sunshine and cool breezes

Crunchy Chicken w. Asparagus

2012-02-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share a few more of my diabetic recipes with ya'll. The first time I tried this dish, I was blown away by the flavor & consistency. As a self proclaimed Chinese food addict I love dishes with rich peanut sauces, crunchy veggies, and juicy chicken. Crunchy Chicken with Asparagus delivers it all. I have to limit myself on rice but if you aren't diabetic then feel free to add rice for a hearty Chinese feel.

Recipe

2 tsp peanut oil

2 Tbsp low fat, low-sodium chicken broth

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp minced scallions

3 Chicken breasts, boned, skinned, halved, and cubed into 2-inch pieces

1 medium carrot, sliced thin or shredded

2 cups sliced asparagus (sliced into 2-inch pieces)

1/2 cup water chestnuts

Sauce:

2 Tbsp lite soy sauce

2 Tbsp white wine vinegar (I only had red wine vinegar on hand and it worked just as well)

1 tsp sesame oil

1/4 cup low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth

1 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder

In a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil and broth. Add the garlic and scallions and saute for 30 seconds. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 5-8 minutes until it is opaque.

Push the chicken up on the sides of the wok. Add a little broth, if necessary, and add the carrot. Stir fry for 2 minutes. Add the asparagus and stir fry for 3 minutes. Add the water chestnuts and stir fry 2 more minutes. Add chicken back to the center of the wok.

Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth. Add the sauce to the wok. Stir, cover, and steam for 2 minutes.

Enjoy!

NUTRIENT VALUE:Food Exchange per serving: 4 Very Lean Meat Exchange, 1 Vegetable Exchange, 1/2 Fax Exchange;

CAL: 200; CHO: 8 gm; PRO: 29 gm; FAT: 6 gm

just a little note from this new yorker...

2012-02-06T05:02:00.000-08:00

champions!!!!

applesauce oat bran muffins

2012-02-03T05:54:00.000-08:00

Here is a tidbit you might not have known about me, I havediabetes, which means I spend a good portion of time considering food exchangesand banging my head on tables/counters/walls when I mess things up. Since mycommute requires me to leave my house before 6:30am, breakfast has become anunhealthy option at my desk or too many cups of coffee. I tried to continue thegreen monster shakes but even the nominal prep time was killing my morningroutine. Insert feelings of defeat.

That feeling, however, prompted me to get out my diabeticscookbook in search of a healthy, yet filling, breakfast that I could make a bigbatch of and use for a number of days. Cue the halleluiah music because ApplesauceOat Bran Muffins have Changed. My. Life.

These delicious little treats fit my starch/bread exchangerequirement (Happy Days!) and unlike regular bakery muffins, don’t taste likeyou’re eating pounds of sugar (mostly, because you aren’t.) Their dense consistencyfills you up while their petite size keeps portion control in mind. The onlything you’ll have to worry about with these muffins is the self-control you’ll exert to only eatone.

Recipe:

INGREDIENTS:1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup oat bran
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon or pumpkin Pie spice
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large egg whites

PREPARATION:
Place flour, oat bran, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon or pumpkin piespice in bowl and mix well.

In a separate bowl combine the applesauce, water, oil, andegg whites and beat with a fork to blend. Add applesauce mixture to flourmixture and mix with electric mixer at medium speed, only until all flour ismoistened.

Grease muffin tins with margarine or line with paper cups.Fill muffin tins 1/2 full and bake at 400 F for about 20 minutes, or untilmuffins are browned and spring back when touched in the center.

Serve hot, if possible.

NUTRIENT VALUE (1Muffin Serving):
Food Exchange per serving: 1 BREAD EXCHANGE + 1 FAT EXCANGE;
CAL: 120; CHO: 18 gm; PRO: 3 gm; FAT: 5 gm

*Image Source

29

2012-02-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

Oh my. This may be my worst vlog yet. After spending an incredibly fun weekend partying like a rockstar (ok, a tame rockstar) in North Carolina I had just enough video on my cell phone to make one, truly terrible birthday vlog for this girl.

Normally, in my amateur attempt to "edit" vlogs, I just pop a bunch of video clips and a pretty song into WMM and magic happens (kinda). This time, however, I foolishly thought I was crafty enough to make a movie trailer instead. And now you may watch proof that I don't know how to edit musical transitions, can't figure out timing, and call myself "Megalicious" entirely too often.

Enjoy!

on my mind...

2012-02-01T06:08:00.000-08:00

Last night I spent time alone, contemplating how to make this life more daring, more bold, more meaningful. (Something I seem to do more and more.) Songs by Copeland streaming through an otherwise silent house. I laid out sleeping bags in the living room, under cascading twinkle lights, still up heedless of the season, and dreamed of love spinning me around. Too much self reflection can be a bit much, but in this case, it was just enough.

welcome to the world, beautiful, magnificent baby.

2012-01-31T11:34:00.000-08:00

Sweet Clara,

I'm so happy you're finally here. You're already my most favorite person!

I'm going to spoil you horribly and tell you funny stories about your mama from when we were growing up together. Like how we used to sit by a tree and wonder what we'd be like as adults. Or aimlessly drive only to find ourselves in Otego. How all our problems were solved over DD iced coffees and long conversation. And all the excited plans we made when we found out you were coming.

I'm so very happy you're here!

Love,
Your God Mother

ps - I knew you were going to be a girl!

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all...

2012-01-30T14:21:00.000-08:00

This weekend was spent dancing in North Carolina with seven exceptional ladies. Waking up at 4:30 am to catch a Saturday flight from Boston to Charlotte, to shop Southern Style (for hours), eat too much deliciousness, and dance the night away at the Epi Center in honor of Miss Martine (pink dress). There were spilled drinks, convos that ended in "I love you so much," fist pumps, and shoeless walks home, all before catching a Sunday flight back to Boston. Our heads hurt, our feet ached, and our cheeks were sore from too much smiling. Clearly day trips are the way to go.

Happy Birthday, Martine! Thanks for being born so we could have so much fun celebrating.

Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway

2012-01-08T16:50:00.000-08:00

Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway stole my breath and energized my soul. Fog-filtered light in a subtle blue haze made this one of the magical experiences of my life.

Made even more magical as Wilco played in the background.

a little music love

2011-12-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

being all unemployed, i've spent an unhealthy amount of time alternating between peppy and mellow beats depending on my wavering confidence - or sugar level, (my ice cream intake has reached epic heights). this all leads to me falling in love with a few new faces, which may actually only be new to me but i still thought i'd share since it's never bad to be reminded about good music. {click the name to band name to listen}

amy seeley/daughter

the alpine treeline

marissa maharaj

windy, winter walk along my favorite beach.

2011-11-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

I love beaches in general but the Cape holds a special place in my heart because it's the beach I grew up on. Jumping waves and swimming out to buoys with my brother and sister from the day we could walk, flirting with the Irish and Australian college-aged life guards as a teenager with my best friend, college beach parties with pretty alco-pops and my brother and his friends playing guitar. In the summer we'll mingle with the tourists and in the fall/winter, I'll take a solo walk next to crashing waves and swirling sand storms.

emo-upheaval

2011-11-27T19:39:00.000-08:00

Sitting alone with a cup of sleepy time tea.

In a mood.
Listening to songs that are certainly keeping me in a bit of tenuous emotional state.
Pondering things best left alone.
The unfinished thoughts in my head far too raw for paper.
Please forgive the difficulty in which these thoughts will be rendered.
As I wonder,
How to put people from my mind and heart when their season in my life is over.
Because I’m missing them desperately right now.
Wishing them here.
Wishing me there.
In a happy field of dandelions.

Moon River by The Honey Trees on Grooveshark
*picture source

a bulleted list of heartfelt thanks.

2011-11-26T19:19:00.000-08:00

Here is my Thanksgiving post a few days late but with just as much heartfelt thankfulness as if it were put up on time (I really am always late for everything!).

• Courage. The courage it took to quit my job to give myself time to re-find joy and passion in a career. For doing something courageous that reminded me of my own unique bravery.
• Support. The support of my family and friends as I leaped from security to insecurity in a single bound, while still lending their sweet ears to listen to my nervousness and giving me lovely words of encouragement that allay all fears.
• Hope. The hope I have that this life should ABSOLUTELY be wild, chaotic, and full of moments of love and insanity. The hope that change is possible and necessary, and awesome. The hope that love is just around the corner.
• Adventure. The many adventures that remind me how amazingly awesome people and places are; that boxes are meant to be ripped apart and stereotypes completely dissolved.
• Life. The life that I will try never to take for granted, to waste, to bog down in boredom or complacency.
• Lemonade. For still being the most delicious of all delicious beverages.

Life lately has been one wild ride. It feels as if my whole body fell asleep for a time and once I made some stark changes, pinprick feeling rushed throughout in wakefulness. I’m so happy to reawaken. This year, I wanted to really say how thankful I am for a life that has been, and continues to be, well lived. And for all the people that have touched my life, even in the smallest measure, I am so incredibly thankful for you.

*picture source

picture perfect, colorado!

2011-11-25T10:57:00.000-08:00

a mile high, a new love.

2011-11-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

I have been a terrible blogger lately.
Mostly because I've been traveling about.
And because words fail me, here is a short film
about the time I went to Colorado and fell in love...with a state.

Nowness

2011-11-16T07:47:00.000-08:00

Love.

Via The Daybook

live every day like this...

2011-11-13T19:41:00.000-08:00

via A Cup of Jo

grow up to be happy.

2011-11-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

Day Trips with Martine

2011-11-08T20:50:00.000-08:00

Sweet Martine, the most adorably fun girl in all of South Carolina, came to Boston for a visit and many, many day trips to Providence, Boston, and NYC. I laughed more this past week than I have in a long time. Dancing down streets, making crass jokes, and eating too many sweets.

Best. Week. Ever.

After seeing some of my past travel vlogs, Martine asked for her own little film. So this is for you, Miss Martine. I hope you enjoy. :)

cozy sweater love.

2011-11-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

Cozy sweater? Heck yea! I may be living in this particular one.

oh, the carnage.

2011-11-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night we meet at Queen's Head, order 25 cent wings, and occasionally solve life's great dilemmas, like what it means when you dream about putting your baby in a drawer.

Providence, You Amazed.

2011-11-03T18:10:00.000-07:00

Providence, RI was a lovely surprise. We strolled down the river walk, ooohed over the Georgetown-esqe College Hill area, ate way too much Chinese at PF Changs, and laughed till our cheeks hurt. It was perfection.

welcome back, autumn.

2011-11-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Crisp air.
The smell of dried leaves, apples, and cinnamon.
Hills of red.
I'm glad you've decided to stick around a wee bit longer.

in five short days, i'll...

2011-10-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

leave 25W.
breathe easier.
be free of bugs, rats, and dragons.
exhale, pick up, and move forward.

*picture source

vote. make a difference.

2011-10-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

I know I always talk about how amazing my friends are. How every day they inspire me and impress upon me the importance of chasing after your dreams, setting high expectations, and then working to achieve them. For this reason, and so many others, I adore the fabulous people around me and feel blessed to know them.

Now, I'm so happy to introduce you to Rich, one of my most favorite people. Rich's story is impressive and instead of muddling through it myself, I'm going to include his own words below. But suffice it to say, Rich overcame an obstacle in his life with grace, dedication, internal motivation, and a confidence that we can all learn from.

He's in the running to win a grant from Refuel with Chocolate Milk and could really use your help. (A more deserving person, I don't know!) For the next few weeks you can vote for Rich and help him achieve another dream. Please, take the time to read his statement below and if you feel moved, take a moment to vote for him here: http://www.refuelwithchocolatemilk.com/grants/vote/

From Rich:

About 2 years ago I weighed in at over 325 pounds and suffered from uncontrollable sleep apnea and used BiPAP and oxygen to sleep at night. I also had high blood pressure and borderline diabetes. After the doctors told me that I could no longer live at altitude and should move back to sea level I decided to make a complete life change. After starting with the gastric lapband I changed my entire nutrition and fitness lifestyle and today have lost over 140 pounds….and counting. I no longer suffer from any medical conditions and feel the best I have ever felt. I am the most athletic I have ever been and I have completed multiple marathons including the Rock n Roll Denver, San Antonio, New Orleans, Savannah, and Miami Beach. I have also completed my first Half Ironman 70.3 in Augusta, GA and am currently training for Ironman San Juan 70.3 and my first Full Ironman 140.6 i n St. George Utah in May 2012! I embrace a healthy and happy lifestyle and educate, inspire, and motivate others to take control of their lives and GET HEALTHY! I would love to be a part of Team Refuel and have the opportunity to promote the nutritional benefits of using chocolate milk to refuel and rebuild after endurance events to other athletes at endurance events across the country!!!

Brennan Manning: A Sermon You Should Listen To.

2011-09-17T19:07:00.001-07:00

quote it.

2011-09-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

source

i love this!

2011-09-08T07:18:00.001-07:00

photo source

music is what feelings sound like.

2011-09-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

Alarm on my phone rings.

It's annoying.

I snooze.

It rings again.

I snooze.

Again.

(This will happen three more times.)

I finally register what time it is.

I panic.

I have ten minutes.

Get dressed.

Brush teeth.

Pack breakfast/lunch.

Dash to my car.

Traffic is terrible.

Crank the radio.

I wonder why I still haven't charged my iPod.

Mentally add "charge iPod" to To-Do list.

Park.

Race to train.

Sheepish smile for conductor.

He's glancing at wrist watch.

Gives me half-smile.

Taps watch face with raised eye brow.

Doesn't close the door till I'm on.

Mentally give him hugs.

Consider gifting him with pocket watch for Christmas.

Read.

Loooong commute.

Deboard.

Dash to coffee shop.

mmmm. Coffee.

Hoof it to the office.

Drop food in kitchen.

Spend next fifteen minutes building day's playlist.

After three and a half weeks of stress and worry, and with the sun breaking through the anxiety clouds, I realize how important my daily playlist is. Luckily, I have my own office so I can listen to music all day without headphones (which start killing my ears after a few hours). I didn't realize until this morning how much I relied on music to balance my feelings of fear this past month. How zen certain songs made me or how a peppy beat could make me forget what was going on around me. It's cathartic. Thank you daily playlist (and grooveshark) for rocking my world, especially these last few weeks.

* Photo 1 * Photo 2 * Photo 3

Praise God!

2011-09-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

Today I received some amazing, glorious, God-loves-me-oh-so-much, wonderful news. There is still so much going on in my life right now but this, this one perfect moment I'm holding close, savoring for all it's worth. Anxiety is always going to be out there. Bad stuff always knockin' on my door. But, my God truly is an AWESOME God!

*Photo Source

because when i'm down, it can be so very hard to get back up.

2011-09-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

pardon me as i take a trip down darkness. because that's where my head and heart have been lately. filled with worry and stress and negativity. you know the feeling? good, glad i'm not alone. though, when you're going through it you do tend to feel so very alone.

i've been spending evenings eating dinner with panic and anxiety. using books and tv to drown out the thoughts and fears racing through my mind. i'm not even being dramatic right now. just honest. and now, all my fears have been confirmed.

so what's next?

that's the question i asked myself this morning as i walked to work. what comes next? the bad is no longer just a fear it's a fact. so where do i go from here? i can't anxiously pretend it's not happening any longer.

and two things hit me. 1. i battle 2. i lay it all before the Lord and joyfully reenter the land of the living.

#1 came to me as i thought about a cancer therapy article i read once. an art therapist would work with children battling cancer to draw pictures of them defeating their cancer. now, PRAISE GOD i don't have cancer but it's time i started employing this mentality toward my own situation. it's time to battle. i've spent so much time avoiding the confrontation of my fear and anxiety and the real situation that i lost control and the battle attacked me. now, i'm fighting back.

#2 came to me when i actually realized, PRAISE GOD, i don't have cancer or any other life threatening illness. And then Three For The Road linked to Cakies who shared the verse above and i realized - oh man, this will not defeat me, my God protects and sustains me, and i need to find joy in living again. no more crouching in corners trying to stave off panic. I'm giving the fear and anxiety to the Lord. I'm going to embrace this situation and find joy in becoming faithfully stronger.

i feel as if i've made a U-turn back to the light. things are looking a little better. i'm still fearful and anxious but now i know how to handle it when it starts taking over. i pray. and then i pray some more. and then, you guessed it, i pray some more.

i was knocked down. flat on my back. and while i'm still not standing. i'm feeling pretty confident sending prayers crouched on my knees.

what does it feel like falling down the rabbit hole?

2011-09-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

*photo source

cause i'm pretty sure that's what happened to me about 3 weeks ago. i tripped (not on drugs, grasshoppers!) and fell into a rabbit hole and am only now getting close to hitting the bottom. some crazy, scary stuff happened in my life that threw me into a sort perpetual free fall. one of those dark free falls, not the (what some nutty people consider) fun amusement park free falls either. it seemed like bad things got together and had a meeting about how good my life was going and decided it was time to throw the proverbial wrench into the mix. unfortunately, anxiety isn't something i handle all that well. i like the thrill of "will i meet this deadline" and hate the "i can't control the outcome" so these bad things ran me off rails as the spiral took the wheel. i'm ready for things to turn around. maybe have a mad hatter tea party and calm the heck down.

Show Us Your Fluff! - Awesome Giveaway

2011-08-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

My amazing friend Amy, the genius behind Wicked Good Travel & Activities, is hosting her first ever giveaway! Please read her cool giveaway description below and hop on over to her blog to enter for your chance to win.

Are you a fan of Marshmallow Fluff? Does it remind you of childhood memories of having the perfect combination of a Fluffernutter, do you dream about it swirled into Nutella for a delectable, chocolate, “fluffy” delight?

If you said ‘yes’ then you are in luck! On September 24^th, Union Square Main Streets is holding their Sixth Annual “What the Fluff” festival to honor the creamy delight. They'll have food, games, entertainment, even a celebrity appearance by Susan Olsen, or 'Cindy', from the Brady Bunch. And there's still time to enter the Fluff cooking contest,which boasts some top prizes, including a tour of the factory (a rare treat)!

To celebrate the local blog, Wicked Good Travel & Activities, is holding a giveaway contest. To enter, visit Wicked Good Travel & Activities between August 31^st and September 12^th and leave a brief comment here in the form of creative recipes, prose, poetry, and more- all expressing your love for Marshmallow Fluff. Two winners will be chosen, so give us your best! One will receive a Fluff tote bag and the other will receive two free studio classes at The Training Room. All winners will also be featured on Wicked Good Travel & Activities, Somerville Patch, and Union Square Main Streets.

So, what the fluff are you waiting for? Enter the contest and SHOW US YOUR FLUFF!

some days i want to...

2011-08-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

*photo source 1 // * photo source 2

today i can't stop thinking about: cow tales

2011-08-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

and how gross i find them.

thoughts?

smitten!!

2011-08-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

My Free Crappy Portrait just arrived!! After seeing Lauren's portrait, and being green with envy, I sent a photo of myself with this blurb: I'm Meg. I love the Beatles, Paris, and Dandelions to FCP and this is what they came back with! How perfect it is? And btw, I don't think it's even slightly crappy. It's pure genius!

Now go visit their site and get your own.

quest

2011-08-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

My shoes are heavy.
My footsteps sluggish.
Faltering.
But begin I must.
On a quest I’m only now just beginning to understand.
The road will feel long.
The obstacles: unconquerable.
But persevere; I will!
For my soul demands,

A destination.

*Photo source

at the beginning

2011-08-22T06:38:00.000-07:00

"One Indian summer day we dressed in our favorite things, me in my beatnik sandals and ragged scarves, and Robert with his love beads and sheepskin vest. We took the subway to West Fourth Street and spent the afternoon in Washington Square. We shared coffee from a thermos, watching the stream of tourists, stoners, and folksingers. Agitated revolutionaries distributed antiwar leaflets. Chess players drew a crowd of their own. Everyone coexisted within the continuous drone of verbal diatribes, bongos, and barking dogs.

We were walking toward the fountain, the epicenter of activity, when an older couple stopped and openly observed us. Robert enjoyed being noticed, and he affectionately squeezed my hand.

“Oh, take their picture,” said the woman to her bemused husband, “I think they’re artists.”

“Oh, go on,” he shrugged. “They’re just kids.”"

The train has stopped. I shove Patti Smith’s memories in my faux leather bag and toss it carelessly over my shoulder, racing to de-board. In the dirty glass is a quick reflection. Hair top-knotted, white linen shirt, ruffles at the bridge, dark blue denim bell bottoms, and plastic thongs, as my granny used to call them. My favorite uniform. My unique self expression.

Today I’ll be an artist, I muse. I’ll paint wild pictures in my mind, think up clever poems, and drift away in daydreams.

I am content.

*Photo Source

weak. er - week.

2011-08-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

Let me start with last week.
I went to New York to say hello to my tenth year post high school.
And it was fun.
And enlightening.
Which is good.
And so I was happy.

I met my family for a birthday Thai food lunch.
And we laughed till our guts hurt.
And it was perfection.
Which is good.
And so I was happy.

Let me continue with this week.

I started battling bad things that invaded my house.
And alternated between panic attacks and hysterical crying.
And it was scary.
Which is awful.
And so I wasn’t happy.

I found out I have a new illness.
And alternated between panic attacks and hysterical crying.
And it was scary.
Which is awful.
And so I wasn’t happy.

Let me continue with today.

I found out neither the invaders nor illness are as horrible as initially thought.
And alternated between relief and gratitude.
And it is exhausting.
Which is welcome.
And so I am nearing happy.

Vegas Vlog

2011-08-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

I am 28.
But I spent the last days of 27 in Las Vegas.
And it was happy.

blog crush

2011-08-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

I'm a terrible blogger.

I'm talking really bad.

I can never think what to write. I'm often unoriginal. I stress over posts where I actually share a bit about my true life and end up deleting them or leaving them unpublished for fear that they will be taken the wrong way.

But I love blogging.

Well, I love reading other people's blogs. So that sort of counts. I especially love blogs that are so original I find myself wanting to copy them. (*sigh*).

A few weeks ago, Jillian from Three for the Road, posted a guest Keep Love Alive post featuring Suzy of Suzy Krause + the Skyscrapers.

Smitten Kitten! It's perfection. Don't believe me? Go have a read and see for yourself.

Find out how cool paper rants are.

Rediscover how witty words can be.

Get introduced to some hot new tunes.

I love when my fave blogs share their fave blogs.

today is my birthday.

2011-08-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

Reasons why I'm feeling spoiled:

I spent the past weekend in Las Vegas with my friends to celebrate my birth (erm, 28 years ago).
I had two, yes TWO, birthday cakes today.
My sweet, talented friend painted me a lovely European scene as a present.

I feel loved.

i dream of...hours of deep, uninterrupted sleep

2011-08-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

"But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep."

*Photo Source

*Sometimes the things i dream of are simple and the most difficult to obtain. In today's case, I just need sleep. I've been working long hours, commuting longer hours, reading till the wee hours in the morning, feeling giddy about my Vegas birthday celebration and apprehensive about turning 28. I dream of falling asleep and staying asleep for 8 blissful hours. Blank nothingness for a short time. Instead, I'll go back to my spreadsheets and try to muck through a few more hours of market planning and budgeting.

i dream of...uniting with purpose

2011-08-04T06:49:00.000-07:00

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

*Photo Source

i dream of...seeing compassion in action

2011-08-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

*Photo Source

i dream of...being poor in possessions, rich in relationships

2011-08-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

“Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough.”

*Photo Source

i dream of…solitude without loneliness.

2011-08-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

"Don't you want to join us?" I was recently asked by an acquaintance when he ran across me alone after midnight in a coffeehouse that was already almost deserted. "No, I don't," I said.

*photo source

i dream of...listening to their stories

2011-07-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

"Simply stated, although it's not really simple at all, my job is to transmit to you all the memories I have within me. Memories of the past."

*Photo Source

i dream of...seeing the world in different colors

2011-07-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

"To see the world in a grain of sand, and to see heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hands, and eternity in an hour."

*Photo Source

i dream of...dancing with abandon

2011-07-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

"You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it. That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing, and dance, and write poems, and suffer, and understand, for all that is life."

*Photo source 1

i dream of…conquering breathtaking heights

2011-07-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

"Always remember to slow down in life; live, breathe, and learn; take a look around you whenever you have time and never forget everything and every person that has the least place within your heart."

*Photo Source

i dream of...walking a mile in their shoes

2011-07-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

“How far we travel in life matters far less than those we meet along the way.”

*photo source

i dream of...saffron sunsets

2011-07-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

"I remember a hundred lovely lakes, and recall the fragrant breath of pine and fir and cedar and poplar trees. The trail has strung upon it, as upon a thread of silk, opalescent dawns and saffron sunsets."

*Photo Source 2

i dream of...misty mornings

2011-07-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

"To stand at the edge of the sea,
To sense the ebb and flow of the tides,

To feel the breath of a mist moving over a great salt marsh,

To watch the flight of shore birds that have swept up and down the surf lines of the continents for untold thousands of year,

To see the running of the old eels and the young shad to the sea,

Is to have knowledge of things that are as nearly eternal as any earthly life can be."

*Photo source

i dream of...something far greater

2011-07-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

"I had decided I would put off the novel until I had gone to Europe and had a lover."

*Photo Source

letters

2011-07-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

Starting this week, I am going to be writing a letter a week to family member or friend. A handwritten letter. A letter that arrives via the post. This may be a result of watching one to many regency BBC movies but alas, I hardly care the inspiration. I’m hoping that this is a sweet surprise for those people I love to pieces. I’m also going to make a photocopy of each letter and save them all up. That way, I’ll have a journal of sorts. Journaling has always been hard for me because I’m so disinclined to write honestly to myself, whereas, I love completely sharing my life with people I trust. I can’t wait to get started!

proud to be...

2011-07-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

*photo source

in keeping with my current sentiment...

2011-06-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

*Picture Source

dear weekend.

2011-06-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

go. do something.

2011-06-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been filled with an incredible desire to do and see more. To make my life more than what it is. To experience life fully and not waste another second thinking about fancy employment and salary. To contemplate the sky and clouds and love the work I do. Lately, I have been worried that if I don't act now, I never will.

marriage veiled

2011-06-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

*Photo Source

dear meagan,

2011-06-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

What do you want from this life?

“Excitement and adventure,” you loudly exclaim.

Yet, daily you sit in a perpetual cloud of boredom.

Wasting hours and minutes; evening rest your only respite.

Fear and age further dimming the light of courage within.

Should not your activities incite your passion and feed your soul?

Should not energy and drive permeate your actions?

Once you ran wild around sopping stream beds,

Stringy hair flying as you charged headfirst into the world around you.

Roaring in delight as the sun scorched your skin

In your innocence, truly knowing freedom.

Should those endless happy moments be gone forever?

I ask you,

What do you want from this life?

And are you brave enough to go for it?

*Picture source

a little business plug.

2011-06-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

My marketing staff just put together this adorable promo video for a new blog series they are starting Wednesday, June 29th. Aren't they great?! I literally laugh out loud at the "OMG" hand movements. Reminds me of Home Alone. :) If you're interested in learning about Chinese language, stop by www.cheng-tsui.com/blog every Wednesday.

Ok, business plug over.

top of the hub

2011-06-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

Sunday I celebrated a friend's birthday at Boston's famous Top of the Hub. The view was amazing, the drinks delicious and the company even better. I really wish I could spend more time so far above the city. It's quite magical up there.

*picture source

through the looking glass. chihuly.

2011-06-08T07:05:00.000-07:00

Chihuly is pure magic. Brilliant colors, over the top designs, and a delicacy that even children recognize and respect. The minute I walked into the dark rooms displaying these impressive glass structures I felt I was drifting through Johnny Depp’s Alice in Wonderland. Truly, such a magical experience. If you’re in Boston, the exhibit is open till August at the MFA so be sure to check it out.

(These photos were all taken with my phone and don't do justice to these impressive pieces.)

backspace.

2011-06-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

I just wrote an entire post lamenting a bad decision I made. Then I erased it and decided this is my life. I’m in control. I can handle this. I can change this.

I love that backspace button.

picture source

...

2011-05-31T13:23:00.001-07:00

writing on the wall…

2011-05-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

This morning I stopped in South Station to use the restroom. I shut the door and went to hang my bag on the hook and was treated to the most spectacular graffiti I’d seen in ages. An incredibly thought provoking rant running the entire length of the stall door.

Amazing.

For ages, I have been fascinated with graffiti. Not the tags of gangs/neighborhoods/rowdy children turn awkward adults/lame murals, but the type that holds true to the values of its 1960s origin.

A message.
A purpose.
A forum.

In some ways, this blog is my stall door, blank wall, railway car. My keyboard my can of spray paint. Sometimes I do justice to my thoughts. Most times I do not. I wonder at my lack of inspiration and motivation to effect change. Where is the passion? Unlike the girl (hopefully!) scrawling poetic injustices on the back of stall door, this forum has my name attached. I wonder if that doesn’t dictate what I write, what I say.

I wonder if the author of the bathroom stall graffiti speaks aloud the thoughts branded on the inside of that door.

Pictures 1:: 2 :: 3 :: 4

The Future

2011-05-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

I saw this trailer over at Skunkboy Creatures and can't stop watching it. It's magic. And I have to agree with Katie that I melt when the kitty talks at the beginning. I can't wait to see the entire movie!

...

2011-05-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

I need me some...

2011-05-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

open road.

the kind of trip that is designed to stretch you as a person. a moment of truly uninhibited life. wind in my hair, sunglasses on my face, and sweet tunes in my ears. seeing everything and nothing. silent communion with others passing by. cold cokes at gas stations, comfort food at diners, and scrounging through a trunk filled with bits of the journey. monotonous mile marker counting, magical detours, and midnights alone with the whirring of the wheels. those precious moments of self-reflection, doubt, and the emerging confidence. how i long for you, my friend.

photo source

please read this it's genius! Speech for Graduates and Livers of Life

Wicked Wednesday For Sure...

2011-04-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Amy has been running an amazing series on her blog about New York City. Check it out here...

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

My dad's choir performing Midnight Cry.
All photos from weheartit.com

Would You?

2011-04-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

Once waiting for the train, I saw an ad posted on a wide beam. A pretty but casual Julia Stiles having a drink with a Hollywood-glam Julia Stiles. One tag line: “Would You Have a Drink With You?”

Sometimes I wonder if I saw myself out and about, would I want to have a drink with me?

It’s a hard concept to think of objectively because I know all my bad bits. The crankiness of being overtired or hungry. The self-centeredness when I’m involved in a book or television show. The rudeness when I just want to get off the phone. The frustration when things don’t go my way. The bossiness when they do. Things that I dislike about myself always come to mind and I think I probably wouldn’t want to have that drink with “that girl”.

Luckily, I have sweet friends, who look past all those grumpy characteristics from above and instead, leave me sweet gchat messages that say: Priscilla Ahn Dream. YouTube it up. It makes me think of you.

And then I YouTube it and hear the most amazing music and even more amazing lyrics. And I’m quite convinced that if I saw myself through the sweetness of my friends’ eyes, I’d have that drink, maybe a laugh, and probably a healthier self-esteem.

Today I am super thankful for sweet songs and even sweeter friends.

I was a little girl alone in my little world
who dreamed of a little home for me.
I played pretend between the trees,
and fed my houseguests bark and leaves,
and laughed in my pretty bed of green.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest swing.
I had a dream.

Long walks in the dark
through woods grown behind the park,
I asked God who I'm supposed to be.
The stars smiled down on me,
God answered in silent reverie.
I said a prayer and fell asleep.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest tree.
I had a dream.

Now I'm old and feeling grey.
I don't know what's left to say
about this life I'm willing to leave.
I lived it full and I lived it well,
there's many tales I've lived to tell.
I'm ready now, I'm ready now,
I'm ready now to fly from the highest wing.

I had a dream

thought of the day.

2011-04-14T05:39:00.000-07:00

{Thought by Meagan / Image by Source}

* A huge thanks to sweet Kate for the lovely blog award!

a delicious treat

2011-04-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

I am addicted to homemade blackberry applesauce. It’s the perfect morning or noon treat and satisfies those sweet tooth cravings. Since I really love the taste of apples, I didn't use near the recommended amount of blackberries and left the apple skin on so mine looks a little more "appley," but if you remove the skins and follow the blackberry quantity below your applesauce should look lovely.

If you try it, let me know how you like it.

Blackberry Applesauce

4 apples
1/4 cup of blackberries
Smidge of Water

Steam the apples for 10-15 minutes. Skin and core the apples and chop into manageable pieces. Drop the apples and blackberries and smidge of water into a blender/food processor and voila, you have delicious blackberry applesauce sans all the bad for your bits that store bought (even organic store bought) has.

santa monica, the end of the road.

2011-04-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

Because much of my time in SoCal was spent curled up in bed watching The Real Housewives of New York City and trying not to think about how sick I felt, the few days spent exploring SoCal with Mel are even more special. At the top of my list of “places I’ll always remember” is Santa Monica.

For me, Santa Monica is a place that exudes a sense of contentment. A place of relaxation, perfect weather, and the end of Route 66. Living there you know you’re in paradise, visiting you’re instantly transformed to California Cool. (A good portion of the time I expected to see the cast of California Dreams.) I could easily spend my days strolling along the beach, starring at the ocean, and chatting about random nothings with Mellie.

We watched the acrobatics defy gravity, speculated about the photo shoot happening off in the distance, and oohed over the adorable Pier before throwing caution to the wind and eating at Bubba Gump Shrimp with my insane shell fish allergy. (This turned out to be a HUGE mistake as we had to make an emergency trip to get meds.)

Now, back in Boston’s gloom, I’m missing those few short hours spent entrenched in the sights, sounds, and warmth of Santa Monica.

a bit of a whine, a softening of spirit.

2011-04-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life seems to wear me down. I realize this happens to everyone at one point or another but right now, in the midst of a major life upheaval, I have to say, I feel worn out and beaten down. And it’s starting to break me.

Two weeks ago, I quit my job of almost five years. The next day, I hopped on a plane to Los Angeles to help my sister move across the country. In the midst of endless errand running and a bucket load of California fun (post to follow) I got incredibly sick, the kind of sick where your body is drained of the energy to stand. Unfortunately, this sickness has clung to me for the second half of my LA adventure straight through my first three days at the new job - a time when I need to feel energized and focused.

I’m tired. I’m overwhelmed. I’m feeling lost, and a little out of control. So much in my life is changing and I’m worried some of the decisions I have made instigating these changes haven’t been the best. The feeling of defeat keeps welling up inside of me.

These feelings worry me.

I’m a planner. I like to make good decisions. I like to know what I’m heading to and have a purpose for it. I like point A leading to B ending at Z. Not to say I don’t allow spontaneity but for my big life activities, I like a well thought-out plan.

But that’s now the way my life is working at the moment.

Instead, it’s spinning rapidly around me, knocking me to my knees, stealing my breath, and leaving me dazed. I know in time I’ll feel better, my new job will become routine, and they myriad of other details circling me will settle and fall into place, but right now the chaos of today is eclipsing the calm of the future.

And as I write this post one thought keeps racing through my mind: Take it to the Lord in Prayer. It’s interesting how in the midst of a whine and rant, I’m reminded that prayer calms my soul and stills my worry. And how the moment I’m reminded of this, I feel my burden lessen and my mood shift, even if it be ever so slight. For that, I am grateful.

Coffee Chats: Brianne of St. Cloud & Mora, MN

2011-03-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent. ~Anonymous

You know how you can have the best of intentions but life somehow interrupts and all those good intentions fly out the window? And then as time passes, you officially forget those good intentions. Well this is one of those times that happened to me. It's one of those times were I had the best of intentions to post a sweet girl's adorable coffee chats and somehow didn't end up pushing the feature live. Luckily, as I was looking through my list of posts I saw that this post had remained saved, yet unpublished. And I may have teared up a bit because I felt so terrible for not sharing this with you. So, to sweet Brianne - my most sincere apologies for posting this ever so late.

Brianne writes "My Life As..." where she talks about her life, teaching, and my favorite feature "Workout Wednesday". I love how real every post is, from her love for her family, relationship high and lows, and things that inspire her. Living on the east coast it's sometimes hard to imagine life in Minnesota but Brianne regularly reminds me just how similar we all are. And hey, her beer of choice is Bud Light which just makes me smile so big! Please visit her blog and learn more about this amazing girl.

And if you find yourself in St. Cloud, make sure you try the coffee at Caribou.

St. Cloud:

Saint Cloud, my home away from home. I moved to St. Cloud in the fall of 2007 when I began my college career at Saint Cloud State University to pursue a degree in elementary education, which would later become secondary education. To say that I'm completely in love with St. Cloud would be a lie. Don't get me wrong it's not a terrible place to live it's just not for me. There is certainly a lot more to do here than my hometown, which we'll get to in a second. There's dozens of places to go shopping, eat out, and just hang out in general with friends.

It's also quite beautiful here. There's the Munsinger Garden, which is filled with hundreds upon hundreds of gorgeous fountains and flowers, multiple parks where you can catch a baseball game, have a picnic, or just hangout, the Mississippi River winds through St. Cloud as well along the SCSU campus and Munsiger Garden. There are many old buildings around town and campus as St. Cloud was founded in 1856 and the college was founded not long after in 1869. I love the historic look that these buildings give the town.

The nightlife here is pretty good as well. MCs Dugout, or simply MCs as my friends & I refer to it, is the main place that we hangout when we go out on the town. The bar has more of a laid back small town/locals bar feel rather than the typical night club type bars that most students around here seem to prefer. The bar is almost never crowded and both the service and atmosphere are excellent.

As for the best place to get coffee? That would hands down be Caribou. Of course I've never really been anywhere else but I don't feel the need. I love the decor & the coffee is beyond excellent. If it ain't broke don't fix it right?

Mora:
(Meg's Note: I had to look Mora up as I hadn't heard of it before but am MOST DEFINITELY visiting if only to see that Dala! Brianne, we should do a vacation home swap because I think Mora looks fabulous!)

I was born and raised in the small town of Mora. It's a place that I both loved and hated. It's where I spent the first 18 years of my life and where I'll be returning to in May. This is where my heart lies and why St. Cloud just isn't the town for me. While growing up I swore I'd leave Smalltown USA & never look back, it turns out I was wrong. Sure it's small & there is a whole lot of nothing to do. Almost literally nothing, I'll get to that in a bit. It's still home & the small town feel that I thought I hated & ended up loving and missing. I missed the quiet, the stars, the calm. I guess it's true that you never know what you had until it's gone.

I come from a town with a little over 3000 people, graduated with about 130, and could tell you pretty much everyone that graduated from 2002-2008 if given a picture. Growing up this definitely had its pros & cons. You knew everyone which meant that you knew who you could count on, who was a good time, and that at any given place you'd have someone to talk to or hangout with. It also meant that everyone knew nearly everything about everyone.

Earlier when I said there was nothing to do I meant it. There's a 1 screen theater which wasn't even always open. I was fairly old when it re-opened. There a couple parks, a handful of bars, and even more churches. The nearest Walmart or 24 hour restaurant was a half an hour away. This meant be bored or get creative. Depending on the night either could happen. As much as I grumbled about the lameness of my small town growing up, I wouldn't trade a minute of it. Which I suppose it's a good thing that I've changed my mind since leaving since I will be returning soon so that I can finish out my last year of college and save some money.

As for the coffee... it's kind along the lines of nothing to do. We have no coffee shop so when in Mora I get my coffee at home or Holiday, a gas station in town. It's not as fancy as Caribou but it still gets the job done.

***
Thanks so much, Brianne for your patience and participation. It was so lovely getting to know more about St. Cloud and Mora, MN!

Read other Coffee Chats and discover the best places for coffee in LA, London, San Clemente, Sydney, New York, Sharpthorne, and Verdun.

Hugga Bunch

2011-03-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

When I was young, the town I lived in had a family-owned movie rental business that rented movies way cheaper than chains like Blockbuster. Because my family didn't have a lot of money back then, nights we were able to rent a movie was a major treat for my brother, sister, and I. Mike was guaranteed to get a stereotypical "boy" movie and Mel could be counted on to pick something random, but me, I always went Hugga Bunch. A movie about a little girl that travels through a mirror to Hugga, a land of big-headed puppet-dolls, fight an evil queen, all to get some apples to keep her grandma alive. A grandma that gave her lovely hugs. It still is my most favorite movie from childhood - even if everyone else on the planet seems to think it was terrifying. (?!!?!)

Last night I was thinking about Hugga Bunch and how much I wanted to waste away a few moments being little meagan again. A little girl that thought it the most lovely thing in the world to give tight hugs and prioritize family over everything. That thought puppets made lovely friends and worlds beyond mirrors actually existed. I really miss those innocent moments, that belief that anything is possible and the knowledge that hugs really are just the best thing ever. I am most definitely going to be paying $22 for a VHS.

Weekend Perfection.

2011-03-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

Windy walks along the Cape Cod canal, stops at penny candy stores, and meet ups with old friends. Perfect weekend.

book club

2011-03-10T06:24:00.000-08:00

Thank you book club for giving me a reason to avoid the dishes and laundry.

what's in my bag. office edition.

2011-03-09T04:25:00.000-08:00

I keep seeing this blog feature "what's in my bag" everywhere. I've always wanted to participate but honestly, half the time I don't carry a bag. Usually, I shove my credit card, license, cell phone, and keys in various pockets or just carry them in my hand. Girl disgrace, I'm well aware.

With Mel only weeks away from starting her first (adult) job, I decided to make her a little bag of all the stuff a girl needs in her office desk. Or, things I have found I need at my desk.

1. A pretty bag from Anthropologie to hold all your necessities
2. First Aid Kit - complete with 10 adhesive bandages & Neomycin Antibiotic Ointment. (Paper Cuts People!)
3. Hand Sanitizer - for all those times your colleagues decide to come to work sick and touch all the door knobs.
4. Tampon. Nuf said.
5. Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritz - for that caffeine deprived, four o'clock meeting with the boss.
6. Aloe Hand Lotion - smooth skin, happy skin.
7. Shine Eraser - oil blotting sheets for one minute before meeting with the clients
8. Comb
9. Sunscreen - for the times you forget to apply before heading out the door or for afternoon happy hour on a patio in direct sunlight.
10. Tooth Brush & Tooth Paste - handles morning/afternoon coffee breath and Thai food lunches
11. Advil Packets. It's work. You'll need 'em.
12. Small nail clippers and Emery board - for awkward nail snag moments.

Missing in the picture above but just as important: mascara, tissues, and chapstick/lip gloss. Those will be tossed in shortly. Any suggestions for other missing pieces?

{btw - sweet Blair featured me as a WIGGLE today!!}

sweet secret

2011-03-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

{source}

I was a little late in checking postsecret this week but I'm so glad I didn't miss this one! It's so incredibly perfect. Putting aside, er - the invasion of privacy, how lovely to come away with this sentiment? I'm so grateful I don't need to read my parents emails to know how much they love me but I'm sure if I did have their password, it would only solidify this knowledge. It breaks my heart that some people don't know this. Or worse, that some parents don't raise their children in love.

Thanks Mom and Dad for loving me so obviously that I have always known. Btw - don't I look like my mother's twin? It's uncanny!

obsessed.

2011-03-08T05:57:00.000-08:00

I think my family's obsession with How I Met Your Mother has reached new porportions if this string of text messaged pictures between me, my sister, and brother is any indication. But who cares when I can't stop laughing when I look at them and I'm pretty sure Mellie and Mike feel the same way. I big time love family oddities. And since Mel is off to LA and Mike is off to Daytona, I'm pretty sure there will be more hilarious picture messaging happening in the near future.

lovely drops of rain. lovely moments of faith.

2011-03-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

{source}

Today, I love the rain. (Usually I don't but since it's NOT snow I'm loving it.) This weekend, like the past few weekends, was incredibly hard and filled with many teary eyed moments where rain felt more like a comfort than inconvenience.

Saturday was spent moving my lovely grandfather out of his home of 60+ years and in with my parents in New York. I feel so sad for him because he's dealing with so much loss right now - the loss of my gran, the loss of his home and state, the loss of his friends - in particular his church family. As is his character, he's handling it like a champ but it still makes me tear up when I see him looking a little lost. He needs lots of prayer right now for strength, peace, and comfort, so if you are inclined to pray, please says a few for him.

In all honesty, I think he is the breath of fresh air that my parents community needs and I trust that God's in control. Going through this difficult time is making me even more proud to be a part of my beautiful family. It's ridiculously sweet how happy my dad is to have his dad around.

My drive back to Mass from New York was filled with fog covered roads and slow maneuvering that allowed ample time for meditating in the changes life is throwing at me right now. Everyone in my family is facing huge changes that are rocking us to the core. Some good, some just plain hard. For the creature of comfort I am, these changes are causing an overwhelming amount of stress that at times, blocks out the good that this change will most likely bring.

In the midst of it all though, God is just performing some truly amazing changes within me, reminding me of promises I’d forgotten, forcing me to cling to faith and lead with love. If that is the only thing taken from all this change, it will have been enough. The verse mentioned above is one my gran shared with me when I was young and feeling like the world was spinning too fast around me. It has many times been the foundation and rock I safely lay my faith in.

la.

2011-03-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

{source}

In a few short weeks I'll be in LA!! Holler! My little sister is moving across the stinkin' country for this killer job and I'll be her personal mover. I haven't spent much time in California outside San Fran and San Diego so I'm wicked psyched to have a week to explore (and you know - move my sister in to her sweet apartment). If you know the area well, leave me some ideas of things to do. eeek, I can't wait!

grief.

2011-02-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, my sweet grandmother passed away. This subsequent week has been one of the hardest weeks of my life. Grieving. It’s exhausting. And everything hurts. And this world seems a bit dimmer because she’s no longer in it. Her eulogy was one of sharing - and the love for my dear gran was so very evident. She was a woman of faith. A prayer warrior. Filled with compassion. Filled with grace. Filled with love. I miss her. So very much.

too much pretty...

2011-02-18T07:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was perfection. An exciting phone call, time spent writing in a bookstore, pretty pasta and wine, and making lovely presents for lovely people. I love the Tiffany's blue wrapping paper from Borders and the dainty ribbon tied around it. And is anything better than a sink full of flowers? Bliss.

Happy Birthday, Blog!!

2011-02-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

My blog turned one today!!! I'm so excited. I took a stroll down blogging memory lane and picked a few of my favorite posts. Happiest of birthdays, my sweet blog friend!

First Blog Post ~ A Letter Of Love

The Day My Writing Felt Real ~ The Day My Writing Felt Personal

Things I’d Still Rather Be Doing

When She Thought He Loved ~ When She Was Wrong

For That Bit of Childhood Not Forgotten

This Guy Is Still My Favorite Guy

The Moment I Lost Sight of the Dream

A Gorgeous Picnic ~ In the Middle of Winter

I Won NANOWRIMO!!!!

Trying My Hand At Vlogging

I Went To The Woods

Fabulous Friday Finds

2011-02-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

My sweet, sweet friend, Becca is an AMAZING wedding photographer and asked me to participate in her new wedding photography blog series called "Fabulous Friday Finds"! (How many exclamation points can I use before rolled eyes because that number minus one is how many I want to use!) All I had to do was online shop for goregous, wedding inspired fashion. DREAM JOB! I had so much fun looking for fun and pretty things on Etsy.

What do you think?

happy weekend.

2011-02-04T06:14:00.000-08:00

Boston is expecting more snow on Saturday which makes me cringe and want to cry. Instead, I'm looking through my lovely pictures from my time in Italy. *Sweet Sigh* How lovely when things look alive instead of dead, full of color instead of gray, and warm instead of cold. I'm trying not to let this insane weather get me down but honestly, now that it's trying to take over my weekend it's getting difficult to combat the feelings of cabin fever and angst.

obsessed with the mountain goats.

2011-02-03T03:22:00.000-08:00

You know, the band - not the animals. I'm more of a fainting goat fan... :)

i'm not even kidding!

2011-02-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

I may have just sent this invitation to my roommate (and by may I mean did) and she responded with "I am definitely coming!" Oh the things that entertain me on a snow day.

I can't believe my blog is almost a year old! It feels unreal! I'll have to plan something extra special for my blogs birthday week. :)

silly brother.

2011-02-02T05:12:00.000-08:00

My friend just gave me these pictures from a night we spent racing through a corn maze last year and I can't stop laughing! This crazy dude is moving to Florida and I'm oh so very jealous!

* Remember to read yesterday's coffee chats with the sweet Leah from LA.

Coffee Chats: Leah of LA, California

2011-02-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent. ~Anonymous

I am so excited to bring back COFFEE CHATS! I've been missing these. And I'm even more excited to share sweet, sweet Leah with you from LA 'n' LA! While I'm suffering through a New England winter that currently has me trapped in my house with piles of snow taller than a third grader outside, I am seriously envious of this amazing girl and her time in LA. Please go check out her blog and read her ~~coffee~~ tea chats below.

And if you find yourself in LA, make sure you try the tea at Urth Caffe.

**All photos in this post are the copyright of Leah. Please do not reuse without her permission.

Just as Dorothy knew there was no place like her beloved Kansas home, I know there's no place like my home for the past year, Los Angeles, California.

It's a really neat feeling the day when you finally realize that your new home really feels like your 'home'. It's taken me awhile to learn my way around these crazy streets of LA but I can say for sure now that I feel like this town is my home. Sure, the "City of Angels" is also home to over 4 million other people but we all have learned to exist together in somewhat harmony. This large diverse population is what makes LA what it is-a cultural melting pot of interesting and diverse people.

The amazing weather of course plays a big role in the reason why we are all here living in LA. Sunny skies just about 365 days a year is very hard to beat. Doesn't the sound of 72 degrees everyday just sound heavenly? I am sure all my friends on the East Coast would kill for our weather right about now!

Who can forget about all the different neighborhoods here too? From the laid-back beaches in Santa Monica and Venice, the hipster Silver Lake area, chic Beverly Hills, lively West Hollywood, the Rose Bowl area of Pasadena and definitely the international influences here are a can't miss. There's Little Ethiopia, Korea Town, China Town and so many others. All of these areas make up Los Angeles. Of course, I've spent more time in some areas than others.

Another incredible thing about being here is the proximity to not only beaches but also the desert and beautiful mountain ranges. Seriously, where else can you go snowboarding in the morning, go on an afternoon hike and then grab drinks in the evening at a nearby beach? It really doesn't get any better then all that. Palm Springs is very close to LA too which provides endless hours of golf, pool time and sheer relaxation in the desert.

As for the best places to have coffee, well, sadly, I do not know. I actually despise coffee and anything really coffee related. I do however enjoy most kinds of teas and have had some delicious ones at the infamous Urth Caffe here in LA. There are 4 locations here but I've only been to the Santa Monica one which is always incredibly crowded but always well worth the wait. The healthy and mostly organic food along with the teas are very good.

Well, I hope that after reading this post, you have a better idea of Los Angeles. I think it often gets a bad rep because of all the people and the frustrating and patience-testing traffic but if you look beyond all that, this city really does have so much more to offer. For more on this city and my daily adventures here, please check out my blog at http://leahainla.blogspot.com/. Thanks so much to Meagan for inviting me to write a guest for her blog.

cold city.

2011-01-27T05:20:00.000-08:00

Winter can turn the beautiful city of Boston into a cold, stark, industrial town. The quiet felt in these pictures shocks me. Having grown up in New York, and only ever otherwise living in Ireland, England, and now Mass, I wonder what it's like to spend a winter in a warm, sunshine filled place. I bet it's magical.

curs in the weeds.

2011-01-26T17:01:00.000-08:00

Another lovely song on repeat. So fitting on these cold, winter days.

neon lights, 50s themed diner, and endless cups of coffee

2011-01-26T06:33:00.000-08:00

Hours spent drinking coffee with my two most favorite people in a pink, 50s themed diner complete with the King of Rock'n'Roll playing in the background pretty much describes my idea of the best day ever.

(Yesterday's Coffee Chats has been moved to Thursday because I'm super-duper busy!)

a couple of lovely hours.

2011-01-25T05:49:00.000-08:00

The perfect way to spend a few snowy hours - tucked away in an amazing book with a warm cup of tea. *Sigh* Sometimes life can be so good.

A new coffee chats is coming later today.

Vegetable Tian

2011-01-24T04:31:00.000-08:00

For Christmas I made Ina Garten's Vegetable Tian which was so pretty and delicious that I've been dreaming about it constantly. Since my sister is visiting it seemed the perfect time to make it again and I'm happy to report it is even more delicious than I remembered. Yum. Ina you really are amazing. Thank you for this heavenly recipe. Ok, now go make this. You won't regret it.