Gettin’ my hair did

January 7, 2014April 11, 2017 ~ Lydia ~ Leave a comment

Life has finally returned back to normal! The holidays have never been so stressful for me as they were this year. And although I loved each and every minute I spent with my friends and family, I’m kind of looking forward to getting back to a normal routine filled with yoga, healthy eating and reading my new books.

To kick start it all, I’m currently waiting to get my hair done! I’m pretty terrible at scheduling appointments (I’ve rescheduled this one twice and have my first dentist appointment in over a year this Saturday), but I find that as a mostly fake blonde, this one is pretty important (although purely vanity). I’m also thinking about cutting a few extra inches off…

Almost halfway through the week!!!

Pains of dog-rearing

January 6, 2014November 7, 2015 ~ Lydia ~ Leave a comment

Westley and I are fighting. Sometimes, kids, having a dog is just no fun. And today was one of those days.

At 2 AM, whilst sleeping soundly, I got a call from the roomie letting me know that Westley had locked himself in the bathroom and was barking/generally freaking out. “Oh Splendid!” I thought to myself. And my boyfriend and I happily got out of bed to brace the cold front to head 20 minutes up the highway. Such a treat!

My bathroom is a trap. The door won’t stay open, it slowly closes unless blocked. And right next to the doorway is a drawer. When the draw is opened, which we will now refer to as the damn drawer, the door can’t open. Which isn’t usually a problem. Since someone would need to be in the bathroom to open the drawer. One would think.

Somehow, through fate and twisted odds, Westley went into the bathroom and it closed behind him. By trying to get it open with his little nose, he latched it closed. This would have been an easy fix. Just open the door! No problem at all. But. No. We’re not that lucky. The damn drawer SOMEHOW OPENED fully opened. COMPLETELY blocking the ability for the door to open more than half a centimeter. Through trials and wire hangers, we were out of ways to close the damn drawer. So, we had to bend the door to create enough space for Westley to weasel his way out. So there we are, 4 AM, comforting a terrified pup and no access to a toilet. I’d like to add that when you realize you can’t go pee, you all of a sudden have a full tank. This is science proven fact, I’m sure of it.

The next morning, it took a few white lies and begging to get maintenance to come out so I could get to my bathroom. By 1 PM, we were all set. After that, I drove my boyfriend and I to breakfast to buy “sorry for waking you up at 2 AM and then holding you hostage in my apartment till 1 PM and thank you for helping rescue my dog” breakfast tacos. Those were some delicious “I’m sorry” tacos though lemme tell ya.

Then Westley and I headed all the way 25 minutes north to redeem the second of the four Groupon self-serve baths I had waiting for me. But guess what, they just happened to be closed for a family emergency. Which you’re frustrated about, but then you feel really bad about being frustrated by a family emergency.

Desperate, I take him to another self serve groomers, pay $17 and move on with my life. I get home and then face the music that is my bathroom.

Not only did Westley freak out vocally, but as it turned out he also took it out on the carpet and the door. It appears he made great strides to try to dig underneath to escape. Pieces of the carpet were everywhere. EVERYWHERE. They were also on my black, gorgeous, 5 year old, dedicated, warm, Lululemon pants. Which, as it turns out, little Westley got angry at and tore holes in.

So in total, today Westley cost me a new door, a broken drawer, carpet replacement, a bath, Lululemon pants and a general sense of exhaustion.

The remainder of my day was spent doing laundry and watching a much needed Scandal marathon. So yeah, sometimes having a dog sucks a big one.

Update: this morning, now Monday, Westley has thrown up. Twice.

It’s a good thing they’re so damn cute and also give you days like this…

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Next up, 2014

January 5, 2014April 11, 2017 ~ Sarah ~ 1 Comment

Last year I decided on themes from 2012 and set ones for 2013, and it turned out to be one of my favorite posts. From time to time, I would look back to see how I was doing at my resolutions or if, most likely as I feared, I had forgotten about them entirely. I’m probably way too proud to say I really did accomplish last year’s goals, so I decided I would do the same style this year.

2013 was the year of…

Creativity. I made great strides as a budding amateur photographer and even won the Innovator Award at my agency’s annual peer-voted awards ceremony for the most creative strategies, ideas and campaigns (and tights, due to my daily variation of colors and patterns).

Relationships. Last year I was excited to announce the return of one of my best friends (now roommate). This year I had another lifelong friend move to the DFW area and managed to make some pretty huge strides in my romantic relationship. November 2012 I was sure I was on the brink of a break-up, yet somehow we grew together in a way I didn’t see coming, leading up to our engagement November 2013. Crazy! No offense meant to the rest of you guys, but I’m pretty sure I’ve locked down the most caring, intelligent, witty, handsome guy out there.

Travel. My real goal, if you haven’t caught on yet, is to make every year the year of travel. In 2013 I visited El Paso, Washington D.C., Austin, Chicago, Wisconsin, Tulsa, New York (twice!), Istanbul and Atlanta. What a great year!

Health. After battling what appears to be food allergies in the form of super swollen eyes and lips, I finally have the uncomfortable issues and itchiness under semi-control. I reached a pretty low place when my physical issues were leaving me ugly and sleep deprived, but I have been so blessed with a loving boyfriend, compassionate boss, tireless parents, understanding friends and the BEST DOCTOR EVER (aka Dr. Crawford). I also got to experiment with new recipes and restaurants in line with my new gluten, dairy, soy, egg, nut, bean – free diet.

2014 will focus on…

Engaging. Recently I realized that my natural inclinations to keep my head down in the grocery store and zone out to the tune of my to do list at work are just not what’s important. Life is not at all about me, and I want the way I live to reflect that. Some ways I plan on doing that include smiling more, asking questions, complimenting others, inviting people to coffee and lunches (heck, actually taking lunches) and dedicating one night a week to catching up on message replies, texts, maybe even a “hey, how’s life” phone call or snail mail note. I’ve let far too many close friendships grow distant and opportunities to connect with strangers fall by the wayside. No more.

Using time intentionally. This looks like lining up podcasts for my daily commutes to hear from Ben Stewart, the Bible app, TED talks or Italian lessons. This also looks like using my nights and weekends to pursue others and my interests, rather than pick up dinner at Whole Foods only to waste away on Netflix (no matter how good Sherlock, Parks & Rec and White Collar are). For instance, I have been promised a trip to Italy once I become fluent. Motivation, secured. I came across this quote the other day by H. Jackson Brown Jr.:

Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.

Rediscovering reading. When I was younger I read multiple books a week. Now, the same length book takes me at least a month. This year I want to read more, in turn increasing my appetite for even more books. Reading also has the side effects of inspiring creative juices and providing much needed rest, both of which I can always stand more of. I also really, really want to start a book club. I’ve been talking about this for at least a year, and enough is enough. If you’re in the Dallas area and love books and brunch, you should probably think about joining. More info coming soon as I figure out just what this looks like, but I’m très‎ excited.

Traveling. Up next is a road trip to Marfa, a leisurely beachfront long weekend in Maine, Austin for SXSW (and most likely my bachelorette party), another trip (or two, or three) to New York City and of course, our honeymoon. Right now, Italy’s Amalfi coast and Naples or Spain’s islands and Barcelona are in the lead.

That’s it! I could go on and on when it comes to goals and to do lists, but hopefully these themes give you a good idea of where I’ve been, where I’m at and where I’m going.

What have you got planned for 2014?

Hand-Holding Couple

January 3, 2014April 11, 2017 ~ Lydia ~ 1 Comment

As a member of the tourism marketing industry, I love travel photos. Especially those of someone traveling the world so I can live vicariously through it. These photos of the famous hand-holding couple of instagram is seriously cool. They travel all over the world and take the same shot at all the different and new places they visit. Always with the girlfriend looking out in some fashion onto the beauty that they are visiting and reaching back to hold her boyfriend’s (the photographer) hand. Like she’s leading him into this new world they are visiting. One thing I love is her wardrobe choices. They are all very different, but always fit in with the photo and the location. I wish I had seen this before going to Europe! I think it would’ve been so fun to strike the same pose or similar shot in all the different locations I visited. It makes for an amazing photo series that I can’t get over. (shout out to Elite Daily for this one, my love/hate relationship with you rages on)

PS. follow them on Instagram immediately.

Moving forward successfully

January 3, 2014April 10, 2017 ~ Sarah ~ Leave a comment

They say how you spend New Year’s Eve is how you’re going to spend the rest of the year. Okay, “they” might be The OC, but I’m not ashamed to admit that the show has impacted my life beyond its awesome soundtracks, Seth Cohen’s wit and Misha Barton’s great hair. I could go on about my love for all things OC (range rovers, bunnies and bagels to name a few), but this post is supposed to be about looking forward not back.

While I don’t go in for the superstitious side of this theory, I do think there is something to be said about starting the year with intentionality and resetting priorities to continue becoming a better friend, employee and self.

And I have to say, I happen to be entering 2014 the most organized, driven and ready I’ve ever been. It all started with a workbook my Bible study picked out called Moving Forward Successfully. Now, things like this typically strike me as pretty cheesy and forced. But with a good Songza playlist, some coffee and a little time, I really got into it and feel like I got a lot out, too. It was really fun and helpful to actually stop and think about everything that has happened this past year and my passions, plans and dreams for the future.

But wait, there’s more! (Infomercial reference, intended.) The workbook is only part one of a full month reading plan to get my head and heart ready for the year.

Next up, The Happiness Project. I read this book every year. It is chock full of information and inspiration for goal setting. My hope in starting with this book is to reawaken my interests and ideas for self improvement during the year. If you haven’t yet, this is really a must-read.

Book 2 is called TrueFaced. It is all about embracing and sharing your true self for authentic community. While these are always good things, I know especially with an upcoming wedding and marriage that both knowing and sharing my emotions are going to become necessities. My current emotional response consists mainly of sarcasm, so I’m hoping this book helps me broach my uncomfortableness to better connect with others and at least try to have some fun with the whole wedding thing.

Lastly is Torches of Joy. This book is about international missionaries. While not necessarily a personal interest, this book has a key reason for being on this list – life is not all about me! I’m reading this book to widen my perspective, try to be less selfish and serve others more.

That’s it! I’m excited to get going. Not to brag, but I also have a completely clean and organized bedroom, not one but two planners purchased and all my annual doctor appointments booked.

Hello new year and happy 2014!

New Years Resolutions

December 31, 2013April 11, 2017 ~ Lydia ~ 2 Comments

2013 is already coming to a close – can you even believe it?

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I’m a little sad to see 2013 go, it was a pretty solid year in the life and times of Lydia. Sure there were some downs with tears and disappointment, but who wants to focus on that? Instead, I like to take the time at the end of each year to see how my life has changed, how I’ve changed and check in on my life priorities.

Last year I made the perfectly vague resolution to spend more on experience and less on things. I also vowed to be healthier in both mind and body. Although I’ve made great progress in those resolutions, I think I’ll stick to them for 2014.

But I’d also like to add making a resolution to be more thankful and count my blessings more often. To take a moment each day to remind yourself what you have to be thankful for, especially on those crummy days.

I’ll be ringing in 2014 with a great group of friends, champagne, good music and a kiss from zee boyfriend. It couldn’t be any more perfect! How will you ring in the new year?

Ballet Dancers in Everyday Life

December 27, 2013April 11, 2017 ~ Lydia ~ Leave a comment

Like pretty much every girl, I love the ballet. The seemingly effortless gracefulness that glides across the stage is just gorgeous. My impression of most ballet dancers is that they are meticulous, OCD, competitive, and perfectionists to the point of an almost unhealthy lifestyle. But for some reason, this adds to the beauty of the art. Because when you see them on stage, they have such passion and the blood, sweat and tears that went into the production of the show isn’t visible.

So these photos of ballet dancers, that I found on the MTL blog, in everyday situations has to be one of my favorite photo series ever. It brings some fun, romance and silliness to an otherwise very intense dance. The dancers just look so full of love for living. Take a look below!

You can also by the book of these photos: Dancers Among Us: A Celebration of Joy in the Everyday.

http://www.mtlblog.com/2013/09/ballet-dancers-in-everyday-situations/

Snail mail for the holidays

December 17, 2013April 11, 2017 ~ Lydia ~ 2 Comments

I love snail mail. It’s like little surprises in your mailbox among the bills and “No interest credit cards!”. It’s part of what makes shopping online so exciting and why things like Birch Box have taken off. I’m quite the hoarder when it comes to cards. Since I can remember, I’ve always saved cards. I think I still have some that were created in Microsoft Publisher that you folded into a little book. To me, a card is just unthrow-away-able. (although I hate myself for it every time I move) But in the land of e-cards, snapchats, and texts, snail mail is more and more uncommon. Except around the holidays.

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. There is literally nothing I dislike about it (except for the calories and inevitable weight gain). And it’s all that much more sweet when you open your mailbox to find cards from family and friends. So I want to be a part of it!

A good friend from college tweeted me last week and said “No Christmas card this year from Lydia… I’m beginning to think you don’t believe in Santa Claus anymore.” It reminded me that I had in fact completely forgotten about it! That night I immediately took myself to Target to pick up some holiday cards and are sending them out tonight!

When I send holiday cards though I don’t usually send them to those that I see on a regular basis. For me, the holidays and snail mail are to remind myself of those friends that I don’t see often enough. The friends that you want to make sure that they know how much you mean to them, even if the game of phone tag has gotten less and less competitive.

So go out and pick up some cards! I got mine for $7 for a pack of 14 – not bad. Plus, they’re just totes adorable. Now, if you have more money in the bank and more time in a calendar, check out Rifle Paper Co. Not to be dramatic, but I’m basically obsessed with everything they do. I wouldn’t have minded getting some of these little guys to send out!

A series of unfortunate events

December 17, 2013November 7, 2015 ~ Sarah ~ Leave a comment

Let’s go back to last Friday. A coworker was just telling me that Klyde Warren, a personal favorite and very cool downtown Dallas park, opened an ice skating rink. As any big city-starved and New York-obsessed girl, visions of sliding through crisp air surrounded by twinkly lights and the beautiful juxtaposition of trees and tall buildings swarmed my head. As not good as the movie Serendipity was (sorry Lydia), I’ve also never been able to lose the mental image of the Central Park ice skating scene and hope that I too might find my own adorable, quick-witted John Cusack to enjoy it with.

So with fiancé and high expectations in tow, I made my way downtown.

All seemed good as we walked up and laced up old fashioned-looking skates. People of all ages were lacing up their own skates, and the twinkly lights were ready for my movie moment. I was even wearing my favorite winter coat (even though I’m pretty sure it was 60 degrees today). And then we stepped on the…not ice.

Not sure how they got away with all the media placements touting the arrival of downtown “ice skating” (gotta love the power of a good publicist), but there was no ice to be found. Instead, our skates came to a screeching halt on plastic, yes, plastic, that required footwork not unlike an elderly penguin post-hip replacement surgery. Definitely no skating, sliding or speed of any kind here. Upon further inspection, our skates actually had just a flat metal strip where the blade would be.

Now, I’m a huge fan of the Klyde Warren. We even threw it out as a potential wedding location due to our support of and excitement for the space from Day 1. So this hurts me to say more than it hurts you, dear park: this “ice skating” is a waste of money, both for participants and the park itself.

After a few attempts at waddling we needed a change of scene, stat. It seemed like a nice night to finally check out Hoffman Hots, a fifties-inspired hot dog restaurant in Trinity Groves. Sadly, this was a severe disappointment both in food quality and atmosphere. And that’s saying something because I LOVE hot dogs. We also figured out we could buy 8 10-packs of hot dogs from a grocery store with what we paid for our 4 “gourmet” hot dogs, which really instilled confidence in our ability to make financially sound decisions for our future.

While this blog might sound like one long complaint, I have to be honest: We actually had a lot of fun tonight lamenting how “Dallas” aka “shiny on the outside/not so hot on the execution” the whole thing was….But if someone asks you to go ice skating in Klyde Warren you might want to tell them you prefer the Galleria.

Currently Craving: AMINIMAL Studio

December 13, 2013April 11, 2017 ~ Lydia ~ Leave a comment

I have a brand new obsession.

Fab.com is the most amazing site ever for shopping addicts and recently the necklaces of AMINIMAL Studio hit my inbox. Each of these necklaces are maps of major cities all across the world. They happen to have three of the cities that I visited on my Euro tour..Prague, Berlin and Paris. I just love these!