currently.

LISTENING TO

Kindlewood. They are seriously so good. They are the perfect drive-home-from-work music. Relaxing yet not so relaxing that you almost pass out at the steering wheel. Other artists include Alt-J, Frank Ocean, and John Legend.

WEARING

Sometimes the pictures I take for my "currently" posts are from some point in the day. This one was literally taken 5 minutes ago. I stayed home today with a bad back and a cold. So I've been lounging around in my favorite huge sweater.

DRINKING

Coffee. I gave it up for a little while and now its back in my life with a vengeance. My boss just bought all of the staff a Keurig coffee machine as a Valentine's Day gift. Super-duper sweet! Also, I'm officially a huge fan of Zeke's. It's a Baltimore coffee brand and it will make you turn your nose up at almost every other kind of caffeine. 

WATCHING

I had been trying to watch lots of Oscar nominated movies in preparation for the Oscars last night.    Now, I didn't manage to watch all the Best Picture nominations. I saw Les Miserables, Silver Linings Playbook (Jennifer Lawrence <3), and Argo. And, I really would have been happy if any of those movies had won. My friend had a swanky little Oscar's party and, besides being laid up because of my back, it was the absolute best! French cuisine, wine, fancy outfits. Heaven. And, of course, there were lots of opinions and critiques on the fashion choices. This was one of my personal favorites from the night: 

But apparently I'm in the minority on this one because this has made its way onto all the worst dressed lists...

Meanwhile this is what I looked like for Oscar night (ca-razyyy):

ANTICIPATING

Miamiiiiii! Did I mention I'm going to Miami for Spring break? I'm SO excited! A week of nothing but laying on the beach in cute swimsuits. Magical.

THANKFUL FOR

My job. It's hard work but its so rewarding. I'm realizing that not all jobs will feel so worthwhile. I'm really going to focus on not taking this for granted.

WISHING

My back didn't hurt D: Can this be over already?

LOVING

Big, long, simple t-shirts like this one. And Saltwater sandals! Definitely getting a pair for my Miami trip!

currently

Watching: Dexter! Ask anyone that sees be semi-regularly and they will attest to my Dexter obsession. It's funny because the first time I watched an episode of Dexter I was horrified. I thought I'd never be able to watch it. Either that was a particularly gruesome episode (which it kinda was...) or I have been slowly desensitized. I find the characters fascinatingly complex. I majored in psych, remember? ;)

Reading: I just finished reading A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller. It's all about how he decided to live his life like a story. Because I'm kind of in a place where I'm searching for my story I have found it really helpful to learn from his process. He brings up this guy named Bob Goff a lot in the book, too. So, I googled him and to my surprise he just released a book called Love Does in May of this year. Mr. Goff recounts tale after tale of different people he has met that have gone above and beyond to put love into action. It's truly inspiring.

Thinking about: My new job position :) Yep! I got offered a full-time job last Wednesday! Starting this week I'll be a 1:1 instructional assistant for this little 3 year old girl with cystic fibrosis and who is also recovering from a stroke. The first 6 weeks are probational, but I'm excited!

Loving: Flannel shirts! I just want to spend the rest of my life in flannel. Or denim shirts. Either one, please. This one's pretty dang cute.

Listening to: The new Taylor Swift CD. Yes, you read that right. You know what? Sue me! I love the girl. You won't hear me saying things like "You know, she does write all her own music!" But, she's fun and has neat style...so there!

Anticipating: The Holidays. I'm already so excited for Christmas shopping, gloves weather, Thanksgiving feasting, and then feasting again for Christmas, lighting cinnamon candles, hanging up lights, watching cheesy movies, and listening to cheesy christmas music.

Eating: Ugh, gross stuff. Way too much junk. Save me from my undisciplined self!

Drinking: Smoothies! Tons of them! They've really helped me during this recovery time from my sinus surgery. Something about the coldness...in my face...I don't know...it's just magic.

Currently.

Currently...I have too much time on my hands. You know you need a project when you start  Warholing your photos...

Loving: The 30 Days of Lists challenge! Amy from Lemon and Raspberry and Kam from Campfire Chic started a 30 Days of Lists project that gives you a new prompt everyday to list and art journal about. It's been so much fun so far! The first thing I do after waking up is check the website for the list of the day. It's also really inspired me to be more creative as everyday is a new challenge with a new blank journal page ready to be glued on, painted, drawn on, etc. It's not too late to register! :) 

Loving (part two): Lush's new "Emotional Brilliance" line. I went to their store today and the man working there did a color analysis on me. After closing your eyes and trying to release the stress in your life you choose three colors. These three colors are supposed to represent aspects of your personality. Their marketing strategy is that you should buy these in order to remember those feelings attached to the color. For example, mine were "In Charge", "Glamourous", and "Focus". Every time I wear "In Charge" I will remember to feel in charge. Get it? Well, its all kind of hokey but I'm all in. I love it. You can try it out for yourself online, too! What's weird is that mine eerily fit where I am in life right now. The first color is your "strength and/or weakness" (In Charge). The second is your "subconscious" (Glamourous). The third is your "aspiration" (Focus). Oh goodness, do I need focus... 

Reading: Bossypants by Tina Fey. I am loving her writing voice and style. She's just hilarious in every way. Sometimes its good to have an easy, fun read.

Watching: Re-runs of House Hunters and Property Brothers...come on Fall shows, I'm ready for you! 

Listening to: The Lumineers! Oh my, where has this band been all my life?? No, seriously, why hasn't anyone told me about them? "Slow It Down" and "Stubborn Love" are just gorgeous songs. I've also been listening to Ra Ra Riot and Tokyo Police Club. I'm so ready to see a concert or two. Any takers?

Anticipating: My upcoming sinus surgery! I know it sounds weird to be excited about surgery but when you've literally tried everything and are still in pain you get a little desperate. It's just a week and a half away-here's hoping it's successful!

Planning: My life! Or rather praying and thinking about what my next steps are. It's been challenging to know where to start. I guess sometimes you just have to dive right in and figure out what you do and do not like, trial and error style-yay...

Wishing: I had more money to get dressed up and go to swanky parties in DC. Or better yet throw a swanky party. Throwing parties is truly one of lifes greatest pleasures for me. Fall shin-dig? Maybe? Yes?

Wearing: Boots and scarves and sweaters. I've started pretending its Fall even though its still muggy and 85 degrees out...don't judge me.

Drinking: Pumpkin spice lattes!!!! Yay! They're back! *jumps up and down in the middle of Starbucks, knocking over the thermos display*

Pinning: Fall clothing inspiration. Fall clothes, Fall clothes, Fall clothes. Um, have I mentioned how ready for Fall I am? 

Thankful for: The inspiring people that are in my life. I have so many friends and family members that continually display courage, strength, and commitment to their dreams, goals, and aspirations. I need their focus. Give it to me.

I would love to hear how you all are doing! Feel free to comment below or e-mail me at whateverslovelyblog@gmaik.com

P.S. I got this idea from Sometimes Sweet. You should check her blog out :)

Currently.

Loving: Pink hair! I want it...temporarily. So, I found a website that reccomended Davines Alchemic Red hair conditioner. It's supposed to make already red hair, redder. For those of us without red hair it just gives you a pink tint. AND it only stays in for a few washes and then its gone forever. Definitely want to try this!

Reading: Other than my Elle magazine that comes in the mail...nothing. It's really sad. I have many many books I want to be reading. The Game of Thrones books are top of the list. I don't have money to buy them. And I have a fee due at the library so that avenue is a no go. Are you seeing my dilemma?

Watching: Lots of HGTV! I've always loved design shows but HGTV has really upped their game. The High Low Project is a new favorite of mine. I love the concept of the show. And, Sabrina Soto is just such a sweetheart! 

Listening to: This Summer I've been loving a lot of Summer-esque music. You know the kind-layed back, guitar-centered, somewhat-rapping vocals, blues-rock type of music. For a lot of people this includes The Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, etc. However, I don't really care for any of the artists just named. I've been loving Justin Nozuka, James Morrison, Joshua Radin, Ed Sheeran, and Jason Reeves (lots of J named people apparently...).

Anticipating: The Dark Knight Rises premiere! AH! I'm so excited! I just watched this 13 minute feauturette and it literally took my breath away. (*Update*: I have officially watched this 3 times now).

Planning: My Europe trip! It's basically on my mind always. I recently purchased tickets to the Rock en Seine festival in Paris!!! I will finally get to see one of my favorite bands, Sigur Ros.

Wishing: I could buy a whole new wardrobe for my Europe trip. I have this vision in my head of looking really stylish and sophisticated in Paris or any other wonderful city I'll be in. I need to let go of this...because all my money is going to the trip itself. And I really have no right to complain!

Making: Dresses! I want to start selling dresses on my etsy shop. You should be seeing them in the next week :)

Wearing: Lots of shorts! Maryland is just coming out of a crazy heat wave that put us in the 100's. And when I say "coming out of" I mean, it's at least in the 90's now. It. Is. Hot. Always.

Drinking: Coffee, of course. I've been loving skinny vanilla latte's with soy milk from Starbucks. I love soy milk. And, I've also discovered that it tends to mask the artificial sweetener added in the "skinny" drinks.

Pinning: A little bit of everything! Yummy, yet healthy, recipes. Style inspiration. Interior design inspiration. And things like this...

Thankful for: The people in my life. I have been blessed with lots of good friends and family. As I write this I am sitting with my Mom and a family friend, Tom (or Uncle Tom :)). He likes to bring us Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee :)

I genuinely am interested in how you guys are doing as well! Write in the comments section what you have been doing lately or feel free to e-mail me!

P.S. I got this idea from Sometimes Sweet. You should check her blog out :)

Currently

One blog that I absolutely adore is Skunkboy Creatures. Katie is just simply the cutest. She's done a couple of "currently" posts to give her readers a little peek into her everyday life. I loved the idea, so I'm gonna try one out and if you all like them then, well, maybe I'll do them more often :)

Listening: "The Commander Thinks Aloud" by The Long Winters. My friend Kyle put together a playlist that I've been listening to for hours now. Check it out: spoti.fi/JxCCoM.
Pinning: TONS of Summer party ideas. Everything from decorations to food to special cocktails. Thinking about having an outdoor birthday party this year. Hey, ya only turn 23 once right?
Drinking: Coffee (always). 
Working on: A resume and cover letter for a substitute teaching position at a school for children with special needs. VERY excited by this potential opportunity! I will say though that resume and cover letter writing is probably one of my least favorite tasks on the planet. Who does like it though, really?
Anticipating: My Europe trip!! I am SO excited! I leave August 15th and will be gone for almost 6 weeks. I have so much money to save up and so much planning to do, but am already dreaming of train rides through the alps and long walks under the Tuscan sun :)
Wearing: Jeans and a threadless T-shirt because it's just that kind of day.

Obsessing over: This dress. As I've said, I need to save money...but oh, wow do I want this dress.
Reading: Terrify No More by Gary Haugen, the President and CEO of IJM, a human rights agency fighting to end human trafficking. Very eye opening, and definitely a recommended read.
Watching: Felicity! I'm obsessed and am so glad all four seasons are on Netflix slashhh not glad because it's taking over my life! It's so rare to have a main character who has so much character depth and is a deep thinker. Love it.
Thankful for: My new Bridgeway Community Church family! It is so hard to find a community that you feel like you connect with. Feeling very blessed.