Pipe Shelves!

Countless hours calculating and scouting materials costs, I decided the first addition to my new apartment would be 'custom shelves'. Stay tuned!

DIY: Jewelry

Every now and then, I stumble upon something in a store or a magazine that catches my eye, and I think to myself, "I bet I can make that myself." In my mind, I'm a DIY enthusiast, despite having limited experience in completing projects from start to finish. Whether it's bed headboards, jewelry, or artwork, I've dabbled in them all, rarely achieving a result that truly satisfies me. So, here I am, embarking on my next mission: to actually complete something and genuinely love it.

Let me take you back to a past DIY endeavor. Every year, my family and I vacation in Maine. A few years ago, I stumbled upon a quaint seaside boutique showcasing the most exquisite sea foam/teal and gold bracelet. I envisioned it adorning my wrist, complementing many of my Spring/Summer outfits perfectly. Then I glanced at the price tag – a staggering $475. Ouch. But rather than splurging, I opted for a more introverted approach. I pulled out my reflective journal and sketched a picture of the bracelet.

A week later, back in NYC, armed with cash and determination, I ventured to the Fashion District, home to numerous bead, button, and jewel stores. After a $30 shopping spree for gold chains, loops, hooks, stones, and armed with my bracelet sketch, I returned to my apartment ready to bring my vision to life. Fast forward to March 18th, 2011 – an unusually warm day for March, with temperatures hitting 70 degrees. As I opened my under bed storage, a plethora of half-finished DIY projects stared back at me. Among them lay the 95% complete bracelet – gems still glittering, gold-plated stainless steel chain still shining. However, it remained unwearable. I hadn't figured out a way to secure the gems without a soldering tool, and the protruding gold sticks made wearing it uncomfortable. Ouch, indeed.

So, as I prepare for my Spring/Summer '11 ensembles, my mission for the next month is clear: to finally finish the bracelet and check a DIY project off my list once and for all!

 

those friends....

So, I'm in my late twenties now. Yep, just this past Sunday, I made that jump from a bright-eyed 25-year-old to feeling like, "I'm too old for this," with hangovers that linger for an eternity, realizing I can't party like a 21-year-old anymore – I'm a 26-year-old woman now. Ugh.

But despite the aging pains, I had my study abroad crew in town last weekend to celebrate my birthday, and of course, it turned into a full-blown party weekend. Having them around brought back waves of nostalgia from nearly five years ago when we first met during our Australian study abroad adventure. Back then, we were wild, carefree, and brimming with excitement for our futures.

I used to be afraid of so many things, that I'd never grow up, that I'd be trapped in the same place for all eternity, that my dreams would forever be shy of my reach. It's true what they say, time plays tricks on you. One day you're dreaming, the next your dream has become your reality.

And now that the scared little girl no longer follows me wherever I go, I miss her. I do. Because there are things that I want to tell her, to relax, to lighten up, that it is all going to be okay. I want her to know that meeting people who like you, who understand you, who actually accept you for who you are will become an increasingly rare occurrence.

W & B, these people who contributed to who I am, they are with me wherever I go. And as history gets rewritten in small ways with each passing day, my love for them only grows, because the truth is it was the best of times. Mistakes were made, hearts were broken, harsh lessons learned, but all that has receded into fond memory now.

How does it happen? Why are we so quick to forget the bad and romanticize the good? Maybe it's because we need to believe that the time we spent together actually meant something. That we were there for each other in a time in our lives that defined us all. That time in our lives that we will never forget.

I can't swear that's exactly how it happened. But this is how it felt.

confidence soars as feet plunge

City sidewalks transform into an obstacle course after a good downpour. Puddles lurk around every corner, disguised as innocent shadows, waiting to soak unsuspecting pedestrians. I see it all the time: the hesitant shuffle, the strategic hopscotch, the resigned sigh as a crisp shoe succumbs to a slushy embrace.

But me? I strut through the watery chaos with a smile. My secret weapon? Rain boots, glorious rain boots.

Forget the days of tiptoeing and puddle-dodging. These waterproof warriors let me conquer the sidewalk with confidence. A well-placed stomp into a particularly defiant puddle becomes a victory dance, a celebration of conquering the elements.

Sure, some might look at me with envy (or maybe a touch of amusement) as I splash through the streets. But hey, dry feet and a happy attitude are worth a little water spray.

Next time you're caught in a downpour, ditch the shoe shuffle and embrace the power of the rain boot. You'll be surprised how much a little waterproof confidence can transform your walk – and maybe even your day. So, slip on your Wellingtons, your Hunters, your L.L. Beans, whatever your waterproof footwear of choice may be, and join me in the puddle-stomping fun!