Up Next

To all those who are following this blog, I have an announcement..I am leaving for Jordan!  That being said, I decided it was only fitting to create a new beginning in the wake of a new journey.

You can visit me now at:  http://begintheworld.blogspot.com/  I will continue to post new and inspiring things as I encounter them, whether they are in Jordan, or otherwise!


love.
me

Leave Everything

This collection of stories and pictures will be traveling to another destination very soon, as will I.   In the meantime, enjoy what is archived here, and look forward to a new start.

"Travel, leave everything, copy the birds. Home is one of civilization's sadnesses."
Gustave Flaubert

{via here}

Desert Flower

Anxiously awaiting summer. 

{via here}

"Forks Over Knives"

This is important stuff.  Start watching.
  

Snack Break

I'm currently without the use of my nifty canon powershot, with its hi-def pictures and cheeky little zoom lens. I was really using my brain when I began packing for the big move to PA, and decided to pack everything as far in advance as possible, including all my books and electronic gadgets...and my camera battery charger.  It's now officially buried beneath an entire library of nursing textbooks.  Woops!  Being prepared is overrated.

Anywho, I have been reduced to using my cell phone camera.  I'm sure it's more advanced than I give it credit for, but I'm still pining for my automatic focus.

Snacks.  What else is there to say?  They get me through the day (and night).  Some people prefer a glass of wine or a cup of tea to calm themselves down or unwind.  I do it with food.  

My favorite pick-me-upper.  Vanilla yogurt.  Mixed berries (I buy the frozen ones from Trader Joe's).  Raw almonds. 

Alice Waters' Fennel Salad.  Easy, quick, refreshing, and simple to play around with if you're looking to be creative...

In the Meantime...

Sometimes, life can feel incredibly messy and frustrating for no good reason at all.  (Do you ever feel that way, or is it just me?)  While I get a grip and stop being such a grump, I thought I'd give you some visual stimulation (not THAT kind of visual stimulation...)

Happy Birthday, Lil' Sis.

To my Little Sister- Happy Birthday!  (hint: she's the wide-eyed cupcake monster in the middle.)

love. me.

The only Tragedy that will make you Laugh

Baking Fever

With baked goods on the brain (see previous post), I am excited to get my hands dirty this weekend with some kitchen action.  In the meantime, here are some ideas/recipes I'm hoping to try...

...My friend recently tried this Sally Lunn bread recipe..."SO good," was her response.

{via here and here and here}

SugarBaby Released!

...earlier than expected!  I could care less that the imaginary countdown in my head was interrupted.  Bring on the sweet relief! 

Here's where you can order the book.
Here's Gesine's instructional blog with beautiful, big photos.

delicious.

For Every Woman

Every woman deserves to hear these words in their lifetime...

{via middlechildcomplex}

(les Petits Mouchoirs)

Perhaps a French version of "The Big Chill?" Well that's that. Must see this soon...

"Little White Lies" (les Petits Mouchoirs)

Sweets

It's a gloomy morning, and I am craving something sweet...then again, when am I not?

{via the beautiful photography blog "On My Way"}

Aquatic Tea Party

My new obsession (yes, I'm a bit behind the times) is The Man Repeller. I honestly crack up...and at times double over...at the things this girl shamelessly puts out there. She basically says (and wears) everything the rest of woman-kind is afraid to.

One post in particular that got me to slap my knee as I pulled a loud, cackle-ish "HA!"...

{see here for original location}

Shoe Lust

Ah-Dorable.

I am not one to spend chunks of my paycheck on shoes...okay, maybe once upon a time. Well, all I can say is that once upon a time is gonna happen again real soon, because these cuties are just too good.

Oh, did you see these too?

Shoe lust is a dangerous thing.

What is a "Fighting Daisy?"

I've been temporarily away from this blog due to a schedule overload. In the meantime, I thought I'd update you on some of what my time away has consisted of...anybody up for a particularly memorable road trip to Hyannis, MA? I promise you, it's well worth the drive...

Women in Menswear

Who ever said a woman can't wear men's clothes? Tomboys, unite.

{image via the sartorialist}

What Day?

I am not a big fan of Valentine's Day, whether I am single or not. Of course, I have no problem with doing a little something special today...but why not something special EVERY day?! Love is not a one-day-gig.

In other news, I'll be on hiatus for the next couple weeks. Life gets hectic at times, so I'll be paying more attention to certain projects and less to others. Here's one project that is pretty close to my heart at this moment. To keep you occupied in the meantime, some extra reading/watching material...

Garance Dore and her public ladies restroom debacle...one for all!

Adele's Tiny Desk Concert.

Next knitting project, perhaps? (and my most recent project.)

Watch this documentary. Waaaay better than "So You Think You Can Dance."

Love this backsplash for a purple splash of spring. God knows we all need it.

and Happy Birthday to Miss Oregon...she is 2 years old today!

See you all in a couple weeks :)

To Scoop With

adorable.

{found via design crush}

How To Taste Chocolate

Tcho chocolate has these cute little taster sets. Who knew that 8 tiny squares of chocolate could go such a long way in satisfying your craving?

Along with your sampler, you also get an instruction card for "How to Taste Chocolate." Follow these six simple rules to becoming a chocolate connoisseur:

1. Look for a consistent color and shiny finish on your chocolate; this signifies well-crafted chocolate.

2. Listen for a clean, bright snap when you break your chocolate; this is an indicator of good tempering.

3. Smell is a significant determinant to taste; gently rub a piece then inhale deeply and note the aromas.

4. Taste by placing the chocolate on your tongue without biting into it; let it soften to release the flavors.

5. Feel the chocolate's texture in your mouth; it should melt evenly and feel smooth and silky.

6. Aftertaste, or the "finish," can sometimes be very different from the initial flavor you tasted; as the chocolate melts on your tongue, notice how it changes.

Thanks, Tcho.

Maybe your next event could be a chocolate tasting?!