happiness always returns

Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it.

-Jacques Prévert

* nice words i need, words everyone needs once in a while

bright, happy, yummy lemon

I'd like to make some kind of lemony dessert, any suggestions?

Give Thanks

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.
- William Arthur Ward

via daily inspiration emails

http://www.dreamthisday.com/

Just a little pop in from lilmissfina.

This quote showed up in my inbox today & i thought i'd share it because it's something that's been on my mind as of late.

If your still checking in on my lil old blog, thank you!

I'll be back soon :)

lovely little dress

It's Saturday morning & i've been awake since a little after four a.m.!

I was rudely awaken'ed by the arrival of my monthly friend (not TMI I hope, hehe)
Anywho, I decided to catch up on some blog reading, it was nice to get up to date on all the blogs i <3 since i haven't been my usual blog obsessed self lately.
For me & i'm sure alot of other girlies, perusing blogland usually leads to some online shopping /browsing...
At forever21 I stumbled upon this little lovely.

Isn't it adorable? Love the ruffles at the neckline and the bow tied at the back! I think I might need it & I hope it looks as good on as it does in the pictures. Lucky for me i've got a nifty little f21 giftcard sitting in my wallet just waiting to be used ;)

Cozy Kitties

Cats never strike a pose that isn't photogenic.

-Lillian Jackson Braun

It's little moments like the one in this photo where i'd really like to be a cat, wouldn't you love to cuddle up in this snuggly goodness?

*photo of lovers/brother & sister/ Gizmo & Lily

A Sexy Mystery

I just finished this book last night.

It was lent to me (with rave reviews) by my boyfriend's Mom, and at first i didn't think it was my kind of book.

I figured i had to read it though, what if she wanted to discuss it with me?

If you can read the little blurb on the cover it is described as a "sexy mystery."

I don't know about you, but to me that sounds a little cheesy.

The whole time i was reading it Rob kept asking me how i was enjoying my "sexxxxy mystery".(he would always say it in a silly voice that made me giggle)

Well, it was a bit cheesy but i have to admit i really got into it.....

It is the first in a series of six and i fear that i just may be roped into reading them all!

*Next up : Dune Road! :)

Weekend Plans

Plans for the Weekend

*in no particular order

Go for a run

Make a big yummy breakfast or get yummy egg sandwiches

Have Chinese food for lunch ( i've been craving it for awhile)

Give my Daddy his lovely & special Father's day gift

Be SILLY :)

Play mini golf

Have a picnic

* these last two are obviously weather permiting, we've been trying to have a picnic for weeks, the rain has had other plans.

So what are your plans for the weekend?

sweet surprise

Jane Green is one of my FAVORITE Authors.

Wednesday night she did a book signing in Huntington.

I work evenings so i wasn't able to go....

After work that night i walked into my bedroom to find a little wrapped package on my bed.

I tore into it to find that it was my copy of Dune Road SIGNED by Jane Green with a sweet little personal message inside!!

My super amazing boyfriend went to the book signing for me :)

He must love me a whole lot to spend the evening at a "chic lit" book signing/reading, don't ya think?!

He's a keeper ;)

p.s He asked her to sign it for "lilmissfina", when she heard that she said she recognized the name because i always comment on her blog & she even knows that im a crazy cat lady!!! :):) imagine my surprise & ridiculous excitement that she knows who i am! woooohoooo

Building with Boyfriend

On a Saturday morning a few weeks ago, my boyfriend woke up and decided it was time to build a "fort". (no, he's not six, just silly!) With few quick knots on the bedpost and a little stick in the center for support, our fort was born.

This is Rocky, leisurely enjoying what im sure he felt was his own private cabana.

Doesn't he look like a little king? :)

shiny & pretty

How gorgeous is this ring?!?!! I want it.... (to bad it probably costs a bajillion $$$)

I love yellow gold & i love hearts.

I think the rest of the photo is kind of ehhh, whats up with the bracelet over the sleeve?

*photo from harpers bazzar, found while perusing perezhilton.com

Thoughts for a Thursday

Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world.
- Helen Keller

*This quote has been lovingly "pilfered" from daily inspiration emails, happy little quotes deposited in my inbox each day.

If you haven't noticed yet, i kinda have a thing for happy/motivating quotes :)

I hope you enjoy them as well!

do right

Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.

-Mark Twain

* saw this quote on the bottom of a box of tea, i likey it!

always remember

Always when judging

Who people are,

Remember to footnote

The words "So far."

-Robert Brault

Wise words, don't you think?

cozy little kitty

Photo: tanakawho

This picture makes me happy.

I kinda wanna give this lil kitty a huge kiss, right smack on the head!

Felt like a midweek happy boost was in order :)

Smile Pretty

A genuine smile is the most beautiful thing you can wear.

The Reading Continues

Another really good read! A memoir, written by Scottish Journalist Lorna Martin: She goes into major debt to spend a whole year in intensive (3 times a week) therapy, in an attempt to figure herself out.

Check it out, it makes the idea of therapy seem kinda.... fun? Well maybe not exactly fun but worthwhile for everyone perhaps..

Couldn't we all use a little help figuring ourselves out? I know i could.

Do You Understand Yourself?

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.

-Carl Jung

Photo by: Juergen Kurlvink

Try Not to Be Ignorant....

Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency.

-Natalie Goldberg

As of late, I've been in an incredibly "ignorant" state .... (i really didn't mean for that to ryhme!)

This quote is spot on..... it's so silly to make every little thing seem like an emergency.

Lately i can't help feeling stressed/ anxious about everything.

I need to make a serious attempt at some relaxation ( i need be less "stupid"!)

What to Do, What to Do

Lately I've been constantly thinking about what to do with my future career-wise.

Next May I'll graduate with a bachelors in psychology.... what should i do with it? There don't seem to be many (decent paying) options for me unless i continue on to graduate school. I'm not to sure if i really want to spend another few years in school though...

I'm super interested in what all of you lovely blog readers do for a living :)

Would you be so sweet as to comment & let me know?

My Latest Read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For a first novel by author Toni Jordan, i thought it was incredibly well written. It's about a girl who is utterly & completley obsessive compulsive with counting. Equal parts funny and intriguing; i definitely reccomend it.

*Even better if you get it from the library (free yipppee) like it did!! ;)

I <3 Taylor Swift

Isn't this the cutest video?

I love this song.

My Very Own Kooky Cat

One of my crazy cats, Sammy, celebrated Cinco De Mayo by going nuts with the tablecloth on the dining room table. He may not be as talented as Maru but he cracks me up just the same :)

P.S How cute is the last shot with his tongue sticking out!?! hehe

* He can also do an amazing impression of a taco in the kitchen mat!

Maru

This is Maru, he is a crazy cat obsessed w/ boxes.

(i think i love him)

These two video's just made my day :)

Oh So True....

We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.

-Anaïs Nin

Oh So Cute

I found this adorable picture over at : youaremyfave.com

I love everything about it, the funny look on the kitty's face & i especially like the word favourite!

(i'm a big fan of all things British)

TILT

Lemon - I've been putting it on everything , veggies, chicken. yummy yummy lemon!

Asparagus - I put lemon on it.... ;) ( im not really a fan of the stinky pee though!!)

TWITTER!

My best friendlys new blog - melissahartman.blogspot.com. She's just getting started, but if the blog turns out anything like her personality it will be super funny and sarcastic. check her out and leave her some lovies!

Planning for our future apartment - Currently obsessed w/ design blogs & storing TONS of ideas in my lil head. Rob & I have started looking at a few places, we don't plan on moving for at least six months but im get soooo ridiculously excited yipppppppeeee :)

Appreciate Yourself

Envy is a symptom of lack of appreciation of our own uniqueness and self worth. Each of us has something to give that no one else has.

-Elizabeth O'Connor

Every Days a Good Day

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.

-William James

Instead of counting your days, make your days count.

-Author Unknown

Sometimes i feel like i just let time pass.

With the arrival of spring i want to try to really enjoy every single day.

How many days have you wasted waiting for another "better" or more exciting one?

Don't wait anymore!

Love is...

To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness.

-Robert Brault

Love is.... laughing with & AT each other

Love is..... the gift of green shoes just because! ;)

I Love Love

TILT

It's been over a month since my last tilt post, i believe im long overdue for some lovies/thankfulness! So in no particular order here's a few things that make me smile:

Pedicures *today my mom & i have 10 am appointments for pedicures ( her treat woohooo!) i am ridiculously excited as i haven't had one since january.

Orange Juice *lately i've been having a yummy glass every morning mmmmm

Waking up early * i love how the house is so quiet ( i can pretend it's all mine & i don't share it w/ my parents hehe). At this moment im sitting in the living room listening to the birdies chirping outside and im surrounded by my adorable cuddly kitties :)

Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce * my latest obession is covering my veggies in this deliciousness (even though my tongue is on fire, my nose starts to run & my forehead may even begin to perspire a bit.... I LOVE IT!)

Blog Comments* sweet little reminders that a few people actually read my little blog always make me giddy

Spring Cleaning * Yesterday i went through my undie drawer and threw out at least 25 pairs, the drawer is still overflowing... the good news is i found a bunch of pretty ones i forgot i owned! ;)

Looking Foward to Nicer Weather * here on LI we've only had a few random day's of spring-like weather, but it's a nice tease of whats to come!

Chats with Old Folks * i work at a fitness center in a fancy schmancy retirement community & lately i have had some of the nicest conversations with a few of the residents. One man was speaking so sweetly of his wife of FIFTY years, it made my heart all tingly happy. I hope Rob talk's about me like that fifty years from now :)

Be Nice, Be Happy

In about the same degree as you are helpful, you will be happy.

-Karl Reiland

Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are.

-Author Unknown

Photo:Damien Gaudet

I like to be nice.

I can recall many times when a simple kind word has made my day.

Why not make someone's day & your OWN in the process?

Be Curious

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality.

-Albert Einstein

Be curious always! For knowledge will not acquire you; you must acquire it.

-Sudie Back

I am always very curious, often irritating friends and family with an endless barrage of questions. At least i stay well informed! ;)

Reading Makes My Heart Smile

Currently reading :
How to Talk to a Widower by Jonathon Tropper

* i am sooo into this book, i've read two of his other books and i just LOVE the way he writes. Have you read any of his books? If not you should!

Looking foward to reading:
It Sucked and Then I Cried: How I Had a Baby, a Breakdown, and a Much Needed Margarita by Heather Armstrong

*I can't wait to get my hands on this book, i follow her blog, dooce & her sense of humor cracks me up.

Im really looking foward to reading about how she dealt with her post partum deppression and seeing how she manages to inject her trademark sarcasm into a difficult story.

SMILE

A smile confuses an approaching frown.

-Author Unknown

SMILE, it could cheer someone up, or further annoy a cranky, nasty pants. Either way it's fun for you!

Photo: Jon Canady

i heart kitty smiles!

Clear the Clutter in Your Mind

Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry NEVER fixes anything.
-Mary Heminway

He who fears he shall suffer, already suffers what he fears.

-Montaigne

I can be such a worry wart at times, i think my mind actually searches for things to fret about.

I think these two quotes reinforce what we allready know to be true.

Don't let worries waste your time.

Tiny Treat

Today i did something i haven't done in quite some time.

Over two months actually.

What is it i haven't done since the beginning of January you ask?

I made a purchase!

I've been supertight with $$ lately.

Sadly, frivolous weekly shopping, with the exception of grocery shopping, which i do really enjoy ;), has ceased.

Buut, today every single one of my classes was cancelled, i had to find something to do with my time...

So i browsed a few stores and made one tiny little purchase.

This bright green cardigan is perfect to kick off the beginning of spring!

It was on clearance for 10 bucks at Old Navy, So i got a much needed shopping fix with no damage to my budget! :) woooohoooo

Life's Essentials

The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

-Allan K. Chalmers

*Do, Love, Hope... be HAPPY

Spring Clean

Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.

-William Morris

* It's spring cleaning time!

*I'm going to keep these words in mind while i attempt to declutter, i suffer from a bit of the pack rat

syndrome (handed down from my chotchky (sp?) lovin parents) and have some trouble throwing things

away.

* Is it hard for you to part with random odds & ends as well?

Photo: Abby Powell

I Enjoy Quiet

I have issues.

Said issues are with little tiny noises most people might not even notice.

I notice.

In this morning's class i had a girl next to me who sniffled and texted the ENTIRE class. I was trying hard to concentrate on reviewing for my midterm, but really all i could think of was how i wanted to toss her cell phone out the door and hand her a tissue... harsh huh??

sniffle sniffle clickclickclickclickclickclickclick sniffle click sniffle sniffle clickclick

AHHHHHH!!!

*God help me if this girl sits next to me during the test and pulls this crap again.... i really don't think i can be held responsible for my actions!!

Please excuse my rant & feel free to tell me what irk's you!

Where's Your Head?

No matter where you go or what you do, you live your entire life within the confines of your head.

-Terry Josephson

You control your mindset, so where do you want to be? :)

Things I Love Thursday

Photo: Rakeem Cunningham

http://flickr.com/people/kh2rac/

Talking to my cats as if they are human
*I know I'm not the only one who does this! Rob is waiting for the day they reply to me... ;)

Peanut Butter
* No explanation needed right? I especially love it with apples & bananas!

Using Thesaurus.com
* I like words, i like new and interesting words, it's fun ;) try it out!

Shopping @ Whole Foods
* I have a serious thing for fancy schmancy supermarkets, everyone is so polite and helpful there. I really enjoy exploring the aisles, for new & interesting foods. (have you ever been to a wegmans?? it's superfun there but sadly there are none anywhere close to me)

Stacy's Pita Chips
* OH MAN these are delish! I bought two bags of the multigrain ones (@ whole foods one sale for $5, is it just me or does $5 for two little bags of chips not really seem like a "sale" ?)anyways, the bags disappeared astonishingly fast, i may or may not have eatin an ENTIRE bag in ONE day!

Don't Complicate Things

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

- Confucius

Photo: zandra898

*this little kitty TOTALLY has the right idea!

Chloe

I really like Chloe Sevigny, she has the most truly unique style.
Big Love is one of my FAVE shows, her character, Nicki, never fails to crack me up w/ her permanent sour puss face and uptightness.

i love everything about this photo, her eyes look gorgeous, the hair is so soft and pretty & i just wanna prance around the house in this lovely little black lace undie set!

Looky Looky What I Got!

Hello Lovelies! If you recall about a week or so ago i posted asking for help finding a handbag for Valentines Day? Well i want to say a big fat thank you very much! to everyone who offered their suggestions. Unfortunately, i could not find one i found wonderful enough to fall in love with. FORTUNATELY, my fabulous boy toy had an even better idea for a V-Day gift.... & I'm using it right now!

Yessiree, all afternoon here at "work" I've been playing with my brand-spanking-new- just-delivered-yesterday, adorable little Dell mini woooooooooooowhooooooooo :)

It' so friggen cute & tiny & lightweight.

It weighs about 2.3lbs and is less than 9 inches wide!

I'm ridiculously excited to finally have a laptop i can call my own, now i just need to hunt down an equally adorable little case for it!

TILT

This week i heart.....

Stretching!!
Have i written this before? Possibly but that's OK, i love a good sloooow stretch. Not only is it calming but it keeps me quite flexible.

The Amazing Adventures of Diet Girl
In an attempt to save money on buying books, i headed down to the library last weekend. I've been squeezing in reading time whenever i can and I'm liking this book alot. The girl (Shauna) takes us along w/ her as she struggles to lose a ton of weight.She's Australian and i just love the way she writes. (totally makes my recent obsession w/ 2 lbs seem nonsensical, which it is......)

Kashi Dark Chocolate & Coconut Granola Bars
I just ate one this morning and it was DELISH, yum yum in my tum!

*notice a dark chocolate trend? ;)

Giving Compliments
Love giving em and love receiving em!
* check out the lovely quote i posted on monday

i know this is a day late... so i guess it's technically a TILF ( things i love friday?) that doesn't really sound as good though!

Scatter Your Praise

"I can live for two months on a good compliment."

- Mark Twain

*Compliments are so easy to give & they could buoy a person's spirits for days or even weeks!* Next time you notice something you like about someone, don't hold back, tell them! Even if you think it's an insignificant detail, it could be just the boost they need.

Photo: Tim Luckey

Rewards Await

Practice hope. As hopefulness becomes a habit, you can achieve a permanently happy spirit.

- Norman Vincent Peale

Photo: Abby Powell

http://flickr.com/photos/abbytrysagain/

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Today is the day a lovely lady i like to call "mommy" turns 48!

She had me at the ripe old age of 23, being 24 i can not begin to imagine running around after a 1 year old at this point in my life.

Happy Birthday to my very first friend, my Mama!

You Really Must

“You must do the things you think you cannot do.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Lust

I was out shopping for a birthday gift for my mom yesterday when I innocently stumbled upon a pair of shoes that must eventually be mine.

These babies can be found at Nine West for 79 bucks, I'm trying real hard to wait for a sale.

I think they are so sweet and simple & are the perfect reminder that spring is on the way.

Thoughts?

A Year of Mornings

Looking through this book last night inspired me to start taking more pictures & also to eat healthier fruit filled breakfasts.

Have any of you followed the blog? I haven't checked it out yet but i think it was a wonderful idea to photograph and share little moments in their mornings.

I was captivated by the beautiful simplicity.

Livin & Lovin...

SuperCUTE print, perfect words to start a Monday with.

* Find this little lovely here : http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5584012

** Spotted on http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/

I Wish You BLISS

Photo: jessica wilson

http://flickr.com/people/jek-a-go-go/

Wishing you all a beautiful day, however you choose to spend it.

I'll be enjoying an afternoon at the movies with my love, followed by cooking a yummy dinner together.

Tomorrow morning i'll be baking the wonderful and fabulous banana chocolate chip coffee cake i raved about a few weeks ago, the rest of the day will be spent catching up on my fave shows. Pretty much an AWESOME weekend.

I hope yours is just as lovely :)

Read This Book

I finished the book this afternoon.

It was in a word.... heartbreaking.

A fascinating story of friendship between two boys.

If you've allready read it, i'd LOVE to hear your thoughts on it.

I think this story will stay with me for some time.

TILT

This Week's Loves

Enjoying a Silent Car Ride
I looove music, but once in a while when I'm driving i like to turn it off and just bask in the quietness.It makes me feel calm & relaxed.I also feel less rushed somehow, do you ever do this?



How Ridiculously Silly Rob Is
This boy always has me giggling. I adore his silliness and he takes it to the extreme! I seriously don't think i could ever fall in love with someone who wasn't quirky and silly like me.



Free $$
I test makeup & beauty products for a research company, i fill out a little survey, they hand over the cash & i skip (OK maybe i don't actually skip) happily out the door.If you live on LI in driving distance of Melville and you wanna get in on this just leave me a comment and I'll give you their number so you can sign up.



Writing in My Diary
I'm not to fond of the word "diary", it seems like a word a 9 year old girl would use, but i don't think "journal" is much better soooo i guess i'll stick w/ my lil girl term! I love to write down my random thoughts and be able to look back on how i was feeling a month or a year ago.( I don't write often enough and my * diary's* usually last a few years). Its fun to see how things have changed and how some things will always stay the same.



Reading "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas"
When i saw they made a movie about it i decided to read the book first, the book is almost always better, don't you think? I received the book for Christmas but i just got started on it a few days ago. It's simply written and so far I'm really enjoying it.



Watching HGTV Before Bed!
The fact that i get all excited watching people house hunting must mean I'm getting older..... :)

Feel Openly

Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for the truth.
— benjamin disraeli

*from youareremarkable.wordpress.com

photo: mosippy

*Isn't this the cutest thing? i wish one of my kitties had a heart on her back!

Simple Questions

What are you doing right now?


What do you really want right now?

If what you're doing isn't leading you to what you want, maybe it's time for a change?

Your Assistance Is Requested!

My boyfriend has offered to buy me a handbag for Valentines Day!
woooooo hoooooooo
But i need help, i have been searching online for days and still haven't found anything i like :(
I've set a limit of $300.
I want a big, roomy, soft leather bag.
I'm open to different colors, thinking maybe brown, blue, or gray.
Definitely NOT black.
Is this too much to ask for?
Who can help?? This is obviously a very pressing and time sensitive matter...

See Clearly

Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in.
-Alan Alda

Photo:rachel sian

TILT

This Thursday I'm gonna keep it short & sweet.
Although I don't LOVE my job ( not even close actually) I am incredibly thankful that I have one (two really!). I often complain that I don't have enough money to buy or do the things I want or that I wish I made more, but the fact is I have enough.

&& right now thats all i need :)

Tiny Little Luxuries

Manicures make me HAPPY.
I really enjoy the process, but more importantly, every time i look down at my pretty little fingers throughout the week it makes me smile :)
Yesterday i had an 8:30 am class which my professor did not deign to show up for ,I'm assuming because of the FABULOUS snow.
Whats a girl to do?
Head on over to the closest nail salon for a lil treat :)
I used to be a weekly manicure girly but as of late I'm really trying to curb my frivolous spending , so my shiny, candy colored nails feel extra special right about now.

This is the color i've got on now, it's called escapades.

Gimme, Gimme Some Spring!

Browsing through the many lovely photos on Flickr, one may come to the conclusion that snow is a beautiful & wondrous occurrence....

Photo: Katie Pritchard

This does look gorgeous, but it's NOT what i see outside everyday! I'm utterly and completely done with winter. I am very very ready for a cheerful SPRING.

Who's with me?? & What are you most looking foward to this spring?

Foresee Fabulessness

Photo Credit: Nick Bartoletti

“It is neither good nor bad, but thinking makes it so.”

-William Shakespear

Look To Yourself

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.

—Carl Jung

Photo by: Natasha Mileshina

flickr.com/people/bubbo-tubbo

I have always really liked this quote. Im glad to have come across it again today on youareremarkable.wordpress.com, it's a nice little blog that posts all kinds of love related quotes, poems & the like. Give it a lil peek :)

I hope everyone has a fantabulous weekend!

I'm leaving tonight on road trip up to Rochester w/ my boy, wish me some warmth , it'll probably be cold up there!

TILT

Finding New Recipe's
*Lately I've been getting really excited about cooking and baking. Last weekend i made the most delicious banana coffee cake w/ chocolate chips. IT. WAS. AMAZING. Thanks are in order to Megan over at sweet n low for the recipe! I want to start trying new and healthy foods and am going to try to make a yummy dinner at least once a week, that doesn't sound like much but i work nights and usually end up eating cereal or whatever is around when i get home from work ;)

Realizing It's the Little Simple Things That Matter
*A few days ago i made a list of the things i want/want to do. There were a few material items on the list, but what made me really happy was seeing that 80% of the list was made up of FREE things/actvities/ actions.

The Return of Nip/Tuck & Big Love
*Oh how i just adore these shows!! Nip/Tuck provides, sexy men(there is a distinct possibility that i have entertained very private thoughts involving Dr. Christian Try hehe) along with endless drama and sometimes it makes me laugh like a hyena! Big Love is just so captivating, i can't help but be drawn into the strange, strange world of that big family.

I heart how deleriously happy this little kitty looks!
* if you would like to enjoy some more adorable kitty pics check out this fab flickr account: http://flickr.com/people/fofurasfelinas/

I hope you all have a EXTRAORDINARY Thursday.