thankful

Starting this post is a little hard. I was debating posting about this, because I decided to keep this more or less 'private' up until now. I felt weird about sharing the fact that I was in a car accident. I didn't want to garner sympathy or attention, and I didn't want to seem like I was complaining or oversharing. Social media does that so much, and I try to share very little on there. Which is why I feel a little hypocritical having a blog and sharing it here. Not that I owe an explanation, but I want to share this for the positives, not the shock value or the scary imagery. Because in the end, the positives are what is left out of this post.

All of this happened last Thursday at 6:30 am. My morning routine is pretty standard. Wake up at 5:30 or 5:45, wash face, brush teeth, put on clothes, makeup, lunch, coffee, out the door. Last Thursday was another normal day. I wasn't late, I had a pretty meager packed lunch, and I liked my outfit. It was a warm but clear day, actually a beautiful morning. I was thinking about what I had to do that day. I clearly remember that NPR was doing a story about Donald Trump on the radio.

About 3 minutes into my morning commute, a pickup truck smashed into my car. I didn't even see it coming. My car had spun and lodged into a fence and everything around me was shaken up. I remember screaming, loudly. My seatbelt was on, but I felt like I had been thrashed around. Miraculously, my hands worked. My arms worked. My legs worked. My mind was, albeit hysterical, working. I unbuckled my seatbelt, and walked out. Thinking about it now, I truly believe that this was an honest to God miracle.

I saw the shattered glass all over the road, my car in a heaping mess of twisted metal. Cars around me stopped; I was shaken to the core. A sweet woman whose name I didn't get came over and held my hand. I fumbled for what felt like forever before I dialed the police, then my parents. It truly was an eternity of standstill horror.

But the next thing I knew, my mom and dad were hugging me, and everyone involved was okay.  I know that ride for them felt like an eternity of horror, too. I remember seeing my car, now hanging from the frame and lodged into a chainlink fence all the way up to the windshield. The back doors were bent and useless. The rear of my car, which was where most of the force hit, was literally reduced to pieces of metal hanging off a steel frame. The only comfort was that everyone in the scene seemed to be okay, and I was with those I love the most.

I clung to my mom, and she helped me realize, that this car took all of the damage and I WAS OKAY.   And this was a miracle. It definitely took me a few hours, especially after thinking about it again and again, but I realized that I was so unbelievably lucky to walk away like I did. I was inches away from so much more pain or even death. It was a serious crash, and just thinking about it is really hard for me to do. I know there are so many people out there who have lived through worse, or who know people who didn't make it out. Thinking about it is so haunting, but now I am aware of how truly lucky I am to be typing this right now; in my bed; enjoying the light rain outside; able to look forward to next weekend. I am so lucky to have all of those things I am enjoying right now. Despite the waves of shock and infuriating anger, I have so much to be thankful for. So much learning in this jarring experience.

I chose not to share this with my friends (until now, that is) and still have mixed feelings talking about it. But an entire support system came into place, here. My colleagues, my mom's friends, her colleagues, and family. S came over right away from work to be with me. Flowers have come pouring in. Family friends pitched in and bought us a take-home dinner so we didn't have to cook. I swear, even Scout knows and has been spending more time with me than usual. There have been so many offerings of help.

The world, in a way, is a little more bright and cheerful. I can't find the words to explain how amazed I am at the joy of life, the hidden explanations and "what ifs" and mysteries of luck. I am so thankful for the beauty in these people I love and this town and the world I live in. I am so lucky that this incident is now, really, only just an inconvenience, and not the loss of something more. I am just so eternally and irrevocably thankful and appreciative of this beautiful world. Letting go of the negative, and embracing the happiness and positivity in life, is so so so much better.

ciao, xo

comparison

Comparison: I do this a lot.

I'm not sure why, really, because every big and important and meaningful aspect of my life is going just dandy as it can right now. Health, family, and surroundings are all areas of wonderful contentment for me. So I wonder why sometimes I continue to compare my current situation with others.

Living arrangements, outfits, travel opportunities, health, wealth, talent, personality, ability, habits and mannerisms, appearance, credentials, education, and belongings are just a few things that I notice myself comparing with others. Only a few of the things listed above matter [or should]. And I am increasingly aware of my occasional bouts of comparison, which I suppose is a good thing. Being introspective is something I have always excelled at (maybe too much), but I know that as I get older I will hopefully put less stock in this particularly annoying c word.

Living simply is something I just want to do with grace, health, and ease, with just as much happiness as possible. I want to do that with all of my favorite people around me. That is all that should matter. So next time I question myself, how I do things, what I look like, what I am and what I am not, I am just going to try to remember that little mantra: live simply with grace, health, ease, happiness, and the people I love.

ciao, xo

some november thoughts

Hellooo! It's incredible that we are already over a week into November, and I haven't posted since mid-October! I promised I wouldn't give up blogging, and I wanna stay true to that! But the idea of privacy has definitely taken the pressure off the need to post a certain number of times per week and month. I feel like it's a good fit for now. November is the month of gatherings and birthdays here in this family. It has been lovely and busy, as usual, with lots of dreaming and doing. Here are a few thoughts, favorites, and phases for November so far...

• my nifty fifty lens! I had been eyeing up the 50mm f/1.4 prime lens for my Nikon for a few weeks before making the (not so big) splurge. It is so cost effective and I love the super wide aperture, which results in a more blurred background with a delightful bokeh effect. The picture above was taken of me with the nifty fifty. Love the versatility of this lens, even though you can't zoom in and out. Definitely can see how it is a piece every photographer should own. 

• outfit obsessions right now: hats, vests, and boots. I have been all over hats for a while and it seems suddenly with the ushering in of fall, they are EVERYWHERE, available in all stores, and man I love it! This one is an oldie from last winter from Brixton - love the super wide, floppy brim. The whole trend is really great and even extends into better haircare, I think...here's my thinking...if I know I am wearing a hat, I'm not worrying about my hair or what it looks like.  Outerwear and vests are another current obsession of mine - I keep finding myself pinning new pieces and really lusting over unusual, textured pieces that make layering easy and interesting. And boots! I'm searching for a nice pair of black booties, and I expect I will wait until I meet the perfect pair.

• amazon prime movies and rentals. this is my new friday night date! I have been all over Amazon Prime's rentals - most start at $2.99 - because it is so effortless and easy, and almost any title is available. I've really been enjoying it on cold weekday nights when I have some extra time to relax in bed. With the free titles, I've been exploring all types of movies I normally don't watch - oldies, war movies, Jane Austen classics, etc. Most of them are clunkers but it is fun to give it a shot. My most recent eye-roller was Miss Julie, with Jessica Chastain and Colin Farrell....it had me for a while, but just got so horribly bad. My on-rotation favorite is the Civil War documentary by Ken Burns. It is going through its 25th anniversary again on Sunday nights, PBS :)

• cabin dreaming. I have been really keen on the idea of simpler country living, it seems. This year we've had talk in the family about what it would be like to have a cabin. It just seems like all of this dreaming and talking is turning the idea of a cabin into quite a lovely aspiration. The country appeals to me for its lack of crowds, the fresh air, the untainted night sky, the sounds and smells of the outdoors. I was not always like this! I am not sure where this is coming from...but I am feeling really into country, cabin life. 

• wanderlust: i am dreaming big and small. We are taking a small trip to Gettysburg this weekend, which I am looking forward to immensely. part of it is inspo from watching the Civil War documentary! It will be a poignant, but eerily enriching trip. Big dreams include international travel...I'm missing the big time trips!  I really want to get some plans into work about London, my friend and I have been wanting to go for years now but the plans just never fell into place. Maybe something in the next few months will work out...

going incognito

After a lot of thinking and deep rumination, I've decided to close my blog to the public and go incognito to the rest of the world. It makes the most sense to me at my age and place in the world - a place where oversharing can be very common. It is absurd to want to share my photos and all of the things I do but simultaneously feel very protective of my experiences and images. Not everyone has to see every picture I take or what I look like or where I am. It is simply a matter of privacy. I am so proud of what I have done on my blog over the years, and have absolutely LOVED every moment of it. I think the most important and meaningful aspect has been how I have grown into photography; it started with a camera I bought and didn't even truly understand how to use. Now, I'm an amateur but I know what I am doing. I love photography and the sound of a releasing shutter, the satisfaction of a fantastic shot. I will continue pursuing that over at A. Taylor.

I will not stop blogging - it will just be 'invitation only.' Maybe I will change my mind in the future and 're-open' my blog to the public. I used to worry about my readers' following my blog, when I lost followers, or when my other blogger friends from years past stopped blogging too. At a time when blogging got to me, I even became disenchanted (particularly by high-income fashion bloggers). There are so many people I have "met" through blogging. One time I kept in such close contact with a blogger from Canada - we were internet friends, she had the coolest posts and ideas, and we always were commenting on each others posts - and then suddenly, she vanished. Off the grid - I was so sad, even concerned for her!

I am a bit sad to be writing this, because now I feel like absolutely no one will read what I have to say. So many people that used to read won't even have the chance to. I feel like I am locking myself out, and intentionally secluding myself. My blog, to a degree, has always been a "place" for me...so I don't expect anyone to want to sit here and read this anyway. But I will miss the comments, the sharing, the friends I have made. I have done swaps, started pen pal correspondents, exchanged thousands of emails, won and hosted giveaways - heck, I even won a trip to Europe to be a video blogger for a summer. Blogging is inspiring.

The reason I am sharing this is because I wanted to offer some time for you to email me or comment if you want to be on the invited reading list. When I close the blog publicly, you will still be able to read my blog as long as I get your email right. I will be posting regularly and continuing my love for photography - I don't think I'll be giving that up anytime soon!!

ciao! xo

email: bloganticipation (at) gmail.com

my thoughts on style posts...and more

 bag calvin klein | tank free people (similar) | pants elan (similar) | shoes crown vintage | sunnies target (super old)

A couple of things before I get into the meat of this post:

- How I feel about style / outfit posts: Over the last year I have been increasingly resentful of fashion blogs and blogs that solely focus on fashion. I know I shouldn't be talking - because this is indeed an outfit post - but I miss when my favorite fashion blogs focused on actual style. It has become such a game of bragging and competition, and such a business and I find that so disenchanting. It seems that nowadays it is has become all about affiliate links, free swag from reviews and designer names. I won't name the blogs in question, because there's already enough hate on the internet, but I've chosen to unfollow and not read certain blogs (as best I can) because I am so sick of comparing myself to their perfectly edited, Photoshopped and accessorized looks. I used to try to be like them, but now I am realizing how ridiculous and unattainable (and NOT REAL!) it all is. On the other hand, I love reading real blogs with genuine people and posts about fashion - some of my favorites are in my blog roll. And I have to say, the people who shoot these (usually S, my brother or my sisters) are the BEST because they put up with me. Style posts are kinda ridiculous...and yet, here this one is.

- New lens and photography announcement: These photos (taken by S, love you!) were shot with my new 60mm macro lens! While it's not the go-to portrait lens I love how these photos came out! I used to question the idea of even buying a prime lens (it does not zoom, it is fixed) but I feel like this summer I have tried a lot through renting and experimenting...and I'm learning to love it! Not that I didn't love it before - but there is such an art and mechanics behind photography that one needs to appreciate! So...that being said...I have some big news. I have been playing with the idea for a while to start my own little "photography" business...something that I do on the side, more for casual shoots and fun portraits. I've done a newborn shoot already and I was overwhelmed, yet exhilarated, by the challenges of it. I've started a website where you can see my portfolio - I am so excited about it!  I'm really trying to continue to build my portfolio and gain more directing experience before I officially take clients. So if you're in the Philly area and are in need of some headshots or a portrait, let me know! :)

- - -

Okay...now onto the actual post! :) I wore this on a dinner date with S at our favorite LA seafood place - it's casually beachy, so I thought that these loose and super light pants would do the trick. Also: I biked 4.4 mi (each way!) in these pants and they were so breathable and flowy. I wish everything was bike accessible! I am becoming so used to riding Wilbury everywhere and locking him up at a bike rack - it's super easy and convenient. Plus we burned off a little of our dinner, right? My tank top is definitely not as cozy, but I love it for the super skinny straps and stretchy material. It felt a bit tight, but again it is so light and breathable so on the bikes it didn't really feel noticeable. California style is so sublime! I love the beachy vibes that extend far beyond summer. 

ciao! xo

How to Live

How do you live every day to the fullest?

It's such a daunting question. It almost gives me anxiety. As if I am supposed to leap out of bed and the crack of dawn, shout carpe-diem! and do something productive.

I was recently asked this question by Heather, a  mesothelioma survivor. When I learned more about her story, I instantly felt like my initial reaction to that question was petty, naive, and above all, selfish. I'll get into that in a bit.

Mesothelioma is type of cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs and abdomen. Its primary cause is related to asbestos exposure, and unfortunately it is commonly diagnosed in its advanced stages because it is difficult to distinguish; it mimics many symptoms of other common illnesses. Currently, there is no cure but it is treatable with chemotherapy and surgery. Heather was given mere months to live at the time of her diagnosis - but fortunately, her journey with mesothelioma resulted in her beating the odds.  Watch her video to learn more.

Can you sense why I felt so selfish about my answer to her question? We all know that sometimes it takes an extra kick or boost to realize how appreciative we should be - the phrase of "counting your blessings" comes to mind. So, to live every day to the fullest, I think I need to revisit the way I look at that question. I'm a big fan of looking at the "big picture," so I'll take on this question in the same manner. Instead of looking at every day, I want to look at life in general. How do I live? How should I live? 

In my humble opinion, slowness matters. Not rushing, not vigorously attacking a to-do list. I mean listening, appreciating, breathing, observing, and being present. It's difficult to do, especially in stressful situations or work. Optimism matters. To live with optimism, positivity, and a sunny demeanor can be difficult or even annoying to some - but I think happiness trumps all. The name of my blog, Anticipation, is loosely based off of this idea. I think having things to look forward to keeps me on my toes, curious, and enthusiastic. Lastly, the company you choose matters. Be about others. Personally, I love being with my family. I still live at home - and while that brings minor annoyances, I don't mind it in the big picture. It keeps me grounded knowing that everyone around me has their own struggles, ups and downs, tendencies and quirks. Being around people does good. I love the job I have, the people I spend my days with, the friends I see and meet, and the things we talk about. There are many other things I do to live well, but these are the essentials.

How do you live?

ciao! xo

4 habits for a calming nightly regimen

image via 

Sleep is sacred. My outlook on sleep and my nightly regimen is quite definite - it's one of the most important routines I allow myself to follow. It's not necessarily a tedious to-do list, but rather a series of steps that I make the time for myself to take. I treasure my sleep! I have found that several factors account into a great night's sleep - no late snacks,  sleeping in my own bed, finding time to 'wind down' before hand - some are obvious! But here are some habits that I consistently stick to - honestly, every. single. night. 

1. Moisturize.  I never used to do this until recently but now using my favorite moisturizers - a rotation of this and this - is something I can't imagine not doing! It calms me, makes me feel cooler (literally, it brings down my temperature) and gives me this clean feeling. I usually apply a generous amount to my hands, elbows, legs, ankles, knees, feet - the usual dry spots. This is more of a personal preference but it is a nice treat to end the day!

2. Shut off anything with an on-off switch 15 minutes before closing my eyes. This is a hard one, because it's a rule that is so easy to break. I often do. But I find that when I steer away from digital light, I sleep better and feel so much more rested in the morning. I rely on my phone in the morning as an alarm clock, but I try to set it in advance. It involves discipline, but when it comes to sleep, you have to put yourself first and realize that a refreshing night's sleep really is important. The worst thing you can do before bed is scroll through dozens of instagram photos and crowd your mind with a billion thoughts - it's occupying your mind with visuals and ideas that will not help you wind down! Some old-fashioned techniques like reading a book or magazine never fail me. Luckily, I fall asleep (like a log!) quickly.

3. Stretch out. Okay, this one is my absolute f a v o r i t e. Spending a good, solid five minutes on stretching before sleep absolutely, 100% of the time gives me the most invigorating yet calming feeling ever! I love back bends and gentle yoga moves - nothing heavy duty or cardiovascular. I use a yoga block or strap sometimes, but mostly focus on lower body stretches in the legs, hip openers, and core. I do this all on the floor so that I can be all over the place. Sometimes in place of stretching I will attempt to meditate. I try to mimic my yoga classes. I take a few moments to breathe deeply and allow every fiber of my body to totally melt into relaxation - literally going from fingers to toes, up and down, under and over.

4.  Make your bed in the morning. I am sure there are people out there that will shake their head at this one - some people hate making their beds in the morning! And when it's me, during the process, yes, it's annoying. As I am tugging at the covers and throwing the pillows back up by the headboard, I always silently bemoan the fact that it is a work day and I have to get through so many hours before I can climb back into bed again. Parting the bed first thing in the morning is probably THE hardest thing about waking up! But by the time the day is over, and it's finally time for my regimen, the very last thing I do is pull back the covers and climb under my luxuriant sheets. I always think to myself, "I've earned this today!" as I unfurl the top layer of my duvet. So, simply, making the bed gives yourself something to look forward to later in the day, and sets up the reward in advance.

I hope you can try one of these - they are so simple and anyone can try it out. Let me know if it works for you and if you see any noticeable difference! Wishing you a refreshing and restful sleep!

ciao!
xo

five things i love about countryside living

It isn't often that I take time to appreciate the countryside. Its qualities are things I notice only when they aren’t present - like when I’m wandering around the city, stuck in traffic, or smelling stinky city smells.  But to contradict myself, I am noticing the beauties of the countryside and appreciating it more and more. It often happens when it is screaming at me in the face - through a color-splashed sunset, or an unmanned "leave $5 in the mailbox" fresh flower stand at the end of someone's drive. It's incredibly hard to narrow down the things I love about country living, but I have chosen what means most to me. At a time when most people my age are living their lives in sky-high apartments or spending weekends at IKEA for city dwelling furnishing, I am holding true to my countryside roots!

The phrase 'farm to table' is, I think, a phrase born from the city; because here in the countryside that's just how food is expected to be: from the farm. I think it took me time to actually appreciate this, because I definitely took it for granted when I was younger. There is just the right balance of farmers markets, grocery stores, and farm stands in my area. Each place is a go-to for its own reason. It makes it easy - especially in the warmer, in-season months - to cook and come up with creative and healthy dishes. 

Fresh grown herbs and a diverse gamut of spices is something I depend on daily when I am cooking. Vegetables and fruits during the growing season are another staple, especially for dinners or smoothie making.

I really do appreciate my morning commute as a time to think. My morning commute has long stretches of open road; horse farms; foggy fields; sunrises and the occasional deer. I don't take it for granted - even if I am driving to work. There is rarely any traffic (usually I get stuck behind a school bus) and the road is wide, surrounded by green trees and pretty views of open land. Last year I even got to drive over a covered bridge every day - a rarity, even around here!

Even better than commuting? Weekend drives. 

Something about a small, store-front lined street with lamp posts and cobblestones appeals to me. I love all of the little spots near and far from home; although each one is a short drive, they are always worth a look. I'm still finding new things every time I go. I think my #1 favorite this year goes to Princeton - I love everything about that place and would love to live there someday.

In a typical main street town you can almost always find bits of the city: i.e. a Starbucks, maybe parking meters, a couple of name brand stores, and historical buildings. What makes them different is the mom and pop stores, the farm stands, the fresh flowers that are laid out in window boxes and pots out side of store fronts and doors. Little cafes and lunch counters. Ice cream shops and eclectic tarot card readers. Historic hotels-turned-restaurants and Revolutionary War era inns (hey, George Washington "slept" here!).

Summer nights (or spring, or fall - not so much winter) are meant to be spent outdoors. My mom's garden is an entertainer's eden - it begins on the deck and spills out into the surrounding corners of the property. It is adorned with fairy lights and citronella torches and candles. In the purple twilight of a summer evening, the illumination is just so lovely. I love how isolated and tucked away a gathering can feel at home - we are in our own little world and the rest of civilization feels like miles away! 

You can't really capture this in a city, unless you're on someone's rooftop. While that has its certain edginess to it, I'd take a garden party any day. We often round out the night with music, a bonfire for s'mores, and a tray of tea and coffees to accompany dessert. We've had everything from going away parties, graduations, tea parties, surprise birthdays, to family reunions.

I also love being in a place where nature - although routine for my eyes - is everywhere.   Birds, flowers, deer, full moons, hilly fields, creeks and rivers, foliage, and the soft wind. I can take a walk or drive and stretch my eyes nice and far. I hear birds chirping in the spring mornings and owls hooting during dark winter nights. I can look outside my window and see every shade of green possible. There are dozens of horse farms less than a mile away. The stars at night are bright and clear - nothing is obstructing their brightness. Barns are plentiful. Hills in the distance are winding and blue. There are lots of hidden drives and creeks and bridges. I could never, ever, ever tire of the flowers - wild or not. 

 - - - 

what do you love about your neck of the woods!?

ciao, xo

breathing

*photo from 2013, a trip to the french riviera town of nice. I can almost smell this!

This post was originally going to be titled 'april goals,' where I was going to talk about eating greener, practicing patience, living in the present, etc. But it's been a weird day and I feel like my goal for today, and for a while, should be to get better at breathing. 

And by breathing I mean a lot. Calmness and patience. Breathing is being patient, in times of screaming noise and still silence. I have been trying all year to get better at that. Sometimes my own impatience bothers me. I know it can be short. I talk fast, I multitask, I plan ahead a lot of the time. So, breathing for patience is one goal. To be able to breathe deeply and think calmly and walk and talk a little more gracefully is something I want to zero in on this week. Breathing will add that ease, making my mindset a little softer.

So, a lot is going on! March whizzed by and brought a ton of stress, so it is nice to mindfully breathe again a little deeper with appreciation as April dawns. The sunlight is starting to look different and hit at its higher angles every evening when the sun goes does. 

I hope you have a lovely week and b r e a t h e ! ciao! xo

blogging: plan or publish?

aren't these gorgeous? it's from this etsy shop!

Blogging is a tricky business when it comes to posting, timing, and reaching your peak audience. I find that lately I have been planning posts and scheduling ahead of time, but back in the day when I first started blogging in 2010 I never used to do that, and I had much more readership. So, I want to open up this platform to your thoughts/opinions on this!

I sometimes feel that "life and style" blogs are so ubiquitous nowadays and it is hard to come up with original content. When I do post something that I feel is quality (usually on the photography end), I tend to save it for the perfect moment.  I love scheduling posts for this reason. I can take my time on writing, actually stay focused in the process, and have a result that I feel prouder about. I don't necessarily plan my posts by the month or write it down in a planner (above), but I know of some bloggers that do and they have reached a lot of success that way. Because blogging is not my full time job, or my 'job' at all, I am much more casual and laid back with what I post and when I post. However, scheduling can so often produce the opposite effect.

Planned posts can sometimes be very easy to distinguish rather than spontaneous - if you plan too ahead of time, your post may clearly sound like it has been written in the past. It can sound boring, monotonous, and more importantly, it can lack that 'bite' of fresh new content. While spontaneous posts seem to be more genuine, they are also shorter, more photo-oriented, and prone to being scatterbrained!! 

This is how I roll: I usually bring my camera with me, whether or not I plan to take photos. Recently we did an outfit shoot and a day trip to New Hope so I brought my camera, and got two posts out of it: here (style post) and here (scenes from my weekend).

I dug through the archives for some recent examples.

Scheduled Posts: 1. coffee diaries | the source cafe

                              2. golden light (style post)

                              3. hermosa: fog, shrimp, and fajitas

Spontaneous Posts: 1. white slush

                                  2. when it doubt, look up.

                                  3. blurry scenes from a winter drive

Tell me, what are your thoughts on publishing a post spontaneously vs. planning ahead? What works with your schedule and life?

ciao! xo

*ps. this is a planned post :)

cozy weekend in

^ like my holey sweater? :)

current obsessions:

• chips and salsa.
• my new heated mattress pad!
• keeping my room straightened up and organized.
• vanilla bean ice cream {and pretzels.}
• my swell bottle
• george harrison music every weekend morning! 
• lavender candles
• roaring fireplace fires
• pollo piccata 
• season 5 downton sundays :)
• interior decorating dreams
• basil pesto.
• praying for a huge snow dump. eee! 
• amazon prime
• my {new} smart tv!!

This weekend was the coziest! From Saturday's post, you can tell it was a pretty snowy and indoorsy day. It called for heather grey sweats, decadent hot chocolate, and listening to george harrison tunes - which I am so into these days thanks to a CD my sister gave me. I was actually quite productive for this otherwise lazy-sounding day; I shot a new post for valentines' day (coming soon!), organized my room and prepped for the upcoming paint job, and even found time to break out the watercolors for a little painting sesh. 

How was your weekend?

ciao, xo

winter birdwatching

Dream career: to be a National Geographic photographer. I felt like one when I snapped these photos outside the window over our snowy, frozen-over garden. There is nothing quite as serene as a quiet, snowy morning hearing the birds chirp outside the window. And these birds! Look at their magnificent colors. The cardinal especially is just so beautiful against the snow, so elegant. I took these through the window but I actually love the blurred, bright effect. Magically, the details in the birds' feathers are just-enough there appreciate the variegated lights, darks, and whimsical patterns.

I think photography takes skill, I really do. But I think even more than skill it takes serendipity - being in the right place at the right time. There are so many things that factor into a good photo, and when they all seem to happen in one spontaneous, joyful, unplanned moment... is there anything better than getting to capture that with your camera?

ciao, xo

8 ways to stay out of a winter rut

What is a rut? It's this feeling I get when I am stagnant, when I've spent too many hours in the house and I feel like all the fun has been sucked out of the day. I personally hate ruts, especially in the winter; when the days are short, cold and the weather is ruthless. The stretch between January and April feels like miles long, with the occasional relief (hello, four day weekends). I think I automatically associate these months as being very rut-prone; I almost always find myself in a rut. It's because there usually are no major events or commitments, no big travel plans, and sometimes the cold seems to have no end in sight.

1. Work out I don't know what is is (actually I do, it's endorphins) but something about running wakes me up and makes me feel not like a slug. I admit it, I've already felt like I've been in a rut and once I got out to run, I felt more confident and vital and - should I dare say it? - alive. I hate running, especially in the cold. I've talked about what gets me motivated, so just sucking it up for a mile or two isn't that bad, when you actually weigh the benefits and costs.

Get outside.

2. Go on a photography date Grab your camera and get out the door. The fun is in the search for a good subject. The more the merrier! I have yet to do this with some of my friends who also like to photograph. The best way to learn the ins and outs of your camera is to practice with it. You can turn this into as big of a production as you'd like it to be.

3. Create something Try out the recipe you've been meaning to give a go. Get out your scrapbook and start cutting and pasting away. Go to the craft store and find something to paint. Make a terrarium. Make a video short. Creating something - whatever your interests are - gives you a rush of accomplishment and flexes your skills. It allows you to channel your focus to produce something. How cool is that?

I created a terrarium like this last year. It's thriving! See the DIY post :)

4. Turn a boring day into an event Let's stay you're stuck indoors because it is snowing 5 feet outside (hello, last year). Make some fun of your situation! Have a movie marathon, complete with buttered popcorn and a roaring fire. Have a spa, with nails and facials and even little cucumber slices for the eyes. If you're unable to venture out and get supplies, make with what you've got in the house. In our house we have been known to throw Oscars 'parties' and Downton Abbey tea shindigs.

5. Get out of bed and get dressed Netflix and pajamas does not cure all. Of course it is fun! But we all know that it sucks up the day, and by that I mean that the constant streaming of episodes perpetuates, one after another Before you know it, it's dinner time (or even bedtime) and what have you done today? I find that I have never ever once regretted getting out of bed early and slowly starting my day out in the world (or even another room in the house). Getting dressed is also an unexpected motivator, since it requires you to shed the PJs you associate with laziness rest and sleep.

6. Go to a new place You have work on Monday and there's no time or money for a short weekend getaway. You don't have to board an airplane or give away your weekend to visit a 'new place.' It can be a little local town, a new restaurant you've been meaning to try, or a drive down an unfamiliar road. I have found so many cute cafes by doing just this. It adds a thrill to your day, and who knows what you'll find. If you're in for a bigger adventure, inspo like this can set a fire under your butt to move.

7. Get off social media for a little while Stop looking at last summer's instagrams. Stop being a twitter junkie. This also consumes a lot of time, while distracting you from something you wanted to check.......what did I wanna look up again? In small doses, social media can be awesome. But with too much, it can be a time-waster.

Sometimes social media serves as a platform for jealousy - I know that I have sometimes fallen prey to 'comparing' myself to others. It's something that might be hard to get out of, if it is something that you 'follow' or constantly check. I have unfollowed plenty of fashion bloggers because I realized that the only thing I was getting out of following them was their seemingly flawless wardrobes, skin, faces, hair...it's not real! Some accounts are based heavily on vanity; I realized that when all bloggers do is tout designer bags, advertise about their fabulous destinations, or post impeccable selfies, there really isn't anything I need to follow. Instagram is a huge example. When you zoom out and realize how you're spending your time on social media, its much more grounding and affirming.

8.  Clean out your closet and donate. This is a toughie, but sometimes, clearing out your closet for more space can be a very freeing thing. I find it hard to part with a certain piece of clothing ("I loved that sweater during sophomore year! But I paid so much for those jeans! This skirt reminds me of high school! Those were my lucky socks!"). I am the worst at this - but it can be healthy to purge. Maybe purge is a strong word - your pile of old clothes doesn't have to be (and shouldn't be) the majority of your belongings. But that old bag that has been sitting on top of your closet? Your first ever Abercrombie and Fitch tee that you loved, but wouldn't be caught dead in now? Put it in a trash bag and donate it. If you can't, then try to find ways to make a buck. But it shouldn't be something you put off - because if you put it in a special 'eBay pile' in your room, we all know you'll never really sell it.

Let me know if you try anything, or if you have your own way of keeping the winter time interesting! I really stand by these ideas, and would love to hear your own too! ciao, xo

scenes from my weekend

It might not seem it from these pictures but I have a sense that the winter blues are setting in; we all kind of feel that way! So we decided to rally against them by hopping in the car and just going somewhere with our cameras in tow. We spent almost the entire afternoon outdoors - chilly, sunny, windy - walking up and down the riverfront, poking into shops and cafes, and just people watching. It was the best!

It was actually quite beautiful in a stark only-in-January way. There were ice floes traveling down the river quite quickly, so it was a neat thing to see the sun sparkle on all the water and miniature glaciers. We even spotted a little flock of geese navigating the ice through the frigid waters - all of it was quite picturesque.

{some really good coffee from here. click to see the full coffee diary post!}

So, the weekend was nourishing for the soul but as always a bit too short. Next weekend is going to be awesome because it's a three day weekend (yeeeeee!). We've been having talks here about making a day trip somewhere, even if it is a little junket like this one. It does wonders for cabin fever and the january blues! I'd say, mission accomplished.

So this week, I've compiled a couple of posts: one dedicated to banishing the feeling of a wintry rut, and an outfit post. May be some other little snippets here and there. Can't wait for it all!

Everyone have a lovely week! ciao, xo