Friday Favorites — Pinterest style

Seeing as there is so much awesome stuff everywhere,

and not just in the blogosphere,

I figured I shake up my favorites every Friday

and post things from different places.

Here are some of my favorite pins this week.

1. This photo via Bri Emery of DesignLoveFest

Such a good reminder that inspiration can be found anywhere.

Even in an old gym.

2. This nail cuteness via Sydney Fitzgerald

While I am not normally one to fall into line with new trends,

I just think this is adorable.

And while mixing with solid colors is cute,

the sparkles here really pop!

3. This room via Claire Kelly

 

I'm a book lover. 

And I freak out when I see amazingly cute ways

to store books as part as a room's design.

Imagine my reaction when I saw this display.

[Love the gray!]

4. This oasis via Annie Heyward

 No explanation needed.

Just get me there now!

5. This pizza dip via Kathryn Cox

My sister is obsessed with dips.

And I've heard her mention pizza dip at least a few times.

I think it's about time I try it, too.

Find this recipe here.

Check back next week for more!

Are you on Pinterest? Follow me!

Cleaning, boxing and sorting

With the date fast approaching of me moving into an apartment 

— not a dorm, but an actual apartment —

I decided it was time to go through my bedroom at home, 

every single item in there, 

and clean up a bit.

And what better way to sift through and box up my childhood

than with the music that came with it.

So with Britney, Christina and those heartthrob boy bands crooning in the background,

I'm embarking on a journey through little league trophies and VHS tapes.

---

I said, 'Mom, what do I do with these trophies and things?'

[I threw all my participation ones out a couple years ago;

these are just the ones that mattered.]

Her answer?

'Box them up and put them in the attic.'

So here's what's going into hibernation until I officially move out of this house...

and which is probably bound for the attic or closet wherever I may live later on in life.

The bowling pin I got at my 5th birthday for hosting my party at the alley.

No lies, it's been displayed in my room ever since.

Also, I'm pretty sure I did it because my sister, Jenn, had one from her 7th birthday.

And I just thought it was the coolest.

Little league trophies from when my team placed.

1st and 2nd for basketball, 2nd for volleyball...

pretty sure I have most of my AJAA shirts still, too.

We thought we were cool.

The plate I was presented as one of the top 25 students in my class...hah.

Not that I'm not proud of it, but I hate when it's flaunted and when people exhaustingly told me congrats and whatnot.

I hate being the center of attention in most situations.

Even more embarrassing?

Before I banished it to my bedroom, my parents had it displayed in the main living room where everyone who came over could see it.

[Cool. Thanks, mom and dad.]

So for now, all of these things,

plus my old yearbooks and school things,

can join my stuffed animals in the attic indefinitely.

[And yes, I still have my old stuffed animals and books in the attic.

I want my future kids to enjoy them, too!]

---

Things I have way too much of?

Movies.

I'm thinking it's time to get rid of those old ones I haven't watched since I was maybe 13.

[Agent Cody Banks and Clockstoppers, anyone?]

Magazines.

Seriously, it's a problem.

Maybe a third of those have been read cover to cover.

And I always tell myself I'll get back to them,

or I'll want to read something again later.

But no. I'm just lying to myself.

This is pretty much the only thing I hoard,

and it needs to change.

Three full baskets on the bed.

A half-full closet here.

A half-full closet at the Muncie house.

Two full dressers.

And at least three dirty loads.

My wardrobe needs a serious cleanse.

[Goodbye, AJAA tees.]

---

And then there's all the things I had forgotten about.

Like the telescope I got for Christmas when I was little.

And the mountain of hoodies I can't bring myself to downsize in my closet.

And the photo box full of prints that should be scanned into the computer.

This project could take a while.

I've got 18 days and counting...

So What Wednesday

So What Wednesday

Link up with Life After I "Dew" if you wanna dish too!

So what if I was playing 21 (basketball) this weekend in dress pants and bare feet. I won, and that's all that matters ;)

So what if I had a little bit of junk food last weekend. Once Monday rolled around, I was SlimFastin' it up again. Making the end of this summer count!

So what if I've been rockin' a bumped and purple-bruised nose this week after my nephew let a plastic tub slip from his hands at a rather inopportune time. His apology makes everything okay, and make up does wonders.

So what if I have to make my own car payments this fall. I've waited so long for a new one and I finally get to call it my own! Still in the process of looking and buying, though. I'll definitely share more once something is finalized!

So what if it is the end of July is looming and I haven't started my summer DIY projects. Or finished other projects. I always manage to get things done somehow.

A little dose of growing up

I feel as though I am having to grow up a bit more this fall.

It's a goodbye the little bit of acceptable ignorance,

and hello to a little bit of reality.

I just put my name on gas utility for my apartment next year.

I'm about to apply for a credit card.

And I'll have monthly car payments, but more on that later.

While my parents will still be helping me out financially in some areas,

it is still up to me to get that rent paid on time,

make sure my roommates pay me their share of the gas bill,

and buy only the necessities on credit.

After paying for my own gas this summer,

I started paying a lot more attention to the price factor,

whereas before I just pulled up to any Citgo and swiped my parents' card.

So I think it's time I start paying attention to grocery sales and coupons.

I won't be extreme or anything...

(some people go crazy)

...but getting into the habit will make happy wallets

for both myself and my parents.

And it'll make for better habits when I am completely on my own.

I know I still have a lot to learn about adulthood,

but I'm definitely getting a first real taste of it soon.

Friday Favorites

When I'm catching up on Google Reader at work, I tend to star a lot of things as a way of marking them to go back to, instead of pinning them as I would from my laptop.

So here's five of my recent favorites from the blogosphere.

1. Citations for Real Life via Design Crush

I already know a few people I would hand out this cell phone violation to.

Do you think there's one in there for Twitter transgressions?

I know a few people I'd like to call out on that, too.

2. This fun print via Design Crush

Gorgeous colors, awesome typography, and 100% fun.

And photography as always interested me.

3. These Cocoa&Hearts paintings via MadeByGirl

So minimalist, yet way gorgeous.

(And way expensive. $95?! I could do this myself.)

4. This Pinterest find via Dream Book Design

I may be more than a few years away from having my own place for longer than just a couple years, but I help myself when it comes to great interior design. And I love the green brick-style tiling in this kitchen. (One of my favorite colors!) It's definitely different, but not overwhelming.

5. A new kind of bulletin board via Dream Book Design

Not so sure the frame and wire are quite my style, but I did the clothespin idea.

Check back next week for more of my favorites!

So What Wednesday

So What Wednesday

Link up with Life After I "Dew" if you wanna dish too!

So what if I went glow-in-the-dark mini golfing last Friday with some friends, at a place where the average age is probably 12. You're never to old to do go. And if you say I'm wrong, then nobody asked you.

So what if I bought a book for the sole reason of design inspiration. I'm not saying the book won't be interesting as well, but the design and little illustrations just make me happy!

So what if I've been planning out my apartment bedroom since the Spring. And while we're on that, who cares if there won't be much space left when I'm done with it. (And there isn't much to begin with!) I say a comfortable bed and an inspiring workspace trumps walking space.

So what if I put the book I was reading on the back burner and am starting Harry Potter from the beginning. All the hype made me nostalgic, and I want to read the magic from the very first page again...starting now.