independence day

happy Independence Day to all.

I worked tonight. it was dead all day and CRAZY BUSY at night. desheveled and completely burnt out, we all went home. Janna drove me, which was awesome, because when I got home I discovered a huuuge blister on my right heel :( that walk would have been rough if it wasn't for her.

I'm a bit sad though. Jordan is in Detroit at the Tigers game, and I couldn't go because no one wanted to trade for my shift. I'm more sad about not getting to see any fireworks. after a night like tonight, blistered and exhausted, I have no stamina to walk the mile to get downtown or to fight the crowds.

I'm catching bits and pieces of the Macy's and Boston's fireworks on TV, and I can feel the fireworks being launched downtown, but this is the first time I haven't seen a real fireworks show on the 4th. and I'm all aloney. on my owney. ah well. c'est la vie.

fathers' day

so I spent this past weekend at my parents' house. despite the usual madness, it was nice being home.

I played with puppies all weekend, went out for dinner on Saturday night for my parents' anniversary, and had some yummy french toast on Sunday morning to celebrate Fathers' Day. I would have liked to stay for Fathers' Day Indian buffet, but I had to work at 2 and no one would take my shift :(

stupidly, I dent take any photos of anything worthwhile. I have been taking my K-x with me practically everywhere, but the last time I used it was at the beginning of the month for Mothers' Day.

and since I don't have any photos from this weekend (sorry, Dad), I guess I'll share those.

ahaha, they're going to kill me for posting that first one, but it's just too good.

all in all, I'm grateful to have such supportive parents. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for them. they put up withe through my shy childhood, my awkward teenage years, and my very mixed-up young adulthood. thank you, Mom and Dad for being you, and for letting me be me.

court's kids

I first heard about Court's Kids in my capstone class. when I checked it out, I was blown away that people would just be willing to give away books to teachers for free. it seemed like a long shot. however, when I sent an email, I got a speedy reply from Kiki, the organization's president and co-founder.

it had to be one of the nicest emails I've ever received. she was so willing to help and interested in the group of students I was requesting the books for. she said it may take up to 3 weeks to receive the books, but less than a week later, they were sitting on my doorstep. how cool! and I couldn't believe how many books there were. truly incredible.

Court's Kids is an organization dedicated to "provide special education programs with the books and materials they need." check out their website! → www.courtskids.org

deuce giveaway

a few weeks back, I won a giveaway from Kinsey's blog. I was innocently reading a post about a glass bottle pendant DIY, and was surprised to see the annoucement of the winner at the bottom with my name! it took a minute or two to explain to Jordan why I was dancing around the room, but boys just don't understand these things ;)

I couldn't believe it! I was really excited about this giveaway, too. both because I adore Kinsey's blog, and because it was for a $50 gift card to Deuce Fashion. Jamie Cox is the shop owner and designer, and her pieces are gorgeous and, best of all, unique. I was drawn to her shop right away, and was over the moon when I read in Kinsey's blog that I had won!

it was such a tough decision, but I chose:

a necklace with yellow recycled sea glass and brass cylinders

and a necklace with dalmatian jasper inside a gold triangle pendant.

amazing! I wear them both all the time, and I have gotten so many compliments.

check out Kinsey's beautiful blog. it's full of fashion, DIYs, and showcases her amazing talent for photography. Jamie also has a blog and an etsy shop, where she displays her talent for jewelry design, as well as tidbits of her daily life :)

I miss yoga

my groupon to a local yoga studio expired, and I have been too lazy (and nervous to spend the $80) on a month's worth of yoga classes. I have to admit, though, I feel very different abstaining from yoga. after each class, I felt amazing and healthy, and now I feel like a lump. I've definitely felt an increase in stress, and subsequently, weight gain. I'll have to bite the bullet sooner or later.

I know that the Y has discounted student memberships, and it's cheaper than a yoga studio. but there's only one class called "Yoga" at the Y, which is free for members. I just like the variety of classes offered at a yoga studio. now that I've been spoiled by studio classes, I don't know if I should do it! the availability of a pool at the Y is attractive, though...

anyway, I may just have to find some good video classes while I decide.

full glam ahead!

a couple weeks ago, I got a lovely surprise in the mail!

 

my lovely friend Laura hosted a giveaway at her blog, and being a long-time admirer of Benefit Cosmetics, I just had to enter. and what do you know, I won! I could not have been more excited about this. the only Benefit product that I own is their Maybe Baby perfume that I bought when I was stranded in LA. she even included an adorable card in the package. she's the best ♥.

I love all of these products. I was nervous about the High Beam and Stay Don't Stray because I have sensitive skin, but I have had no problems using them. the High Beam has been a lifesaver as the school year winds down. I'm feeling quite worn out and it shows, so I dab it under my eyes and it's amazing. the Stay Don't Stray is a primer for concealer and eyeshadow. I've only used it as an eyeshadow primer, and I love it. my eyeshadow lasts longer, wears brighter, and I don't end up with eyeshadow caked in the crease of my eye at the end of the day. and of course, the Bad Gal Lash is incredible. the brush is GIANT, and it makes me look like I'm wearing false eyelashes. I rarely use black mascara because my skin is so fair, but I have been using this all the time.

Laura is a sweetheart, and her blog is beautiful and interesting (quite a feat, these days... something I'm still trying to achieve with my own blogs). check out her blog, Laura Caffeine!

in recent news...

...I graduated!

unfortunately, we didn't get many good photos together because there are mobs of people around after the ceremony, so we met at a restaurant across the street. my mom didn't meet up with us until after the ceremony so the opportunities just weren't there until later when we were back at our apartment.

I'm not sure how my dad found me in the sea of graduates (or how I found them), but he pulled it off! I like how in the second photo my friend John is looking at me like I'm crazy. Jordan was easier to find - he ended up right on the end of the row. I, however, was swimming right in the middle of the sea of graduates.

after the ceremony, we went out to one of our new favorite spots, Graydon's Crossing. lots of yummy choices of "traditional English fare" and tons of Indian-inspired dishes as well. not to mention 46 beers on tap.

back at home, we had a celebratory drink before we all parted ways. my parents and brother back home, and Jordan's parents to their hotel.

Aussie pride! I wore my flag under my robe ;)

thouuuusands of graduates