Caution: Hard Hat Area

Things are a little different around here, temporarily. I made some administration changes to my blog and my photos have suffered. I'm the process of fixing the issue and uploading the missing photos to my posts again. I hope you understand; have a little faith that everything will be back up and running properly by tomorrow! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Fondly,

Optimistic

Photo Credit: Mr. Zager

If You're Happy and You Know It...

Everybody gets stressed. At the present moment, I'm unbelievably stressed. My shoulders are so tense that they're actually sore. I'm sensing that I'm in the middle of a "quarter-life crisis" - and apparently that is a real term. According to sources, a "quarter-life crisis" involves insecurity regarding long-term plans or life goals, disappointment with one's job, frustration with social ills, loneliness, desire to have children, a sense that everyone is doing better than you, confusion of identity, and financially-rooted stress.

Who am I? What do I want? And, how do I get it? These questions are most common in your mid-twenties because you have just been catapulted into the "real world" and want follow your dreams, but you have no idea where to begin.

I think everyone has these issues at some point in their life, whether or not it's termed a quarter-life crisis, a mid-life crisis, or whatever. But instead of getting down about it, there are many books out there to help you work through it. Sometimes creating a list is constructive, and can help you reevaluate your choices. It can be as simple as writing down what you're thankful for, or what makes you happy. This is beneficial at any age, no matter what stage in life you're in. It helps maintain an emotional balance, and just might bring you back on track. You can then surround yourself with the little things that will brighten your day.

What makes me happy...

food photography
experimenting with new recipes
a nap
bubble baths
helping a stranger
sangria
a long drive down a country road
curling up with a good book
a walk at dusk
a lakeside breeze
a perfectly sunny day
making someone laugh
music
peanut butter & jelly
babies
freshly washed sheets
rosy cheeks in the winter
casual Friday
fresh coffee
movie previews
a summer rain
farmer's markets (it's a rainbow of colors!)
Sunday night HBO
wearing a dress
Full House reruns

What makes YOU happy?

Fondly, Optimistic

Photo Credit: antoaneta

To Have and To Hold

I want to emphasize again how wonderful Etsy is! This morning, I found the most beautiful handmade clutches. They're made by FIAZCO and she says she's "been designing and sewing since Barbie and Ken first started dating." I like her already!

Although she has plenty of stunning designs on her Etsy page, she will also accomodate custom orders. These would be perfect for bridesmaids, or any other special occassion. There are even fabric swatches available so you can match them to your dress (but remember, not too matchy-matchy)!

This clutch was one of my favorites!

The Kayla Collection

Sky blue fabric with bold chocolate brown flowers.

Lined with vibrant Peacock colored Duponi silk.

And it has a bright Nickel frame.

These are one of a kind! The clutches are only $65, meaning you'll still have money to put inside it. But, they are so cute, I'd carry it around empty!

I bet all of your lady friends will want to know where to get one. Compliments are guaranteed. I can't wait to get my hands on one! Pun intended.

Fondly,
Optimistic

Sounds In The City

I work on the 54th floor of a big city skyscraper. At this altitude, the sirens below are just a faint echo. For the most part, it's quiet and serene up here. Out my window I watch storms roll in and planes fly out. I see all kinds of traffic on the highway (it's a blessing not to be able to hear it) and laugh at sight-seeing boats heading down the Chicago River in the pouring rain (I've never seen so many ponchos outside of Disney World).

Today, was a different story. I'm minding my own business, typing away on my computer, when all of sudden - I hear music, loud and clear. I turn around to look out my window and very quickly I realize the music is coming from a neighboring condominium building. The building is presently under construction, and the construction crew is blasting their boom box. Do they still make boom boxes? I sure hope so, those things were so dorktastic.

What shocked me the most were the song choices.

I heard...

"My Guy" by Mary Wells

"Under The Boardwalk" by The Drifters

"Cruisin" by Huey Lewis and Gwenyth Paltrow

"At Last" by Etta James

"Lady Marmalade" by Patti Labelle

Oh, and I swear I heard a song by Barbara Streisand.

Okay, maybe it was Boy George.

I couldn't tell.

Sorry, I'm listening through glass here!

Who would have thought that "At Last" would be heard on a construction site? I work for a construction company and I've never heard it! Denim button-downs (while wearing jeans), Timberland boots, and canteens are the things that make up a construction site. Not Huey Lewis and Gwenyth Paltrow. I would have expected Def Leppard, AC/DC, or Guns N' Roses. Maybe even a little Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, or Jimmy Buffett. But Etta James? Nah. Never. Maybe tomorrow they'll play some Celine Dion. She sounds right up their alley.

Fondly,
Optimistic

Photo Credit: Lawrence Sinclair

I'm Still Here!

I thought I should let you know (yes, you!), I haven't abandoned my blog. I promise. I love it here, why would I ever leave? I love thinking that people actually read my blog, so why would I stop?

I've been a very busy girl for the past 7-10 days (I don't even know what day of the week it is anymore). If someone hands me another proposal to write, I swear I'm going to punch them in the ovaries. Oh come on, I wouldn't really!

"I've got to get busy writing - busy, busy, busy!" Anyone know where that quote is from? Frosty the Snowman. I can hear Professor Hinkle saying it now. It cracks me up because instead of working, that's where my mind has wandered to. Well, at least I can still laugh. Even if I'm up to my eyeballs in deadlines!

Fondly,

Optimistic

Photo Credit: Martha

Hell Froze Over

Do you remember the first time you felt like an adult? I mean, really felt like an adult. Like you've grown up and there's no turning back? It's a strange feeling; not exactly a welcome one. You're fully aware that it's impending; and you just have to let it sink in whether you like it or not. Recently, I've made that transition, and you're probably going to laugh when I reveal why.

In a way, I've lost that warm fuzzy feeling I had a few years ago. When my clothes from high school still fit (certainly a distant memory nowadays); and when I didn't worry about my future, or how much time I had left to squeeze in everything I want to accomplish.

Now, I'm going to admit what snapped me into reality.

Ready?

My internal clock is adjusting!

What is happening to me?

I can't seem to keep my eyes open past 10pm on weeknights anymore (let alone weekends, but I'm so not going to go there). I struggle to get out of bed in the morning at 6:30am for work; and I fight and moan all the way to the shower.

Sometimes I even walk to the shower with my eyes still closed, as if those extra seconds are going to grant me enough rest to make it through the day.

I can't seem to sleep in on my days off anymore either. My family always said that if that ever happened; hell froze over. I was the kid who slept until noon (at least!) every weekend and all summer long. Oh my, not anymore! I'm up no later than 9am, and I wake up confused, wondering how I'm going to fill this new time frame.

But I guess this is all part of the plan, right? I'm on my way to bigger and better things, right? That's honestly what I keep telling myself.

Fondly,

Optimistic

Photo Credit: Deltasly

Isn't "Knit" Cute?

Everyone loves Etsy. I've shopped on Etsy for every birthday gift I've given so far this year. On another note, you should know that I don't like bruised fruit. Or scorching hot coffee cups. This is where Jacqueline Knits comes in. She is one super smart gal. Why didn't I think of this? All I know is I have to have these!

"Coffee Cup Sleeve"

$12

Talk about environmentally friendly. Next time you grab a cup of java, you can tell the barista that you brought your own coffee sleeve. No need to waste one of theirs! Plus, yours will be way more stylin' and it's destined to be a conversation starter.

"Apple Jacket"

$14

This is just too cute. It's so useful! I will now be able to carry fruit to work and not have to worry about all those rude train passengers bumping my lunch (I know, I know, you can't help it!). This makes me so happy!

There are many other knit products in Jacqueline's store, and all are very reasonably priced. Many colors are available. Get over there and snatch these up!

Fondly,
Optimistic

Home Is Where The Heart Is

I'm slightly addicted to anything that involves Letterpress or Screenprint. I think it's a really elegant and simple form of art. This morning, I found this print, and gasped in adoration. You should have seen my face; it was love at first sight.

How ingenious, how patriotic, how sweet, is this piece?

It measures 22 x 30 inches and it's available here for $75.

Fondly,
Optimistic

Nice Jingle, But It's Not Maybelline

I'm very pick about my mascara. I'm "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed" (okay maybe just bright-eyed). I have very long eyelashes, so I want just the right amount of...enhancement. No one wants a gooey, sticky, thick mess on their lashes. Why can't every mascara do exactly what it's supposed to?

"Lift and separate!"

I did some research and it seems that Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara is always top rated; it certainly has a cult following. I might be the only one who doesn't love it; I just don't approve. Because my standards are so high, and I've done a bit of experimenting, I thought I'd share my two favorite mascaras! One is a splurge, and the other you can find at most drugstores.

The Grand Prize goes to...

Clinique's Long Pretty Lashes Mascara.

This is a very smooth and creamy, non-clumping mascara.

It actually does what it says it will, and the results are stunning!

The Runner-Up is...

Rimmel's Lash Maxxx Mascara.

Just look at that wand! The comb separates!

It, too, actually does what it says it will! Hallelujah!

Fondly,
Optimistic

Oh, For Heaven's Sake!

And my family wonders why I don't like to fly? Psssh!

I normally have to rock myself back and forth in the fetal position anytime I get on a plane. I just get so anxious. It's a control thing. If something happened, what in the world would I be able to do about it? That's right, nothing. I don't like that feeling. Although, when things go wrong mid-flight, the highly trained pilots of the friendly skies are perfectly capable to guide everyone back to down to earth safely. And I do trust them (especially the cute ones), but I'm still very pleased I was not on this particular flight...even though this is my favorite airline! I probably would have passed out.

Yesterday, on a flight from Nashville to Baltimore, a foot-long hole opened in the top of the Southwest Boeing 737 aircraft. The plane lost cabin pressure, and although no one was injured, all passengers were instructed to put on their oxygen masks that dropped down from the ceiling. The flight ended early with an emergency landing. Southwest inspected all 181 of its identical Boeing 737 jets before putting them back into the sky. One of the passengers described the situation as "the loudest roar I'd ever heard."

These things happen though, and I will continue to board planes as a mode of transportation (mostly because my family forces me to). Even if that means I'll be drenched in my own perspiration. Hopefully, you won't have to be the lucky person who sits next to me. But if you are, I'm sure we'll be great friends (just as long as I can have your barf bag!).

Fondly,
Optimistic

Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey Ladies!

If you haven't tried C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Lip Shine yet, you are way out of the loop. Not to offend anyone, but please, spend the $7.50 and purchase one of these, you'll be forever grateful. I can't stop smothering my lips with them. They smell (and taste!) delicious, and the shine is unlike any other lip gloss out there. Each lip shine is infused with a hint of peppermint oil to freshen breath and provide a cooling sensation.

At Bath & Body Works, they have all new juicy summer scents which are to die for! Ok, so you won't drop dead, but the people around you will be in awe of your glow. I personally recommend the Lychee scent. Lychee is a red heart-shaped fruit that has a natural sweetness and is a great source of vitamin C. Other scents available include Yuzu and Mangosteen. Both are just as delightful. Hurry and get to your nearest Bath & Body Works before I buy all of their stock; they are that necessary to my existence.

Fondly,

Optimistic