Very Becoming

My stats

2008-12-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

STATS

AGE: 24

HEIGHT: 5'6"

WEIGHT: 20lbs heavier than at age 18.

MARITAL STATUS: Single

LOCATION: Gig Harbor, WA (re: dads)

CURRENT WEATHER: Snowy and beautiful.

Since the death of my grandfather, I am feeling more and more motivated to follow what my heart is telling me to do. Seeing how wildly successful my grandfather was made me stop and say, "why not?" to school. To New York. To a new adventure as a young, single, aspiring designer.

The way I see it, my life has the possibility to go in two general directions at this point.

Direction #1: I stay in Seattle and continue to work for the company I do. There is no real guarantee that I will go further with this job or not, but, you know, its safe. Secure. Comfortable. I could save money and put that on a down-payment for a house or condo. Buy nicer furniture. Maybe find a boyfriend, eventually find a husband, then have some kids. All in all... just a sort of "settling down" process. Which would be so, whats the word, ME! I would do that. It would be really nice I am sure.

Direction #2: I move home. Save money. Move to New York City. Find some seedy apartment in a bad neighborhood to afford the rent. (Erg, I hope I am joking about this one). Go to school in the fabulous Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. Ride the subway. Meet friends that say things like, "You need a qwuata? Or how about some wuata? Maybe a hat dag?" Learn about design in the CAPITOL of design. Go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Play in Central Park. Experience living in New York for approximately 3.5 years and yes mom, come back. Come back with new experiences, a new degree, a new expertise in my chosen field of work. Maybe come back with a boyfriend. Hopefully come back with more confidence and ability to be good at something. Come back with my weight like it was at age 18. (hahahahahahaha)

While all of this does sound quite dreamy and fun and adventurous, trust me.... I already feel the tightness in my chest of what doing something like this means. It means being away from my family. It means missing out on all of the fun and amazing things my cool friends do. It means feeling entirely alone in a city of millions of people. It will mean really hard work with no guarantee that my field will really need me. It means watching my money FLY out of my ears and nose into thin air. Can I really do this? I am feeling a little displaced at the moment because I cannot entirely unpack. My chest gets tight and I feel like crying every time I think about all my stuff sitting in a pile in the garage. When things are not in their "places" I am HIGHLY anxious. HIGHLY. If I am this anxious when my hairdryer is not in its hairdryer basket but in a drawer and I cannot find my brush and my socks are touching my *U's because they are in THE SAME DRAWER (gasp!), what am I going to do when I have to move across the country and I don't know where to buy toothpaste let alone figure out how to get my socks to not touch my U's? Can someone tell me this??? WHAT AM I EVEN THINKING!!

But, for now, I can still enjoy my family. For now, I can still hang out with my great friends and have dinner and watch movies and drink wine. For now, my life is still regular. Except for the fact that my socks are touching my U's.

*what my mother and grandmother call underwear.

I have a reason...

2008-11-14T12:29:00.000-08:00

...for not blogging in so long.

A) I refused to blog about the election and that was a mighty hot topic. I am more of a "keep it to yourself" type. My guy did not win. But I can happily say that I am confident in our President-elects abilities and that of his staff to do some really great things the next four years (oh lets be honest, the guy and his cult like following will be around for the next eight.)

B) My grandfather died on the 5th. It was sad. I am still sad. And I didn't have the energy to express it.

Also, this little hiatus is going to be going on just a touch longer since dun, dun, duuuun (!!!) I am leaving for New York tomorrow!!

Get ready Upper East Siders. This West Coast girl is headed your way, and straight for The Palace hotel (is that even real?) to grab a drink and watch for this guy.

SHARK SWEATER!

Good LAWD that boy is a dream.

Anyway. Wish me luck on my trip New York/self discovery. I will need it.

You know you love me...

XOXO,

Carolyne Roehm Book Signing

2008-10-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

For those of you who don't know who Carolyne Roehm is. Stop reading and go look at her website here. I love spending time just browsing all of the beautiful ribbons and decor that she has. I would love to get a hold of one of her books too. They look beautiful! One of her new books, A Passion for Blue and White, is set to come out on October 28th. If you are lucky enough to live in New York, head down to Archivia Books and get your copy signed by Carolyne!

Here are the details:

When: October 28th, 5pm - 8pm

Where: Archivia Books

993 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY

"Enjoy the last glow of Autumn and skip through the leaves..."

- Carolyne Roehm

Exposed Beams

2008-10-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

I noticed a trend today in my recent "favorites file" of magazine clippings. I put sticky's on the rooms with exposed beams. To me, it adds a really natural visual structure to the room that I love.

Here are some of my favorites.

ELLE Decor

This house is my DREAM house. Featured in ELLE Decor. The next picture is in the kitchen of this house... so beautiful.

ELLE Decor

(I don't know where I got this!)

Reindeers are in. I'M SERIOUS!

2008-10-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

Check out this little ditty I just bought.

So cute, so warm, so vintage inspired! I love it. Can't wait to wear it next to my mom who has a sweater with a similar pattern, that she actually knit herself years ago.

Forever 21

I have been waiting for this weekend and am so excited that it is actually here! The friends and I are off to Maltby's Cafe for breakfast and then headed to the Pumpkin Patch to enjoy the fall weather and search for the perfect pumpkin!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Pennington & Bailes

2008-10-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

*UPDATE:
A) My mom pointed out that I had the wrong, "wear". How embarrassing and VERY unbecoming of me.
B)Per my future roommates request.... I tried to replace the Marshall U pants with WVU ones, but.... they don't have them. Sorry. I tried!

Oh, how I wish I lived in an area where tailgating was a favorite past-time. Because then I would be associating myself with people who wear outfits like this, and that just makes me happy.

If someone showed up to a Hawks or Huskies/Cougs game wearing these? He would get run over by a Subaru.

If you do in fact live in an area that appreciates this lovely sort of attire, please go to

Pennington & Bailes

immediately and stock up on your favorite critter pants covered in your schools logo.

The new Krissy 08'/09'

2008-10-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

It has been awhile. But I haven't really had much to talk about either. This weekend was interesting. Friday, I was in a SOUR mood (just ask my dear sister who had to console me about it). Sometimes I have a tendency to wallow in my "situation", whatever it may be. Topics that can get me VERY upset leading to said counseling sesh with sister include:

1) Job

2) Friends
3) Missing friends
4) Catty fights with friends
5) My weight/body image ISSUES. And man do I have them. ("Buzz your girlfriend...Woooooof")
6) Dilemmas with future
7) Being single, with apparently LOTS of non-single friends now (although Saturday I was affirmed that there are still a few left!)

So, back to Friday. I had a meltdown because I was home. On a Friday night. Nothing to do but try desperately to watch Grey's Anatomy online. But, alas, having a 6 year old Dell came to bite me. It would NOT PLAY. DELL would CRASH every single time. Commence real tears over this. It was more of a build up of frustration and loneliness than anything. All I really wanted was to be in Alabama watching it in my sisters bed with my little four legged niece and nephew. URGH! And as I was spilling tears over this situation, every other situation that was bothering me came out with it. I was sad because I was alone. I was sad because I feel like I have been working so hard at the gym and trying to eat as healthy as possible without any results to show for it. I was sad that I am again, trying to uproot my life and find fulfillment in SOMETHING (i.e. all of the school searching). I got myself completely worked up unnecessarily.

Sister went into ACTION let me tell you. I bet you she was just fed up with my antics to be honest. Regardless here is the plan we are calling, "The New Krissy 08'/09'":

1) Examine my eating habits and consult with nutritionist friend for advice.

2) Find more single friends... Small group through church, volunteer groups, etc.

3) Write down five good things about my day everyday.

She wants me to start appreciating the "now". I am a true dreamer. If things aren't happening as they happen in my dreams....I take action to change that. Or find a new dream to seek after. However, this is leaving me quite unhappy and unfulfilled with my life.

I am determined to change this.

5 GREAT things about my weekend:

*Sleeping in*

*Shopping and lunch with my mom*

*SALSA dancing on Saturday night*

*Nice, but heart pumping hike with my marrieds*

*Family dinner finished off by core warming apple cider with my marrieds*

Ahhh.... I feel my mood lifting higher already

Auf Wiedersehen

2008-10-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Headed to Leavenworth to drink beer and eat brats with my friends at Oktoberfest!

Have a great weekend everyone...

Auf Weidersehen!

JOULES!

2008-10-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

I am seriously SO GITTY I cannot even begin to explain it. It is similar to this:

The reason for my over-stimulation in AWESOMENESS?

The British call it Joules. It is a store so suited for me it is crazy and I couldn't help but clap my hands in a fit of joy when I saw all of the beautiful clothes.

But the obvious issue with this, is that,

(A) The clothes are in Britain + (B) The American economy is FILTHY = (C) The clothes are twice as expensive.

BUT JUST LOOOOOOOOOOOOK

New Title

2008-10-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

I noticed in the last couple months that there are well, A LOT of blogs having to do with all things preppy. And I love it somuchsomuchSOMUCH! However, I want to set my blog apart a little bit. The title, "Very Becoming", actually comes from something my mom has said to me. If ever I do anything inappropriate (who me? NEVAH!), she jokingly says, "Krissy, that is VERY unbecoming of you".

So this is my blog that is for all things that ARE becoming of me.

ENJOY!

Defeated

2008-09-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have one of those days where you just feel.... deflated? Like the balloon of promise about something that has been lifting you up for awhile, keeping you high above the drabness of your life just got popped. Ohhhh, that's me.

I have been researching going back to school for a few months now. I have it narrowed down to a couple of schools in New York and one in Boston.

New York School of Interior Design

Pratt Institute

Boston Architectural College

I am going out there in November and have been VERY excited about it. I can't stop thinking about the "endless" opportunities that a degree would offer me or give me a head start on. The knowledge and experience that an actual education in design would offer me. I have been wanting an adventure for the last year or so (please refer to THIS post). Wouldn't New York just be amazing to experience?? Or Boston even? I can imagine going to all these cool classes learning about colors, and drafting, and furniture and LAWD that just gets me all revved up!

Currently I work for a yacht building company and am an Interior Design Assistant. Obviously, this sounds like a great job. And, trust me, IT IS. Very cool working environment, great pay, "possibilities". However, for the last 5 months I have just been so bored. Not the whole time, but a lot of it. Because of my lack of actual experience and knowledge in design, I am left to run errands, return samples, write up select orders and general administrative duties. You know, like an assistant would do (I understand that this is my job and also that everyone needs to start somewhere). But despite that I am feeling really unchallenged and wanting more, still. I know for a fact that design is a passion of mine and I think I would be REALLY good at it given the opportunity. How do I get this opportunity other than going to school and proving that I CAN?

Coming back down now. Reasons that were brought to my attention (I had previously been just ignoring them or assuming that they would just you know... "work out")

1. MONEY. Hello, school costs a boat load, so does living in NY.... can I actually afford this? Probably not.

2. Friends. I have a pretty cool group of friends. I like them. We do fun and cliche stuff like trips to the pumpkin patch, preppy beach weekends, picnics in the park, etc. I love it. Why would I leave that???

3. Leaving a great job that I already have in a poor economy that has "potential" for advancement. Its true, so why would I leave?

4. Family. They are an hour away. No more going home for weekends. No more breakfasts with dad. Trips home would be more selective and infinitely more expensive.

5. Starting over. Completely. I mean, new degree, new city, new friends, new job, new finances, EV-ER-Y-THING. Completely different. I hate change.... why do I always bring it on myself.

I was you know... crying in the bathroom about the whole thing. Just felt a lot of self-doubt and worry and frustration. I was at work though so I got myself back together and went back to my desk and had a very reassuring convo with my good friend, we'll call her "J". She is currently going back to school for counseling and had these insights to give me. It instantly made me feel better: This was the gist of our conversation....

Me: I feel defeated...

J: Well here is a kinda pep talk. YES you know there are factors that make school hard. You figured out that without people telling you (etc rent, tuition, not knowing people), BUT, if it is a desire of yours, you take the bad with the good. What you need to do is (aside from what others say) sit down and figure out your pros and cons of going. After looking at them on paper...decide if YOU think its worth it. The other way you will get an answer is whether God opens/closes doors..ie. you get accepted to the school/are able to find housing etc. Sometimes he works through those scenarios to direct us to where we are supposed to go so be prayerful about it. I mean, we all want our friends opinions on things...but ultimately..you know yourself, your personality, desires better than any outsider.

She is right. She made me feel much better and reminded me to lay this one in God's hands. If it works out, it works out. If not...I still have the job I am at and life goes on.

more animals

Fall is my favorite season

2008-09-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

You heard me. Fall is my favorite season. I am more gitty about it than spring or summer. Something about the air just makes me want to take a deep breath and savor it. Personally, I think that Fall and Winter are the most romantic seasons of the year. Maybe it is the cold factor and the need to be close to people. Or maybe because it is a time of traditions. And there is no better way to practice traditions than with someone special to you.

Here are just a few of my favorite things about Fall....

1. Cool days when the sun is out. Similar to that feeling of being warm in your bed but having the window open and your face feel cool. So soothing and cozy.

2. Fall leaves. So cliche but just.... LOOK at how beautiful this Seattle street is.

Photos courtesy of this site. Thanks!

3. Pumpkin. Spice. Latte.

4. Speaking of pumpkins.... I love fall for pumpkin patches!

Picture taken by my friend at our 2007 Pumpkin Patch Day

5. The changing of the wardrobes. All of my summer dresses, tanks, shorts.... go into storage and out come my winter coats, sweaters, and warm shoes. Here are a couple of sweaters I have been thinking about, but won't get because (single fist pump to the sky) I AM ON A BUDGET!

J.Crew.com

6. Holiday Movies. Here are my favorites:

7. The anticipation of winter coming. I love planning trips home, Christmas shopping lists, and seeing the ballet (The Nutcracker) at the Pacific Northwest Ballet with my grandmother. I love getting excited when I hear it is going to snow and anxiously looking outside to see if it is. I love planning ski trips with friends and the exhaustion felt after a good day on the slopes.

Classy Animal Art

2008-09-18T10:01:00.001-07:00

I was browsing the 1st Dibs art section recently and noticed a pattern in what I was drawn to at the moment. Antique paintings of animals. Here were some of my favorites.

A Fine English Painting by Richards of ShiptonEnglish

Mid-nineteenth Century

G. Sergeant Antiques L.L.C

A Fine Whippet Portrait

English School

19th Century G. Sergeant Antiques L.L.C.

Antique painting of English hunting dog, signed Bailley

England, circa 1889

Floxglove Antiques

FOLK PORTRAIT OF A BULL, SIGNED L.D.D., 1885

American

Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques

Duck Shoes

2008-09-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

I seem to be on a shoe kick lately. I guess I am just getting ready for fall and preparing my feet to be INSIDE shoes once again. But, I cannot wait....

Topic in shoes today is what some call Duck Shoes. They are great for fall/winter days when it is rainy or muddy. They have that great classic outdoorsy style and I just love them.

Here are some examples. I chose the Navy/Tan ones from L.L. Bean.

L.L. Bean Rubber Moc

Tory Burch "Matthew" Duck Shoe - Nordstrom

The Berkley Penny Loafer

2008-09-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

So in my last post I said that I had gone "shopping with me". Well I had success. In my job, I walk a LOT, because the job site is so big. So heals are not really a great option for me to wear on a daily basis. Plus, I am naturally drawn to flats more, but the flats I do own have seen better days.

ENTER THE BERKLEY PENNY LOAFER.

Oh, oh my gosh. I saw them at Nordstrom's and about died. It is hard to come across a "penny loafer" that doesn't make you look like a complete dork. And these were JUST PERFECT! And super comfortable. And not too expensive. And can be worn with or with out socks (argyle of course).

Oh, and I also found these at 30% off at Banana Republic. Yip!

On Loneliness

2008-09-13T23:48:00.000-07:00

Today was kind of a lonely day. I didn't have any plans and I was not a part of anyone else's. So ya, it was kind of a lonely day. When days like these creep up on me it is a stinging reminder that I don't have someone special to hang out with whenever I want. It is a reminder that sometimes you will not be included in things and that friendships seem to change in the blink of an eye. That your forever friend, lives in Alabama unable to hug you when you need it most. But like each weekend that this happens, it is also a reminder of the importance of learning to be happy all by your self. So today, I hung out with "me". I went to the gym, with me. I went and got coffee (Pumpkin Spice Latte GOD BLESS YOU!), with me. I went shopping, with me. I ate lunch at Nordies, with me. And it was fine.

But, honest moment, I want SO much, for it to not be just me anymore.

"What I saw today"

2008-09-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

There is this blog that I have been following called "What I Saw Today". It is similar to The Sartorialist (except for What I Saw Today does menswear only), but the writer actually SKETCHES what he sees. Here are some of my favorites that he has posted recently.

"Nelson in an Orange Leather Vest"

"Bow Tie #3. University and 12th Street"

"Why is it that European Men..."

("take a look that is so American - here a pink oxford shirt, madras shorts, moccasins - and make it look better?")

"Madras, White Pants, Top Siders"

My Preppy Name

2008-09-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Your Preppy Name Is...

Pemberton Chaplin Weatherley the Fourth
But most people know you as Miffy

What's" Your Preppy Name?

I love this!! What is your preppy name??

PS. It is September 11, 2008. I still remember everything about that day seven years ago and will never forget....

Skills for Men

2008-09-10T07:29:00.000-07:00

I came across an article from Esquire Magazine while reading this blog. I thought it was smart. I wonder if there is a list of "know-hows" that women should know...

Anyways, read here, and learn. My personal favorites are: 9,10,16,46,74

Cover of Esquire, June 1965

MOTHER CHUCKER!

2008-09-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

Confession: I am completely obsessed with Gossip Girl. Here are my reasons:

1. The wardrobe. Oh my land it is UNBELIEVABLE! It is seriously just beautiful. My favorites are of course Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass.

2. The drama. While it is a little...over the top, it is entirely addicting and even my own mother, bless her heart, can not get enough of it. What do you think we did while I was home all weekend??? Answer: watch the entire first season.

3. That's it.

So the second season of GG started on Monday. And thank you LORD for my roommate who bought this GHETTO (!) set of rabbit ears (a TV ANTENNA PEOPLE!) for our TV. Because without her insatiable need to watch the Olympics, I would have not been able to pick up channel 11 and continue this guilty pleasure every Monday. Thanks ROOMIE!

Here is a link to an awesome and accurate recap of this horrid show. READ ME

And some pictures of my favorite fashions of the first episode.

(Oh, he makes me blush a little bit)

YOU KNOW YOU LOVE ME!
XOXO, GOSSIP GIRL!

What if

2008-09-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

I just spent a great weekend at home. The weekends are for slowing down and taking a break from work. My routines are halted (although I have weekend routines too) and my mind has a chance to relax and enjoy taking it easy. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I get a familiar feeling almost every weekend. It isn't dread anymore. It is just this mixed bag of longing for something different and this unsettled feeling inside my tummy. Since I graduated over a year ago, I have had this same feeling and it has yet to go away. This last year was pretty tough for me for a number of reasons. I am not one for change and just about EVERYTHING changed from graduation, to friends, to jobs, to where I live. After a couple of breakdowns (one in IKEA), flights to Alabama, and some loooooooooong talks with parents, I have now fallen into this numb walk.

For a long time I thought it would go away when I met someone and got on the dating, marriage, babies track. I am starting to realize that might be the worst thing for me right now. I woke up in my bed at home this weekend and was laying there for awhile, and this very VERY clear thought would not leave my mind. It was something to the effect of, "You cannot get married or get into a serious relationship until you have fulfilled this desire to experience something different". I cannot tell you what a relief that was to think that in my own head and for a minute take the pressure off of wanting to find someone... for a minute anyways.

To indulge myself and my lingering need to do something drastically different with my life I usually play the "What-if" game. For example, these are my "what-ifs" I have been pondering this weekend:

1. What if I moved home and saved money.
2. What if I used that money to travel through Europe.
3. What if I used that money to go back to school for design.
4. What if I went to design school instead of buying a house.
5. What if I went to design school in like, Maine or New York.
6. What if I actually applied to crew aboard a yacht and was paid to travel around the world?
7. What if I sold my car and biked to work.
8. What if I moved to an exotic location in like Whistler or Denmark, and had to figure out how to live?
9. I could work in a cafe and meet all sorts of interesting people and...
10. What are the odds that I will do any of this EVER?

British Racing Green

2008-09-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

Someone pointed out to me that the letters in my new license plate sort of make up the word "Yacht". Or it just rhymes with "itch". Either way, here is my new car!

J.Crewtiful

2008-08-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

J.Crewtiful - Rhymes with "B.E.autiful".

I love this ad.

Clown Car.

2008-08-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

Okay so this isn't actually it. I am still waiting for my sister to send me pictures that she took. But this is my car circa 1972 (I made that up). British Racing Green and Bonnet Stripes and everything!

More to come.

In another note. I had another fantastic weekend at the beach. We had perfect weather and a full day of lounging, swimming, and eating the best pizza ever. There was also a jelly bean birthday cake. I love Cannon Beach!

Lets Motor!

2008-08-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

I. Bought. A. New. Car.

Neat, huh? What kind did I get? I still need to get pictures of it. So, instead, I will leave you with a few of my all time FAVORITE cars and ones that I am convinced I will someday buy. They are all very classic and ÜBER preppy. Happy Monday!

Classic Range Rover

(notice that I say CLASSIC. I don't really like the newer models of them. I love the body shape of 2004 and older. Who's with me!)

Land Rover Discovery

MINI Cooper

Replica Jaguar XK120

Land Rover Defender

I did buy a car listed here. Which one do you think it is?? You'll find out in the next post, so stay tuned!!

Don't forget your re-usable shopping bag!!

2008-07-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

So, I came across these bags from Neela awhile ago, but couldn't post about them because I gave some to sister for her birthday. Bless her. First of all, the girl lives in Mobile, Alabama where they still do not have mandatory recycling and she has to bring hers to a station and divide it up into the bins. Like in the old days. Second, girl has to do her shopping at.... Wall-Mart. Now don't get me wrong, I am not bashing Wall-Mart users at all, but after growing to love the likes of Trader Jo's, Metropolitan Market, and Whole Foods, who can go to a Wall-Mart and feel inspired when the person in front of you in line is 5,000lbs and wearing their slippers? YA.

And when she finally gets to the check-out stand after dodging about 30 motorized carts, she, a true north westerner, waits for the blank stare to come across the checkers face when she answers their question "paper or plastic", with, "I brought my own, thanks". And then, GASP! here's a concept, she bags her groceries. She is "engaging the culture and changing the world", one Southern Wall-Mart at a time people.

So, for her birthday, I bought her these in each color. Neela bags hold more than a typical grocery shopping bag and are freaking adorable. And they are only $5.00 each. YAY! Here are facts taken from their website to further encourage everyone out there to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Oil Consumption: We're using 12 million barrels of oil for plastic bag production each year.

Landfill Buildup: 96% of plastic bags end up in landfills, where they do not biodegrade.

Wildlife Death: Annually over 100,000 birds and marine life are literally choked to death by plastic bags when they mistake the bags for food. Plastic bags photodegrade, breaking down into small, toxic bits that contaminate soil and waterways and are easily ingested by animals.
Trees: For paper bags, we cut down over 14 million trees each year, wasting untold energy in production. Paper bags are more difficult and more costly to recycle and don't biodegrade in landfills.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER

I love chair.

2008-07-31T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been lacking in the blog department lately. Truthfully, nothing worth writing about has happened in the last couple of weeks. BUT THEN, I went on a vacay, bought a car, discovered cute Eco-friendly shopping bags, and fell in love with 1stdibs.com. My blog bucket overfloweth again. I will try to keep it up people, but sometimes I am just not into it. So anyways, I will start with my beach weekend. Actually it was called Prep Weekend. Yeah, we do that. It was complete with lovely meals including crab, and as much seersucker, linen, and boat shoes that I could pack into one weekend. Here are the highlights of my weekend at the coast:

Yes that is the Goonies rock in the background. Photo taken by this guy.

The drive. I drove down with someone who could talk as much, if not more than I could and it made the drive funny and therapeutic, and fast.
Killing flies with Windex.
Walking like forty miles a day, and then overeating at night.
Saying pruuuuune while taking a pic. Try it, its hilarious.
Reluctantly trying to see if we could get into the hot tub after hours. Being relieved that we couldn't. I don't like to break community laws such as going "after hours" or "jumping fences"... anywhere. And I hate the idea of TP-ing. I have never done it though.
Fug the Dealer.

I was reviewing some photos taken by my preppy friend who took the photo above, from a previous trip and found this one.

I seriously might frame it I love it so much. At the same time as looking through this album I received an email from 1stdibs.com and spent the next hour looking through about a hundred chairs. 1stdibs is this brilliant website that pulls together the collections from antique dealers from all over the world and puts them up for auction. I have a serious affinity to antiques that started while roaming the halls of a castle in Denmark, and seriously wishing that I lived there, and that the dusty faded canopy bed was mine. And don't you love it, when a mirror is so old that you can barely see your reflection anymore it is so cloudy? Ahhh, sweetness.
Anyway, here are some chairs that I found in my search yesterday.

Napoleon the III Chairs - Hotel Mirande
France
Circa 1860
Napoleon The III Chairs as seen in the salons of the Hotel Mirande in Avignon, France

Single armchair attributed to Tommi Parzinger
USA
1950's
Classic armchair with rolled arms separated from the seatback on tall tapered Walnut legs - attributed to Tommi Parzinger.

Italian Mid Century Settee in the manner of Osvaldo Borsani
Italy
1950's
Dark gray fabric juxtaposed with light gray welting creates a fun and dynamic combination for this little settee. Light gray button detailing on the sides of the settee. Legs are are ebonized with brass sabot tips.

Handsome End of 18th Century Alcove Settee
Provence, France
End of 18th century
Handsome end of 18th century alcove settee with sculpted apron.

Single Frances Elkins Loop Armchair.
USA
Vintage
Gorgeous newly relacquered "Canary Yellow" armchair.

Pair of John Hutton Gesso Thebes Club Chairs
San Francisco
1976
Pair of Gesso over Wood Thebes Club Chairs designed by John Hutton for Randolph & Hein shortly after leaving design school. Hutton of course went on to a lengthy career at Donghia. Loose Cushions

"TUNA! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!"

2008-07-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

This is a post dedicated to my favorite, and oh-so-preppy character, Mr. Andrew Bernard, on my favorite TV show, The Office. Some people hate him, some people love him, and some people love/hate him. I usually love him and can't help but notice how well the guy dresses (he has great taste in ties)! Here are some of his best outfits with a little quote (not neccessarily from that scene) to get you in the mood.

"I went to Cornell, ya ever heard of it? I graduated in 4 years, never studied once, I was drunk the whole time, and... I sang in the a cappella group Here Comes Treble."

"Sebring by Chrysler. Heck of a motor carriage."

"Thank you muchly."

"You, me, bars, beers, buzzed. Wings. Shots. Drunk. Waitresses, hot. Football - Cornell/Hofstra. Slaughter. Then a quick nap at my place and we'll hit the tiz-own."

"Steer clear Big Tuna, head for open waters."

This house....

2008-07-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

IS DELICIOUS

It is this months Frontgate Home of the Month. It is 11,000 square feet of awesomeness located in Sag Harbor, NY. The following are pictures from the interior. I like it because it is simple. The owners don't use much color, which gives it a really clean and fresh feel. It is free of trendy patterns and colors and just screams classic Hampton's home.

Putting this in the dream pile and filing it away for later...check.

Did he just say that?

2008-07-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

“You have great T-Shirt Potatoes”.

Has anyone ever stared at your chest and said that? Didn’t think so. It was horrible. It was humiliating. In hindsight, it was effing hilarious. I think I need to tell this story because it is the kind of thing that happens to me a lot and looking back at it now, I learned a lot once again.

A couple of weekends ago, the preppy friends and I gathered together on a super hot day for dinner. Where do you go for dinner when it gets even remotely sunny in Seattle? Anywhere with outside seating. It is like an automatic response. So, we headed to lake union and ended up at BluWater Bistro. I look down at the bar and this very cute, very preppy guy is STARING straight at me. He grabs his beer and walks right over and before you know it, I have effectively ditched my friends and am SHAMELESSLY flirting with this guy and CANNOT even stop myself. How could I? He was adorable. He even threw out the Christian card. (Actually this is also a very funny story in hindsight. The guy noticed I was wearing a cross necklace and proceeded to tell me that he was a born again virgin. WTF! WHO SAYS THAT! A guy who would stop at nothing to take a gullible girl like me home that’s who…) Moving on. At the time, I was starry eyed. I had not felt an instant connection in a long time and I was practically jumping out of my shoes.

Then his friend walks up. He takes one look at my face, next look is at my chest, and, without even diverting his eyes tells me I have “great t-shirt potatoes”. I had an instantly sick feeling in my stomach. Every red flag that I had been ignoring for the last 20 minutes flew up in front of my face. My eyes were probably the size of the MOON when I shot a look at my preppy crush that said “are you going to let your friend say that to me?” Do you know what my preppy crush did? He laughed. I felt like I was slapped in the face. I think I made some “stand-up for myself comment” that got pushed aside and soon after I made my exit to go sit with my friends finally.

When I made it back to the table I felt gross. You would think that I would be done with this guy, but I wasn’t. I held on to whatever glimmer of hope that there was an ounce of quality inside that good-looking fellow. He waved me over to where he was sitting a little while later. He bought a great bottle of red wine and flirted like he meant it. He made plans with me to eat lunch, to cook dinner, and to date me right. Because he said he wanted to. No, I’m not kidding. He said, “I am going to date you right. And we are going to have the best time ever.” I fully believed him. He walked me back to my car and as hard as I tried to dodge his face coming at mine I eventually gave in and kissed him. Not a long kiss, just a kiss. He called me as I was driving away and said he was so glad to have met me.

I never heard from him again…

That night, before I knew that he wasn’t going to call I wrote this in my journal. “Dear Lord, I met a great guy tonight. Or is he great? Lord he makes me feel uneasy. I pray if he is not someone you want me to be with, that he does not call. Protect my heart…”

Notes to self:

1. Dear self, you tend to be too trusting and give my heart away too easily on the wrong people. What gives?

2. Dear self, a guy is sometimes only as good as the friends he keeps. Your really cute, really preppy new crush, had low quality friends (seriously, who says t-shirt potatoes?) and true to form, he turned out to be a really low quality guy.

Next.

Preppy Snapshot Monday

2008-07-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

I had a fantastic weekend. Complete with good friends (except for I was missing my marrieds who are currently gallivanting through Italy), good food, and great fireworks. The 4th of July, was not a disappointment this year.

Prayers are being answered people, in a big way.

Brooks Brothers

I'll leave you with my favorite new preppy picture.

ENJOY!

Independence Day Style

2008-07-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

Is it seriously already almost the 4th of July? Ugh. This holiday, while being one of my favorites is always a mixed bag of high expectations, lots of food, too much beer, usually rain (being a Seattle girl and all), and wading through a million people to get a good spot for the South Lake Union Fireworks show. Yeah, I know you know what I mean. This year, the preppy friends and I are heading to West Seattle for a preppy BBQ and a stroll to the beach to watch the fireworks at Elliott Bay across the water. Should be fun, I am already planning A) what I am bringing for a side/dessert (Bow Tie Greek pasta salad and possibly an apple pie?) B) what I am going to wear. Not sure yet, and this preppy girl is on what is known as a "budget", so no holiday shopping trips. But here is inspiration for those of you who do plan a shopping trip for this blessed event.

God Bless This LAND!

J.Crew Featherweight Cotton Striped Tee

J.Crew

J.Crew Polished-Cotton Camp Dress

J.Crew Jamie Jacket

Vineyard Vines Rudder Wrap Dress

J.Crew Mutts Whale Critter Polo....

Preppy Snapshot Monday

2008-06-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

Tell me what couple could be more classy and preppy at the same time. Can't think of anyone? I couldn't either...

Happy Monday Everyone

Bargains can still be classy.

2008-06-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

As I said in one of my previous posts that can be found here, I browse Craigslist a lot to see what kind of great bargains are out there. Here are some current great finds in the Seattle market:

Great porcelain blue couch : discounted to $450

Classic chair: $185 (re-upholster this bad boy and voila!)
Perhaps in a fabric such as this from Lulu DK Fabrics to coordinate well with the couch above, and use the brown for a pillow:

I think this antique dresser is beautiful. $250 (YES ONLY! People don't know how to price sometimes....)

Awesome lamp... $60

And there you have it. A pretty SAWEET room, for under $1000

Preppy Snapshot Monday

2008-06-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

"The exciting team of man and horse continues to embody breathtaking skill, fierce determination, gracious sportsmanship and above all, elegant ambiance unique to the world of equestrian sports."

So preppy.

I'll probably look on craigslist for that....

2008-06-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

I can not get enough of Craigslist. Simple as that. When I get bored, I look on Craigslist. When I need something cheap, I look on Craigslist. Looking for a job, a bed, couch, mattress, car... I always take a look on Craigslist. One of my all time FAVORITE things to do though, and this is a total confession so no judgments please, is I love to look at the "missed connections". Obviously in the back of my head I am always keeping my eye pealed for a posting that is about me, but really I just love to read them because it reminds me that guys really DO share the same moment with you. That moment passing each other on the street where you think, "ooo, my stomach just flip-flopped." I am a total sucker for this stuff, especially missed opportunities where by a chance of fate people reunite and it proves that some people are just meant to be. The way my sister explains find that person I think fits into this category. She always tells me, "God is setting up a series of events and opportunities that will lead you two to each other." Which reminds me that I am not just spinning my wheels waiting for my life long love, things are actually happening on a daily basis that will eventually lead me to the right person and that, I think, is SO EXCITING!! So, in honor of these romantics at heart, I have compiled a few of my favorites from Craigslist that made my heart melt for the person they are trying to reach. Enjoy!

Emerald City Smoothie (on Stewart) - m4w (Minor/ Stewart)
"You looked amazing today. Loved your hair. Figure you get hit on a lot, just an assumption. Don't know where I'm going with this, but I just wanted to say, you make my day every time I see you."

Jogging on Elliott - m4w - 35 (Seattle)
Ok, so you were jogging on Elliott Avenue, crossing the street near Western, Wednesday evening around 7:15. And you looked great. I was in my car and we shared a look and a wave as I left. I'm wondering if that look meant there was some interest on your part as well? If so, I'm very curious to know more about you and your situation - cute as you are, I'm guessing you aren't single.... Anyway, if you recognize the post, why don't you drop me a line and let me know what kind of car I was in - just so I know its you. ;0

Thank you for helping with paper jam. - m4w (Copier)
I was trying to scan something and it jammed, you were kind enough to come from no where and help. You are so sexy:)

Orange Dress - m4w (Lakewood)
I absolutely love when you come by the office. Wish you had more mail to send.

We crossed on sidewalk at the park - m4w - 36 (11th Ave / Anderson Park)
Yesterday, 1 pm on 11th (behind anderson park) You: gorgeous blonde, skirt and blouse, yellow and blue? maybe, but contrasting Me: jeans and a white T, towel in hand, headphones.... Should have said "Hey" "Hi" Help" "Fire" Coffee?

My morning coffee.. - m4w - 39 (Green Lake)
L- You make my coffee and give treats to my dog.We share the same taste in coffee style. I have to admit I only go there to see you.I have a brilliant espresso machine at home. I must admit I think you are cute.I haven't been able to get a solid conversation when you work....Maybe a non caffienated drink sometime?

I sip my coffee, you look busy.. - m4w (silverdale)
Then our eyes catch, they lock just for a momment, then one of us smiles. I still dont understand it. But I like it! sometimes I think you hate me sometimes I think you want me. D

2nd Apology

2008-06-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

It has come to light that I have gravely offended some friends.

So, I guess I need to follow-up with a second apology post. Like I said in my first, I had a bad attitude about blogs. I really did. And I am not a natural writer so stuff like metaphors and correct grammar doesn't make sense to me. And like I said, my opinion of them before was mean and incorrect and unwarranted. But that is what I thought. Until I started reading them. Then I became hooked. I loved reading about peoples lives and seeing how they viewed life and wrote about it. I loved hearing about my two favorite marrieds love journey. I loved looking at all the pretty things that some of my favorite blogs found. I loved being updated in a way on some lost friends lives...

So again, I admit it. I was a hypocrite. I tried to apologize for it the first time. I felt the need to explain myself in my first post because I had adamantly rejected the idea of ever doing a blog and felt like a dumb-ass now creating one. Is it okay that I changed my mind?

So, to my writer friends that I seriously offended. I am sorry. Forgive me. And thanks for writing such fun and inspiring blogs. I was not thinking of any of your blogs by the way when I wrote my first post, if you'll believe that. Those are the blogs that made me think, "huh, this is fun to read. I would like to be able to do that too."

So sorry....

Preppy Snapshot Monday

2008-06-16T07:46:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday

If he's not asking you out, he's just not that into you.

2008-06-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

REPEAT: "IF HE'S NOT ASKING YOU OUT.... HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU!!" At the risk of having this non Sex and the City blog turn all Carrie Bradshaw on me, this is the subject of today's post. The inspiration comes from the disappointment that this phrase is one I need to accept, AGAIN. I have been thinking about this one in-particular guy for a couple of weeks now. I asked my mom about it, even my preppy best man-friend. Both of them were excited that I was showing interest in someone, and were giving me advice on what to do since I am feeling rather unsavvy when it comes to guys lately. He is someone I have known for awhile and never really noticed until recently.

Side note: I have always considered myself good at flirting. What I didn't know was that I am good at flirting with people I have ABSOLUTELY no interest in. I become MUTE, when a guy that I like walks into the room. Sometimes, I even avoid them. Thus, he has no idea I even care he is alive. Funny how that works.

Carrying on....

So, the advice from my preppy best man-friend was to effing show the guy some attention. FLIRT A LITTLE. Touch his arm. Show him your pretty teeth. Whatever... just do something. So, I DID. And had a great night doing it too. His advice was to do this, and see if he asked me out.

2 weeks later.... there has been no "ask out".

Like any girl would do, I followed it up with all the reasons he might want to ask me out, but hasn't. Like, maybe he is shy. Maybe he doesn't want to ruin a good friendship. All the while in my head, I am thinking, "that is total bull-sh*t, I know".

Its the same story, different guy. He's not asking me out, therefore, he is just not that into me. It is always disappointing in the exact same way every time. You run through questions like,

"well why the heck not! I am GREAT!"

You just start over analysing yourself to the maximum and it is always a heartbreaking process. Then, I remind myself to follow my own advice. The advice I give to my very best friends when they are experiencing similar or different situations. It goes a little like this.

"K, remember God's plan. Remember that he has a guy for you that he is molding and creating into the perfect match for you, just as he is molding and preparing you for him. If this guy was it, you would know it. If THIS GUY, was the guy that God wants for you, then right now is not the time you are meant to be together. Be thankful that if this guy was NOT it, that he passed over you (almost) painlessly. Be THANKFUL that you did not waste any of your time, figuring out what you already know. Instead, be HOPEFUL. Be excited. Be excited because something greater than you can imagine is coming your way in the form of Gods plan for you. In the meantime, stay peaceful. "RELAX YOUR SOUL" (credit to the sis for this one). Practice patience and when the right one comes you will feel even more at peace and reassured that this one is IT.

To all my singles out there. Stay hopeful.

Hippies? Ugh....

2008-06-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

So bad news. This preppy girl is, (GASP!) moving out of her preppy apartment, with a PHENOM view to downtown Seattle. Where is she going? (And why is she talking in the third person? Not sure.) GREEN LAKE. Do you know what that means? I'll tell you, they are known as hippies. Green Lake is crawling with them and their overgrown yards with those weird multi-colored flags that mean peace or something. I am going from this view:

To THIS view

EFF! Okay so it is not going to be that bad at all. The point of this whole move is that I REALLY need to save money right now. For a few reasons:

A) I want a nice big down payment on a new car.
B) I want money for NEXT year when (hooray!) I get to buy my own condo/house
C) I want more company. This girl gets lonely really easily.

I will be paying HALF the rent at this new place, which is a townhome that is very nicely done. I can handle it. And really, all that means is, I GET TO REDECORATE MY ROOM!!!! (In the cheapest way possible of course).

So here is my DREAM room right now:

ISN'T THIS ALL SO PRETTY!! (Thank you Pottery Barn)

I love it. So my style. Which I am having a really hard time finding a name for. Coastal? East Coast Prep? I think the display above is definitely beach themed, but sometimes I feel like I go back and forth from really preppy and refined to beachy cottage. I don't know. I better have a big house someday because I am going to need a lot of rooms to display my personal style in whenever the mood hits me. My favorite part of that scene is the Natural Chair. Can't you just imagine a balcony off the room with some awesome Adirondack chairs.

I'll get there someday.

This is an apology post...

2008-06-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

As the title states, this is an apology post. I am apologizing to all the bloggers out there. See, I have been secretly making fun of you since all of this blogging craziness began and I'll tell you why.

A) Most of the blogs that I saw made me think, "This girl thinks she is Carrie Bradshaw, but she is clearly NOT"
B) This person just wants a way to stand on a grammar/literary pedestal so that we all know how witty and clever of a writer they are. PS. Get over yourself.
C) This person just wants us to know their business and that irritates the ISH out of me.
D) This person wants a reason to be philosophical and deep, when in real life they are probably nothing like that.

(I realize that these are all really mean judgements coming from a very close minded person when it comes to the literary world. I don't get you people. Forgive me.)

And then I realized I. AM. A. TOTAL. HYP-O-CRITE.

Funny story. I CANNOT STOP READING BLOGS. Somewhere in the middle of me giving crap to all the bloggers out there, I became addicted to them. Even the annoying Carrie Bradshaw ones. And it was all downhill from there because I started thinking, gosh, I would love to write about my life and be able to look back at it. I would LOVE a reason to create storyboards and itch that designer scratch in me to design whatever the eff I please in the categories of home, fashion, and wedding. I NEED a stage to sound all of my grievances and all of the wonderful things that I love and that are happening in my life. Maybe that way I will notice and appreciate them more.

So here comes my warning, nay, my PREFACE (for all you literary folk), I am not a writer. I am not pretending to be a good writer. I am not going to toot my own horn with fancy metaphors. If I say something clever I did not plan it. I write like I talk. I have horrible spelling (even with spellcheck). I don't understand grammar (I also spelled it with an "e" until spellcheck just picked that one up). To be honest, I really don't know the best time to use a comma. But I have a fun/hard life and I want to capture that. I go through many challenges with being single and just out of college, that many of you can sympathize with I'm sure. I have great taste. I would like to show that. I am a preppy girl, living in a preppy apartment, interested in mainly preppy guys, and I have a preppy job. But really this whole time I feel like I am just "prepping" (that was dumb) for my future that seems to just be flying by me. A new car, a new condo, a new boyfriend, a ring, a wedding, a husband, a family, and finally retirement. I have no problem admitting that these topics are on my mind a lot. I am 23 by the way.

So anyways, here I am. I am blogging. And I feel fine.