all over again

I realize that traditionally, the New Year is the time in which people make their promises to themselves and others, and decide to improve what can be made better.  I however, usually dive into this with the arrival of fall.  Maybe its the lingering sense of the "new school year" that gets me into the mood for renewal.  I've refreshed my wardrobe, overhauled my apartment with a serious cleaning, ramped up my running schedule (easy, because it's incredibly pleasant to head out for a jog when it's 60 and sunny) and even jumped back into yoga, which I had sorely neglected this summer.  Fall always makes me remember how much I enjoy spending time by myself.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVED my crazy summer - I got to see so many of my friends on a consistent basis, and we made the most of the warmer months.  But I am also so happy staying in (sometimes reading, sometimes watching all the good shows that will be back soon!), burning a candle, and getting a big pot of chili going while Darrell watches football.  I definitely am trying to make the most of my leisure time since we are getting into the very last bits of planning the wedding!  You'd think it would stress me out, but honestly the closer we get to the day, the more fun I have with the planning.  I am so excited for the big day to come - less than a month away now.  I guess the point of this drawn out speech is to say this - yes, I'm still alive & well, and I am going to try to keep up with this blog more consistently!  I feel like I'm finally happy with the look - simple and rustic - and even though I might not be the example of perfection & consistency that so many of my favorite blogs are, documenting my life is something that makes me happy, and I should try to do a little better with it.  For now I'm going to finish my night by continuing to avoid football by watching the Emmys.  

what made me smile this week

This necklace - because I found it on eBay for only $12 - less than 10% of what it's inspiration costs at J.Crew

This plant - because it's still alive 10 days in!!  Please ignore that single suicidal leaf there...

Fireworks - and pretty much the best 4th of July ever.  You can tell it was, because we pretty much look like hell in this picture, but still SO happy.  That is what your fishtail braid looks like when it goes from "casually rumpled" to just plain old messed up.  

This candle, because it smells SOOO GOOD. This plus A/C blasting plus this makes my house feel cozy when all it's been feeling in St. Louis for the past few weeks is HOT & oh-so-sticky.  I'm actually excited for it to cool down to 90 degrees.  And since when is 90 degrees COOL?  

This iced coffee, cause it was $2.  It's $4.50 at my usual spot, so this discovery is a definite win in my book, and totally worth the extra 2 block walk.  

i just really loved this

testing my green thumb

Picked up three of these little gems at Trader Joe's this weekend: this one, an aloe plant, and a bit larger one with pretty shaped leaves.  Our house needed some green-ing up since we don't have any outdoor space of our own!  

They say succulent plants are hard to kill, but I'm sure I'm going to test that theory.  

what made me smile this week

these outfits - because i haven't bought new clothes in forever, and with the sweltering weather this week these light and fluttery dresses were the perfect thing to wear.

this little pile of clothes - because the only thing that was going to get me out in the heat was a pre-planned running outfit

this love note which reads "Dearest Kate, that night in Atlanta will live long in my memory..." 

it was found on the back of a 'Gone with the Wind' poster, which we got on a 'free' table at a rummage sale a few weeks ago.

i discovered the note when i took it out to put it in a nicer frame I had bought.

this library, because i can get any book i want to read all summer, for free, right here.

now i'm into a pretty trashy beach read, but 'Anna Karenina' is next on the list.

the walkmen playing at an amazing venue we just discovered, which is basically a cross between a bar and a museum.  plus the band was awesome.