Goals for November

October flew by so quickly, I almost couldn't believe it was over. But now, a few days into the new month, things are starting to settle a little for me. I think daylight savings made this month's transition even more drastic. If dogs could automatically update to the new time, like my phone did, things would be so much easier. Regardless, welcome November. You've been lovely and cold and I like you. Plus this just puts us that much closer to holiday season and to my favorite month (December, obvi.).

Goals for November                                    

+ Craft, craft, craft, craft, craft. All the crafts. I'm sticking with tradition and making all my Christmas gifts again this year. I really do enjoy putting in a little extra thought and time to make everyone a unique gift. And it's a great option for someone like me, who doesn't have the means to splurge on gifts for everyone, but still enjoys gift giving. I have some really good ideas this time around, if I do say so myself. I have everything planned out (except for gifts for one or two people, ugh) so now it's all about spending many cold days bundled up inside with my sewing machine, knitting needles, sketch book, glue gun, etc.

+ I'm going to make a conscious effort to show the important people in my life how much I love and appreciate them. I hope I do this often, anyway, but with Thanksgiving approaching I am always a bit more aware of outwardly acknowledging how much I adore them.

+ Go on more walks. I realized this morning that I hadn't taken the pups for a walk around the neighborhood for quite awhile. I am a bad pup mama. I'm going to try my hardest not to use the cold weather as an excuse. Because I have coats and boots and Pippin has a few sweaters (and I do actually like the cold). Just stop being a lazy butt. Walks make us all happy, the pups and me both.

+ I'm taking inspiration from Jessica's November Goals and also adding an attempt to keep my nails painted. I like having pretty nails, but aside from keeping them cut short I am usually too lazy to care about doing them. I feel more inspired with a pop of color on the tips of my fingers, though, so I'll really make an effort. I need all the inspiration I can get this month. I think I'll go put on a bright red polish when I'm done here.

+ Read and drink a mug of hot tea in bed and snuggle Pippin (and my love) and just enjoy all those little things everyday.

Do you have goals for this month?
How are you preparing for the quickly approaching holidays?

xx Emorie

Thankful Lately

+ I am thankful for a loving partner who supports me, encourages me, and accepts my faults better than I do myself.
+ I am thankful for back-rubs to help me sleep in the middle of the night, cute thoughtful texts, help with the chores, and kisses at the end of a long day.
+ I am thankful for all the devices I am far too reliant on and far too ungrateful of. Technology is awesome, people.
+ I am thankful for silly tv shows that let you take your mind of things for a little while.
+ I am thankful for warm puppy snuggles.
+ I am thankful for midol and my rice bag.
+ I am thankful for my kind mother and her friendship. I am thankful for her wisdom, her generosity, her loving advice, and her craftiness (I get it from her).
+ I am thankful for cozy piles of blankets, warm tea, scarves, sweaters, and my love of reading.
+ I am thankful for a creative mind and the ability to express it in many different outlets.
+ I am thankful for autumn leaves, halloween everywhere, and pumpkin flavored everything.

Leave it to a few extra long, tiring, busy days to remind me just how great I have it. I love you all xxo.

Goals for October

October things (so far): Scout in a sea of blankets / extra heat while I work / homemade tomato soup / Pippin in the rain 

My goals for this month are rather simple and the list is shorter than usual. A few of these goals have been on my list for the past two months but I think that is just fine. Some times things just need more attention then usual. I'm loving this month so far and I'm about to love it even more as I'm leaving for a little camping trip in a few hours. Everyone needs an escape once in awhile, and I yearn for one more often than not. I've been feeling rather productive lately and a break will be appreciated. I hope to continue that productivity though, especially in regards to content I put here, for I have lots of ideas swarming in my head.

Goals for October:

1. Enjoy the weather. This is easy for me to do this time of year, but I'm putting it here anyway as it is also the time of year that I want nothing more than a cozy book in bed with a side of tea. I need to make time for both. Once the leaves start to change everything will be so magical and I don't want to miss it. Photo shoots galore!

2. Craft away. As I mentioned in my September list, my creativity has been on such a high lately. I don't want it to stop. I need to start organizing more time to devote purely for allowing myself to create. I have high hopes for my Halloween costume this year, and Christmas gifts are going to start accumulating in mass. There are few things I love more than making gifts for people, so I better start early, right?

3. Plan and execute. Although my creativity has been through the roof, I must admit that I let the majority of the ideas I have go undone. I've also been scheming about a lot of post I want to write and a few changes (good ones) I want to make around here. I think a lot of the time I get overwhelmed by the amount of things I want, and as a result do none of them. It's time that I make these ideas reality, though. Perhaps I should break them down and add them to my schedule slowly.

4. Read. I know, I know, I just said I've been tempted to do nothing by lay in bed with a book when really I should be getting outside. But I must admit that isn't too bad a craving. I just need to prioritize my time better, because there is so much I want to read it is maddening.

I hope your October is going well so far and that it continues to do so. Eat all the pumpkin flavored things! I'll see you lovelies on Monday.

30 Days of Truth: Day 3 | Something You Have To Forgive Yourself For

Take a deep breath...

^ Looking up on a cloudy day in one of my favorite places in Moscow, Idler's Rest ^

When I was in high school I was stretched thin. I was at school from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM almost every single day. I took three or four AP classes every year as well as being highly involved in two or three choirs. I was a board member for key club. I was president of my school's seminary. I played varsity lacrosse. I averaged 3-4 hours of sleep every single night and I was exhausted every single day. To top it off, I had few friends and I suffered from anxiety and depression and tried desperately to hide it from everyone. People asked me often why I didn't just quit one of my extracurriculars. I never saw that as an option. I survived.

By the time graduation came, I was so burnt out. That whole time in my life (most of my senior year of HS) is very much a blur to me now that it makes me mad sometimes. My depression was so severe that I felt numb all the time and all the days seemed the same to me. I remember crying during the graduation ceremony, with strangers all around me, not because I was sad it was over or because I was happy to be done but because I didn't feel anything and I was so afraid of what to do now.

College acceptance, the thing I had worked towards so dutifully for four years, was the furthest thing from my mind. Somehow my sister convinced me that I should move to Moscow, Idaho (where she lived) and go to the University of Idaho. Bless her, she was always trying to look out for me. I applied in the middle of July and moved the second week of August. When I was 18, I left home with a brand new bank account with no amount of money in it but promise of student loans due to a last minute decision to move north for school. I don't know what made me decide such a rash decision was a good idea. More than anything I think I wanted a way out and a clean slate.

^ The fist pictures I took at U of I, with my mom (left) and sister (right), 2009. ^

But I was naive and unaware of a lot of what being on my own would mean. I tried to learn as I went along. And I thought I did a pretty good job. I was proud of myself for being able to manage a tight budget with no previous experience. I didn't live on campus, which was another mistake, as it allowed me to continue to alienate and isolate myself.  But I loved Moscow and explored it often on my own. I hated my classes. I tried really really hard to be happy.

My biggest mistake was believing that I could move somewhere and leave all of my problems behind. Depression tagged right along with me. Sitting through boring, monotonous low level lectures, which did nothing for me intellectually, became increasingly more difficult to wake up for. I always did the assignments/homework, staying up all night to do so, just as I had learned to do. But it would take hours of working up confidence to go to campus to turn it in; sometimes I couldn't find the strength to do that. I ignored worried emails from professors. I ignored phone calls from everyone. I knew I had people who cared about me but I couldn't be honest about what I was going through and I couldn't bring myself to give half-assed excuses. I was embarrassed.

That should have been a sign to get help or make a change, but depression rarely works that way. Things only got worse for me for quite awhile. Things spiraled downward very quickly. I lived in Moscow for three, almost four years but I only like to remember the last one. I won't go into detail about everything I went through for it is far too personal and something I am not yet willing to share publicly. It is always difficult for me to talk about; I feel very vulnerable when doing so. I hope sharing at least this much helps you gain some insight into what I went through.

I have a lot to forgive myself for. I need to forgive myself for stretching myself so thin. I need to forgive myself for being so demanding of my accomplishments and my time. I need to forgive myself for not being comfortable enough to allow for failure. I need to forgive myself for not making all the right decisions. I need to forgive myself for failing. I need to forgive myself for not being perfect, for being my biggest critic. I need to forgive myself for not allowing myself to be a human being, full of faults. I need to forgive myself for all the days I lost. I need to forgive myself for the bad things I told myself. I need to forgive myself for the wounds. And I still need to heal.

If you suffer from depression or anxiety, please know that there are people that care about you. Know that I understand that you may not want to hear that. I have been there. Sometimes I fall back there. I am always available to talk via email (which can be found on my contact page).

See my previous answers for 30 Days of Truth here, and the original prompts from lovely Amber here.

Refreshing Things

The past few days I've been feeling rather gloomy, stressed, and overwhelmed for lots of reasons and for no reason at all. Sometimes, despite my attempts against it, I let these types of moods affect me a little more than I'd like to admit. I am a worrier and I am not as good at simply moving on from things that bother me as others may be. I've certainly been a bit reclusive lately, finding solitude alone inside with my nose in a book. But the lovely day we're having woke me up a bit and I fell as though I instantly snapped back to reality (or my regular self) when the rain began this morning. I'm feeling creative, calm, and refreshed and I thought I'd share a few ideas of what to do if you ever find yourself in a deep gloom and in need of some refreshment.

Refreshing Things

1. Warm showers: Taking a long warm shower, and even sitting down in the shower if you'd like, is a great wakeup. Just closing your eyes and letting them warm water run over you will bring you clarity and new thoughts.  
2. Watching the weather: Granted, this is best on a day like the one I am having. Watching rain is very relaxing. But even if it is sunny and nothing else, sitting near a window while you work will help you stay calm and improve creativity and your mood.
3. Cooking well for yourself: I am guilty of making fast, boring lunches for myself. I usually only put great care into what I am making if someone else is eating with me. Spoil yourself with good food and take your time preparing it. Today I made garlic white cheddar pasta with mushrooms (and zucchini, red onion, artichoke, and tomato) for lunch and it was so refreshing to eat well.
4. Journaling: Write down what is on your mind, what has been stressing you out, what you are worrying about. Putting these things down on paper and then reading them back will give you time to reevaluate and gain perspective on your problems. I always find that things that worry me are far less threatening when listed out. You can tear the piece of paper up, if you're into that sort of thing. 
5. Yoga or meditation: Allow yourself time alone to actively try and relax. When I do yoga I enjoy pushing all other thoughts out and only allowing myself to think about my body and it's movement. It is a great opportunity to remind myself that I am entirely in charge of what thoughts I allow to rule my mind and, although it can be difficult, I can change those hurtful thoughts if I want to. 
6. Putting on something pretty: Get out of those comfy pants you've been wearing the past 3 days (if you've been wearing pants at all) and put on something that makes you feel good about yourself. Unless those comfy pants make you feel good about yourself, then by all means wear them. My go-to is a lace dress. Do your hair and makeup, too, if you're so inclined. Getting ready for the day will encourage productivity.

If all else fails, Bon Iver.

30 Days of Truth: Day 2 | Something You Love About Yourself

Two of my favorite pictures of me. The first is from Nov 2011, the second from May of this year.

I've been putting this post off for awhile because I was having a hard time deciding how I should go about writing it. I wasn't sure how I wanted to come off. I could simply pick out one thing I love about myself and elaborate on it extensively, or I could list all the things I love about myself and likely appear self-obsessed to some. But you know what? Fuck that.

I am a very humble person, but you can be humble and also love yourself. It is hard to be body positive in this society that scrutinizes all types of women's bodies, that bombardes us with images of what is pretty, what is sexy, and what is young. I'd like to think that I am pretty comfortable with myself' despite all of this. And I think it is good to know that it is perfectly okay to feel good about yourself. You can say "Damn, I am cute today."  Because you are! Take a selfie of your cute damn self. Don' let anyone tell you otherwise or that you are full of yourself.

But it is a lot easier for me to love myself for so many other qualities before I even consider my appearance. That is important to me. I am extremely proud of the person I continue to become. I am highly critical of myself, as you learned from my response to the first prompt, but I am also extremely confident in who I am and I am damn self-assured in all my opinions/beliefs. I am a walking collection of contradictions in a way I suppose, but I always welcome self improvement and that is something I can love.

I have a huge capacity to care for other people. I always thought I'd become a counselor or therapist, because I love to listen to other's stories, problems, questions, doubts. Although I am probably not the most qualified person to offer someone advice (seeing as I have so many of my own issues), maybe I will end up with a similar career some day. I am a very tender person and I genuinely care about other people, even if they don't know it. I also love that I am a very open-minded person. I had great parents who taught not to judge quickly; I was great at making all different sorts of friends, even at a very young age, because of this. I am open to discussion, always. And I'm not afraid to share my opinion or back it up, but I am always willing to set it aside to see someone else's side of things and I am always willing to change it if I feel it necessary. Which leads me to another thing I really like about myself, my passion for truth and for learning. I consider myself to be on an endless pursuit of knowledge. It says just that on my side bar here because it is something, above all else, that I think defines me and that I love. I'm talking about self-directed learning, simply wanting to know why things are the way they are. And what that means. I also really enjoy challenging myself and trying new things. Some times they work out in my favor (like teaching myself html) and sometimes they don't (like when I tried to teach myself to play guitar). But I'm always learning.

What do you love about yourself? I'd love for you to share with me below :)

Goals for September

Just some simple reminders and small things I need to work on to get me through the month of September. I love this time of year; as the world outside goes through a rebirth of sorts, I too welcome change in the Fall. It's a great time to shed some weight (figuratively) and simplify, really evaluating what it is that I consider a priority. You'll notice a few of these goals are carried over from my August list. They obviously still need to be worked on.

Oh, just a cool dragonfly Will found in the front yard.

Goals for September

1. Get outside as much as possible. It is cooling off already and that is as good enough an excuse as any to be outside. I want to take full advantage of nicer weather as much as I can before the winter cold sets in. Especially once those Fall colors start showing up, I'll be living outside then.

2. Plan out meals/eat better. Lately I've been considering brown rice crackers and large amounts of spicy yellow lentil hummus lunch. While delicious, I've been really missing structured meals. I've been craving salad like crazy, if that is any indication to the fact that my eating habits need to change. I've been inspired by this post and that whole blog (Garden of Vegan), actually.

3. Just relax. I'm the type of person that needs large amounts of down time in order to feel sane. My introverted personality and hypersensitivity mean I tire out pretty quickly. We spent a lot of time out and about this past weekend shopping, running errands, helping my sister move, doing fun things, and visiting family. I was burnt out after shopping for an hour the first day of the weekend. I've been really taking it easy since then and spending a lot of time alone and reading. I need to remember it is okay to take breaks or stay home instead; it keeps me feeling balanced.

4. Keep moving. I've noticed (since no longer doing Revolt) that if I try to push myself to exercise or workout that I will keep putting it off, and likely not do it at all. I am much happier simply working exercise into my day in little ways.

5. Show appreciation. It's been really easy to get caught up in everyday stresses lately (thanks, anxiety) and to let those stresses nag and nag at me. One way I am trying to combat this, when it happens, is it to take a step back and a deep breathe and think of something I am grateful for. More times than not, that something is the people in my life I am closest too. I am trying to show appreciation for those people, in little ways, more often.

6. Craft my heart out. I don't know why, but my creativity has been on such a high lately. I've even been getting ideas for what to make as Christmas gifts for a few people. I just want to craft and craft! I need to set aside more time daily to get these ideas out of my head. If they ever become successful, tangible realities, I may share the end results of some of them here.

7. Sleep fuller/enjoy mornings. I am sleeping better than I did the past few weeks, now that Will is home. I'm no longer up all night worry about him sleeping in a little tent smelling of salmon carcasses in the middle of bear country. But I am still feeling rather exhausted. I need to get back to sleeping earlier so I can enjoy mornings and sunset walks in the neighborhood again.

30 Days of Truth: Day 1 | Something You Hate About Yourself

Of all the prompts in the 30 Days of Truth challenge, this first one may actually be the most difficult for me. I wish it wasn't, but we're aiming for honesty here. And maybe this first one is the most important one then. Because I am my biggest critic and I shouldn't be.

If it were a bad day and I was asked to write a list of what I hate about myself, I'm afraid that list might be quite a bit longer than you would expect. My anxiety would be up near the top of that list, but I'd probably also include things like my shyness, my fears, silly mistakes I've made, my need for control, etc. If I was having an okay confidence day, I may just list my anxiety and leave it at that. But truthfully, the first scenario may be more common. And anxiety may be what's to blame, because it does eat away at me and make me even more critical. But I don't like simply blaming my anxiety for things and then just dismissing them by telling myself to learn to live with it. I'm frankly tired of using that mentality with myself and, in so doing, inevitably blocking my own growth.

So, I guess above all else, I hate how critical I am of myself. Being highly critical creates an infinite amount of self doubt. It keeps me from trying things from fear of failure. It allows for a false sense of entrapment to rule above everything else. It makes happiness a constant internal struggle.

Here's the thing, you don't have to have your life together at 22. You don't have to have your life together at 35. You don't have to ever have your life together. Because what else is life but messy? Whoever has everything together? Be okay with not knowing what is around the corner. You are allowed to make mistakes. It is perfectly okay to drop everything from time to time when you can't handle it anymore. You can start all over again just because you feel like it. You don't owe success or happiness to anyone but yourself, and you get to define what those mean to you.

30 Days of Truth

I stumbled across Amber's blog Stages of Gold recently. This girl is so lovely and inspiring, be sure to check her blog out. I've decided to take on her writing prompt challenge 30 Days of Truth. It is, simply, 30 days worth of writing designed for the purpose of self reflection to approach complete honesty with yourself. I am taking on this task in the hopes that reflection on these topics will lead to self discovery, if not just better understanding of myself. If I am to complete this, in no way will it get done in 30 days. I will shoot for completing one prompt per week until completed, but they may end up spaced out even more than that. Join in with me if you'd like! Below I have included the full list of writing topics (you can also see them here) that I will update and link to each post as I complete them (you can also find them linked on the personal posts page).

Prompts:
Day 01 : Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 : Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 : Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 : Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 : Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 : Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 : Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 : Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 09 : Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 : Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 : Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 : Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 : A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 : A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 : Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16 : Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 : A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 : Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 : What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 : Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 : (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 : Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 : Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 : Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 : The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 : Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 : What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 : What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29 : Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 : A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

I am so excited to participate,  look for my answer to the first prompt tomorrow!
Read more about Stages of Gold's 30 Days of Truth here.

Goals for August (and Further)

I've been feeling a little defeated lately (what else is new). I apologize if it seems like that is all I say lately; it seems a bit that way to me. But this time of year has always been rough for some reason. See, I wasn't kidding when I said I was ready for Fall. The last month of this season always seems so much longer for some reason. This is an attempt to get through this last month of summer and the coming months too, I suppose. Small goals are also a way for me to feel like I am making progress or change or just something, even if it is just something small. To combat my anxiety and stay sane. I want to make a habit of setting more small goals for myself, and as such I may be sharing some of them from time to time on here. After all, above anything else, I want this to be my space. I'm putting these goals here because maybe you're like me and need a little inspiration to keep moving forward. It's also a way to keep myself accountable.

A random old (favorite) picture, where I appear to have been sleeping on that dock for weeks. 

Goals for August (and Further):

1. Eat better. To feel better; it's pretty simple. Honestly, since I last posted about Revolt, I have not held myself to the high standard I had before. I haven't been eating very clean, I mean not terrible, but I can tell a huge difference. I'm feeling sluggish and bloated (gluten is most likely the culprit). I am returning to a better regime, starting today. I'll indulge in things from time to time, like a glass of wine or two, but I need to remember to eat clean and complete meals.

2. Yoga. DAILY. Even if it's just for five minutes right when I wake up. Nothing makes me feel as calm and collected as yoga does. And nothing makes me feel stronger. Don't make excuses to not get some in, I feel so much better if I do.

3. Run. For some reason I've decided to run a 9k with my mom and sister in September. I have no idea why. I hate running. I hate how much stress it puts on my body. Cardio wise, I could run forever, but my legs (knees) won't allow it. And I'd just much rather do ANY other form of exercise. But, for some reason, I think it will be good for me.

4. Figure out school. Return to school, even if it is just taking a few classes to begin. I need to challenge myself. Getting a degree would be so fulfilling and the only real next step for what I see ahead for myself right now. But I am afraid of returning, after the experience I had before. Talk out my doubts and my anxiety. Make plans.

5. Get outside. Take walks after the sun sets. Go for an early morning hike. Explore some place near the water, it will be cooler there. Stop using the heat as an excuse. Get outside, breathe, stay true to myself.

6. Get out in general. Go to all the cool, free events in this town. Find cheap shows I'm interested in (there is no lack of them in Boise) and actually go to them. Explore places that have changed from when I use to live here. Take Will to more of my favorite spots/places. Try (at least try) to be social.

7. Take more pictures. Of the dog. Of my walk. Of my love. Just document. And use those cool cameras I have. By the way, does anyone know where I can develop film without paying a shit ton for it?!

8. Keep reading. Reading is just a great escape for me. Luckily I have such great books to read at the moment that really let me lose myself in them. Don't loose this.

9. Draw just for fun. I'm not much of an artist, despite what people have told me, but there are some things I miss about drawing and painting and creating in general. Things never turn out as beautifully as I see them in my head, but I don't want that to stop me anymore. Draw just because. Find inspiration again.

10. Sleep more, enjoy mornings. I really enjoy mornings; the quiet calmness of everything. I don't so much like waking up in the mornings, though. Just get out of bed. Yes, when the alarm goes of. I know I feel so much better when I do.


Do you set small goals for yourself? Doing so and planning little everyday things seem to help me with my anxiety. I also recommend listening to this (First Listen of Typhoon's White Lighter) all day. At least that's what I'm doing; it's helping.

Also, the lovely Boise folk of the band Hollow Wood released a single today which is very much worth listening to. You can do so below and visit their site because they're that good.



Good tunes, good vibes, good thoughts, ya know?

Currently Obsessed

Reading: A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin. This is the third novel is his popular, well received series A Song of Ice and Fire. I am, embarrassingly, one of those people who did not hear about A Song of Ice and Fire until everyone on Tumblr was obsessing over the first season of the show created for the series, called Game of Thrones. I am a huge fantasy nerd, so I was shocked to not have heard of it sooner. I quickly watched the entire first season and was instantly hooked and enthralled by the human stories. My brother gifted me the first four books after that (because he is the best brother), and I've been reading them ever since. The show is really really good. And for good reason, George R.R. Martin is pretty involved with it's production. But the books are so much better. I know everyone always says that, but they do it for good reason. I cannot get over these stories. I'm now almost done with A Storm of Swords, as I've had difficulty putting it down (even more so than the first two novels); all 1128 pages have had me on the edge of my toes. It is the series I recommend to everyone, especially fantasy lovers, but just book/story lovers in general. George R.R. Martin is a magnificent writer and story teller. I even got Will's mom reading the series, and she's reading them faster than me! Once I've finished this one, I'll probably binge watch the 3rd season of the show (that follows the first half of this book) before starting the fourth. Oh goodness.

Watching: Orange is the New Black is another discovery I have made thanks to Tumblr. Seriously, Tumblr, I love you. Orange is the New Black is based on a memoir of the same name, by Piper Kerman, about her own experiences in federal prison after being convicted for a decade old crime. To be honest, I was completely shocked by this series. It is way better than I thought it was going to be (I don't know why I wasn't confident that it would be good). It is raw and human and funny and sad. All of the characters are so unique and well written and significant (rightfully so, as it is a true story). It is so wonderful to see a show completely made up of women, doing so well. I mean, this show kicks the Bechdel test's butt so easily. The feminist in me is super happy about it.

"The strength of [Orange is the New Black] isn’t that it’s universal and isn’t even that it’s women-specific, but that it tells the stories of the types of women who don’t get their stories told in our culture: black women, Hispanic women, fat women, butch women, bi women, old women, immigrant women, uneducated women – and even a trans woman’s story. When the season is done, you will be astonished at the vast range of women you've been exposed to and if you reflect on it, will probably be a little depressed that such stories are so rare in our culture."

                   - You Need to be Watching ‘Orange is the New Black’ | Tom & Lorenzo

If you're interested, the first season of the show is available to watch on Netflix.




Listening: This band has had me smitten for quite awhile, but Radiation City's latest album Animals in the Median has gotten me in a full on swoon. This Portland band has a sound that is retro, romantic, and fun. They kill me every time. They released the video for the song Zombies from Animals in the Median a few weeks ago and I love the feel of it. The dreamy, eery, pop feel of the song was perfectly captured. This song makes me sad but also want to dance all at the same time. But mostly dance. Give it a listen!

A Case of the Mondays and No More Passionfruit

I'm having a terrible case of the Mondays today.

follow me on instagram @ohwhimsicalme

Who am I kidding, I do most Mondays. Why do they always seem longer than every other day? There is a lot I would like to get done within the next 9 hours but I'm having a difficult time finding motivation. I'm sure I'll dig some up at some point. Until then I'll be endlessly sipping on coffee and listening to good tunes to try and get some creative juices flowing.

In the mean time, I want to share with you another little change I'll be making around here. This is mostly just a heads up to my current sponsors/swap buddies, and to anyone who is interestied in swapping with me in the future. I will no longer be using the services offered by Passionfruit to coordinate the swaps/sponsor spots I offer here on Oh Whimsical Me.

It seems like just about everyone is using Passionfruit to manage their ads these days (rightfully so). So I'm sure you've heard of the killer updates they have introduced. You can now not only sell banners, but also sponsored posts (guest posts, product reviews, giveaways), social media shoutouts, sponsorships, and even services (ad design, blog design, consilting, etc.). In other words, if you want to sell it, Passionfruit can mange it all for you! So awesome!  they've even updated the Ad Shop into a Shopping Cart style. Plus so many other updates that I'm envious to not be having. The updates are live now, and free to use until September 1st. You can read about all of the updates here.

image source

I've loved using Passionfruit. They have done nearly all the work for me and have made editing ads so easy peasy. Adding the ad shop onto your blog is as simple as copy and pasting html; it is all so effortless. So why am I stepping back from Passionfruit? To be honest, I wish I could keep Passionfruit. But with all of the new updates I am drooling over, there also comes a price. Up until now, Passionfruit has been completely free for me to use. The updated version costs $9 a month for unlimited access.

I get it. I do. I was surprised that I could use it for free to begin with. And for established bloggers who are working with other bloggers and companies all the time, that low monthly fee probably seems like nothing. But realistically, at this time, I cannot afford it. I am still such a new blog, and such a small blog, that I only am comfortable offering swaps. I am fine with that. In fact, I love it. I have met some wonderful bloggers. I just can not keep using Passionfruit. Their monthly fee is small, but because I make no money from this blog I would just be paying for people to swap with me.

What does this mean for my current sponsors?

You don't have to do anything, dears :) I will simply use you current button image and link to your blog when I make the transition. This may require some adjustment and cropping of your current button. If you are unhappy with the adjustments I make, please let me know and send me a button sized 270x100 to replace it. Your ad/button will be "renewed," giving us all a fresh start, and I will email you in a month or so to make sure you want to keep your swap up. If at anytime, you do not want your button up on my blog anymore, for any reason, please email me (ohwhimsicalme@gmail.com) and I will take care of it.

What does this mean if you want to swap with me in the future?

My advertisement page will be updated with all the details really soon. Please look there for specifics. We'll be doing things the old fashion way; I'll upload them myself manually and you can always coordinate with me over email (ohwhimsicalme@gmail.com).

I hope you understand the changes I am making and why. If my blog expands as I hope it to in the future, will I go back to using Passionfruit? Perhaps.

Summer Woes and Day Dreams

Prepare yourself, I'm about to complain a lot.

Well, I hate summer. I really do. There, I said it. I've been feeling pretty down lately and I'm blaming the heat. I feel shut in and trapped. I want to be outside. I want to go exploring with nothing but my camera. I want to drive around with the windows down, with no real destination, letting the river guide us. I want to sit outside for longer than 2 seconds without my hair catching on fire, my skin blistering, and sweating balls. Exaggeration? Not in the slightest.

It's a well known fact that summer is my least favorite season. The only season, in fact, that I don't enjoy vigorously. I know a lot of people get seasonal depression in the winter; I think I am the opposite. Give me the cloudy and the cold, please. I can complain a lot, but at least I have an air-conditioned house to mope around in. And cold showers to enjoy. I can also just day dream about living in beautiful, coastal, temperate British Columbia. Sorry, Boise, but I don't want to live in you forever. There are much prettier, colder places out there. Take me north, please.

image source

How do you beat the heat? I mostly just complain on my blog. And drink smoothies. And read fantasy. And listen to dreamy tunes.




Are you being hit by a heat wave? If not, can I come live with you?

This is Why I'm Happy

These pictures were just too cute not to share. Oh, these two. I am one happy lady.

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend with those you love.

Will's Birthday Celebrations

This weekend was filled with celebration. In addition to Father's Day, Will had a birthday on Friday. He and I are similar in that we both don't care too much for celebrating our own birthdays. But I still like to show him how much I love him and that I love that he was born! So we had a get together (of sorts) anyway!

Friday night we had dinner over at his parents' place, and well, he just got spoiled well.

His parents were lovely and cooked up a feast, featuring some of Will's favorites. We munched on yummy cheeses and veggies and wine. At one point we decided to open a bottle of champagne that was as old as Will. It was not good, haha. Dinner included giant oysters, fresh salmon, steaks, and red potatoes. A food coma ensued, of course.

^food coma faces^

I winged a whole wheat, egg-free, and butter-free chocolate cake and Will's mama prepared a chocolate frozen greek yogurt for dessert.

We all settled down at the end of the night to watch Tremors 2, at which point I took the opportunity to pass out on the couch until we were ready to go home :) I was so tired! Saturday we celebrated a bit more and went shopping for a felt hat (which Will looks so classy in) and had some Cafe Rio.

Not a bad way to spend a birthday, if you ask me. Tomorrow I'll share a little something I made and gifted to Will.

Dad Day

Happy Father's Day, yesterday!

I am one lucky little lady to have such a fantastic father. We don't get to choose our parents, but I'd like to think if I was given the chance I'd still go with mine every time. As I grew up I also saw my parents grow so much as people. And I love that. I was taught such valuable lessons in courage and openness because of that. I get my sense of humor from my father. My dark hair, pale skin, big brown eyes, and introverted tendencies as well. He taught me the value of learning, the thrill of adventure, and how to be a great, loving listener. He is the best bear huger in the world and a perfect father to four crazy, unique, now grown-up kids.

My dad spent his father's day pretty well, I'd say. Jenica took him out for a hike early in the morning and then we had breakfast together.

Later in the day my brother Aaron took over grill duty and cooked up some pesto salmon, habañero pineapple chicken, brats, and grilled veggies. I made potatoes rustica and a green salad. My sister Bee made some delicious Texas sheet cake for dessert. We were all rightfully stuffed after.

I hope you all had a great day celebrating the good fathers in your lives.

 

Today I'm Relaxing

I'm just having one of those down days. It is warm and beautifully sunny out, but I'm wishing it were the deepest winter so I didn't feel quite so guilty about curling up inside. If I were a school child still, today would be a time were I'd be tempted to pretend I'm ill; not because I didn't want to go to school but because staying in bed seemed way too appealing.

This morning I woke up with a terrible headache. I get headaches quite a bit, but still there is something about them that makes me feel so off. Despite my 8 hours of sleep I am so tired today. Not only am I physically exhausted (tough workouts lately), I'm mentally exhausted as well. I've had quite a lot on my mind lately and my brain needs a break. I can feel some big changes coming for me and I'm hoping I can face them strongly and happily.

Today will be spent lounging around in a wrinkly dress, finishing up a few projects (that I'm eager to share with you guys!), drinking tea and smoothies and eating yummy food, devouring the last bit of my book, and enjoying some soothing yoga.

What do you do to relax?

Memorial Day Weekend

This weekend was again not very adventurous, but it was still plenty eventful! We had plans to hike all weekend, but those plans kept getting pushed aside thanks to all the rain. As much as I wanted to get out and explore, I didn't mind the quite, relaxing weekend with my love one bit. Here's a look at what we spent our time doing instead.

Friday: Will and I made one of our favorite recipes for dinner, Green Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk and Warm Spices. It has been a little uncharacteristically chilly outside lately, so warm curry soup was a perfect treat. Plus, this soup is pretty healthy! Not to mention super delicious. I recommend it. We also spent the evening relaxing and catching up on a bit of TV. If you haven't seen the latest Bill O'Reilly episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, you are missing out. Oh, those two.

image source: the traveler's lunchbox

Saturday: Saturday we had a bit of sun; we lounged about in it all morning listening to good tunes and playing with the pups. Saturday was also national wine day which I obviously celebrated accordingly. A glass of wine in the sun? Yes please. A glass of wine with lunch? Yes please. A glass of wine, or two, or three with dinner? Yes please. We had a lovely dinner over at Will's parent's house, and Pippin had the time of his life when Bill (Will's papa) handed him a steak bone to gnaw on. Oh goodness, that was one happy (and slightly confused) pup. He also rather enjoyed the chickens, or he would have had we let him run around like a crazy after them.

Sunday: We had rain almost all day. I didn't mind. We did decide to get out of the house for a bit despite it and saw a lovely movie and grabbed dinner after. We saw The Reluctant Fundamentalist at The Flicks. It is the best film I have seen in a very very long time. So beautifully done. Such phenomenal acting by Riz Ahmed. I can't say enough good things about it. After the film, we walked across the street and had a bite to eat at Tablerock Brewpub. I had the lemon quinoa salad. I could write a song about it, it was so tasty. Will had the pesto blt. I finished the night with a good book reading session.



Monday: We were hoping to drive to Leslie Gulch for a day of hiking and exploring, or at the very least hit up a trail here in Boise. But alas, rain. My dad did manage to squeeze in some grilling before it really started to pour, though, and we enjoyed a little barbecue with my family. Other than that, I was forced to play a bit of some dancing game on Bee and Tyler's wii, we got grocery shopping done for the week, and I spent a lot of time curled up with my book.

Mostly, I was just happy to spend so much time with this lovely guy. I hope your Memorial Day Weekend was fun and relaxing. I hope you got to enjoy more time outside than I did! Oh goodness, the fact that today is Tuesday feels so weird, right?