Things I Learned

... This weekend.

1. I think I'm officially as some people may say, a "cat lady." This morning I looked at my camera roll on my phone and realized that 80% of the pictures I've taken since I've been home from Florida have been of Clive. Example: picture about. Little Clive was just loving the oscillating fan in my bedroom, how could I not document that??
2. Antique stores are the best. For Christmas JJ is in the process of making me a craft desk out of old refurbished wood (woo ho! don't worry, more to come on that when it's in action.) He bought the old wood at this antique store in town and we decided to go look around on Saturday. It was like etsy but a store. There were 30 different "vendors" in the store in little sections. It was awesome, I could have spent hours there. My take aways? A beaded vintage clutch and antique ring. 
3. Chicago winters are brutal with no snow. The last couple months it's been chilly in Chicago but nothing unbearable... and then January 20th happened. It is like negative degree windchill! And there is no snow! Snow would at least make this frigid tundra worth it.
4. Sometimes neon green & neon pink nail polish is a must. I'm usually not the first to pick the bright colors for my nails or toes but because of the weather (note above) it only seemed necessary to go with neons this go around.
5. I only need to see 3 more of the best picture nominations this year! (Amor, Dijango Unchained, and Zero Dark Thirty) I'm really looking forward to seeing them before the Academy Awards in a couple weeks. Right now, my favorite noms are Silver Lining Playbook, Argo, & Les Mis... Who knows though, I'm sure that'll change tomorrow! So many great movies this year. 

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. There is something so exciting about finishing a journal and starting a new one. Sunday afternoon I started writing in my brand new green moleskin. I'm excited to see what is to come on those pages.
2. My kitten Clive is a snorer. It's been funny listening to the sweet little thing sleep. It sounds drastically different than a meow or a purr. I like to call him a mouth breather but it's not quite accurate. Where is Clive right now? Sleeping my lap and indeed snoring.
3. Half Price Books is a wonderful place. I bought C.S. Lewis' "A Grief Observed" for just .75. Come on, it doesn't get much better than that.  
4. I remembered how much I love awards shows. The Emmy's. I loved them. Specifically the cast of Modern Family. Oh, and all the pretty dresses. 
5. My town has a farmers market. I have now lived in the same suburb of Chicago for just about two years and just this weekend I went to my first ever farmers market! It was wonderful. What did I buy? Two sweet potatoes. I already ate them both. Oops. 

Amber Waves

Need a new song to listen to?

"Amber Waves" by Erin McCarley.

I wasn't quite sure if I liked it but I can't get it out of my head.

Thanks iTunes for making it your free single a couple weeks ago.

If you missed out, totally worth $.99.

Here, have a listen.

Also, here's Clive again :)

Have a good weekend! 

Be Still, My Heart.

Meet Clive. 

He's the new man to my life! 

I debated waiting until tomorrow to put him up on here 

but I'm just so excited I could not wait. 

I love him.

Things I Learned...

... this weekend.

1. Driving with the windows down makes every song better.
2. TV marathons are awesome. My personal favorite you ask, Law & Order: SVU. It was on USA all weekend. Team Elliot and Olivia forever. 
3. Moving is exhausting. On Saturday morning I helped my brother and his fiancee move into their new apartment. No matter how many people you have or how organized you think you are, it's never an easy task.
4. Breakfast is my favorite meal. My best friend Alex had a Labor Day brunch (more to come in a later post) on Monday, it was wonderful. Sharing the first meal of the day with people you love is a nice way to start any day.
5. Picking a kitten name is difficult. I cannot imagine what it is like for a child! Eek. If all goes as planned, I'll be a proud mama of a sweet little boy kitten. Any good name suggestions for me?

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. Sonic Happy Hour is worth a drive. JJ turned twenty five on Friday so it only seemed fitting to head to the closest Sonic (about a 30 minute drive) for happy hour. There's something so satisfying about a fountain diet coke with the little ice cubes in a styrofoam cup (and an ice cream cone.)
2. Racing horses have the funniest names. My personal favorite from Saturday: She's down with Jim. Too bad her odds were 30-1. Great name, poor racer. 
3. Petfinder.com is a very dangerous website. I want a kitten. Probably an unhealthy amount. Any name suggestions for my potential new kitten?
4. Cheap Chinese food makes a day significantly better. I'm always in a better mood after eating some sesame chicken. 
5.  oh, hello friend: you are loved. My new favorite blog.