Currently.

 

 

obsessing: my photos from our trip to Europe (post to come soon). For a first trip across the pond and a first stamp in the passport; it was pretty great. That photo above was taken on my iPhone, through the window of a train and has NOT been edited at all. Ya, that place was pretty freaking amazing. Swiss Alps, I'm coming for you again someday. 

reading: before the first 11hr plane ride I decided to download Steve Martin's Born Standing Up and it was a pretty great decision at at that. although with all that travel I didn't spend much time reading because it makes me quite nauseous to read and ride. 

watching: well when you leave for a 10day trip to Europe and you watch just about every show on TV; you can expect to come home to about 50+ episodes of greatness waiting to be seen. And in all of our Italian hotels we laughed endlessly about every channel being in Italian except MTV. So ya, we watched A LOT of music videos. And I STILL can't get those Italian pop songs out of my head.

planning: which of the thousands of pictures I took to share with you here. I kind of really hate when people travel and then share an abundance of photos that you could easily find on the internet. So to prevent that... I'm trying to only choose a few choice ones... like the really really good ones that you may actually want to see. I promise to do my best. 

sick of: BEING SICK! I caught something icky during the last two days of our trip and it just keeps getting weirder. Sore throat, nausea, ear pain and then yesterday... pink eye. Like seriously? I'll take one bath tub full of Lysol, please and thank you. 

thinking about: the next step in life. it's funny how taking a trip and seeing how the world lives and works makes you want to re-assess your own life. Time to buckle down and pay off all this nasty debt so I can do more living! 

what are you currently up to, friend? if you have your own "currently" post, be sure to include it below - i would love to check it out. and as always, thanks to Danielle  and illy for the original inspiration of this post.

If you want more seriously beautiful posts be sure to follow along with:

 

Currently.

Reading: Been lacking in this area lately. If I do make some time to read it's usually blogs online because I LOVE checking in on my friends and seeing how their lives are going. But if you'd like to see what's next on my "real" book list: check me out on Goodreads. If you aren't using this app/website yet; then get to it! I highly recommend it for keeping up with what you want to read, have read and what your friends are reading.

Eating: Well due to part #2 of my dental horror story ($10,000 worth of dentistry to fix my crazy bad soft teeth) I am not able to eat normally at the moment (for the past two weeks to be exact). So it's been a test of creativity to see how many ways you can make pasta, mashed potatoes, soup, and all things soft. I thought I'd love an all pasta diet but I actually LOVE veggies so it's been a challenge since I can't chew ANYTHING. I'm craving a cheeseburger so bad.

Thinking about: How entirely lucky I am to have what I have. Seriously. I'm still primarily a pretty cranky person but the past week or so I've just taken extra energy to notice all the little things I have to be grateful for everyday. My man is the kindest soul I've ever known and he's ALWAYS there for me; ABOVE and BEYOND in any situation. I have a job that appreciates me and allows me the space to also write and work on my personal goals. I just feel so much more in control when I have time in the day to write, relax and CLEAN my house. :)

Listening: A couple weeks ago we got tickets to a free concert that was happening here in Los Angeles. The band, Fitz and the Tantrums was filming the show for a series on PBS called "Artists Den". It was such an incredible venue (a converted church), such a great energetic band and the songs have been playing in my head over and over since. LOVE live music; especially in small venues.

Watching: LOVING Suits. It's been awhile since there's been a really good courtroom/lawyer drama and with those two cute faces...how can you really resist? As usual, also watching RHOBH, HIMYM, Under the Gunn and Teen Mom 2. Yep. #guilty

Loving: all of you who take the time to read my posts, to leave comments, tweets, messages, emails, etc. I appreciate all of you so much and you make this blog such a fun place to share things that I love. I can't thank you enough because it's such an important connection for me.

p.s. If you are Hayley or Megan you've WON a new pair of glasses from Firmoo. I'll be emailing you your prize soon! Thanks all for entering!

So, how about you? What are you up to today? Feel free to do your own "currently" post on your blog and link back in the comments for everyone to check out. And thanks again to my dear friends Danielle & Illy for providing the original inspiration for these posts.


If you want more seriously beautiful posts be sure to follow along with:

currently. it's beginning to feel a lot like...

 

 

obsessing: about our 2013 Christmas letter that I just finished last night. each year I do these and each year I love the next letter a little more. I've had a lot of requests for a template for me to sell in my Etsy shop but I put so much love into each detail that I cannot put together just a boring template. So.... if you'd like a custom Christmas letter, invite, whatever I'd love to do it for you but know that I'll need LOTS of special details! Email me if interested {beautifulblendings@gmail.com}

reading: too many celeb mags. it's my little secret that i'm mostly embarrassed about but i just love hearing what's going on and looking at all the purdy clothes. Does anyone else want to confess to this habit? Or perhaps offer me a suggestion on a good book to read? I'm about to have my wisdom teeth surgery next week so I'd love the help with something to keep my brain entertained while my mouth hurts. 

watching: season after season of house hunters international. gosh, I LOVE seeing those exciting countries and what kind of homes are to offer in those gorgeous places. thank goodness for amazon prime. i seriously heart you. 

 

planning: to get a baby christmas tree today. our house is too small for a large one and with our new Molly pup around; it wouldn't be a good idea anyway. BUT we do have a high table and if I take the time to clear away all the mess on top it.... there might just be the perfect spot for a baby tree to light up right in our front window. I think I shall. 

 

sick of: my teeth being such a hassle. I'm having my second of four surgeries to deal with all the issues my soft teeth have brought me. the total cost to avoid further health issues (like super scary ones) is going to be $12,000. I still have no idea how we are affording it but I do know that I'm SO incredibly lucky to have my fella supporting me. and if anyone has any spare change... let me know. You may find me in a fountain.

 

thinking about: how I FINALLY feel like I'm chasing what I want to do and really doing it. There's definitely sacrifice involved in going after what you WANT to be doing versus just having a J.O.B. But again, it's much easier when I have someone so supportive in my corner. so thankful for him this christmas. and can't wait to go see twinkle lights tonight as a little family of three. 

 

happy holidays all.

what are you currently up to, friend? if you have your own "currently" post, be sure to include it below - i would love to check it out. and as always, thanks to Danielle  and illy for the original inspiration of this post.

If you want more seriously beautiful posts be sure to follow along with: 

 

Currently.

obsessing: over all the posts around the country about autumn. It's truly my favorite time of the year and here in LA it's still way too HOT (over 100* last week) and I'm obsessing in a very unflattering way over posts with crisp colorful leaves and warm cozy scarfs. Oh, and boots! 

reading: Gunn's Golden Rules by Tim Gunn. This is most definitely a read for anyone who loves Project Runway but also just anyone who loves all things fashion-related. It's such a raw and real talk about life with a mix of great and truthful stories from "the industry". I'm LOVING this read and it's the perfect thing to snuggle up to at night. Well, and my snoring guy.

watching: all that I can until fall shows return. I cannot wait for Grey's Anatomy to come back so until then I've filled my days re-watching The Office for the 10th time, finishing the final season of Dexter, yelling at the results of SYTYCD and sneaking the occasional Real Housewife or Teen Mom. don't judge. What shows do you love? I'm ALWAYS in need of something to turn on while cooking or crafting.

planning: our FIFTH anniversary next month! Holy Moly. Can't believe how much I love that guy of mine and how far we've come together in these five years. Now if he'll just put a ring on it..... sheesh! 

sick of: this heat! oh wait, I already told you that. I'm also really tired of hearing about Miley Cyrus and the twerking. am I the only one who feels old now and thinks all this ridiculousness should just be put to a stop? I guess that's what 27 years old will do to you. 

thinking about: BIG changes happening in the next six months. So much that I wish I could share and so much that I'm totally unsure about. But taking leaps all over the place in life and just hoping there's a parachute attached so I don't end up on my butt. How's that for a closing thought?

what are you currently up to, friend? if you have your own "currently" post, be sure to include it below - i would love to check it out. and as always, thanks to Danielle  and illy for the original inspiration of this post.

If you want more seriously beautiful posts be sure to follow along with: 

 

Currently.

obsessing: our new house. love love love doing laundry in my own home with my own appliances. actually love cooking dinner (which if you knew me you would understand is a huge statement). love hanging out with my fella in the a/c. love picking fresh fruit right off the trees in our yard. love having good friends live across the street and having BBQs together and chatting outside late into the night. love feeling more settled in this crazy place called LA. 

reading: after finishing even if I am. (which I truly couldn't recommend reading MORE)... I started reading is everyone hanging out without me by Mindy Kaling in order to enjoy a little comic relief reading after said previous book (which yes I will warn you; requires tissues). I'm enjoying the book but tend to get VERY sleepy after just a chapter or two so it may take me some time. 

watching: everything. no, really. I'm always on the hunt for something new and exciting. right now we are enthralled with the final season of dexter. i've also recently gotten into orange is the new black on netflix. if you haven't seen it; i definitely recommend giving it a try if you are into a more mature type of show. but then of course i also really love such things as: pretty little liars, real housewives, venture bros (i know, random) and uh.... when is downton abbey coming back!?!!

planning: we are off on another vacation to our hometown of portland, or in two weeks (we just returned from there a week ago) for more weddings! we were invited to six this summer and can only affordably attend three. hot damn, people love getting hitched. for this second trip we are driving the 16+ hours and actually selling my little VW jetta to my little sister (who just turned 16!). It's going to be crazy (especially since I have to get a new car sometime before then... fingers crossed).... but I'm always happy to be back in Oregon. More stories on our travels to come. 

sick of: being so busy with work all the time. I really feel disconnected from some of the things that I love to do (blogging, crafting, relaxing... ha) and so I really need to work harder to find a better balance. If i figure out how to do this I'll be sure to let you all know. 

thinking about: how lucky i am to have a man that i love so much and who loves me back. i know that probably sounds so silly but it's really true sometimes. he can definitely make me crazy but we are seriously so happy together. xo. 

what are you currently up to, friend? if you have your own "currently" post, be sure to include it below - i would love to check it out. and as always, thanks to Danielle  and illy for the original inspiration of this post.

If you want more seriously beautiful posts be sure to follow along with:

 

Currently.

my favorite part of CA--the sunsets

Watching: The usuals such as Parenthood, Grey's and my fav NBC comedies. And some new things like: The Taste (we love cooking shows in our house) and GIRLS. I must say that the verdict is still out for me on that one.

Thinking about: My goal for this year of happiness. It may in fact be one of the most difficult challenges for me yet. But I will keep trying.

Reading: I just finished Tina Fey's BossyPants and I really enjoyed it. Normally I prefer a dramatic raw fiction or non-fiction. But it was refreshing to read into the amazing woman that is Tina and realize that even the nerdy girls can win big. Now I'm onto Gone Girl and I'm sort of nervous and excited for the thrill it's supposed to be. And I always love reading blogs.

Celebrating: Working hard and having it pay off. I'm paying down so much debt and I'm about 4 months away from paying off my car and finally owning it. Not living under constant debt from my time in college will definitely be the most successful feeling I'll ever have.

Making me happy: Honestly.... my man. He works so incredibly hard and is so deserving of love and respect. There are times that I get upset with him because I feel like I need more of him; but honestly it's mostly just that I'd spend everyday with him if I could. But we'd probably make each other crazy. :) But seriously, he's a pretty wonderful man.

So, how about you? What are you up to today? Feel free to do your own "currently" post on your blog and link back in the comments for everyone to check out. And thanks again to my friend Danielle for providing the original inspiration for these posts.

Currently.

Watching: A bit of everything. Shows for us: Sons of Anarchy, Dexter, The Voice, How I Met Your Mother, 30 Rock. Shows for me: Real Housewives (Beverly Hills & Atlanta), Grey's Anatomy, Once, & of course PARENTHOOD. ((pause for obvious sobbing)) Hopefully you don't judge me by this list. I'm a night owl and I work A LOT so TV is something I do to relax and escape.

Listening to: Christmas music. I'll take it on the crazy radio station in my car or my favorite is on my Bing Crosby pandora station while I'm working. It gets a little crazy sometimes in my work environment and the best way I know to escape is to hear Bing's beautiful voice singing "White Christmas". (swoon)

Thinking about: whew.... that's a real loaded one. Short answer: thinking about my beautiful Christmas tree and how happy I am about it. This is my first tree on my own as an adult and OUR first tree as a couple. I know it's probably such a small thing but when I smell that pine tree essence in our apt, see the twinkling lights and think about what special ornaments we'll be adding year after year.... it comforts my heart and makes me feel like all is right in the world; for just this moment.

Trying to figure out: what in the world I'm meant for. You know, just that is all. Haha. But seriously... I want to write. That's all I've ever REALLY wanted to do. I feel so at ease when I'm letting words fly across the screen in front of me and yet I know that right now I can't AFFORD to do that as a job. Or even put the effort into obtaining it in the first place. Writing jobs are few and far between. But I'll never get there if I never try. I must start trying.

Looking forward to: It's probably a bit of a given but.... Christmas. It's the one holiday where I feel like it's ok to hang out all day in your pj's, watch movies from when you were a kid, eat like there's no tomorrow (mmmm.... cinnamon rolls, cheese bits, wine, chocolate) and generally just feel safe and sound with the ones you love. It's also ONE DAY that my fella and I can genuinely be off from work together without having to make special arrangements and so we have made it a point to spend that one day at home.... since December 26th it's back to work for us.

Reading: The Fault in our Stars by John Green. So I decided to read this book because I had heard about it from many other bloggers and let me tell you; it does not disappoint. It's a terribly easy read (which I love sometimes since I read around 2am each night AND on my iPhone) but the story is also heart-wrenchingly beautiful and real. I recommend you read it. Like now. Please let me know if you have any good suggestions. I'm about to suffer from "I've reached the end of a book and am not ready to be detached from these characters because I'm now involved in their lives" phase. Help!

Making me happy: Paying off debts.... little by little. Of course it would probably help if I weren't distracted by so many great shopping deals online... but hey.

So, how about you? What are you up to today? Feel free to do your own "currently" post on your blog and link back in the comments for everyone to check out. And thanks again to Danielle for providing the original inspiration for these posts.

Currently + a winner.

PHOTO by KACIE

Loving: that adorable photo above taken by my sweet friend Kacie. She's got a pretty beautiful blog that you should definitely check out. Plus look at how adorable her sweet baby Gwyneth is. Love them. Miss them.

Reading: I'm thinking about what to start. Would love any suggestions but am thinking of beginning "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green. Have you read it? Thoughts?

Watching: I am re-watching all the episodes of Grey's Anatomy on Netflix. I do this at least once a year.... I also own every season but watching on Netflix means I don't have to change DVDs as much. Also anxious awaiting the arrival of all the Fall shows. New Girl anyone? Dexter? Yes please. Also...if Fall could arrive sooner...that would be great. Living in LA is kind of crappy in that seasons don't truly exist. That would be alright except I'm the kind of girl who LOVES fall. Leaves changing colors, pumpkin and chai lattes, cool crisp breezes, sweaters, BOOTS and scarves. Oh gosh, I NEED Fall to happen.

Thinking about: all the changes I want to make to streamline my shop, blog and overall brand. Thinking about hiring someone to do it so that it all looks the same and has cohesion. Part of me really wants to do this myself because it's the type of project I take pride in learning to do and then achieving. But I also know.... that I will make myself nuts doing it. So... choices.

Surprised by: the beautiful response via Instagram on my new hoop designs. You can follow me: beautifulblendings if you don't already. I can't wait to get them photographed and put into the shop. Should be in the next couple of weeks (I want to bust out a few more designs first) but should you want anything before then just let me know!

Making me sad: work. I like the money that I make serving/bartending but if I'm being totally real here.... I'm pretty terrible with people. Usually they just annoy me. And that's not how you're supposed to feel as someone serving people. Oops. I just wish I had a job that made me money that also made me happy. It is my tagline after all, "Do what you love, love what you do." I think it's something many of us struggle with. I know my girl Julie just did the amazing kick ass courageous step of quitting her day job to work from home. Freaking amazing and SO happy for her! Are you happy with what you do?

Making me happy: great music stations on Pandora and Spotify. I love hearing music from my college days like Radiohead and Sigur Ros. It's so awesome when music is connected with memories and the body can send you back to the way you felt the very first time you heard that particular artist or song. Also very happy about spending moments with my man this past week, eating key lime ice cream from Ben and Jerry and something else very exciting that I can't quite mention yet. OH, and of course GIVEAWAY WINNERS! If you entered the Paperclouds Giveway for a custom return address stamp.... you may want to check out here (rafflecopter will let you know). I'll be emailing soon to hook you up with your prize!

So, how about you? What are you up to today? Feel free to do your own "currently" post on your blog and link back in the comments for everyone to check out. And thanks again to my dear friend Danielle for providing the original inspiration for these posts.

Click here to see previous Currently posts. 

Currently.

DRESS//Target. SHOES//Blowfish MESSY BED//Courtesy of Boyfriend

 

reading // 50 Shades of Grey and I know what you're probably thinking. But here's the thing... it's awesome, it distracts me from stress and I'm 26 years old so I'll read what I want. Mkay? 

watching // So You Think You Can Dance: I used to be a dancer.... until I was injured. I just la-la-love watching these talented people. Master Chef: I cannot cook. But oh geez, do I love watching people make some super delicious foods. Teen Mom: This is what it is. Do I maybe buy ever trashy magazine with one of these ladies on the cover and then read them excitedly to find out tiny details of nothingness? Yep. Don't judge.

anticipating  // So much change is happening this month. At the end of this month my nanny job is done. I am transitioning to a new serving job possibly this month. AND I'm about to venture onto the most EXCITING writing workshop of my life. This could seriously change my entire life. Oh boy.

laughing about //well I need some help here.... got any cute videos or stories for me that will give a girl a little endorphine boost? Otherwise... generally I'm laughing at the fact that my upstairs neighbors are always screaming profanities at each other and NEVER seem to leave the house. Perhaps one has something to do with the other? Hmm.

listening to // Of Monsters and Men. Really loving this group right now and because all I have in my car is a radio.... it means in my endless hours of LA traffic.... I'm BEGGING the DJ's to please play it again. The others all want to hear it on repeat as well.

eating // Bulgogi meat from the Korean Market.... oh my yum. As well as a huge batch of pasta salad that I made a few days ago. What's wrong with tri-color pasta, feta, avocado, peppers, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts & ginger dressing? Absolutely nothing at all.

working on // Re-organizing my blog/shop/branding. Lots of custom hoops orders including ones seen here, here and soon-to-be here. Want one of your own? Sure, just visit here.

wishing // I could quit serving, get a job as a writer... and never again wake up dreading the day before me because of work. You know, just that is all.  


found this fun post idea via Sometimes Sweet.and again on Much Love, illy... if you write up your own "currently" post, i'd love to see it so be sure to leave it the comments so that i can check it out, too!