Ten Things Tuesday - Guest Post by Richard

I thought it would be fun to see a dude's perspective on Ten Things Tuesday...so I've let the boyfriend take over this week and here's what he came up with! Enjoy! 

1. Gibson Hummingbird

if only i had an extra $3000 laying around...

2. The Appleseed Cast ~ Mare Vitalis Vinyl

This thing is hard to find these days

3. the oatmeal

one of the funniest sites on the internet and one of the funniest books i own

4. Hangover 2

"i wish monkey's could skype"

5. Glassjaw African G shirt

6. Autism Heart Tattoo

This will look more like the traditional heart design when I get it done but this is the image it will be based off of, in honor of my little brother. 

7.  Chicken Pot Pie!

This is the recipe I'm going to try for brianne and i...fingers crossed!

8. Cracker Barrel!

brianne and i have become addicted to their breakfast...partly cause we can get it at 2 in the afternoon

9.  AE shorts

they're a bit pricey but i'm a big fan of them 

10. sea monkey!

isn't she cute?!?

Would anyone else like to guest post for Ten Things Tuesday? If so, send me an email!

girlandastar AT hotmail DOT com

Chucktown, Round...5?

I'm back in Charleston, of course! We're having a great time and have done a lot of fun things.

- Saw Hangover Part 2, which was pretty hilarious.
- Checked out Cypress Gardens, which was nice - but it's way too hot outside for that today.
- Ate at cracker barrel, twice - so far.
- Got some adorable owl pictures from the boy
- Hit the beach with my brother and Beth
- Attended a pool party with Richard's coworkers/friends.

We've been pretty busy, but if you know me - you know I've managed to sneak in more than a few naps.

We're hoping to go thrifting tomorrow, it's been a while since I've browsed through any thrift stores - so I'm excited.

It's a Revolution!

Dudes, you probably don't want to read this.

Ladies, you should totally read this.

I heard about the DivaCup a few years ago and wondered if it was worth it. I finally decided to order one last week to see if it would work for me. The DivaCup is an alternative to tampons and pads. If you've never heard of one, there is tons of info on their website. When I heard that I could leave this in for up to 12 hours with no risks or problems, I was sold. No more carrying around tampons in my purse, no more fears of TSS, no more running to the store at the last minute when I've ran out of products, no more throwing away tons of money each month, no more being uncomfortable. I've been using my DivaCup for two days now. I am so happy with it! It was kind of intimidating at first but I've already gotten pretty comfortable using it. Not much different than learning to use tampons, actually.

You can read tons of reviews on Amazon. You won't find many negative reviews but you will see tons of ladies who have been committed to the DivaCup for years and won't go back.

I purchased mine from Lunapads.com but I believe they are a bit cheaper on Amazon.

Basically what I'm saying is... do yourself a favor and buy one. Save money, your body, and the environment!

I didn't want to go too into detail on here but if you have any questions at all about it, don't be embarrassed to ask & feel free to send me a Facebook message or an email: 

girlandastar AT hotmail DOT com

Ten Things Tuesday

1. Want want want this ring. 

2. Sweet baby bunny

3. I really need to make these!

4. Such a cute idea.

5. I've been tweeting a lot lately. Follow me! Say hi!

6. Victoria's Secret sleepwear is so comfortable. 

7. I want to do the other spare room in blue and white.  

These would be perfect. 

8. Richard insists that this should be on the list. Codes & Keys. 

The new Death Cab album. 

9. Cheesecake is always on the agenda! This one looks delish!

10. So cute. Wish I didn't have stickers all over mine already or I'd buy this.

Weekend of Pictures

Madi and I went to see Augustana, isn't Dan gorgeous?! 

We're kinda cute, too! :]

Before the show we ate at Cabo Fish Taco, so delish!!!

I also got a new pair of Toms that I've been wanting. Such comfortable shoes!

I've been house sitting for the past week and this cat is the strangest cat I've ever met, but I think he likes me now.

Jamie and I finally hung out Sunday and she tried on this red lipstick, doesn't she look great in it?!

Next weekend should be full of pictures as well so get ready! Going to spend it in Charleston with the boy & hopefully my brother and his girlfriend will be visiting us for a day at the beach. I hope everyone's week has started out lovely and it continues to stay that way.

Still Alive In My Heart

Me, one year ago. Wearing my grandma's pretty red nail polish.

A year ago today I was awoken by my grandpa yelling at my dad, I jumped out of bed and ran down the hall...only to find my grandmother dead in their bed. Lifeless, with an ambulance on the way. There was no point, she was gone. Her frail body was just that, a body, and nothing more. No sweet words from her lips and no more look of suffering on her face. At the time, nothing seemed peaceful about the situation. Now, I look back and find nothing but peace for her. She had a long journey and three types of cancer - her time was done, she needed rest. I'd never had a family member pass away that I was close to. I'd never seen a dead body. My heart had never been so heavy. I will never forget that morning. It still weighs on my mind and I find myself replaying the entire day in my head often. There is still something oddly spiritual about the whole situation, even for a self-proclaimed Agnostic. It was beautiful but confusing in far more ways than I could have ever imagined.

I wrote this entry the day after.

I love you Grandma, you are incredibly missed. 

"People disappear when they die. Their voice, their laughter, the warmth of their breath. Their flesh. Eventually their bones. All living memory of them ceases. This is both dreadful and natural. Yet for some there is an exception to this annihilation. For in the books they write they continue to exist. We can rediscover them. Their humor, their tone of voice, their moods. Through the written word they can anger you or make you happy. They can comfort you. They can perplex you. They can alter you. All this, even though they are dead. Like flies in amber, like corpses frozen in ice, that which according to the laws of nature should pass away is, by the miracle of ink on paper, preserved. It is a kind of magic."

-The Thirteenth Tale, Diane Setterfield

That Special Feelin'

(buy this sweet owl postcard here)

I believe my heart has opened up. I feel so much better. I feel so lucky, so loved, so special. I'm still being patient and trying to not get too ahead of myself - but I'm so excited. I have a boy that spoils me with lots of laughs, surprises, and hugs. It's more than I could ever ask for and I'm so thankful to have him in my life. Even though we're 4 hours apart, we're making it work and we're doing great. 

Plus, I like to think we're kinda cute.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. How cute is this? I would change the number to the letter "b" for a great addition to my room.

2. Delicate little flowers made from crepe paper. Click here to learn how!

3. Beautiful giant doily rug.

4. Sweet fox print available on Etsy.

5. Emma Stone is a total fox and great actress!

6. This vintage inspired swim suit & it's super cheap!

7. Cute dress from Forever 21.

8. Emerald breakfast on the go pouches are my new favorite snack!

9. I just love this girl's hair. I wish I could pull off that style.

10. Leanne Marshall's final collection on Project Runway was so gorgeous. Here is her Etsy shop.

Nombomb!

I think I forgot to mention that I named my little orange mouse. Her name is Mumble. So it's Thistle and Mumble. They're quite a pair. Thistle is pretty shy but will let you pet her. Mumble is more outgoing and adventurous. Never thought two little mice could have such personalities. They cuddle up together when they're sleeping and it is one of the sweetest things ever. I wish I had more photos of them but I will get some soon enough.

I am so excited that my room is basically complete! I just need to re-upholster and paint a chair I have for my desk and the two other Audrey Kawasaki prints that I have need to be framed (anyone wanna do that for my birthday? that would be a wonderful gift).

I've made myself a lovely little playlist for bedtime on Itunes that consists of Jacks Mannequin, Eisley, City and Colour, Death Cab for Cutie, Copeland, and Iron and Wine. Nothing like some beautiful peaceful music to fall asleep to!

I'm probably going to be absent from blogging this weekend. Richard is coming down to visit and we have a pretty eventful weekend! I'll be back by at least Tuesday for the usual post!

Now here is a little bit of what I ate this week. Not very interesting - but hey...I love food!

-The rice was from Wild Wok and came in one of those cute little boxes and stayed true to form when I put it in my bowl. I couldn't decide if that was gross or if the rice was just that awesome. Hmm...we'll go with awesome.
-The 2nd photo is of the little meatloaves I made (mom's request since she found the recipe). Super simple recipe and baked them in a cupcake pan. Turned out wonderful with stuffing and corn.
-The last is Dantes. I am slightly...okay, VERY - addicted to this sub. I may or may not have eaten 3/4 of this before I even got home with it and ate the last bit as a late night snack. nomnomnom

Recluse Mode

I am truly sorry for the severe lack of posts this past two weeks. I'm not sure why, but I've been avoiding my computer. When her battery dies, I just leave her alone for a few days and don't bother charging her. I've had very little desire to share with anyone what is going on in my life. If you know me, you know I go into recluse mode very often and avoid contact with others for an uncertain amount of time. I wish I didn't do this since I love blogging and I love my friends. Lets just say that I'm back. No promises of every day posts just yet...but I'm going to try to get back in the swing of it.

Updates:
-My bedroom is 95% complete! Look forward to photos in upcoming posts.
-The boy is coming up to visit & be my +1 at Crystal & Mark's wedding this weekend. We will also be seeing his family on Sunday, I'm very excited to meet them!
-I will be returning to Okinawa for two weeks in June. I'll post specific dates at a later time.

Ten Things Tuesday, Real Life Loves

1. Mio water enhancer - LOVE this stuff. You can find it in the drink mix isle!

2. Floating shelves. My dad installed these two in my room a few days ago. I love the sleek look.

3. Water for Elephants. The book, not so much the movie.

4. Something Borrowed. The movie! Hilarious & too adorable.

5. Something Blue. The book. Next on my reading list!

6. Paco. This dude makes me laugh all day long.

7. Crocheted Toms. I will be buying these as soon as they come out.

8. The fact that I'm a 49er now! Can't wait to start classes.

9. I just had to buy this!

10. I get to see this awesome, sweet, handsome dude on Friday!