Author: Lydia

Lydia’s Goal Updates for November

~ Lydia ~ Leave a comment

1. I haven’t done this yet… I’m thinking spring is a better season? I also need some time to find someone who wants to do it with me!

2. Almost there! About a month to go! Thank goodness. I’ve actually found I’m quite bored with the whole thing. I’m now able to do the 13 miles.. so I just want to DO it and move on to other less-painful-for-my-knees workouts.

3. This requires $$$. On hold…

4. I’m terrible at this. Amazon just makes it so easy.. and who can turn down a good sale? Writing this post is a good reminder to double check myself before I make those impulse buys!

5. Reached the $1,000 in three months minimum to get my bonus AA miles! Just need to save up those vacay days!

6. I think I’ve done a great job at this. I want to continue these efforts, but I do say yes more often!

7. Yeah no. Same as those naughty impulse buys.. but I mean I am PRETTY confident calories don’t count on Halloween week because.. magic.

8. This is also going well! I’m reading a lot and am reading more and more on design. i just love it. Now to learn photoshop…

9. I don’t have cable in the new apartment, so this one was easy peasy lemon squeezy. I don’t watch TV Monday – Friday, brought a lot of free time into my days.

10. Will going to Jacksonville for a June wedding count?

11. He’s doing so well! I’ve had him for a little over a year, and I think I’ve re-programmed his shelter dog mind. He’s much more loyal and.. well, better.

12. Where did I think I was getting the vacation days and money for all these trips? Too bad I HAVE to do what is on my list. Gah.

13. I could improve on this. I just tend to hear and accept things. This is a good reminder.

14. This to do list was kind of cheating. Loving the new apartment! It’s divine and perfect for me.

15. She doesn’t move till January! I would ideally like to visit during the summer to escape the heat!

For the next goal update, I think I’ll take out the ones I’ve accomplished and add any new ones I’ve thought of. I am loving having this list! It’s a great reminder on the things I’ve said I want to do and improve on. Can’t wait for next month : )

Movin’ on up..to the cit-ay

~ Lydia ~ Leave a comment

Long story short, after I graduated from college, I took a job in Arizona. Hated it, quit, and moved back to Dallas to pursue the career path I wanted. 10 months of steaming milk at Starbucks and interning later, I finally landed a fantastic job at a fantastic ad agency doing exactly what I want to do. I’ve reached that point in my post-college life where I can take a deep breathe and love where I am. Anyways, the point is I’ve moved into a beautiful apartment in a beautiful area and I was neurotically planning my room weeks [ okay, months ] before I actually moved in, or signed a lease for that matter. This is the inspiration board I came up with prior to move in..

And.. Ta Da! Here is what the place looks like post move in. The two huge windows I have in my room are lust worthy. It’s like having two giant pieces of artwork. My view of trees and England-style brick is simply heaven.

I should note that the frame with the postcards is not yet complete.. I still have some Instagram photos to print! And I am also still pining for that elephant tea pot above.. it’s everything. I think I’d like to have something draped from the ceiling. Like dark wood circles on hemp hanging like Christmas lights at a wedding reception in a tent – not to be specific. Also, the dresser and the knobs I’ve purchased for it still require a trip to the hardware store..

Let me know what you think or any suggestions – decorating is a life long process after all 🙂

Austin, in short.

~ Lydia ~ 1 Comment

This past weekend, Sarah, myself and two of my very best friends headed south to Austin. This town is my town. Literally.

It really was  a blast. Everyone is so friendly, and it’s easy to strike up a casual conversation while waiting for a latte or for the “walk” sign to cross the street. I know both Sarah and I have so many things we want to share, so I’m going to TRY to limit myself to the top four. This. This is a challenge.

1. Summermoon Coffee Bar

I discovered this little nugget last time I was in Austin. I woke up too early one day, so I drove here to read and have some green tea. On my way out, I picked up lattes for myself and the rest of my friends. Best decision of my life. The lattes are seriously heaven. They use some kind of sweet milk… but they don’t tell you what is in it… not that you want to know how many calories are in there. Regardless. It’ll be worth it. (not to mention the place is adorable)

2. The Parks.

The first on the left was amazing and conveniently located next to a botanical garden. There were people playing frisbee, soccer and dogs running around off leash. It took every ounce of self control I have not to steal one. I survived and am not currently in jail, so the trip was definitely a success. The park on the right was kind of a funny story. We had mentally prepared ourselves for at least an hour or so hike. The walk up the “mountain” was about 10 minutes – Google search let us down. Ha! The view was amazing. We all picked out our future homes fully equipped with their own boats, filled with our hopes and dreams!

3. Record Store.

I have a record player… but it’s currently in storage and has been there for about a year. I never fully committed to living at home, but regardless I purchased three new vinyls. If you’re a professional vinyl collector – don’t hate. I’m no expert. I like to purchase vinyls for bands I know I won’t ever be tired of. Or bands that have unique, powerful sound. Especially older bands who originally published their music on vinyls, it feels like that’s how it was supposed to be listened to. I am DYING for a Louie Armstong vinyl. To get a good one it’s like $40-50, but I know I’ll eventually make this plunge.

Anyways, how could I resist buying vinyl in Austin?

I ended up choosing Sufjan Stevens, Cat Stevens and Bob Dylan. There were about 10 others I NEEDED. But I suppose there are other vinyl stores… I guess.

4. Art.

Do I need to even introduce these? It’s everywhere in Austin. Store fronts, store walls, random alleyways… the personality of Austin is art in and of itself. I love street art more than anything. It’s like the urban version of stopping and smelling the roses.

Old Home Supply

~ Lydia ~ 2 Comments

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I’m moving into a new apartment at the end of the month and like any red-blooded American woman, I’m stalking Pinterest like I’m waiting to get the winning lottery numbers. My biggest issue with all these overly zealous DIY-ers is that they make everything sound so simple. Like finding a door for a “simple” headboard or wood pallets for well, anything. I’ve always wondered where these people find this wonderland of cheap wood.

Well, this weekend I learned that these places actually exist. It’s called Old Home Supply in Fort Worth – worth the drive. It’s pretty amazing. They gather doors, cabinets, old window frames, mantles and other hardware pieces from historic homes in the area that get torn down. They have three buildings, and you can mosey from building to building as you please. The employees are all really nice, friendly and want to help you with whatever project you are embarking upon. I brought a frame and a window frame to the front to ask how much they were, and the woman at the register guided me to the one that I purchased (below). They are also so trusting. She had me go ahead and put the window frame in my car while I shopped around, and I could pay for it when I was finished. She said she had wanted the window frame but couldn’t find a place in her house for it, and she loves when things she likes goes to someone who will enjoy it as much as she would – I assured her that she would not be disappointed. I’m a sucker for good customer service.


I did have some Pinterest-inspired moments of my own. I picked up this amazing old window frame for $20. It’s minty green, the paint is chipping like crazy and I LOVE it. The plan is to take some hemp, string it across, paint some clothespin and pin up some postcards and pictures. I’ve also learned that you can print Instagram photos at camera specialty stores, so that’s on the list as well. In an effort to be original, I picked up a few knobs for my dresser that I want to give a quick makeover. I’ll need to supplement with some unoriginal Anthropologie hardware, but I’m not looking to turn down an excuse to just be in that heavenly store.

My bonus adventure was stopping at Berry Good Buys on my way. I purchased this amazing lamp for $8. It needs a little work… to make it well, work. But I don’t think that is too difficult? Wish me luck with these projects.. the last DIY project that worked out for me was a science fair project. About mold.

Lydia’s List of to do’s

~ Lydia ~ 2 Comments

Sarah and I decided to make “to do” lists. In addition to enjoying our lives to the fullest, we don’t want to forget about those big things. The big ones that require planning, saving and vacation time. True to our nature, we are covering all of our bases.

I make New Years resolutions every year. I never remember them as they are usually decided moments before I fall to sleep and typically involve weight, exercise and “do less” of something. I much prefer to refer to this list as a “To Do” list. I love to do lists. I live for to do lists. Any kind of lists, really. The feeling of drawing that clean, straight line through an accomplished task or activity is like having a piece of chocolate (which is not to say that upon crossing something out on a list you shouldn’t celebrate with a Dove Dark Chocolate. You most absolutely should).

Anyhoo. My list is more for the next two or so years. I feel my interests are constantly changing. For instance as of today I have no interest in deserts in the least. But who knows, maybe in a few years I’ll be yearning to ride a good camel.

Without further adieu, my list.