Recently I was ordering some travel items of good quality. It was interesting how agonizing of a decision it was to try and select something that I would like for a LONG time, as these items have the potential to last that long. It made me start to think about what decisions I spend less time on that might be much more important. Like am I doing what I truly WANT to be doing career wise? What am I passionate about? Where can I be more innovative? Those longer thoughts often get trampled under my feet as I rush along trying to keep the balls in the air as I fly at 90mph.
... But my recent shopping trip reminded me that if something is supposed to last a long time, things that matter, good quality, be special, they are worth taking some time to at least pause and think about it.
So the Bright Side of Blue in my day is putting in some time in my days to think more about things that will be in my life, long after this job, or this hobby or whatever it is has passed... giving time back NOW to the things most special to me in the long run.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Love Letters
I always fancied that life back when they wrote letters must have been better. The idea of love letters always played at my imagination and dare I say, heartstrings as something that must be the ideal of romance and affection.
One of my favorite quotes from You Got Mail is:
Grandfather: ...Cecilia Kelly, lovely woman… I think we might’ve had a date once … or maybe we just exchanged letters…
Joe Fox: You wrote her letters?
Grandfather: Mail, it was called mail…
Joe Fox: You know I’ve heard of it.
Grandfather: …Oh Cecilia had beautiful penmanship, she was too young for me, but … she was enchanting…"
My husband is offshore every once in awhile and during those times we can only exchange emails. And I have quickly realized that while the idea of beautifully written love letters seems enchanting they are harder than they seem. Even just writing a regular letter is difficult. I always fancied myself a writer, I like to write stories and poems, and yet something about speaking without talking and telling the story of a day is so extremely difficult.
There is the reality that my life is not altogether that interesting, but still, I am always surprised how difficult it is to be a truly great letter writer. Every time I start I wish I was less colloquial, then less serious. Perhaps fine pens and ink are required for wonderful letters. Maybe there is something lost in the taping of keys that prevents the studied and graceful thoughts of historical letter writers. Or maybe the practice and art of letter writing is just un-practiced and lost. Either way, I admire letter writers of ages past even more, and still long to write like that someday... With practice, maybe I will...
Today the Bright Side of Blue in my day is the possibility that someday, sometime, I will write one beautiful, graceful letter. Until then my goal is simply to be more thoughtful in what I do write, less hurried, more patient with the effort it takes to say what I want to say without being able to speak or gesture or act. I think that might be what makes letter writing so magical, is the love and patience it takes to truly put so much of oneself into words unspoken... even when the output is simple, the feeling is there.
One of my favorite quotes from You Got Mail is:
Grandfather: ...Cecilia Kelly, lovely woman… I think we might’ve had a date once … or maybe we just exchanged letters…
Joe Fox: You wrote her letters?
Grandfather: Mail, it was called mail…
Joe Fox: You know I’ve heard of it.
Grandfather: …Oh Cecilia had beautiful penmanship, she was too young for me, but … she was enchanting…"
My husband is offshore every once in awhile and during those times we can only exchange emails. And I have quickly realized that while the idea of beautifully written love letters seems enchanting they are harder than they seem. Even just writing a regular letter is difficult. I always fancied myself a writer, I like to write stories and poems, and yet something about speaking without talking and telling the story of a day is so extremely difficult.
There is the reality that my life is not altogether that interesting, but still, I am always surprised how difficult it is to be a truly great letter writer. Every time I start I wish I was less colloquial, then less serious. Perhaps fine pens and ink are required for wonderful letters. Maybe there is something lost in the taping of keys that prevents the studied and graceful thoughts of historical letter writers. Or maybe the practice and art of letter writing is just un-practiced and lost. Either way, I admire letter writers of ages past even more, and still long to write like that someday... With practice, maybe I will...
Today the Bright Side of Blue in my day is the possibility that someday, sometime, I will write one beautiful, graceful letter. Until then my goal is simply to be more thoughtful in what I do write, less hurried, more patient with the effort it takes to say what I want to say without being able to speak or gesture or act. I think that might be what makes letter writing so magical, is the love and patience it takes to truly put so much of oneself into words unspoken... even when the output is simple, the feeling is there.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
POPS! of Neon
The Bright Side of Blue today is really BRIGHT neon. Pops of neon are a chic trend that is so fun to do, but can be difficult to pull off. I have been seeing it POP up everywhere it seems, but I think the best example is Aria in Pretty Little Liars recent season 2 episode 19.
 |
| Aria from Pretty Little Liars. http://abcfamily.go.com/site/style/blogs-details/pretty-little-liars-trend-alert-neon-accessories/927128 |
The balance of the accessories is perfect with her fun, patterned neutral dress. Neons work best with neutrals and in smaller proportions, but purposeful placement. Since they attract so much attention, you don't need a lot of quantity to make a big statement, and for that same reason they are great for drawing attention to desired areas, like Aria does in accentuating her waist with her belt. Notice the necklace has only a small amount of the neon yellow, which is perfect so that it ties in without overwhelming the outfit.
As I said, I am seeing neon in more and more places. This week's trip to Target showed a whole wall of fun ways to incorporate neon into an outfit. It can be easier to start with an accessory or two and build from there. I REALLY love the pink and khaki backpack. These are all great prices too, and as I said a little goes a long way with neon so it is easy to get started.
 | |
| End cap at Target in Houston, taken on my iPhone. |
 |
| Sephora by OPI ad. http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=5907 |
Lastly, while POPS of neon with neutrals is a fun way to spice up your everyday wardrobe, if you are feeling truly BOLD, a full neon look makes a powerfully confident statement. Emma Watson in this bright Marchesa dress is a perfect example. Since the bold color is it's own statement, the bag and shoes remained neutral and no jewelry was necessary. I really like how her lip color has a bit of an orange undertone which complements the look well. I am a huge Emma Watson fan and love this look on her.
 |
| Emma Watson in Marchesa picture from myLifetime.com. |
All in all, the bright side of blue in my day is well blue, and pink, and yellow and green, as long as it is NEON! Now that I have done my nails I will have to try to add neon into my outfits soon.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Shopping in Seattle
The loot from my latest trip to H&M. Since Houston doesn't have one I have to strike whenever I am close to one and stock up. Love the wild but still neutral snake skin flats, especially since I can wear these to work and out.
The scarf was a must as soon as I saw it. A little metallic can really amp up a simple outfit and scarfs are such an easy accessory that can make such a statement.
I was in need of a simple brown belt. It is a great basic for a wardrobe and of course you can't get a better deal on basics than H&M.
The blue case was a last minute grab by the register but I really love it. The blue of course I love especially as a pairing with neutrals (like everything else I bought tonight). But even better it is bigger then the average credit card case and is perfect for digital devices or emergency cosmetics! Cobalt is my new favorite to mix into outfits. There were some adorable blue flats that they did not have in my size but would be SO cute as a pop to a basic outfit. Other great places to pop in the-very-popular-this-season blue are statement necklaces, scarfs, or of course finger nails.
Last, but not least ( as my favorite or in price) was the canvas and brown purse. Again it's a great neutral pairing that will work with a ton of outfits. It has a very classic look to it and best of all it is very spacious for holding everything in my life ... Or at least everything I bought to carry on to the plane tomorrow!!!
Of course I had to pick up a couple of cardigans and basics while I was in too!
So the bright side of blue in my day was 12 minutes and $72 dollars for SO much amazing stuff at H&M!!!!
Love, love, love... H&M please come to Houston!
The scarf was a must as soon as I saw it. A little metallic can really amp up a simple outfit and scarfs are such an easy accessory that can make such a statement.
I was in need of a simple brown belt. It is a great basic for a wardrobe and of course you can't get a better deal on basics than H&M.
The blue case was a last minute grab by the register but I really love it. The blue of course I love especially as a pairing with neutrals (like everything else I bought tonight). But even better it is bigger then the average credit card case and is perfect for digital devices or emergency cosmetics! Cobalt is my new favorite to mix into outfits. There were some adorable blue flats that they did not have in my size but would be SO cute as a pop to a basic outfit. Other great places to pop in the-very-popular-this-season blue are statement necklaces, scarfs, or of course finger nails.
Last, but not least ( as my favorite or in price) was the canvas and brown purse. Again it's a great neutral pairing that will work with a ton of outfits. It has a very classic look to it and best of all it is very spacious for holding everything in my life ... Or at least everything I bought to carry on to the plane tomorrow!!!
Of course I had to pick up a couple of cardigans and basics while I was in too!
So the bright side of blue in my day was 12 minutes and $72 dollars for SO much amazing stuff at H&M!!!!
Love, love, love... H&M please come to Houston!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)