Verbs

This summer was difficult. I was challenged, and I grew-- intellectually, emotionally, and mentally. I experienced new things and altered the way I perceived existing parts of my life. I learned to be a better friend by recognizing my own true friends. I realized that I could hold my own against anybody. I caught a glimpse of my future and found comfort in its uncertainty. I took pride in myself. In my mind, this summer will always be identified with personal growth.
Now, though, I'm ready to slow down; I'm eager to become involved in my regular activities and establish rituals again. I'm learning to pace myself.

flu

Consider:

I love everything about this, but especially the hearts. Her bangs aren't bad, either.

Jacques Hnizdovsky

Loving these woodcut images by Jacques Hnizdovsky. The grey tones remind me of autumn.

Apple Cider

A definite upside to cooler weather is tights. A good pair can really jazz up an outfit--something about them just seems so cheery and special! So this fall I have resolved to wear tights quite a bit.
The colors of the stockings below are all so rich; they remind me of crunchy leaves, pumpkins, and apple cider. This may or may not be be why I'm so anxious to break out my own autumnal clothing. Regardless, what are you excited to wear this coming season?

Red, gold, and black

Hot

It is hot as hell here. Hope you're enjoying the last bits of summer regardless!

Shoes for everywhere

Four years ago I was about to start my junior year of high school at a new school on the West Coast. I had lived in North Carolina for much of my life and I was a little intimidated.
When the first day of school rolled around, I wore a brand-new pair of leather moccasins I had purchased at Ross for $8. They were dark brown with beads and fringed leather. They served me well and I brought them with me when I moved back east to attend university.


Fast-forward to now. I still have my first pair--and wear them frequently--but they're starting to fall apart. I think it may be time for a new pair. I'm looking for something classic and sturdy; something that will stay with me for four more years of adventures. These Minnetonkas seem to fit the bill.

Kate Spade

My heart started beating a little faster when I noticed this ad in a magazine. Kate Spade really hit the nail on the head with their new clothing line. The model's bangs are perfection--as are her tights. I think I'm ready for fall to get here.

NexusNeuronia

I'm loving these images on Computerlove. The colors are stunningly vibrant, the graphics are gorgeous; I wish I could read the German descriptions that accompany the images!

via Oh Joy!

Stay cool

It is ridiculously muggy where I live. Student apartments lack air conditioning. Combine these two statements and I have not been a happy camper lately.
Still, I love summer. The Sartorialist did a post awhile back about capturing the essence of summer through photography--just looking at his photos makes me feel refreshed. How are you staying cool?

Back Home

I'm back in North Carolina! Unfortunately, my laptop is broken and I don't even have internet yet at my apartment, so posting will be sporadic.

In the meantime, this is a photo-collage of the town I live in. I took the photos last fall from a mountaintop-- isn't it gorgeous? I love how you can barely make out the town; it looks so serene..

Apartmentwarming

Today will be spent moving boxes into my sweltering-hot, brand-new apartment. Citrus-thyme water sounds like the perfect refreshment for the occasion. Plus, it would look so welcoming in my empty new fridge!

recipe/photos by Karen Mordechai & Sunday Suppers

Weekend

By the time I get around to the other side of this weekend, I will be moving into my apartment straight across the country! Needless to say, I'll be busy. Hopefully I'll get the chance to pick some flowers as an apartment-warming gift to myself! Anyway, I hope all of you have a fabulous weekend as well!

Chocolate Strawberry Wedding

I just want to..

I can't believe it -- my internship is over tomorrow, and I fly home on Saturday!
While living out here I was able to purchase a bike, which I loved riding around town. I hadn't owned a bike in years, and it was great to rediscover such an exciting mode of transportation. Alas, now that I'm moving back to North Carolina, I had to sell my bike last week. I'm hoping to find one for cheap before I start school again. What better way to remember this summer and celebrate my rekindled love of bikes than with this adorable t-shirt?

via you are my fave.

If only

I'm in the market for a carpet to place under the dinner table in my next apartment. If this rug from urban outfitters were a bit larger, I'd snatch it up in a heartbeat.

Makin' Sushi

A couple weeks ago I tried my hand at making sushi. It was really fun but quite messy, most likely due to my lackluster preparation skills. In the end, the rolls ended up falling apart. I'd love to try this again, though.
Have you ever made sushi before? If so, what are your tips for novices? Alternately, what are some of your favorite ingredients in sushi? I'm a fan of dragon rolls; fried shrimp and avocado are so good together!

Now is the time for bravery

Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more.

-Erica Jong

quote via naturally nina, oranges by danske