Fill in the Blank Friday

Can I just say how excited I am that Friday is finally here?! I feel like I could sleep for days, and am looking forward to sleeping in this weekend, relaxing and procrastinating studying for my Accounting test that's due Sunday night.

Anyway, moving on from the humdrum that is my life, let's fill in some blanks! If anyone wants to participate, head on over to Lauren's blog, grab the blanks and have at it! 'Tis quite fun. This week is all about movies:

1. My absolute favorite movie of all time is either An Affair to Remember with Cary Grant and Debra Kerr or the 6 hour, BBC version of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. *sigh*

2. My favorite movie as a child was The Last Unicorn. I used to rent this every weekend and imagined that unicorns lived in a stand of trees that was across from my house. I was a bit obsessed with unicorns as a child, and they still hold a special place in my heart. And yes, I do own this movie...it was $5 at Target a while ago and you would've thought I'd just won the lottery when I saw it. Just more proof of how cool I am...

3. The best movie quote ever is Mr. Darcy's declaration of love in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice: "You must know...surely, you must know it was all for you. You are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I'd scarcely allowed myself before. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes have not changed, but one word from you will silence me forever. If, however, your feelings have changed, I will have to tell you: you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on." Add in the incredible sunrise over a field of wildflowers to Matthew MacFadyen's perfect delivery of these lines and you have the ultimate, swoon-worthy scene.

4. My favorite actress is Rachel McAdams. I think she is absolutely lovely, versatile and talented. My favorite actor is Morgan Freeman. This man possesses more talent in his pinky finger than many other actors (in my opinion).

5. The movie I could watch over and over is Persuasion. You all have read many posts about my obsession with this story and movie, so I won't bore you with repetition, but I do love this movie.

6. My favorite movie genre is either Romantic Comedy (no shock, I'm sure) or Psychological Thrillers. I love trying to guess the twist before it happens, which I'm actually fairly good at. Oh, and I love a good indie or foreign film as well.

7. A movie I'd like to watch this weekend is Coco Before Chanel. I've had it from Netflix for nearly a month and just haven't made the time to sit and watch it. I've read amazing things about it, and love Audrey Tautou, so I'm sure it wont disappoint.

The one where I play catch-up in bullet form...

I've been a bad blogger...again. This seems to be a new pattern for me, which I should probably work on. But for now, I'll just thank you all in advance for sticking with me.

- My parents recently returned from the family condo in Florida and they brought back an old, hand-colored photograph of my grandfather that I have always loved. He's very young and crouched over a pond, exploring something. I think it's beautiful and I love getting to look at it every time I go into my bedroom.

- I saw The Back-up Plan this past weekend and thought it was great! It was funny and entertaining, J. Lo played her role beautifully and Alex O'Loughlin certainly isn't hard on the eyes. If you love a good chick-flick, I suggest making a girls night out of this one.

- I'm currently obssessed with Airplanes by B.o.B and Hayley Williams.

- I've been making an appearance back into the world of dating recently...I know, let's all have a collective GASP, it truly is the most appropriate reaction.

- I recently finished the book Jane Austen Ruined My Life and now I'm in a book slump. I just don't feel like reading any of the books I have from the Library or any that are on my bookshelves. But, on the plus side, I did receive my gorgeous copy of Persuasion in the mail, so I have been reading bits and pieces of that when I get the urge.

- I have a stack of packages that I desperately need to get in the mail (some are quite late!), but I keep forgetting until after the Post Office is closed. I hate when I do this.

- My mom and I went to a local dance production called Ripple this past weekend. It was very unique and I truly enjoyed it. The best part: the space that was used was incredible!! I mean, incredible enough that I want to have an excuse to throw a party in this space...or have a wedding reception there. Yep, that cool!

- I also saw How to Train Your Dragon...amazing! I seriously want a pet dragon now.

- I'm officially down another pant size and it feels soooo good! I'm pretty sure the last time I was this size was in high school. I love food and will never deny myself good food, but I've been eating healthier and have become a bit of a gym rat. I think I'll stick with this new me.

This article just made me laugh until I snorted...at work...don't worry, my coworkers already think I'm the crazy, yet funny, one so it works.

Fill in the Blank Friday

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It's time for Lauren's friday feature once again. Please, feel free to join in: just head on over to the little things we do..., grab the blanks and link up your post.

1. One song that always takes me back to my youth is Leader of the Pack by The Shangri-Las. The was my song when I was little and I would sing it like crazy. I still get nostalgic when it comes up on my iPod.

2. My first concert ever was Matchbox Twenty. I was in highschool, super close to the stage and nearly lost my voice from singing so loudly. It was a great first experience.

3. If I could create my dream music festival I'd want these bands to be there: O.A.R., Augustana, Rod Stewart, Elton John, The Fray, Taylor Swift, Mayday Parade, Poets of the Fall, Linkin Park, Rise Against, La Roux, Jason Mraz, Lady Antebellum, The Goo Goo Dolls, Janis Joplin, The Beatles, Dashboard Confessional, Paramore, Silversun Pickups, Eric Clapton, The Roots, etc...I'm pretty sure this list could go on forever.

4. The best make-out/ "boot knocking" song ever is I'm not really sure...I'm not usually paying close enough attention to the background noise.

5. The best concert I've ever been to was Jason Mraz. He was insanely awesome live, and interacted with the crowd like nobody's business! I'm not sure if it's technically a concert, but Flight of the Conchords were also fabulous live.

6. A memorable music moment for me was the first time I remember hearing Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton. I grew up listening to him, both as part of Cream and on his own, but I will always remember when I fell in love with that song. I was only about 7 (total guess, but I was young for sure) and my parents and I were road-tripping to New Mexico. It was nighttime, Mom was dozing up front, Dad was driving and I was supposed to be sleeping in the back seat, but I was hunting for constellations through the back window instead. Tears in Heaven came on and I was determined to learn the lyrics, so I listened to that song like I never had before and to this day I think about lying in the backseat and staring up at the stars whenever I hear it.

7. The song on my iPod that's getting the most play these days is Madly by Tristan Prettyman and Into Your Arms by The Maine.

On contentment

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I love days when I feel content. It doesn't happen every day and sometimes I can go weeks without feeling truly content, but when one of those days does roll around, I savor it.

Today is one of those days.

It just started pouring outside and the sound of the raindrops hitting my window makes me smile ever so slightly. I'd much rather be curled up on my couch at home, book in hand, teapot on the table with my patio door open so I can hear the rain, but I'm content nonetheless. I have The Last of the Mohicans soundtrack playing on my computer and a window to watch the rain out of.

I'm in a quiet mood today and I think it fits the weather perfectly. I feel calm and happy and am loving just rolling with this. Work is also quiet today and I like not being disturbed and not having to rush around with anything. I did enough work rushing the past couple of weeks and I'm perfectly content to have a few slow days or weeks. Before I know it, summer will be here, wildland fires will be burning across the country and I will have an ever-growing stack of invoices on my desk. Perhaps this is the calm before the storm.

I love feeling like I am where I am supposed to be in life. I often battle with myself as to whether or not my decision to stay in Colorado after graduation was a choice made correctly or simply out of fear of the unknown. I love the East Coast and I love to travel, but I truly, truly love where I live. I love my town, my apartment, my job and being close to my family. Perhaps I'm too close with my parents and should strike out a bit more on my own, but I'd rather be too close with my parents than estranged. And, I take comfort in the fact that I haven't lived at home since I was 18, I support myself (for the most part) and the relationship that I have with my parents is as much a friendship as it is parent-child.

I think the only thing missing from today are my besties. Jamie seems very far away in Australia and we've both been a little nostalgic, which never fails to make me weepy. But, I know she's so happy where she is that I cannot find fault in it at all. And, of course, I miss Corey. I got to see her fiance this past weekend, which was fabulous (because I love Matt!), but I wish Corey could've been in town, too; there's no true replacement for a best girlfriend. Luckily, she'll be in Colorado in 2 weeks and then I'll be spending my Memorial Day weekend out in Baltimore with her...May will be full of some much-needed bestie time! I always miss these two amazing ladies, but there is so much love, understanding, knowledge and strength in my friendships with both of them that I can always find peace.

Today is shaping up to be one of those days that I wouldn't trade for anything.

Inspirational

If you're looking for inspiration, need a good cry or want to see what true, no questions asked love looks like, check out Kelle Hampton's blog about how life changed for the better with the addition of her 2nd daughter, Nella who has Down Syndrome. Maybe it's the rainy weather or my quiet mood, but I don't know if I've ever been as touched as I was while reading her story.

Where in the World Wednesday

Last week I was in the middle of a Personal day and blogging wasn't a priority, so I skipped out on Classy in Philadelphia's Where in the World Wednesday. But, don't you fret, I am back in the game today!

The idea behind WITWW is to post a picture of you somewhere in the world. It doesn't have to be some place foreign or tropical; just somewhere you consider traveling. It can be from your hometown, or even a destination you've never been to before, but dream of visiting.

If you do decide to participat, feel free to use Feris' button and remember to post a link on Jess' blog so the rest of us can travel along with you!

Today I am enjoying the sunshine in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The wind was not so lovely, but the sun certainly was.

If you ever get the chance, eat at The Friendly Toast. The menu was varied, the food was tasty and the decor was one-of-a-kind!

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. The first thing I do in the morning is hit the snooze button atleast once.

2. Every night before bed I make coffee and set the timer for the morning, check all of the locks and make sure my alarm is set.

3. My favorite thing to do when I'm having a bad day is vent to my Mom and then go to Barnes and Noble...wandering through all of the books calms me down.

4. Something that makes me cringe is lazy parents. When I'm out in public and there are little kids going crazy and their parents could obviously care less I want to slap the parent. Kids will be kids, but it's the parent's responsibility to teach them boundaries and good behavior. Lazy parenting is a disservice to the child and to society.

5. Social situations sometimes make me nervous. I'm far too good at getting myself worked up, which often works to my disadvantage when I'm heading into a social situation where I'm not 100% comfortable. I'm a good conversationalist and actually do just fine in social situations once I'm in them, it's just getting over my initial unease that can be tough.

6. I like to collect postcards and coasters. My friends and family are wonderful about always picking up a postcard or some coasters when they travel. And the coasters that I'm talking about are the cardboard ones you get at a bar or restaurant...not fancy, legit coaster sets. And, I recently joined Postcrossing, which has been very cool so far.

7. Weekends are for relaxing, house cleaning, catching up on homework, hanging out with friends and family, attempting to stay up late, drinking entirely too many cups of coffee and tea and cooking. I never appreciated weekends when I was a student, but now that I'm in the real world with a Monday through Friday job, I crave my weekends!

Today I love...

1. Lunchtime walks in the Colorado sunshine

2. Feeling rejuvinated after some much-needed "Erin time" yesterday

3. Crunchy chocolate chip cookies

4. Swinging on park swings

5. My new ruffled, kelly green shirt from Banana Republic

6. Surprise phone calls from my Mom...even if I am jealous that she called from the pool in Florida

7. Babies who smile and stick out their tongues when I tickle their feet

8. Messaging with my "un-sober" (her exact words) bestie...it makes Australia seem less far away

9. Feeling like part of a family at work

10. Amazon giftcards from an amazing bloggy friend so I could give in and buy this book I'm coveting

Just a little update:

I did end up getting a dryer and I absolutely, 100%, cannot fight the inevitable, need to reorganize my pantry. I have a shelving unit that used to just chill on the pantry floor next to my trash can, but it's too long for the space now. I hate taking out the trash, so an under-the-sink trash can isn't a realistic option for me, which means I either need to get a smaller shelf and condense my crap or just bite the bullet and go through my pantry. I have stuff that I know I can get rid of, and I can do a better job of organizing what I do want/need to keep. Doing this would free up some space that I could most likely use for the items from my shelving unit.

Honestly, I'm leaning towards getting a smaller shelving unit because I like have the additional storage space. I am a mother's daughter and I keep my pantry well-stocked. I like the comfort of knowing that I always have random meals available, there's always something to snack on and if, heaven forbid, I ever get snowed in, I certainly wont starve! Having a shelving unit would allow me a little extra space on my pantry shelves.

So, we shall see what I decide to do. Whatever it is, I need to figure it out soon because my shelving unit is just hanging out in my dining room for now and it really doesn't go with the decor. Haha...

I am doing my first load of laundry in my new washer and so far everything is going well! Next, the dryer...

Settling in and imaginary spiders

So, this weekend I got a washing machine. I'm actually quite excited! My apartment has hook-ups, but didn't come with a washer and dryer, so I have just been using the complex's laundry facility and doing loads over at my parents' house. There is certainly something to be said for living close to parents sometimes. Anyway, the hook-ups for the washer and dryer are in my pantry and I have grown quite accustomed to using as much floor space as possible for storing random things because, you see, I have a lot of crap. And, shifting everything to one side so the washer could easily fit was a piece of cake, but it now looks like I may be acquiring a dryer soon, too, which means that I need to actually do some rearranging. I know this isn't a big deal and is actually a great opportunity to organize and condense my ever-growing pantry, but I'm kind of dreading having to tackle this chore. It's a lot like tackling the stack of magazines on my hearth that seems to magically get taller every weekend, despite my constant reading. Ugh...

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I have a large outdoor storage area off of my patio that many of the rarely used items from my pantry could get moved into, but I am such a wuss that every time I open the storage closet door I'm convinced a giant, flesh-eating spider is going to jump out and attack me...can we say overactive imagination, much? So, I have to work up the nerve to get into the storage closet. But, I do need to finally put away my snow shovel (here's hoping I didn't just jinx CO weather) so if I can just gather everything that can go into the scary cave where the imaginary giant, flesh-eating spider lives, I think I'll be good to go. No joke, I might make my mom come over for organizational help and door-opening support...or, I could just get her to open the scary door for me! Options, options...

And, speaking of my patio, I really love reading outside when the weather is warm and the sun is shining into my little outdoor area...kick off my shoes, throw on my sunglasses and pour a refreshing glass of iced tea! I don't usually put a lot of thought into the patio because not that many people see it. I'm a pretty good hostess and actually love to entertain, but I'm also insanely possessive of my space, so I don't invite people into my apartment as often as I should; therefore, the patio is essentially for my eyes only. Well, I'd like to spruce up the area a bit this year. I have a surprisingly comfy metal chair and a little table, but I'm keeping my eye open for a cheap butterfly chair...I saw one used on a patio in a magazine and now I really want one for mine. My mom, being awesome like she is, found the perfect outdoor chandelier at a garage sale for me, and picked up some lovely sea green tea lights for it. She also found a steal on a gorgeous blue pot so I can try my hand at an herb garden this year, and we picked up a bright, comfy pillow for my chair. Obviously, blue has emerged as the color theme and I am quite excited to see how this space turns out. As soon as the weather settles around here a bit, I'll start planting a few things and attempt to turn my black thumb and shade of green.

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From cleaning to planting to outdoor living, Spring has definitely sprung around here!

Fill in the Blank Friday

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1. The strangest thing I've ever eaten was probably frog legs. I'm not an overly adventurous eater, but my dad is constantly trying to break me out of my shell, and I gave in to his insistence and tried frog legs...they were a tad over-seasoned but not all that bad. Oh, and I've also eaten Rocky Mountain oysters, aka, cow balls...they have a weird, oily after taste.

2. My best friend is/my best friends are two of the best gals I know: Jamie and Corey. Jamie and I have been instant friends since the summer before freshman year of college and are basically 2 peas in a pod. Corey and I literally had every class together first semester of Senior year (college) and we just clicked. The next thing I knew she'd become a regular for Monday night coffee and I was asked to be her Maid of Honor. Isn't it funny how something within us just knows when we've found a kindred spirit? I couldn't live without these 2 lovely ladies and I miss them everyday.

3. If I could live in a different era it would be the 1920's because I've always been intrigued by the culture, fashion and overall rule-breaking of this decade. I really associate the roaring '20s with women throwing off their domestic chains and exploring their own independence...even though this independence was kind of swallowed up for a bit by the return of the working-class men after WWII...

4. I like receiving mail. It doesn't happen all that often, but whenever I receive a card or postcard my heart just smiles.

5. If you only know one thing about me it should be that I am really not a spontaneous person. I'm kind of working on this, but ultimately I'm a control-freak planner, so a little advance warning with me is usually going to be in your favor.

6. My favorite book of all time is a tie between Pride and Prejudice and The Gargoyle. My inner romantic, Mr. Darcy-coveting, Jane Austen freak always lists Pride and Prejudice as my favorite book because it was the one that started it all for me, but ever since finishing The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson last year it has consumed me. I recommend it to everyone, I'm constantly trying to talk myself out of re-reading it, and I won't lend it to anyone because I don't want anything to happen to my copy. I don't know what it is about that book, but it has certainly stuck with me.

7. The one beauty product I couldn't live without is mascara. I am a total mascara whore and will not leave the house without it on. I really don't care if I've put any concealer on the ever-present dark circles under my eyes or if I've swiped some shadow on my eyelids or even if I have on blush (I'll just randomly pinch my cheeks throughout the day), but I will always put on 2 coats of mascara to make my eyes pop!

8. Blogging is a wonderful outlet. I always seem to have at least 12 different things running through my head at any given moment and rather than babbling at my poor, unsuspecting friends and family all the time, I can just write about whatever it is that is currently consuming my thoughts. It's also a wonderful place to meet new friends and to find creative ideas and outlets. I'm so glad I gave in and started this blog back in September.

9. If I could star in a movie with any actor/actress I would want to work with Leonardo DiCaprio, not only because he is so very handsome, but because I think he is an insanely talented and versatile actor. I'd love to pick his brain sometime, and just watch him in his element!

10. One of the best feelings in the world is waking up in the middle of the night and realizing that you still have hours left to sleep until you need to be up. I love cozying back up under my blankets and drifting off again.

What I Love

I'm loving Jess @ LittleMsSunshine's new monthly (?) feature: What I Love, and figured I'd give it a whirl. I am constantly jotting down little happy lists and probably go through far too many post-its because of it. But, now I'll have a little outlet and excuse to share a few of the things that I'm currently loving! And, because I find myself loving something new just about everyday, I'm hoping there won't be a lot of repeats in this feature...but, do expect to hear entirely too much about books because I simply cannot escape that.

So, without further ado, right now I'm loving:

This book cover.

If you'll recall, I've been obsessing over Jane Austen's Persuasion and I think this cover is just lovely. What girl doesn't want to wander barefoot through the grass? The Rio.

It's probably because I am having lunch here with my Mom in less than an hour, but all I can think about is chips, spicy salsa and green chile! I miss the college days when all of my girlfriends lived close and we would meet at The Rio, sip on margaritas, munch on chips and salsa (Jamie can inhale salsa like none other!) and gossip in the sunshine.


Grey and Yellow in just about any combination and just about anywhere: rooms, cards, clothes, etc... Stay tuned this weekend and you all might see a little grey and yellow giveaway appear here on C'est La Vie.


Like Jess, I'm loving the Liberty of London line at Target. I pretty much want everything I see, but I've restrained myself and only picked up a few pieces, including the cutest dress that I have a special event in mind for.


And finally, I've been listening to Susan Boyle's "Wild Horses" on repeat all morning. I loved the original of this song, but Susan Boyle's cover is beautiful. I so wish I could sing like that.

So, lovely ladies, what are you loving and obsessing over?

Link up with Jess and let her know!

Where in the World Wednesday

It's Wednesday, which means that not only is the week nearly half-way done, but it's time for Classy in Philadelphia's weekly feature: Where in the World Wednesday.

As I've said countless times before (and will probably continue to say each week), the idea behind WITWW is to post a picture of you someplace in the world. It doesn't have to be someplace foreign or tropical, just somewhere that you consider traveling. In fact, this can be your hometown, it can be somewhere you've never been but are dying to visit or it can even be a repeat destination with fresh, new photos. You get to call the shots, folks!

And, if you do decide to participate, please feel free to steal Feris' button and also remember to link up your post with Jess so we can all "travel" with each other.

Today I am headed to...

BOSTON'S MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

(yes, that's a creepy baby's head sculpture...there were 2 of them and I was intrigued)

I could spend all day just wandering through this lovely museum, getting lost in the Impressionists wing and well, just getting lost in general... A new wing is going in and it looks like it's going to be spectacular! I cannot wait to visit again.

After the productivity runs out...

Do you ever have one of those days where, by the time you're leaving work or finishing up with classes, you're completely spent? That was me yesterday. I was my usual bundle of energy for most of the day, and was insanely productive at work, which must've been leftover from my insanely productive last week, but by the time 4:15 rolled around I was TIRED. I didn't want to do anything that required me to expel too much energy.

So, in honor of being tired, but not wanting to just head home, I did some lazy wandering through a few stores. First, I met my mom at JoAnn's Fabrics where we were on the hunt for just the right cotton knit to add to a dress that I bought this past weekend. I bought the comfiest maxi dress at Old Navy (for only $11!!) in a lovely shade of royal blue, but the low V-neck in the front and back (nobody needs to see my bra closure) needed a little work. Now, I have a chest that is proportionate with my body and I like it, but I swear my boobs don't like each other. They each do their own thing, regardless of what type of bra I wear, and because of this I am a tad self-conscious. Granted, most of this is probably in my head, but whatever...it's my hang up so let's all just roll with it. Obviously, I could easily just wear a cami and call it good, but Mom offered to help me find some fun fabric and just sew a little into the front and back of the dress so I don't have to wear a cami if I don't want to. I was sold! Anyway, we found some fun yellow fabric that will really pop off of the blue and add just the right amount of pizzazz to this uber-comfy dress! I can't wait to wear it!

After JoAnn's I meandered over to Hobby Lobby on the hunt for a wire hanging basket of some sort. I want to create my own outdoor chandelier of sorts for my patio, and in order to do this, I need just the right wire basket. I found a pretty rectangular wire basket on clearance that may just work, but I need to see if the size is big enough for my space (my patio isn't huge, but it can handle a fairly good sized "chandelier") and I'd like a 2nd or 3rd opinion on it. We shall see if my thinking was correct yesterday, or if I was totally off my rocker.

And finally, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Hobby Lobby is TJ Maxx, so naturally, I had to stop in. I wasn't on the hunt for anything here; I mostly just wanted to wander a bit. I have a thing for kitchen supplies, so you can normally find me in the aisles containing bakeware and serving platters, most likely picking up everything because I feel the need to touch whatever it is that I'm interested in. I restrained myself from too much platter fondling, but I did spend an unnecessarily long amount of time in the coffee and tea and aisle...2 of my favorite beverages. After smelling just about every flavored coffee they had (I was specifically looking for Paramount's Southern Pecan, but they were out) I finally settled on Mudslide; a tasty drink that smelled good in coffee form. I also hummed and hawed over several teas, but opted for just the coffee this time around, which didn't disappoint when I brewed a cup later that night.

I topped off my night with a fairly good workout, an amazing salad with tilapia, my book and I watched Life Unexpected and Gossip Girl, both of which were good last night! Not too bad for a Monday...

HAPPY EASTER!!

I hope everyone is having a lovely Easter Sunday.

It started out sunny here in Northern Colorado, but a few clouds just rolled in over the mountains and brought random snowflakes with them...Colorado weather is always a bit odd. So, I'm curled up on the couch with a steaming cup of coffee, muffins are baking in the oven and I'm finally tackling my giant stack of magazines that I've been neglecting. Basically, I'm procrastinating taking my Accounting test that's due tonight. Haha...

"i believe in running through the rain and crashing into the person you love..."

There's been talk of rain today...

In fact, there are some menacing grey clouds moving in over the mountains...

And, it smelled like rain when I woke up this morning, which made me smile like you wouldn't believe...


I love how clean and fresh the air smells when rain is rolling in...


And, I could really go for the sound of raindrops pitter-pattering on my window at work...


It is Spring, afterall, and a little cleansing in the form of a lovely rain shower might be nice...

(all images via)