Patience is Key

I am having to remember this lately.  My patience is rather thin at the moment.  I think this is down to the crazy year that I have had so far.  It's been crazy good, but crazy none the less.  I am going to take the next few weeks as an opportunity of calm before the Holidays.  I am looking forward to getting a bit more on track and centering myself.  I'm feeling calmer just thinking about it.

I woke up like this

OMOTE / REAL-TIME FACE TRACKING & PROJECTION MAPPING+ from something wonderful on Vimeo.

This is the most incredible thing I've seen lately. Can you imagine just waking up, standing in front of something and having your face screened on for the day? We would all have flawless skin and lips lined to perfection. Or would we all look like cyborgs? dd

Currently Craving // Valentines

Maybe it's the really really grey weather, or maybe it's just the sheer anticipation of the Spring that is on it's way (for what seems like an eternity here in London!), but all I want in my life is some color.  And more specifically, the color of love.  With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought I'd put together a few of my favorite pieces that I've seen cropping up  lately.

  

Want to have these in my living room and bedroom to hold all my nick-nacks

These are seriously the best chocolate cookies I've ever made.  I would absolutely recommend that you whip up a batch either for you family, friends or that special someone.

This just caught my eye.  A little love, a little attitude; that pretty much sums me up!

I've been looking for a pair of fun Nike trainers.  These might just be them! 

And these just look so interesting.  A clip on earring that's kinda like a paper clip for your ear lobe...? 

What are you doing for Valentine's Day this year?  For the Mr. and I, we are keeping it very low key this year.  A family member just got engaged so she's having a small drinks gathering to cheers to love!  Then we may go out to dinner, or we may just come home and be happy that we have a little love in our life too.  Whatever you end up doing, I wish you all the happiness! dd

One's Own Cheerleader

This last year has been a seriously tough year for me.  I haven't had a steady job for a year now, I have moved back to California and then back to London and one thing that I've learned about myself is that I say I'm going to do a lot of things and never follow them through.  Not in the doing a friend a favour way or finishing up a project in the office.  No, more in a personal I'm-going-to-do-something-for-me-way.  

One of those things was this blog.  I really love having an outlet to be creative and do something for me.  However I've noticed that this blog causes me more anxiety than anything else.  I'm always a bit too worried that it's not going to be polished enough, or on track with what this blog is meant to be about.  And to be completely honest, I'm not sure that I'm even positive I know what this blog is supposed to be about.  I've decided I can't worry about it anymore.  I've learned that the blog is just a place to write and get things out of my brain.  So from this moment forward, I'm just going to write.  I'm sorry if the blog is all over the map, or not really quite up to standard, but I'm just trying to find my ground with it.  

I hope that everyone has a great Friday and remembers to not stand in your own way.  I tend to do this a lot and I've realised I'm only holding myself back from what I want to do.  It sounds corny yes, but let's try to be a bit more of our own cheerleaders.  And be positive towards yourself just as you would others.  Don't get me wrong, this post isn't meant to be in the it's all about me way, I just feel that pessimism gets the best of us sometimes.  So let's move forward with our best foot forward. dd

Last of the Summer Sun

The past couple of days have been scorching in the Bay Area.  It's been ridiculously hot!  I took a drive yesterday so that I could get some AC in the car to cool off and came across this amazing old church that is in my little part of town.  Set in the middle of apple orchards and fields of flowers, this church is so precious.  It reminds me of being a little girl and being dressed up in a frilly dress, frilly socks and little white patent flats.  That's not exactly my style now, but I can't say that it's too far off!

This shirt is just the perfect amount of frill.  I love the dusty pink color, perfect to watch with the oxblood and deep purples that are popping up everywhere this season.  It will last me through the winter and into next spring.  I'm looking forward to pairing it with some glitter and glitz over the holidays.  Can't wait! dd

Blast From The Past

I have been home for seven weeks now.  It's been so nice to be home in the sun.  Living rent free.  Having a car to drive.  Catching up with old friends.  And in the past week I was asked to be the assistant coach for my old high school volleyball team.  It's a great gig while I'm on the hunt for the perfect job.  The only thing is, I feel like I'm in high school again.  Living with my parents.  Driving my old car.  Seeing friends from high school.  And now practicing with the same team I used to play on eight years ago.  All I can do is laugh, it is slightly hilarious.  We have even just got a little puppy as we did my senior year in high school.  She is just the cutest.  Her name is Shelby.  I'll leave you with a few photos. dd

Her first day home.

Olympian in the making!

Vine Tasting

Last night Martin Ranch held a little soiree for their wine club members - thankfully my parents are members!  We brought our own picnic and indulged in their free wine tasting.  I can not believe what a beautiful area I live in.  I think I'm set to go wine tasting around the area as much as I can.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Such a great idea for a wine cooler!

Martin Ranch had a great selection on the tasting table.  I tried their Merlot, but in the end we went home with a case of their Syrah.  The Merlot was nice, but a bit too spicy for me.  The Syrah is just so warm, rounded and easy to drink.  I couldn't help but love it. dd