been so tasty! Dobra Tea is a nice place to relax after an afternoon wandering around Downtown Asheville.

Tea or Coffee? What's your preference?

The Color Run 2013

2014-01-25T20:31:00.000-05:00

This past year Daniel and I ran in the 2013 Atlanta Color Run! It's marketed at the Happiest 5K on the Planet and that it was!

We trained for about four months before the big day so that we could actually run it. We made pretty good time considering we stopped to take pictures at various locations throughout the course. They had photographers stationed around the course for photo-ops.

We had such was a blast and are looking forward to signing up again in 2014!

Has anyone else run in a Color Run? I'd love to hear about it!

Hey There

2014-01-25T20:10:00.000-05:00

Well hello there! I'm still here, alive and well. I took a break from blogging a year and a half ago. I can't believe its been that long! Life just sort-of happened. Daniel took a new job in Western North Carolina, so we had a big move. We've done a lot of traveling, exploring, and just living.

Versatile Control is going to be a creative space for me to share my personal style, bits of my life, trips I take, inspirations I find and things I love.

Welcome!

New York City

2012-06-24T17:37:00.001-04:00

At the end of May I flew up to NYC to visit one of my best friends - Greg. It was a much needed vacation/catch up session! After dropping my stuff off at his apartment, we headed into the city for the afternoon.

There was a crazy squirrel lady at Washington Square Park. I mean she let them climb all over her.

We had a fun time taking goofy pics on the subway.

I won the ticket lottery for Peter and the Starcatcher! I never win anything! I was the second to last name they called, and when I heard my name called I screamed so loud! Lol, no one else reacted like I did, but who cares! I won! And it was an AMAZING show! Greg and I were in the third row on the stage left side! Great seats!

After we won the tickets to Peter and the Starcatcher, we popped down the street to this cute little cafe for brunch. My quiche was so good, but what really took the cake was the hazelnut macaroon the size of my palm! It was so yummy! And of course I got an Americano!

We stopped in a tiny little Japanese restaurant because I had never had bubble tea or mochi before and wanted to try them so bad. I got black tea & milk bubble tea, which was really good, and surprisingly filling! I also tried green tea mochi, which I loved! I was so excited to find out that the Trader Joe's in Virginia Beach carries mochi! It has become my new favorite treat.

Greg and I met up with another one of our friends, Kelli, for brunch at this amazing little cafe! Their brunch special included 2 fills of an alcoholic beverage, unlimited re-fills of coffee, as well as an entrée. I, of course, got a mimosa, my favorite! And for my entrée, eggs benedict, which was Oh So Good!

After brunch, we headed down the street to the nail spa they frequent. I couldn't believe how much you got for the price! Their basic pedicure was $15. For that price you got a nice soak, sugar scrub on your feet and legs, a super scrub down on your heels and balls of your feet, real shea butter massaged into your feet and legs, hot wax on your heels, and of course, your toe nails painted! I got a full manicure and pedicure for less than a basic pedicure costs here in NC! Mind = Blown!

I couldn't leave New York without trying a cupcake from Magnolia Bakery, and macaroons from Laudrée! Greg and I got caramel cupcakes and lemon squares from Magnolia, and chocolate and rose macaroons form Laudrée! They were so good! I mean, melt in your mouth amazing!

Greg and I did so much during my visit, and I dropped the ball on taking photos lol. I was too busy enjoying my time with Greg and living in the Big Apple. Pretty much all my photos are Instagram pics. Oh well.

I had a great time in NYC, right up until one hour before I had to be at the airport. My phone got swiped. So I had a mini panic attack, and then pulled it all together to pick up the cheapest phone to tide me over till I got back to NC. Oh well, life isn't perfect.

Other than that it was a great vacation!

Rust Belt Market

2012-04-27T21:30:00.001-04:00

Our last adventure, while on vacation in Michigan, was to The Rust Belt Market. This was the first place we planned on going to when we started planning out trip. I was so excited about it and my new mother-in-law came along with us! It is a fabulous place, and if you're in the area you should definitely check it out!

We snagged some yummy tea from Two for Tea.

There were a few vintage booths set up with so many (high priced) pretty vintage goodies. But the universe shone down upon me, answering my prayer for the perfect pair of oxford shoes. I snagged those beauties, in near perfect condition, for a steal! It made my day!

How fantastic is that bowl made entirely from old keys! It would look beautiful on my kitchen table, but alas, I could not afford the price tag.

After walking around Rust Belt, sampling vegan scones, teas, and overloading myself on vintage and beautiful photography, we walked down the block to see what else was in the area. We stumbled upon a vintage boutique that was packed to the brim with beautiful items that I wish I had more time to look through!

We ended the afternoon with a coffee from Java Hut Cafe. It was a perfect way to end our vacation to Michigan. Daniel and I are already planning out next trip back. I feel so lucky to have family up there to go visit and explore the area with.
xoxo

Royal Oak, MI

2012-04-26T17:37:00.001-04:00

Here are some more vacation pictures. I love Royal Oak, MI; it's such a cool little place. It is also home to one of my favorite vintage boutiques, Lost and Found Vintage! This place is jam-packed with beautiful vintage finds!

After combing through every rack, looking at all the pretty vintage, Daniel and I walked over to our other favorite place in Royal Oak, UHF, which is a great little record store.

We visited downtown Royal Oak like 3 or 4 times while we were in Michigan! Haha, and I can't wait to go back!
xoxo

Music Monday

2012-04-23T13:58:00.001-04:00

1. Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye

2. Carmen - Lana Del Rey

3. Never Is A Promise - Fiona Apple

4. Bomb This Track - Mindless Self Indulgence

5. Where Gravity Is Dead - Laura Veirs

The hubby and I had a nice, relaxing weekend. He is going to be very busy over the next few weeks, so it was nice to just chill out and do nothing. I have another interview this week for the organization that I interviewed with last week. They called me with a new, part-time job opportunity that they thought I might be interested in. I'm not sure either job is something I'm interested in, but it's good to stay sharp on my interview skills. It would be nice to have a bit of extra spending money though.

Hope everyone is having a great Monday!

xoxo

Detroit Zoo

2012-04-22T19:53:00.001-04:00

While on vacation in Michigan, Daniel and I took a little trip to the Detroit Zoo. The day was just beautiful; temperature in the 70's with the sun shining. Very unseasonably warm for March, I was told.

How cute is this little tuxedo bird!

Yes, that rhino is sitting on that rock. We watched him walk around a tree stump and proceed to sit on the rock. hehe. The guy below was just staring at everyone. He looks like he's jacked up on caffeine!

These camels were my favorite. I feel like they look like frat boys.

"Oh yeah, we are awesome!"

"Hey girl, how you doing?"

Then you have the one passed out on the floor.

Hehe, they were too cute!
Not everything was open, so I am looking forward to going back this summer!
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
xoxo

Downtown Latte

2012-04-16T16:15:00.001-04:00

While Daniel and I were in Michigan for Spring break, I was able to meet up with one of my best friends, Mary, who I haven't seen for almost 4 years! It was one amazing afternoon!

Mary and I caught up over coffee at Downtown Latte, a super cute coffee house in the Warehouse District in downtown Toledo, OH. I love coffee, and hanging out in coffee houses is one of the best things ever! What I really love about Downtown Latte is that they serve Fair Trade coffee exclusively. My Americano was the best I've ever had!

After the coffee house, we decide to migrate across the street to The Spaghetti Warehouse to continue catching up over a bowl of yummy pasta.

On our way back to our cars we noticed this cool building. There are no stairs; I thought it looked so cool hehe!
xoxo

Music Monday

2012-04-16T12:52:00.001-04:00

1. King of Anything - Sara Bareilles

2. The Violent Hour - The Civil Wars

3. Bring Night - Sia

4. Rangers - A Fine Fancy

5. I Hate Seagulls - Kate Nash

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was great. Daniel and I spent the weekend in Durham, NC with my parents. On Saturday, Daniel and my dad went to the shooting range, and my mom and I went on a thrifting adventure! I got so many great new pieces I can't wait to wear! I also got a pair of TOMS! I know, finally! I love them! I can't wait till they are broken in.

On Sunday, Daniel and I saw Titanic in IMAX 3D! It was stunning, and very well done! Such a beautiful movie; and yesterday was the 100th anniversary of the actual sinking.

I'm looking forward to a great week. I have a job interview tomorrow, which I'm nervous about because it's been a while since I've done any interviewing. So fingers crossed I don't completely bomb it lol.

xoxo

Grand Trunk

2012-04-13T14:05:00.001-04:00

The first Sunday morning Daniel and I were in Michigan, we met up with his sister at Foran's Grand Trunk Pub in Downtown Detroit. They have a Sunday brunch special where Mimosas and Bloody Mary's are $7, then $1 for every refill!

The pub in located inside the old Grand Trunk ticket station for the trains! All the architecture was just so cool! After brunch, we decided to walk around downtown for a little bit.

Meet Lori, one of my new sister-in-laws!

How adorable is Lori's cat Sheen!
I am excited about this weekend! Daniel and I are driving to my parents house to see Titanic in IMAX 3D! What are everyone's plans for the weekend?
xoxo

Frankenmuth, MI

2012-04-12T13:18:00.001-04:00

On our second day in Michigan, Daniel, his mother, and I took a trip to Frankenmuth, MI (one of my favorite places). It's a cute little town in the middle of nowhere, and one of its main attractions is Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. This place it HUGE! You're given a map of the place so you don't get lost.

After spending a good amount of time looking at ornaments and other holiday decorations, we ventured downtown to the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn. They have the best chicken cordon bleu ever!

After lunch, we ventured downstairs to the cellars underneath the restaurant. They have a wonderful bakery full of amazing sweet treats; their giant peanut butter cups are divine!

We ventured across the bridge to the Frankenmuth River Place Shops. How awesome is that candle with the heart in the wax!

It was so cold, but such a nice day! Hope everyone is having a great week!
xoxo

Wish List Wednesday

2012-04-11T15:46:00.001-04:00

1. Blowfish Sadiki Flat - DSW

2. Libby Edelman Liv Flat - DSW

3. SM Women's Helena Flat - DSW

4. Rock & Candy Graduate Flat - DSW

5. Kelly & Katie Alani Crochet Flat - DSW

6. Fergalicious Alana Polka Dot Flat - DSW

7. SM Women's Dover Flat - DSW

For this Wish List Wednesday, I thought it would be fun to feature some of my favorite flats this season. (I am 5'9" so flats are my best friend!)

First up are the super stylish Blowfish pair. I fell for them because of the pattern and color combo - very 70's-esque. For the second pair, you just can't go wrong with a gold tipped toe. I feel like everyone should own a pair of hot pink shoes, and the third up is no exception. I fell in love with the fourth pair because of the adorable side bow. I mean, how cute! Fifth is the perfect cream crochet shoe, complete with a bow! Of course a polka dot pair has to make an appearance, and the bow detail on the sixth option just makes them even better. For my last pick, well, they are the perfect go-with-everything, wear-every-day flat.

Hope everyone is having a lovely day! I spent some time editing photos at the local coffee house today! The sweet potato maple walnut scone was divine today!

xoxo

Music Monday

2012-04-09T15:38:00.001-04:00

1. We Don't Eat - James Vincent McMorrow

2. Wallflower - Agnes Obel

3. Bittersweet Melodies - Feist

4. Dance Me to the End of Love - The Civil Wars

5. I Am Not A Robot - Marina and The Diamonds

Today is my last lazy day before getting back to reality. It's been nice to get to sleep in and relax, but at the price of being sick (and not being able to do much else). So I'm looking forward to getting back to work, the gym, and life! Hope everyone is having a great Monday!

xoxo

Green Bridge

2012-04-08T20:31:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago Daniel and I got to spend 10 beautiful days in Michigan! I love getting to spend time with friends and family up there, it's such a lovely place!

The first day we were there it was SO cold! We made a quick trip to Royal Oak to hit up the American Apparel for some thigh high socks (so I could wear my tights and cute dresses and not freeze to death). We stopped in a cute little bakery called Astoria Pastry Shop and split a huge chocolate cannoli - which was amazing - and a latte.

Afterwards Daniel suggested we stop by his favorite park to take outfit photos. It was so cold and so windy that we only snapped a few pics before hopping back into the car to warm up.

I'm feeling much better today and I think this cold is finally on its way out! Yay! So hopefully this week I will be back to my regular posting schedule! Hope everyone had a lovely Easter!
xoxo

Wish List Wednesday

2012-04-04T22:22:00.001-04:00

1. Homeward Bound Top in Multicolor - Modcloth

2. All the Raven Skirt - Modcloth

3. The Bands of Time Watch - Modcloth

4. Schoolhouse Walk Flat - Modcloth

5. Icicle Elegance Necklace - Modcloth

6. Role Reversal Bag in Cognac and Green - Modcloth

Wow, it's been such a long time since I've posted! I have been so sick lately! It started around two weeks ago, I spent 8 hours in the ER - no worries, it turned out to be nothing serious. Then I came down with a horrible case of strep throat that had knocked me on my ass.

I'm starting to feel better today, so I thought I would put together a wish list Wednesday! I'm not usually one to go for plaid, but this button up is cute and so versatile. I love how it paired so well with the feminine skirt. I think the leather accessories mesh nicely with the mix of tomboy and girly. I particularly love the bag; I've been looking for a large leather bag for some time now. I pumped up the girly vibe a bit with the icicle necklace. This is a cute, comfortable outfit that I would wear on a average day.

xoxo

Music Monday

2012-03-12T18:41:00.001-04:00

1. Born This Way - Lady Gaga

2. Take it Off - Ke$ha

3. Jack Sparrow - The Lonely Island Feat. Michael Bolton

4. Who Am I Living For - Katy Perry

5. Cannibal - Ke$ha

Hey guys! I'm having a blast here in Michigan! I wanted to stay in touch, so here are a few songs that Daniel and I have listened to while driving around Detroit. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

xoxo