Is it Springtime Yet?

After such a windy-cold weekend, I am really beginning to wonder if New England even has Spring. I am still wearing clunky boots, my puffy black beast of a coat and ear warmers (because my brain hurts in the wind.) It's getting a little ridiculous. Will I be able to wear shorts up here before I move? (P.S. our move out date is May 31 - eek!)

All that whining aside, I decided to inspire myself with some old flower photos I took last year. FYI I love taking pictures of flowers. It's the lady in me that just loves loveliness. Most of these gems were taken on Martha's Vineyard (AKA my happiest place) and they give me hope that Spring should be coming... any day now... really, any day now. Seriously. Come on.

Bring on the Blooms

I hope wherever you are you, you are beginning to feel lovely lovely effects of Winter waking up from its long nap. Happy Monday, dear friends.

Euro Trip: Fashion // Daytime Sightseeing

Euro Trip: Daytime Sightseeing by oykristen // 1. Leather belt anthropologie.com // 2. Leather bag anthropologie.com // 3. Tory burch earrings saksfifthavenue.com // 4. MADEWELL Silk Boyshirt In Pansy madewell.com // 5. Sandals anthropologie.com // 6. Sunglasses http://www.synsam.no // 7. Jean Shorts abercrombie.com // 8. Silk Scarf bananarepublic.gap.com // 9. Druzy Bracelet mickeylynn.com// 10. Leather watch anthropologie.com //

Fashion. Statement.

I like to think that this is how I will be dressing when I pra

nce around the Old Country on my beloved Europe trip.

I've seen horror photos of American tourists traipsing around Versailles, the Eiffel Tower and The Colosseum in hideous running shoes and puffy workout shorts. Ew. Don't they know their children will be looking at these momentous photographs for years to come? While I may not be decked out exclusively in the above fashion able brands, I do believe that a little outfit pre-planning will make a world of difference. Call it the hokey actor in me, but I believe that how you look affects how you feel. If you're dressed well, you will feel ready to take on the day's adventures!

Since we plan on backpacking on this trip, I will have to be very creative about packing a few items and making them work various ways. This is going to be a fun(ny) challenge, that's for sure.

So Far...

I've made a few initial wardrobe purchases that are super versatile (and I think will be perfect for LOTS of wear on the trip):

- Free People ONE Golden Age top

- Anthropologie Teryn Crepe Shift dress

- A really adorable red dress from Red Pineapple, a tiny boutique in St. Augustine, FL. (I can't find a link to this dress anywhere, which might be a good thing...?)

Still on the List:

- A pair of supple leather sandals (for walking many miles on cobblestoned streets!)

- A pair of sleek (preferably non-chunky) sneakers. I can't go for a month without running, but my Reeboks might be a little large for my pack.

- A Chambray shirt 

As we get closer to the trip, I will have to start really putting outfits together and practicing my packing strategy. Yes, I will definitely have to post pictures of this, don't you worry.

For all you Euro-trip backpacking veterans, how did you manage to pack clothing for your trip? Tips, resources, advice? I'm all ears.

Dream Project: Casting and Collages

Life Is But A Dream.

The Dream Project is becoming my life. It's funny though, because I wouldn't characterize it as "living the dream" quite yet. I spend my days submitting myself for auditions, going to auditions, prepping for auditions and reading books about, you got it, auditions. It's pretty all-encompassing. Thank goodness I have Carrie, who keeps me sane and pretends that I am behaving like a normal human being.

And she does art projects with me. That's the true sign of a good friend.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've been making collages as a way of getting my creative juices flowing. I would cut out pictures of anything inspiring, funny and empowering. You should give it a try; it's a very revealing exercise that literally captures a visual of what inspires you at the moment. Every season of life is different and showcases a new facet of the journey. For me, it's especially fun to look back over the different collages through the years and see which words, colors and ideals I was drawn to "back in the day." So, of course, I thought it was only natural to make a dream collage as I embark upon this new chapter of life. Carrie came over, we assembled the appropriate treats and crafty tools and got to work.

Inspiration and Invitations.

Thankfully, every time I look at my new collage, I am reminded of what inspires me in this current season. Confidence, going for dreams and lots of light, haha. Something must be working because I booked a role and spent Monday on the set of a short film. Wahoo! I had so much fun working with Derick, Sue and all the crew at Mass Media Vision and playing a really silly character. I'll share clips and photos with you as soon as I have them. (Currently working on a new acting site, so I will put everything up there and link over to it in the next few weeks.)

Feeling uninspired? Feeling the winter blahs? I encourage you to scan your old Instyle and Health magazines and cut out anything that stands out to you. Give yourself 30 minutes. Maybe make a hot beverage. Enjoy a bit of "me" time and see what comes of it. I bet you will be surprised/impressed/inspired by what you see. And by how amazing YOU are.

Euro Trip: Gathering Information

Journey to the Old Country.

I know I mentioned it here and here a while back, but I am SO excited about going to Europe this summer. I've never been, except for a layover at Heathrow on my way to Kenya, but I'm not sure that really counts. We had to take a shuttle from one terminal to the next and I remember it because the air smelled so sweet. Like honey. Like European honey. Even when I was 18, I romanticized the London air. Because since then I've heard that there is no unusually special scent. Whatever. I've been dreaming of going to Europe since I was about 15 and now, ten years later, its finally happening. And I want to do it up right.

Here's the deal. Thirty days. A zillion countries (I've gotta cut down the list.) 2 backpacks (small one for him, smaller one for me.) I'd like to stay, primarily, in hostels and castles. And I'd like to conduct extensive alcohol/cheese/bread research. While I stay in castles.

This Euro trip planning has been a jazzy experience thus far. This probably has a lot to do with the fact that I've been planning while streaming Justin Timberlake's new album for free (thanks, iTunes!) There is SO MUCH to prep and prepare for this trip, and there is more information out there than ever before. Forget those lonely planet books, there are so many blogs, websites and articles out there with REAL stories. And that doesn't include all the resources available on Pinterest. Check out my Euro trip board here. Here are a few of the resources I've compiled:

Planning.

DreamEuroTrip: Travel like the jetset on a gypsy budget. This blog has been SO helpful!

How to Pack.

7 Things to Pack to Save you Money: This post by the Amateur Traveler is so helpful. I love my Nalgene, now I have a legit reason to bring it with me. Hydration is sexy. 

Two Weeks in a Carry On: Thank God someone actually gave me packing photos. I need to know what GIRLS pack on trips like this.

How to Pack a Suitcase for a Month: Even more tips. For even more days.

Packing and Gear: Euros Ate My Dollars is such a funny blog. And useful.

How to Sleep. 

Knock Yourself Out: Great tips on how to actually sleep through bumpy train rides and red eyes. I need one of those neck pillows!

Jaunted: How to appropriately beat Jet Lag. Because that's a real thing. And I don't want to catch it.

Get More Mileage Out of Your Wardrobe.

The Infinity Skirt: It might not be totally my style, but this could be a huge benefit when traveling abroad.

The Versalette: Interesting concept, not unlike the above suggestions.

Those Who Have Forged Ahead.

Andrew&Jenni: This couple did their Euro trip a few years ago. It is SO helpful reading up on their experience. They are precious.

Talk to Me.

I know many of you have been on backpacking trips through Europe. I welcome your stories and input! If you have any resources worth looking into or advice to share, it would be oh so appreciated. Share lots! Share often! Share with me!

Sunday Gratitude

The nicest thing happened today.

I woke up this fine Sunday morning to a phone call from my husband. He left early to help with church set up, so he was out of the house before I even stirred. Our church is a quick walk from our building (I like to tease that we are very convenient Christians), so even though it's not too far, the early hour mixed with the cold makes it quite the morning sacrifice. Ok I lied. It would be a sacrifice to me, but he actually likes helping out. Imagine that. He is clearly the better one between the two of us. So, like I was saying, he called me this morning and I figured it was because he left something or needed something or something. Shame on me. He was calling to ask if he could bring me Starbucks. You did not misread. Starbucks for my morning. Coffee for me. Heaven's elixir for turning bitter mornings into better mornings. How NICE is that?! He said he had a short break from setting up, so he would walk over with coffee. He came gallantly up the steps of our apartment building, toting the beloved caffeine wonder (and blueberry muffin!) with honor. Ok maybe I was still half-asleep. But he seemed like such a stallion.

I LOVE presents and thoughtful acts of kindness. I just love them. And this morning, my kindhearted husband surprised me in the most special way. It may just be coffee, but it was coffee for me. I am so thankful for his thoughtfulness. I have to brag on him. Sometimes love is hard, sometimes love is awful, but sometimes it is sacred and special and laced with the darkest roast Starbucks has to offer. I think I have a praise report for the morning service. Haaa just kidding. I don't talk in church. I just doodle.

In all seriousness, I have much to be grateful for on this blustery cold day. What's your Sunday Gratitude? Cherish it.