What I'm Into at the Moment (Plus A Musing)

It's always great to take stock of what makes you happy. However,  interests can be fleeting, by nature of the fact that we're exposed to a variety of ideas (online articles and intellectual properties, for instance) and material goods on a daily basis via social media and our friends and family. The point is, it's okay if we're quixotic when it comes to what captures our imagination or appeals to our sense of beauty. As I was recently flipping through my journal, I came across an entry that I wrote a few months ago in which I discussed why I found the concept of moments inherently appealing. I described how a moment can span a few seconds, or even a few years (a moment in our lives). Therefore, moment can be used in place of period, i.e. this is what I loved during this period of time, this is who I was back then.

We often fear time. We worry about it running out or escaping us, about wasting what we view as such an invaluable resource. What ultimately matters, though, is how we fill our time. What occupies our hours? If we find that what we're doing is fulfilling or enriching, it is not a waste. This is a concept that I have struggled to accept. It's easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, to berate yourself for "not doing enough." Considering that my interests tend toward the creative (read: writing), I often take time to brainstorm ideas before rolling up my sleeves and delving into the creative process. Although writers find ways to procrastinate, to put off practicing their craft for fear of not being good enough, it can help in the long run if I gather my thoughts beforehand, so I don't find myself staring at an intimidatingly blank Word document. While many are proponents of "being in the moment" and "focusing on the now," sometimes it is beneficial to take a moment out of our hectic schedules to partake in the art of list-making. Writing down the thoughts that are clouding up our minds—even if they are positive—can be refreshing. There is something satisfying about seeing the tangibility of the ink or pencil on paper. Although it's not the most cheerful analogy, you could view paper as a cage for your thoughts, a means to capture and display what you're thinking. Whether I jot down ideas for a novel or take a few minutes to appreciate what brings a smile to my face at this point in the year, at this specific point in my life, the process is fulfilling because it brings me joy. The lists remind me of where I've been—and where I'm going.

On that note, here is a list of what I'm lovin' at the moment:

Foxes (photographs, artwork, and clothes, oh my)...

 

Fresh berries (plain, on pancakes, in cereal)...

Honey (I love spooning it onto my Greek yogurt)...

Clouds (ideal to stare off into when daydreaming)...

Quirky, whimsical pictures...

Cute boxes and tins (for cookies, candy, or knickknacks)...

 

What do you love right now?

Images all found on Tumblr.

What I Love Lately: Handbag Edition

While perusing the handbag section of Nordstrom on Friday, I learned that the fall lines were released early as part of a "pre-sale" (which goes until August 5th). My mom may be the real handbag-lover in the family, but it was hard not to be captivated by the new color schemes. Okay, so I might have enjoyed the browsing experience from more of an aesthetic point of view...but who doesn't love getting a new accessory every now and then?

COACH.

Dooney and Bourke.

Tory Burch.

Longchamp.

Longchamp.

What trends have been inspiring you lately? What colors are you excited about?

Dreamy Dorm Ideas

I can't believe I leave for college (New York!) in a month-and-a-half. Therefore, I've been searching the Internet for dorm decor ideas. I know that the spaces won't be that big, so some of these ideas are more in theory, for the *dorm of my dreams*. Regardless of whether or not I'll be able to apply what these examples of decoration inspiration present, I can at least have these lovely ideas in mind. What would your dream dorm look like? (Even if you've already finished college.)

Warm colors make this room cozy.

A comfy reading/studying nook...and the cushions add a splash of color!

DIY lampshades, made from plastic party cups. Pretty neat.

Simplistic coziness, yet the lights/photos add a touch of whimsy.

Excellent way to organize jewelry. Practically wall art.

Love the lights. Ditto, the collage.

Colorful and creative.

Another example of whimsical-meets-comfortable.

Awesome pillows - think of world travel as you go to sleep.

Creative way to hang photos. Decorative, too.

It's Time for...A Happiness List!

Considering that Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I thought I'd compile another list of things I'm lovin', because the moments at which you are happy should be treasured. As the adage goes, happiness is not a place - it's a journey. It comes and goes fleetingly, and it is not someplace you reside. I'm definitely thankful for all the little things in my life that bring me happiness.

Sweet Treats:

Dark Chocolate Hershey's Kisses!

Java Chip Frappuchinos!

 Baking:

...For National French Week!

...For the holidays!

Cheesy Goodness:

Panera Mac and Cheese!

Feta...great in salads!

YA Romance/Dystopian Novels:

Intrigue, romance, and a dystopian society...aboard a spaceship!

A sweet romance with a likable, film-savvy protagonist and a hot French/American love interest!

More Autumnal Happiness!

While I have been super-busy with school work, I've still had several opportunities to enjoy all that this time of year has to offer. Lately I've been paying attention to the moments that bring me happiness, regardless of how "big" these moments may be in the long run. Fall of senior year in high school is a stressful time, between the pressure of having to fill out college applications, to the self-inflicted pressure of doing the best that I can on each assignment. Therefore, I'm vowing not to let my level of stress inhibit me from finding happiness on a daily basis. Some joyful moments from the weekend:

Spending some quality time outdoors at my friend's birthday party - in a park!

Finding my favorite bands' albums at the library.

Going to the local Greek Agora Festival and having tasty ethnic food.

Finding great clearance buys at Urban Outfitters.

Soft-serve ice cream with sprinkles one last time.

Listening to Sirius XM satellite radio in the car - especially the showtunes station.

 

The sunny Indian Summer weather.

It's A New Month...And A New Year

October is here, and the chilly weather has finally made its entrance. It's time to don a rainbow of sweaters once again, settle down with a piping hot cup of hot chocolate, and appreciate the differences, great and minute, that separate one season from the next. As for the second part of this post's title, it's also the new year on the Jewish calendar. Last week, I celebrated Rosh Hashanah by having lovely dinners with family and friends, attending my synagogue, and eating the customary apples and honey (to symbolize hopes for a sweet year). Thus, in light of all this newness, I've decided to compile a happiness list.

Cozy autumn outfits!

Delicious food, such as homemade fajitas...I cook a variation, by using tofu instead of chicken or beef!

Having a good book to read...right now I'm reading The History of Love by Nicole Krauss!

Playing my flute in Wind Ensemble and Pep Band!

Having the new issue of Glamour arrive in the mail!