make lemonade.

under construction.

2011-07-26T19:00:00.000-04:00

well. that pretty much says it all. i've given this little piece of the internet a lot of thought , but not a lot of action, lately. likewise, the exact same statement can be made for my life. so allow me to take a break. i'm removing myself for a while in order to really focus on what i want and need out of myself. not out of life. out of myself. how can i better myself in a way that betters the world? what can i do today, right now, that is going to make a difference. now, i'm not talking about curing cancer here. i'm not even talking about anything of real substance. what i'm talking about is smiling. yes, practicing smiling. because i've found myself doing a lot less of it lately, and i don't like that. i'm taking some time off from this space, from facebook {because i really do loath it}, and really from pretty much anyone and everyone that i dont need to be in contact with on a daily basis. i'm going to clean out my head {and my house, because lets be honest, i've been in a funk and my laundry pile has too}, i'm going to drink a lot of water, i'm going to take walks, and naps, listen to my happy music, and work out, and practice yoga, and read, and run, and just be me. i hope you understand. and i'll leave you with this:

"never mind searching for who you are,

search instead for who you aspire to be." - robert brault.

my actual life.

2011-07-08T11:40:00.000-04:00

{image.}

except i might come back someday.

maybe.

hopeless romantics.

2011-07-07T11:21:00.000-04:00

"we're a band of thieves, us hopeless romantics. stealing the world of all its very best love."

- meg fee.

sometimes i want a puppy.

2011-07-07T10:46:00.000-04:00

but mostly i just want J to want a puppy so that i do not have to actually take care of him, or bathe him, or train him, assuming it would be a him. {Lord knows i'm not great at any of those things}. but more importantly i want J to want a great dane. {and Lord knows that wont ever happen}. so now i'm stuck wishing and wanting and playing with puppies of others.

{images.}

red, white, and blue.

2011-07-04T16:51:00.000-04:00

{image.}

i'm not in the states for the fourth.

and lets just say i'm not too happy about it.

i will, however, be attending a fireworks show at the Four Seasons tonight.

and i've been eating my weight in watermelon.

in a small way, it's making me feel better.

the vow.

2011-07-03T14:43:00.000-04:00

oh dear lord.

i can't wait for this film.

happy birthday, mommy.

2011-07-02T14:52:00.000-04:00

as you know, i ordered you flowers. but i just now got the email that they wont be delivered today. and then i canceled them. and then i cried because i wont be there, and neither will the flowers. and i miss you a lot. *breathe*

i've decided that from now on {after this year} even if i can't make it home for Christmas, or won't be there for Thanksgiving, or for my birthday, or Mother's Day, or any other day of the whole damn year.. i'm going to be there for your birthday. because it happens to be two days before the 4th of July, and the combination of the two days make for the best and most happy weekend of the year. i promise that next year you'll get hand delivered flowers. from me. personally. have the most wonderful day. i loved hearing your voice! xoxo ♥

benj haisch photography.

2011-07-02T12:02:00.000-04:00

i'm starting a new series.

it'll feature photographers i admire and a few select photos.

simple, and quite wonderful to look at.

i hope you enjoy.

found here.

until my heart stops.

2011-07-02T03:00:00.000-04:00

pinterest.

hello?

2011-06-30T13:05:00.000-04:00

is anyone there?

its me...the worst blogger in the whole blog world.

i know, i know.

where the heck have i been, right?

or do you even care? because i don't really care to explain.

there. thats all you get.

i know, i'm absolutely terrible.

but you know what isn't terrible?

alex.

laughing cow cheese on rice cakes.

pinterest.

not california.

mimosas.

being tan.

the word lovely.

babies.

cream cheese and coffee ice cream.

my boyfriend.

anyway.. thats all i've got.

but its better than nothing, yes?

green shutters.

2011-05-30T11:13:00.000-04:00

i think something is wrong with my fridge.

2011-05-30T11:06:00.000-04:00

or maybe i just take too long to eat things.

either way, its sad. because i was so excited to eat my {very late} breakfast and be healthy and let it digest before i went and worked out. and then? it didn't taste so good. i got about 3 bites of cottage cheese choked down and managed to finish the yellow peppers, but they were not as fresh and lovely as they normally are. disappointed.

but. i refuse to waver. i will eat healthy. and i will work out. and i will enjoy it.

thats how it works, right? you tell yourself you like something and then you do? no? dang. that always works with Maya.

"sharlyn, do i like this?"
"yes."
"YES. I LOVE THIS. I LOVE IT. I LOVE IT. I LOVE IT."

easiest. kid. ever.

a place to call my own.

2011-05-27T16:51:00.000-04:00

its been a while since i've felt like i've had a space of my own.

remember yesterday when i said there were quite a few perks to living at a hotel? that is not one of them. but finally, finally i have a place to call my own. a place only i have the key to. and a beautiful place at that. with its white walls. and its high blue-grey ceiling and matching floors. and its white cotton curtains that blow in the breeze. its perfect. absolutely perfect for me, right now, at this time in my life.

and you guys, it has the most amazing light.

seriously, the most amazing light.

when i finish moving everything in and cleaning it top to bottom {man are construction sites dusty! eesh!} on sunday i'll show you some pictures. unless you follow me on twitter, in which case, you've already got a peep show. i'm just so excited, i couldn't help myself!

until then, i'll give you this picture that inspired the design of the kitchen.

image from pinterest.

"to wish you were someone else is to waste the person you are"

2011-05-26T13:29:00.000-04:00

i found the quote here. and i absolutely love it.

it sort of encapsulates what i've been feeling lately in words i couldn't come up with on my own.

and i tried. trust me, i tried.

in fact, i've been trying to blog about where i'm at, at this pivotal point in my life, for quite some time now. and each time i sit down to type it out.. nothing. my friends, this has been going on for weeks. and i couldn't seem to blog about anything else either. but i'm back! and i missed you! and i think its about time i talk about it.

as you may or may not know, i live at a hotel. and let me tell you, it has its perks. one of my absolute favorite of perks {rivaled only by unlimited free gourmet food and wine} is the incredible people i get to meet on a daily basis. truly amazing people. interesting people. traveled people. learned people. generous people who invite me to come stay with them in their London flat or New York country home whenever i feel like it. i digress, not a cocktail hour goes by that i am not blown away by someone incredible. and their stories! oh, the stories. these people have all lived such amazing lives! and done some amazing things! and then i think.. what is my story.. will this time here be the most amazing thing i have to tell about? will i go home {or not}

and get married and settle down in a pretty old house and raise my children and forever dream about the time i moved across the world to be an au pair for a family i'd never even met and fell in love with it, with all of it? or will their be more? will i move to yet another strange place and meet other interesting people? will i learn other languages? master yoga? learn to play an instrument? earn a degree? and often, in these intriguing conversations i'm asked those questions. until recently i've really been struggling with the answer. because truthfully, i don't know. i don't know what my next step is, or how long i'll be here, or where i'll move to when my time here has run out. i don't know if i want to go to school, or continue being a nanny, or try for children of my own {as my next step. this is not a question, i most definitely want children}. but finally, finally i have realized that that is just fine. perfectly fine, in fact. i don't need to have a plan right now. i don't need to know if i am going to go to school. and if so, for what. i don't need to know where i'll move next. or where i'll end up.

all i know is right now i'm enjoying myself.

i'm taking care of myself.

and i'm learning all about myself.

and that, i think, is a pretty amazing thing.

on a lazy sunday..

2011-05-15T13:59:00.000-04:00

sundays have always been my favorite day of the week. there isn't as much pressure to get out and do something fun or productive as there is on saturday. no one goes drinking on a sunday night, which typically means early bedtimes {yay}. its a whole day of laziness and love {if you're doing it right}. this sunday i've got to sleep in, have a fruit breakfast {i'm in the first couple days of a detox}, upload my most recent photos to my computer, catch up on some blogs i haven't had the time for lately {ehem, including my own}, browse craigslist SF and daydream of city life where a coffee shop is never further than a block and you can get deliciousness delivered at any hour of the day {can you tell i've found some flaws in island living?}, and i'm going to get some snuggle time in with jay {formal introductions to follow} and teach him a new card game. so far, this day has been just perfect.

{image}

what do you like to do on your lazy sundays?

thinspiration.

2011-05-15T00:07:00.000-04:00

yesterday i tweeted that skinny fashion bloggers inspire me to loose weight far more than supermodels ever did. so, i thought i'd show you exactly who i was talking about.

lucy.

blair.

diana.

sydney.

god. they are so dang cute.

she's got everything.

2011-05-03T15:00:00.000-04:00

this is my girlfriend alex.

i'm sure i've mentioned her before?
well, if i haven't, i should tell you now, if she wasn't the easiest person in the world to get along with, you'd hate her. why? only because she is brilliant {oh heyyy Ford Scholar.}, she's got killer vocals {a member of UofO a capella group Mind The Gap}, and she's a model. anyway. she's one of my best friends. and we're inlove. so now i guess you can hate me too. we're also social media professionals. nbd. oh. and she's coming to visit me in June for TWOANDAHALFWEEKS. we're going to have photo sessions galore. so fab.

related: follow her here. here. and here.

lately.

2011-05-03T13:26:00.000-04:00

do you remember my birthday post from last year? and all the goals i set for myself? well i just looked at it again. its amazing how much has changed in the eight months since i wrote that.

i have started practicing yoga on a regular basis.

i have not lost twenty lbs. but i have made very positive steps towards that goal.

i will not be returning to school. though i did quit my job.

i will not quite make it to five thousand. i had A LOT of unexpected expenses, but i'm getting there!

i will take a real vacation. absolutely. (plus i moved to the caribbean!)

i have invested in a good camera.

i will probably not ride in a hot air balloon this year.

i didn't ~~exactly~~ train my dog. but i did the responsible thing and gave her up for adoption so someone could give her the love and attention she deserved. (this one is bittersweet.)

i will (and probably already have) finished twenty books.

i am sticking to a budget! yay!

i have given handmade presents.

i did finish decorating. and then i moved. so now i have to finish decorating again. just as soon as i finish unpacking.

i run a 5k at least five times a week. unofficially.

i will not be getting my real estate license this year. or until i return to the states.

i will learn to speak french. but i've decided to learn german first. and that is going great!

i have found a regular church. now i just need to start attending regularly.

i was visiting my grandparents very regularly, before the move.

i am trying to blog regularly. my internet is shady. its not my fault.

i am determined to stop biting my nails.. forever. but it hasn't happened yet.

so there is an update for you!

also,

i'm adding:

"i will be able to hold a shoulder stand for 3 minutes."

to the list. you can read all about the benefits here.

see illustration below.

also, also: i am addicted to these. specifically strawberry. can't get enough.

muah. muah.

2011-05-02T12:00:00.001-04:00

basically, i just love kissing pictures.

she is a rare breed.

2011-05-01T15:22:00.000-04:00

she is a rare breed, matter fact,

she is an endangered species.

her heart's been broken and just

like mine it remains in pieces.

but every time we're near each

other smile is all we can do.

our shattered souls intertwine,

i know i've felt the same agonizing

pain that she's been through.

i find comfort in her grasp

so i reach out with both arms...

found.

this has absolutely nothing to do with me.

but i thought it was beautiful none the less.

unrelated: i really want to see this movie.

and buy these earrings. the end.

also: really glad boyfriend downloaded

Google Chrome for me. i'm loving it.

sunday musings.

2011-05-01T11:58:00.000-04:00

i had great plans of sleeping in today. they were quickly {and loudly} foiled when i woke at 7:45 to a literal monsoon on my tin roof. but honestly? thats not the worst way to wake up. in fact, i like to believe its one of the best ways. of course, it didn't even last twenty minutes. and though i would have prefered it to last all day, that is just fine. i enjoyed a huge cup of tea on my porch, in my bathrobe, cuddled up in a blanket. and i skyped with my mother. and i dreamed of the places i will go and the languages i will have to learn to make a life there. {german. and french.} and now i'm going to go to the store and get ingrediants for peanut butter cup brownies. because that is necessary.

also. the glasses have nothing to do with this post and everything to do with the fact that mine are in the mail and should be getting here any day now. eeeek!

lovely tonight.

2011-04-22T16:29:00.000-04:00

have you heard this song?
because if you haven't, you absolutely should.

that is all.

♥

the violet.

2011-04-22T12:43:00.000-04:00

think, for a moment, of your dreams.

your greatests ones.

what are they?

to climb a mountain? to become a professional photographer? to give birth to a child?

for one special lady, that dream was to create a magazine.

and that dream came true today.

for today is the day that The Violet was born.

congratulations, Camilla.

i couldn't be more proud.

p.s. i'm featured on page 52. check it out.

a few of my favorite things.

2011-04-19T12:16:00.000-04:00

i've been singing sound of music songs {to the children} like its going out of style.. oh. wait. its alreadty out of style? like before i was born? ah. i see. oops.

anyway.
i thought i'd go with it and show you a few of my favorite things lately.

the swede records.

i'm sorry.. but could you get better hair?? i mean. honestly.

atlantic - pacific.

she's so cool she doesn't even need words.

joshua radin.

he exudes talent. and i love it.

perrier.

i can't get enough.

skyping my loved ones with my loved one.

and adding things to my life list.

blue mist from e.l.f.'s nail polish line.

♥

what have you been loving latey?

i wear short shorts.

2011-04-19T11:47:00.000-04:00

one thing i miss most about home {besides girlfriend dates, cafe yumm, and starbucks} is the convenience of shopping. the ability to hop in your car and drive twenty minutes to pure Target bliss is something dreams are made of when you live on an island where you have a choice of 4 whole grocery stores. its one of the only things that really gives me island fever. well, that and the fact that in 45 minutes i could drive the circumference. and the lack of coffee shops, or bookstores, but thats something entirely on its own level of homesickness. moving on. the lack of clothings stores has got me online window shopping like its my job lately. here are a couple of shorts i'd buy rightthissecond if i was in the states:

ae high waisted destroyed shorts.

ae white boyfriend shorts.

♥

an ending note.

2011-04-09T21:04:00.000-04:00

"a happy ending depends,

of course, on where you stop your story."

-unknown.

this was my sunset tonight. a very happy ending, indeed. and so, i'll leave you with this photo. and this song. and this blog crush.

goodnight, my loves.

♥

spring fling.

2011-04-09T12:12:00.000-04:00

i'd like to start out by saying.. three days in a row? this has got to be some kind of record.

moving on.

{image}

living on a tropical island {with its lack of any season besides summer} has got me craving the signs of spring, or what i know spring to be. i find myself craving daffodils, rainy days, bright colored dresses, light fresh salads, and cheery music. and to satisfy these cravings i've been listing to ellie goulding {on repeat}, wearing the brightest of my clothing, and online window shopping for beautiful things i can't afford. like this high-waisted swimsuit. and this maxi skirt. and this lace dress. and also, i'm getting my hair highlighted on tuesday. so that might help.what reminds you of spring? i'd love to hear.

enjoy

a body update.

2011-04-08T13:20:00.000-04:00

i told you about my lifestyle changes {and body changes} in my last post, but i wanted to get into more detail with you. writing it all down inspires me to keep going and enables me to keep track of my progress so far!

yesterday i told you i'd lost 8 lbs in 3 weeks. sorry, i was off. i took a look at my calorie counter this morning and surpirse, surprise, it was two weeks on tuesday. so, actually better than i had originally thought. the best part about loosing weight like i am is i know its not just water weight, because i'm not on some crazy diet plan. i'm just making smarter choices for my body. i'm feeding it good food, in small portions. {the small portions part is what is hard for me}. and the real trick? writing everything down. i mean it.. everything. one blueberry in between meals? write it down. seriously. keep yourself in check. if you have a smart phone, get a calorie counter app. i'm using a free one i downloaded from the app store on my blackberry and it's been great. i put in what i eat {and the portions} at each meal and i also am able to add what i did for my workout that day. i am also able to track my weight on a graph so i am consistently reminded of my results. it has down wonders keeping me in check!

i also don't deprive myself. lately i've been really into cooking {and baking}, i also happen to live at a 4star hotel and restaurant, so there are delicious snacks and treats around me all of the time. and i indulge myself, within reason. working out as hard as i do {and calorie counting} has really curbed my craving for indulgent foods though. when i think about how much longer i'll have to run or swim in order to work off the calories in just one slice of cake, i no longer want it. well, thats not true. i'm always going to want a slice of cake. but fried chicken? mac and cheese? no thank you.

finally, i've given up alcohol for lent and caffiene permanantly. i don't notice the alcohol making a big difference because i'm not the type to drink hard A {ever} and i practically never over-indulge {which is where i see the problem with most people and weight loss}, but i do notice a huge difference in my lack of caffiene intake. my body feels so much better, so much more awake when i'm awake! and i'm able to fall asleep much faster {ok, instantly} at night.

now about my workouts:

i go to the gym monday - friday. no matter what. i drop the kids off at school already wearing my gym clothes and drive straight there so i have no excuses. then i run. i run and i run and i run until i honestly feel i've put in a good workout. and that ranges day to day. yesterday, for example i only ran three miles {i had a busy day ahead of me} but on wednesday i ran ten! i never get down on myself for how much or little i do, as long as i show up. because showing up is more than half the battle.

i also swim. and by swim i mean "swim." you see.. i'm a very slow swimmer. if you can even call me a swimmer. so because i'm competitive and my speed bothers me, i've taken to wearing flippers. and trust me, i look absolutely ridiculous. but it helps me move quickly and actually gives my legs a much harder workout.

and finally, yoga. yoga is changing my life. seriously. i'm obsessed with it. my gym has classes every monday and friday night and it has become something i desperately look forward to. rhonda, my yoga instructor knows just how to challenge me and has really taken an interest in my personal growth. i'm already pretty flexible, but she's taking me to another standard, as well as drastically strengthening my core in just a few short weeks. its a perfect way for me to begin and end my week.

i also get outside and hike at least once a week. living on this beautiful island makes me want to take advantage of it every chance i get. i've hiked every sunday {my day off} i've been here, so far, and a few times in between. i'm always amazed at how my body can push itself far beyond what i think its limitations are. {yoga has a lot to do with my new found love for the strength of my body}.

so, what do you do day to day to loose weight? {or better yet, maintain your weight loss}. do you have any tips or ideas to share? something you've picked up along your own journey? inspiration? moves to try? healthy recipes? i'd love to hear!

an explination, of sorts.

2011-04-07T14:37:00.000-04:00

wow. nearly three weeks since an actual post? who am i? seriously. that is pathetic. but so is the internet in my little corner of the world i am starting to fondly consider home. so there it is. there is my explination, of sorts. i know, i'm sorry, i'm working on it. and thats all you get. well. that, and an actual blog post. also, i've managed to gain a few followers since i last checked in. how did that happen? i'm not quite sure. but WELCOME. i'm so glad you're here.

now, on to the important stuff. where do i even begin? i have so much to share with you. so much. like..

* i actually enjoy cooking {and baking} now. yes, thats right.. i actually. enjoy. cooking. and? i'm even good at it, if you can believe that.

* i'm working out regularly. in the past 3 weeks i've lost 8 lbs. on tuesday, i ran ten miles. straight. ten. whole. miles.

{image}

* i practive yoga regularly (more on that later).

* i almost never wear makeup anymore. yes, me. the girl who loves makeup. so weird. its just hard to find a reason when your face is clear and tan, your heart is happy {a genuine smile really is the prettiest thing, after all}, your "children" are constantly telling you how pretty you are, and your boyfriend actually prefers you without it. seriously. he'll watch me take my makeup off {when i do wear it} just to tell me how beautiful i look naturally. swoon.

* oh yeah.. i think i have a {gulp} boyfriend. wow. i haven't said that word in a while. and the strange part? i think i actually like him. thats a lie. i know i like him.

* i've been very active on twitter lately.

* i'm more tan than i've ever been in my entire life, and i don't even spend that much time outside.

* i've been hiking religiously.

* i've been singing to the children all day. songs like paperweight. and little house. and you and i. and colder weather. and your song. do you have any song suggestions for me?

* i have been missing having access to pinterest more than anything else on the internet. if you aren't a member, become one. now. its free. and its awesome.

* i have so much more, but i'll go into the detail later. expect recipe posts, lots and lots of pictures, what is inspiring me lately, more things people say posts, and a post {or twelve} on the gorgeous new man in my life.

i'm not irish, please do not kiss me.

2011-03-17T11:40:00.000-04:00

first of all,

happy st. patricks day!

kyler already pinched me at 7 o'clock this morning becuase i forgot and i'm wearing shades of grey, black, and pink. oops! oh well. i don't even like this holiday.. sorry if you're irish and love it. it just has absolutely no meaning to me. moving on.. would you like to know what i'm doing right now? i'm reading my blogger dashboard, drinking a green goddess out of a wine glass (not because i think i'm fancy, but because i haven't done the dishes and i only have like 4 regular glasses), writing postcards to loved ones, downloading my new yoga dvd's, listening to some ingrid, painting my nails a pretty coral color (and my toes!), bbm-ing with a friend (YES! i have FRIENDS DOWN HERE! SO EXCITED ABOUT IT! oh! aaaaand.. we're going dancing tomorrow! I HAVE A SOCIAL LIFE! this is huge news! lol.), remembering my hilarious conversation with muffin last night at cocktail hour.. "he's bad with his clothes on.." and laughing out loud about it, browsing ikea - dominican republic (ohh heyy new furniture!) and taking in the breathtaking scenery that is ACTUALLY MY BACKYARD. my goodness, i love my life.

how is your thursday going?

i promise i haven't forgotten about you.

2011-03-16T14:37:00.000-04:00

HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII.

can we talk about how excited i am to finally be posting? and just when i'd almost gotten used to not having internet.. ever. NOT. i'll never get used to that.. ever. so.. what have i been up to, you might want to know? i've been moving. yes, this whole time. it's taken me over two weeks. jokes. actually, it did take me about 19 hours though.. 19 loooong, sleepless hours. but i made it here! in one piece! barely. and where is "here"? Charlestown, Nevis. and more specifically, Montpelier Plantation. thats right. i live at a resort. no, i'm not kidding. yes, this is real life. i nanny for the lovely couple who owns it and their three adorable children. and i love every second of it. ok, not every second of it. but the other 86,399 seconds of the day, i really do love. if you've been following me on twitter, you have a better idea of what has been going on with me. but if nooooot, (shame on you;) ) then these pictures might get you up to speed. enjoy!

i'll be back later this week to talk more about the culture shock of moving somewhere you've never heard of and where you are one of 5 blondes.. on the entire island. one of whom, is black and has the worst dye job ever, so that almost doesn't count.

Guest post & a new look! :)

2011-03-07T09:54:00.000-05:00

Hi there! I am Christa over from christa.jae & cjae.photography&design.

I have been working with Sharlyne for a few weeks creating her own personalized new look {blogger look that is} & what you see is what we have come up with!

Sharlyne asked me to make a quick guest appearance while installing her new look. As you can see, her posts have been missing! She recently moved and has been having trouble with internet connection! But no worries, she will be back soon, so make sure you stick around for her return!

Until then, you are more than welcome to head over to christa.jae, here, and see some of the other awesome blogger I have listed. I hope you enjoy Sharlyne's new look :)

sunshine.

2011-02-22T17:21:00.000-05:00

with so much changing in the next few days (on the blog, and in real life.. more on that later) i've been a little overwhelmed. so i thought i'd take a minute to share a blog that brings a little sunshine to my life everyday. if you're anything like me, and you have so many social networking site accounts you don't even know what to do with yourself, or if you follow any kind of blog anywhere, i'm sure you've seen this gals images before. i've seen them everywhere and never knew where they came from until now. may i present you with:

little things.

♥

oh, lewis.

2011-02-22T16:40:00.000-05:00

"begin at the beginning and go on until you come to the end. then stop."

"sometimes i've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

"everything's got a moral, if only you can find it."

"if you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there."

"one of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others."

"who in the world am i? ah, that's the great puzzle."

"be what you would seem to be - or, if you'd like it put more simply - never imagine yourself not to be otherwise than what it might appear to others that what you were or might have been was not otherwise than what you had been would have appeared to them to be otherwise."

"i'm very brave, generally. only today i happen to have a headache."

"tis love, tis love, that makes the world go round."

"then you should say what you mean."

"i do, i do. at least, at least, i mean what i say - thats the same thing, you know."

- lewis carrol.

i can't wait..

2011-02-20T01:22:00.000-05:00

remember that scene in the sound of music when maria runs up to the front gate after singing about all the confidence she has about her new nanny gig working out? and then she stops and actually looks at the place and its magnitude and is drawn to silence? ya. i hope that happens to me. but instead of the scared/worried silence she goes through, i'd like mine to be the i can't believe my life is this awesome silence. and then i'd just like to bask in it for a while.

remember this?

i'm thinking of this as i overhear the sound of music coming from the other room. i've built a fort for the kids i regularly babysit and have let them fall asleep while they watch the movie. i've just finished cleaning the kitchen and boy, having them all day (and overnight) has really shown me what its going to take to be a nanny.. well, a good one that is. and honestly? i can not wait. i've always said i don't know what else i want to be besides a mother and this is really just giving me the opportunity to be a mother in training until i have my own. i can't wait for all the meals to cook, and the laundry to do, and the owies to kiss, and the dishes to clean, and the soccer games to attend. i can't wait for the days at the beach, and the grocery shopping, and the tea parties, and the blanket forts, and the bike rides. i can't wait for the important life lessons, and to teach them manners, and to read them bedtime stories, and to love on them. i can't wait for any of it and i feel infinitely blessed that i get to experience it in the way i do, for the time being. and to think, i'm only 8 days away! wow!

sorry!

2011-02-17T15:58:00.000-05:00

sorry i've been missing this week! we've been having crazy rainstorms/windstorms/snowstorms around here lately and our internet is down at home. so now i'm sitting in starbucks responding to a million and a half emails and putting up a frantic post to say i haven't forgotten about you, i still love you, and i hope you still love me. see below for a lovely little things people say post on one of my favorite actresses.

have a fabulous thursday!

oh, sandra.

2011-02-17T15:52:00.000-05:00

"falling in love - you should go for it. regardless of whether or not your heart gets smashed. you'll be a better person."

"after a while, you have no idea how old you are because you've lied so many times."

"i'm a true believer in karma. you get what you give, whether is bad or good."

on being the girl next door:

"i've lived next door to people all my life. i don't know how cute they think i am."

"beginnings are usually scary and endings are usually sad, but its the middle that counts. you have to remember this when you find yourself at the beginning."

"the key to any good relationship is communication, respect, and i guess you have to like the way the other person smells. - and he smelled real nice."

"i've learned that success comes in a very prickly package, whether you choose to accept it or not is up to you. its what you choose to do with it, the people you choose to surround yourself with. always choose people that are better than you. always choose people that challenge you and are smarter than you. always be the student. once you find yourself to do the teacher, you've lost it."

"i'd rather take risks than make something that is cookie cutter."

"my goal now is to remember every place i've been, only do things i love, and not say yes when i don't mean it."

- sandra bullock.

love. love. love.

2011-02-14T05:14:00.000-05:00

because i'm the type of girl who's been planning my wedding since the day i was born, i happen to love valentines day. and even though i've never actually had a valentine.. ~~seriously? how is that possible?~~ ..that doesn't mean i don't love this day any less. actually, thats a lie. i don't particularly love valentines day, but i do love love. so i thought i'd share with you something that isn't silly at all.

"to all the singles out there, this is our year."

♥

some shameless plugs for your saturday.

2011-02-12T18:02:00.000-05:00

so.. does anyone (in the eug) want to buy my stuff? like a couch? and a car? please? i wouldn't be selling either, because i love them both, but i can't exactly take them with me in my move. so, if you're in the eugene area and you or someone you know is looking for a great car or a great couch (and a chair) be sure to send them this link. (or any of the links above). i'd super appreciate it. i know.. i know.. shameless plugs do not a blog post make. i promise i'll have something better for you very soon. until then.. how is your saturday going?

developing style.

2011-02-11T04:03:00.000-05:00

i'm not sure if you know, but i dabble a bit in amatuer photogrophie. yes.. photogrophie. like anthropologie. don't question it. anyway.. i am still in the early developing stages.. the very early stages. meaning.. i don't have a name. i don't have a client base besides my gorgeous friends who let me buy them coffee and take their picture. and i don't exactly have a style yet. regardless.. i'm learning and i'd like to think rather quickly what that style is. for that reason {and mostly for my own documentation} i've started a tumblr as a little home for my photos. if you'd like to take a look, or even follow me, i'd gladly appreciate it.

developing style.

an open letter to anthropologie.

2011-02-10T14:03:00.000-05:00

dear anthro,

my love. i could {and have} spend hours upon hours admiring the beautiful blouses, swimwear, jewelry, and decor that fill your tables, shelves, racks, and online shop. i long for you, constantly. and now? now you have outdone yourself. you've finally come out with a wedding line. BHLDN. beholden. and its lovely. so lovely. i can't wait to see more. for now i'll just settle with my sneak preview here. here. here. here. and here.

images.

love, love.
sharlyn
♥

charlestown.

2011-02-09T02:37:00.000-05:00

hey guys! guess what? i'm moving!

yep.

you read that correctly.

moving.

but you already knew that, right? i've told you that before? ya. i know. but i quit. remember? ohhh yaaa.. thats riiiiight. i diiiiid. but guess what? i got another job! an even better job! for the next year i will be living in charlestown, nevis. i'll be nannying for a family there. i didn't want to tell you [you, being my blog and all my lovely readers] until i was one hundred percent certain. but i skyped with my little kiddos today and its really happening. i am actually going to be living at an actual resort on an actual island in the caribbean. canyoubelievethat? this life is crazy. it truly amazes me how things can change in the blink of an eye. i'm so thankful for this opportunity and to see what this year has to offer me. i leave february 28th. officially. holy smokes. this is real life, people. this is real life. and i know i've said this before.. but seriously.. i'm actually leaving this time.

the best part about the second picture is when i type in "nevis" to google images and get a picture of what will be my actual home and my dogs! so blessed.

lets talk about swimwear.

2011-02-08T16:31:00.000-05:00

shall we?

remember how i needed body inspiration to get my little self into shape? ya. well turns out.. i need to get into shape in 3 weeks. oyy. thaaats not happening. regardless, i'm also going to need a few swimsuits. only problem? they are dang expensive. like.. really dang expensive. so here is the thing.. i need your help. if you found a cute swimsuit that is relatively affordable and fabulous and chic. pleeeeeease let me know. i'll love you forever. really. i will. now.. lets take a look at some pretty swimmy eye candy. and in case you were wondering.. no, swimmy isn't a word. i made it up. just go with it.

swimwear:

jcrew and free people.

life lessons.

2011-02-07T20:00:00.000-05:00

the other day, my brother was assigned an english project to interview an elderly member of the community. he chose my grandpa, or "papa" as we know him. both my brother and i have always been very close with our grandparents [we only have one set] so i was extremely curious with the questions he asked and the answers he received. can i just tell you? they amazed me. my papa dropped out of high school to get married after his junior year. he was seventeen years old at the time and had four kids by his 22nd birthday. not only is he one of the best men i know, he is also the hardest working [and wealthiest] person i know. recently my grandma was diagnosed with cancer and i swear to you, the day we found out was the first time i've ever seen him cry. thinking of it now.. the way he held her hand, and ran his fingers through her hair, and called her baby, and told her that he knew it was hard and that it wasn't fair and that she didn't deserve this but that they would get through it.. it moves me to tears. he repeated their vows to her right then and there.. "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health." the love he has for her, and for our entire family, just blows my mind. i would be lucky beyond belief to find a man who loves me half that much. not only is he hardworking, loving, and just good to the core, he is also ext remely wise. he gives the best advice and he's always straight to the point. so without further a due: some things i've learned from my papa:

"work hard. be honest."

"whatever you do, be great at it.

and don't tell people you're great. if you are, they'll notice.

if you have to tell them, you aren't."

"life isn't always perfect, is it?"

"you know, good things happen when you're good to people."

♥

body inspiration.

2011-02-07T05:53:00.000-05:00

"the curve is more powerful than the sword."
- mae west.

i have never had a straight body. while i've always been small.. i've always had curves and i've always been soft. don't get me wrong, i love my curves.. but i'd like to cultivate them. i'd like to tone them up a bit so i can love them all of the time, and not only sixty percent of it. especially since i'll be spending an entire year in a bathing suit [more on that later].. i've really got to get beach ready. and fast. so i'm asking.. what are your secrets? do you have any special diet food you love? or a workout routine that really works for you? or some sort of magic potion.. because i'm all for the magic potion. bring it on. all of it. seriously.. i want to know how you get beach ready. and fast. ~~scratch that~~. i need to know how you get beach ready. like yesterday.

images.

♥

sort of..

2011-02-06T04:38:00.000-05:00

lately i've been obsessed with ingrid michaelson. but i heard this for the first time on fairy tales are true.

and i kind of love it.

correct me if i'm wrong..

2011-02-05T13:27:00.000-05:00

but i'm pretty sure i can use this for my passport photo.

am i looking over anything? do you know more about this than i do?

requirements here.

about this dreamer..

2011-02-04T11:46:00.000-05:00

lets talk about the things i love that make me, me. shall we?

soy sugar free vanilly chai lattes. lowercase letters. quotes. skeleton keys.

big hair. old ball jars. antique doors and windows. sun soaked skin.

coconut. anything coconut. delicate jewelry. my siblings.

babies. fresh cut grass. seafood. tulips. soft skin. white linen.

floral prints. john mayer. hard back books. microbrew beer. champange.

love stories. wine grapes. yellow. stripes. blogging. photography.

quilts. vanilla candles. white christmas lights. oak trees. palm springs, ca.

the great gatsby. typogrophy prints. hardwood floors. salmon. scarves.

my parents. lace. long walks. meaningful talks. ice cream.

at last. stud earrings. baseball. white shorts. caramel. the forth of july.

limes. mascara. other people's old postcards. laughter.

♥

"thats it."

2011-02-04T03:40:00.000-05:00

my goodness. could that get any cuter? i found it over at little reminders of love..
which i love by the way.

"i will never love you more than my boyfriend when i was 14, even if he's now an asshole.

i will never love you more."

♥

a little lovely..

2011-02-03T13:57:00.000-05:00

if you haven't already seen these beautiful photos.. you must be hiding under a rock. or you don't follow nearly as many wedding blogs as i do. which is probably in your best interest. its a double edged sword.. because sometimes i am just overwhelmed with love and lovely photos. and then other times i realize "oh ya.. i'm still all alone." oh well. in all seriousness.. i rarely repost photos i've seen all over the blogosphere [i can't believe i just used that word], but these are just too beautiful.. and have been shown to me too many times to not show them to you. so.. without further eadue..

an australian elopement.

♥

is this real life?

2011-02-03T01:01:00.000-05:00

have you ever thought about every day like this?

ya.

me too.

she smiled in a big way, the way a girl like that smiles..

2011-02-02T03:20:00.000-05:00

and she combed your hair,

and she kissed your teeth,

and she made you better than you'd been before,

she told you bad things you wished you could change in the lazy summer

and she told you, laughing down to her core,

so she would not cry as she lay in your lap

she said "nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer"

she said "no one is alone the way you are alone"

and you held her looser than you would have if you ever could have known

some things tie your life together, slender threads and things to treasure,

days like that should last and last and last

but you've already lost.

sometimes songs are too good not to share.

i hope you enjoy it the way i do.

♥

about creativity.

2011-02-02T03:03:00.000-05:00

found here.
previously mentioned here.

"creativity comes from trust. trust your instincts.

and never hope more than you work."

- rita mae brown.

i've done quite a bit of trusting my instincts lately. now its time, now that i have time, to put some serious work into my creativity. this means blogging. and painting. and writing. and taking pictures. developing my craft. taking beautiful picture. and making them even more beautiful. putting some serious time into this love of mine. and seeing if i can make something out of it. something like a career. or a well crafted hobby. or anything at all. anything at all. because we've al heard it said "do not ask what the world needs. instead ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. because what the world needs is people who come alive." so i ask, what makes you come alive? and are you doing that? are you doing that? are you doing that.. with your whole heart?

♥

a word. a word. so many words.

2011-02-02T01:24:00.000-05:00

found here.

isn't that something? words that don't exist. but they do.

the first one.. the french one.. i know that all too well.

now.. if i could only find how to say it.

is there a feeling, or a thing, you wish there was a word for but you're not sure what it would be?

or if it even exists? i'd love to hear about it.

♥

brilliant. and simply that.

2011-02-01T19:56:00.000-05:00

i'm just overjoyed meg decided to share this.

i know its long, but trust me, its worth watching the entire thing.

again and again.

and again.

i am one of the whole-hearted.
i embrace vulnerability. i love with all of my heart. i am kind to myself and those around me.
i am proud to say that i was raised in a home where i always knew i was worthy of love.

what makes you vulnerable?
do you embrace that vulnerability?

♥

things to do.

2011-02-01T18:07:00.000-05:00

since i'm recently unemployed.. (and looking for something new.. anyone have any ideas?) i thought i would take it upon myself to make a list. a list of things to do before the weeks end. naturally, this is only adding to the mental list of emailing my resume to everyone i can possibly think of and more. i've dedicated at least 3 hours a day to this since i quit. tomorrow it will be one week. one week. wow. anyway.. this is mostly for me, and i'm sure a rather boring post, but i've got to keep myself in check somehow. here it is. what i must accomplish this week:

* change my sheets.

* catch up on my laundry.

* drop off resumes at every coffee shop in the entire area.

* paint my toenails.

* deposit my last check. i've been putting this off.. thinking it would somehow solidify it more than it already has been.

* organize the paperwork that has collected in my front entry.

* pay that parking ticket i forgot about.

* as well as that chiropractor bill.

* grocery shopping.

* use the tanning minutes i've saved forever.

* charge my camera battery and find the computer cord.

* post about my lovely new shoes, and cutting my own bangs.

* visit thrift stores and antique shops. i need to get my creative juices flowing.

that is all for now..
of course it is very likely i'll add to this later. what is on your to-do list this week?
i'm oh so curious.

i have no idea where i am going..

2011-02-01T17:45:00.000-05:00

my Lord God,

i have no idea where i am going

i do not see the road ahead of me.

i cannot know for certain when it will end.

nor do i really know myself,

and the fact that i think i am following your will

does not mean that i am

actually doing so.

but i believe that the desire to please you

does in face please you.

and i hope that i have that desire in all

that i am doing.

and i know that if i do this, you will

lead me by the right road

though i may know nothing about it.

therefore i will trust you always

though i may seem to be lost

and in the shadow of death, i will

not fear, for you are ever with me

and you will never leave me

to face my perils alone.

- thomas merton.

found here.

i need prayer today, my friends.

i need prayer today and each day following.

i will be the first to admit that i have no idea where i am going.

i felt such a strong conviction in leaving what i had known,

i thought the unknown would be made clear.

please pray for a clear mind and an equally open heart and set of eyes.

if you have any prayer requests, just leave them in the comments below, i'd gladly return the favor.

♥

a poem and a prayer.

2011-01-31T18:54:00.000-05:00

* *
The Summer Day.

Mary Oliver.

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

found here.

space.

2011-01-31T18:36:00.001-05:00

does it make you feel free? does it make you feel young?

how does it feel not to need anyone?

this song hit a few heart strings today.. so i thought i would share.

hope you're having a wonderful monday!

guess what? i actually cooked something.

2011-01-31T17:21:00.000-05:00

yep. you read that correctly.. i. actually. cooked. something.

and it doesn't taste bad.

and it's healthy.

and i ~~might have~~ caught the kitchen on fire.

don't worry.. it put itself out.

don't ask me how.

i screamed.

you would too if you could taste how wonderful these avocado fries are.

and they came out of my oven.

miracles do happen people.

and now i think i'm going to attempt to make every single yummy inspiration i've found on pinterest.

and also, i'm going to add garlic salt next time.

because honestly.. can you ever have enough garlic?

no.

the answer is no.

eeeeeek. ♥

2011-01-28T22:36:00.000-05:00

youuuu guuuuuys! i am beyond ecstatic right now! honestly, i can barely contain myself. my face is going to hurt in the morning i'm smiling so much. what is that, you say? i won the lottery? i just landed my dream job? i'm a living breathing example of life handing you lemons and making lemonade? YES! well.. almost! you see.. one of my absolute favorite wedding blogs Ruffled is hiring. and can you guess what kind of gal they are looking for? YES! one. just. like. me. or ..at least.. i think so.. and that is why i just applied! seriously. i did. because you know what? you'll never get anything you don't ask for. and you'll never accomplish something if you don't try. so i did it. i applied for my dream job. because i believe in myself and my abilities. and i also think i'm a pretty good fit for them. and as perfect as i think this could be.. i've got to ask.. could you send a few extra prayers over my way for a while? because while i've followed the convictions God placed on my heart and i know i will be rewarded for my obedience, but a couple extra prayers never hurt anyone, and i sure would appreciate it.

also, i'd like to take a moment to thank you lovely ladies (and the few gentleman) that read my little corner of the internet. your comments make my day. and when that little number to our right grows.. that REALLY makes my day. and even though i'd still be putting my thoughts and inspirations into the world if nobody was reading.. i absolutely LOVE that you care to hear what i have to say. i love each and every one of you. i truly truly do. so, thank you!

"go confidently in the direction of your dreams.

live the life you've imagined."

- henry david thoreau.

oh, eleanor.

2011-01-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

"a woman is like a tea bag, you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water."

"as for accomplishments, i just did what i had to do as things came along."

"do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. you'll be damned if you do, and you'll be damned if you don't."

"friendship with ones self is all important, because without it one can not be friends with anyone else in the world."

"happiness is not a goal - it is a by product."

"have convictions. be friendly. stick to your beliefs as they stick to theirs. work as hard as they do."

"i can not believe that war is the best solution. no one won the last door, and no one will win the next."

"i think that somehow we learn who we really are, and then live with that decision."

"it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

"it takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan."

"never allow a person to tell you no who doesn't have the power to tell you yes."

"the future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams."

"the only things one can admire at length is those one admires without knowing why."

"understanding is a two-way street."

"you have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give."

- eleanor roosevelt.

i only decided to post this tonight so i could comment on the bloggess' blog and not have a lame title come up next to my name.

2011-01-27T03:08:00.000-05:00

wanna hear something cool?

i quit my job today.

yep.. i quit. on my own. voluntarily. without encouragment.

nope.. i don't have something lined up. or another opportunity. or a back up plan.

yep.. i am a little crazy.

but i'm also young. and personable. and i have a nice smile.

i'll be just fine.

until i know what the heck im actually doing with my life.. i'm ~~unemployed.~~

and so far that unemployment has consisted of reading, bubble baths, sushi, and good music.

(you want to quit your job now too, don't you?)

but mostly unemployment has consisted of trying to come up with a new word for unemployment that says,

"I QUIT MY JOB BECAUSE I HAVE HIGH MORAL STANDARDS AND I CAN'T PRETEND I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON FOR ANOTHER SINGLE SECOND."

aaaaaand i've got nothing.

suggestions?

i'll gladly take them.

also, if you are wondering about the title of this post.. this will explain a lot.

oh, jen.

2011-01-26T11:00:00.000-05:00

"the greater your capacity to love, the greater your capacity to feel pain."

"i love the feeling of being in love, the effect of having butterflies when you wake up in the morning.

that is special."

"a relationship isn't going to make me survive. its the cherry on top."

"i always say, don't make plans, make options."

"really try to follow what it is you want to do, and what your heart is telling you to do."

"the best smell in the world is the man that you love."

- jennifer aniston.

go far..

2011-01-25T12:05:00.000-05:00

how do you go on when you've put your trust in someone else and they destroy it. when you've placed your dreams in their hands, not because you wanted to, but because they asked you to. when you made plans based on theirs while knowing in your soul that something wasn't right about it. when you've put your life on hold for the promises they've made, but now you see, never intended on keeping. how does that relationship continue. i can move past hurt feelings. but broken promises? i'm not so sure. when you've given so much of yourself to someone, to something else. after years of hard work you're left with nothing in return, and nothing to show for it. how can you move on from that? how do you take that next exit when you're not sure where that road leads. when you had a map so clear in your mind you were certain you could drive it blindfolded. but now that map is gone, stolen from someone who never had your best interest in mind. someone who was too concerned with them self to ever appreciate or respect what you've given up for them. in exchange for that beautiful map you're left completely empty handed. you've got no where to turn, but you're coming to that dead end fast. do you walk away without another plan? do you tough it out until you can figure it out? i'm not sure where i go from here.. but what i do know is i'm going. i feel like i've been waiting for something that isn't ever going to happen. i'm not waiting anymore. its time to move on. its time to start holding my own dreams in my own hands. its time to start loving those dreams into life and loving myself in the process. i might not know where i'm going just yet. but i can promise you this.. i'm going to go far.

"go so far away that you stop being afraid of never coming back."

disclaimer: this is not in regards to a personal relationship, but to my job.

yes, that is how much it meant to me.

i'll see you in the morning, nashville.

2011-01-24T01:40:00.000-05:00

as i sit here packing clothes into a suitcase and watching Forrest Gump i'm wondering.. how is this real life? and not only that, but how have i managed to put off packing until right now? eight hours before my car has to pull out of that drive and makes its way to the airport with me inside of it.. how have i not bought a new book to read on the plane? how have i not charged my camera battery? how have i not already written this post? why wont it let me attach a picture? why do i feel like anything i write isn't going to be enough tonight? so many questions.. and hopefully this trip will hold the answers.

i've got a couple of posts planned for you while i'm gone and you can follow my twitter updates along the way :)

have a wonderful week while i'm gone.. i'll have a million pictures for you when i get back.

loves! loves!

for a very special someone..

2011-01-21T13:13:00.001-05:00

there is nothing more to say.

found.

bursting.

2011-01-20T20:42:00.000-05:00

i don't know what is going on.. but it feels as if my heart is bursting.. bursting in the best way possible. bursting with hope, and love to give. its funny.. when you get to the place where you finally know yourself, for me at least, it was as if i suddenly became fearless. as if i know that though things may not go as planned, some roads may never be traveled, some chances may never be taken, but regardless.. i'm going to be just fine. things, every single one of them, are going to be just fine.

tonight stephanie is coming over to drink wine and watch a movie and hopefully i will be able to put in to words all that i have been thinking and feeling lately. she's such a good listener and knows me better than i even know myself at times, i can't wait to talk her ear off.

also, if you have a soft spot for words the way i do, you must visit these blogs. my teacups in peony. and ponderings of a hopeless romantic. they are both filled with so many wonderful quotes it was nearly impossible to narrow it down on which one to share with you.. so i'll leave you with two that perfectly suit where i'm at right now:

"i may still not know what i want to be when i grow up, but i do know that someday i want to live in a house filled with my books and travel souveniers. and the walls that aren't covered in bookshelves will be covered with photos of my family and friends. when i leave the house i will be going to a job i love, and i'll return to a person i love. so, thats the dream i'm working on."

and

"she's not the type of girl to wait by the phone.
she won't cry. she knows it'll get her nowhere.
she'll laugh a lot and often.
she will live her own life.
she would like you to be a part of it,
but she'll do just fine without you."

♥

isn't that what we all want?

2011-01-20T19:50:00.000-05:00

"may your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. i hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful. and don't forget to make some art - write or draw or build or sing as only you can. and i hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."

-neil gaiman.

found here.

say something worth saying.

2011-01-19T16:44:00.000-05:00

no matter where you end up, or with whom,

it always ends up just the way it should be.

your mistakes make you who you are.

you learn and grow with each choice you make.

everything is worth it. say how you feel, always.

be you, and be ok with that.

don't be afraid to feel things.
and don't be afraid to say how you feel.

let me tell you 'bout my best friend..

2011-01-19T15:05:00.000-05:00

she is funny.

she made me remove all the links to her blog from mine because though hers is much more funny, it is also wildly innapropriate and people we know were beginning to discover it. and for some reason that embarrassed her.

she writes posts about herself on my blog.

she lets me eat chocolate in her bed even though is grosses her out.

she makes me laugh when i'm crying.

she watches movies with me over and over and over again.

she sets me up on dates with people i've already met in real life.

she gets missed connections written about her.

she actually responds to them.

she eats more than anyone i've ever met and she never works out.

she is still skinnier than i am.

she is fearless.

she is one of the most capable people i know, and she always acts surprised when i tell her that.

she will stand by me through thick and thin.

she talks about winning the lottery with me at 4 in the morning on a wednesday.

she likes road trips.

she is the best.

she is my number one fan.

oh she is my favorite.

2011-01-19T14:34:00.000-05:00

I JUST LOVE COLOR THIIIIIIIIISSSSS MUCH.

and i like snuggling with her.

and i like losing my keys in her room.

and i like eating chocolate in her bed-even though it grosses her out.

annnd I LOVE biting my nails in front of her.

and finally, i just love to occasionally elbow her in the face while she is fast asleep.

:)

OVERJOYED.

2011-01-18T12:47:00.000-05:00

remember when i wanted these for christmas?
well guess what?

I JUST BOUGHT THEM.

happiest. moment. of. my. life.

i hadn't forgotten about them. and i was seriously considering getting them with this month's paycheck until this happened. so while i've been carefully staying out of stores [and not even letting myself window shop online] mara at M Loves M bought them.. for $48.99!!! WHAT? that is literally less than 50% off. i screamed when i read that [about 15 minutes ago] and immediately got on jessicasimpson.com to purchase them. not ONLY that, BUT because i've never purchased from jessicasimpson.com before, i looked up discount codes and found one for 10% JUST for being a first time customer. also, i got free shipping even though it says "for purchases over $100." don't ask me how that happened, because i really don't know.. but i'm soooooo excited about it. so not only did i get my dream shoes.. i got them for $44.09. now the REAL icing on the cake would be if they arrived before my nashville trip next week. i might cry. ah.

oh, audrey.

2011-01-17T18:57:00.000-05:00

"i was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it."

"if i get married, i want to be very married"

"there is more to sex appeal than just measurements. i don't need a bedroom to prove my womanliness. i can convey just as much sex appeal picking apples off a tree, or standing in the rain."

"you can tell more about a person by what he says about others than what he says about himself."

"there must be something wrong with people who think that audrey hepburn doesn't perspire, hiccup or sneeze. in fact, i hiccup more than most."

"and your heart just breaks. thats all. you can't judge or point fingers. you just have to be lucky enough to find someone who appreciates you."

"opportunies don't often come along. so when they do, you have to grab them."

"people, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. never throw out anyone."

"success is like reaching an important birthday and finding out you're exactly the same."

"the best thing to hold on to in life is each other."

-audrey hepburn.

honey green tea.

2011-01-17T16:04:00.000-05:00

have you tried sobe's new all natural zero calorie honey green tea?

if you haven't, go do it.

R I G H T N O W.

seriously. you will not regret it.

warning: you may quickly become addicted and your cap may scare you a bit. this drink is worth the risks.

disclaimer: sobe not only has nothing to do with this post, they don't even know about it. no, they are not sponsoring me. but wouldn't that be awesome?

what do you want to be when you grow up?

2011-01-16T22:50:00.000-05:00

is it bad that the truthful answer to this question is only partially what i tell people? i normally either say "i don't know yet" or "a mom" or "i want to flip houses." while yes.. all but the first are true...i really just want to say "i want to be a stay at home mother/blogger/photographer/house renovator." but i don't. because really, who the hell actually admits to wanting to stay at home and do their own thing while their [hopefully extremely good looking/hard working] husband kicks ass in the real world? no one? ohh ya. thats right. NO ONE. but ohh well. that is what i want. someday i want to just stay at home and find a way to make money while keeping myself extremely happy and filling my days with taking beautiful pictures, reading things that make me happy to be alive, cooking delicious and healthy meals, mastering yoga, refinishing hardwood floors, loving on my husband, helping my children grow into lovely adults, and having daily hour long phone conversations with my mother. and really? i don't think that is too much to ask. so...

what do you want to be when you grow up?

just live.

2011-01-15T20:18:00.000-05:00

i had to do some quick work at the office and while looking for something else, found this on my computer. i have no idea where i got it {and if you know, please comment}, but its something worth sharing. enjoy.

affection.

2011-01-15T19:55:00.000-05:00

"It is funny how you do not miss affection until it is given, but once it is, it can never be enough; you would drown in it if possible."

- the sweet far thing, libba bray -

quote. photo.

i love you, man.

2011-01-14T17:01:00.000-05:00

i only play games i can win.

2011-01-14T14:00:00.000-05:00

and right now i feel like i am winning at life.

i love my job. i love my family. i love my friends. i love this upcoming weekend. i love volunteering. i love loosing sleep and getting butterflies. i love my ducks. i love my hair. i love my haircuts.

waaaiiitttt a second.. i'm starting to sound like someone i'm sure you've seen before.. anyone?

playing games i can win also includes games i can't loose. like play alongs with other bloggers. because those are fun, right? so if you are like me and enjoy games you can't loose, hop on over to lauren's blog and join us.

1. i feel happy when.. its sunny. i accomplish something important. i can play with children. i am having good conversation. when i'm with my family. or you can just see here.

2. i get silly when.. my family talks in "baby talk." sometimes we forget we are in public. its extremely embarrassing for other people around us.

3. something that makes me sad is.. well. not alot makes me sad, actually. i'm a pretty happy person. but what makes me sad is when people i love are hurting and there is not much i can do to heal that hurt.

4. something that makes me annoyed.. kind of like sad.. i don't really get annoyed too easily. i mostly just get grossed out. haha. some things that really do annoy me though is when people are bad at their job, when people are treated badly when they are doing their job correctly, and people who don't consider other people's feelings.

5. a time that i've been truly surprised is when.. ummm.. lets just say i've yet to be surprised in a good way.

6. i'm so thankful for.. my family and friends. i truly do have the best. those that have seen me at my best times and my worst and have made my better and continually stood by my side through it all are nothing short of irreplaceable to me.

7. i feel loved when.. i come home and see my doggy. my brother gives me a hug out of nowhere.

have a wonderful weekend!
mine will be filled with friends, food, volunteering, and fun!

because i love sydney. and we're on a first name basis. duh.

2011-01-13T14:05:00.000-05:00

let me tell you a little story..

one time, color and i were at the mall, spending the money we don't really have, when we found some adorable striped skirts. if you follow me on twitter, you know i ~~like~~ love stripes. not only were these skirts striped.. they were SIX DOLLARS. six. not sixTY. six. for a whole skirt. and they weren't even on sale. i died. i actually died.

not only do i love stripes, i love sydney. seriously. obsessed. i even made a reference to her having a striped skirt like ours while at the mall and i used her first name so other shoppers didn't think i was crazy and color TOTALLY KNEW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. thats why we're best firends. anywayyy.. i think she (and her husband tyson) are the cutest things of my life and i sort of want to be best friends. ok not sort of. i totally do. she's adorable. she's hilarious. she does awesome and awkward thursdays. she's the best. in fact, one night color and i stayed up till God knows when watching p.s. i love you, drinking wine, and stalking the daybook all the way back to it's creation. moral of the story. now color wants to be her best friend too. also, we want to get married. not to each other. but just in general. because seriously 80% of the bloggers i love are married. and i sort of think i'm missing out. just kidding. but not really.

actually, getting married is not the moral of the story. i got sidetracked. the moral of the story is to follow sydney and the daybook. and also blog about your awkward and awesome thursday too. its fun. i promise. just ask color.

awkward:

color. seriously 98% of the time. its fine.

the fact that googleing isn't a word yet.

valentines day when you're single.

the fact that i've never had a valentine.

"kissy faces." why do we do that? seriously.
getting way too into my brother's sporting events. i need to calm down.

borrowing someone's pants and accidentally leaving them at someone else's house. then trying to get them back but you aren't really friends with either one of those people anymore. terrible.
eating so much mexican food you HAVE to go home and change before someone sees you because your skirt is now too tight.

awesome:

hot pinks lips. seriously obsessed right now. valentines day, anyone?

googleing (honestly, how is that not a word yet?) reasons to move to south africa because sydney mentioned loving their accents.

accents. in general. lovely.

the chance of me moving to nashville and getting an accent. or a husband. i'd settle for either. or both.

my upcoming trip to nashville.

my barista, matt. i love him.

dear winter, get out of my life.

2011-01-12T18:53:00.000-05:00

i am a warm weather type of girl.

i like the beach, and the lake, and swimming holes.

i like sunglasses, and tanning lotion, and swim suits.

i like sandals, and sidewalk chalk, and sprinklers.

someday, i really want a convertible.

so this freezing weather?

i'm over it.

sooo. sooo. over it.

do you like warm weather, too?

minka kelly.

2011-01-12T17:30:00.000-05:00

remember when i was sliiiiightly jealous of all the hotties jen has dated over the years?

minka kelly definitely comes in a close second.

derrek jeter

and john mayer?

she knows how to pick 'em.

on choosing happiness.

2011-01-11T20:25:00.000-05:00

there are so many things i could say on this topic. i could talk your ear off about being happy, and choosing happiness, and being your best, most happy self. its something i feel really passionate about. which is why i was so happy to find that someone else i find hilarious also knows the importance of being happy with yourself. so go read this. and this too. you won't regret it. actually, you might regret not reading it. talk about having choices, huh? and do you know what makes me happy? i mean, of course you do. i don't know how many happy lists i've blogged. i can't tell you how many times i've been nearly bursting with happiness about what i'm blogging on. in general, i'd say my readers have a pretty good idea of what makes me happy. [my readers.. all 60 of you.. who do i think i am?] but do you know what makes me happy to be me? do you even want to know? no? ohh.. thats too bad, because i'm about to tell you. because really, i need to remind myself sometimes. and i like to be able to look back on posts like this. so.. here it is. what makes me happy to be me? i'll tell you.

i am the happiest when i am an active person.

whether that means playing catch for an hour, taking a long walk, or insane workouts, i am absolutely the happiest when i can look in the mirror and like what i see. when i can feel the muscles sore the next day? thats a really huge high for me. sure i might complain about it.. but i'm always so proud of myself for doing it the next day.

i am the happiest when i am taking care of myself.

washing my face, flossing my teeth, putting on lotion, fixing my hair, taking time on my makeup.. these are things that i sometimes see as a waste of time. i'd rather be doing other things. there are only so many hours in the day, you know? but when i don't put effort into myself, i see the results on my attitude. i become impatient with other people, i'm not as cheery.. you get it. people seems to like me more when i like me. i like me when i'm not a mess.

i am the happiest when i am reading a great book.

if i don't have something great to read for twenty minutes at the end of my day, i'm not a happy person. simple as that.

i am the happiest when i am using my creativity.

whether that is playing with my camera, doing someone's hair and makeup, blogging, writing, drawing, painting, giving an old piece of furniture a face lift, singing, anything.. if i don't get my creative juices flowing.. it hasn't been a good day.

i am the happiest when i am giving love.

ya.. ya.. no one likes the mushy couple who can't take their hands off of each other. and that is not what i'm saying. [though, lets be honest here, i've definitely been 1/2 of that couple a time or two. or nine.] what i'm talking about is giving love. of all sorts. if that means taking care of someone i don't know, or answering the phone for a friend at two am [because honestly, who calls you at that time unless they really need you?], or being the absolute best daughter, sister, friend, grand-daughter, girlfriend i know how to be. i am by far, my absolute happiest when i am giving love.

i know who i am at my happiest.
so.. who are you at yours?

oh, oscar.

2011-01-11T16:00:00.000-05:00

"education is an admirable thing,

but it is well to remember from time to time

that nothing worth knowing has ever been taught."

"experience is simply the name we give our mistakes."

"never love anyone who treats you like you're ordinary."

"i am not young enough to know everything."

"its what you read when you don't have to

that will determine what you are when you can't help it."

"the pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple."

"one should always play fairly when he has the winning cards."

"only the shallow know themselves"

all images weheartit.
all quotes Oscar Wilde.

give in to me.

2011-01-09T22:34:00.000-05:00

"don't be afraid to fall in love.
its the only thing that matters in life, the only thing. 

so fall in love with as many things as you can." 

if you haven't seen country strong yet, i highly suggest you do.

j.crew spring 2011.

2011-01-07T13:38:00.000-05:00

can we talk about how cute j.crew's new spring line is? can we?

can we also talk about how original my post title was? 

i'm clearly a creative person.

also, i've already decided today is going to trump yesterday. why? because i'm wearing a new striped jacket, its sunny, i've already accomplished a lot at the office, hayley is bringing me a homemade lunch, i'm having coffee with a friend after work, and last night's workout was a "recovery" which i didn't know before i started. such a great surprise. i felt rewarded for doing my workout even though it was literally the very last thing i wanted to do. plus.. its friiiiiday. horray! now, if you'll excuse me.. i'm going to go fantasy shop the j.crew line.

somtimes mistakes are expensive.

2011-01-06T19:04:00.000-05:00

you have had those days where some things are going right, but even more is going wrong. one of those days that ellen is in town, but you can't go see her, because you've already taken over an hour off for your lunch break because you absolutely needed to get out of your office. you were gone for so long, in fact, that your boss send you a text that says "i know you are having a hard day, but are you ever coming back?" and it makes you smile. because you've made a mistake, and while yes.. that typically annoys you for the rest of the day, it often doesn't cost you $175.37 to make better. and in this case, it does. especially when you are fixing an honest mistake by sending a man who make more money a month than you could ever imagine making in your lifetime a box of over-priced cigars as an apology. and yet you are still sending that box. even though you completely resent it, you're sending it anyway. because sometimes mistakes are expensive. even when they shouldn't be. but that is part of being an adult. right? right, you tell yourself. so on these days, where you can't seem to catch a break. you know what you do need to do? besides cry, or yell, or refuse to focus on anything but the issue at hand? you need to take a deep breath and go a little easier on yourself. you need to realize it was an honest mistake. you need to step outside, you need to enjoy the little bit of warmth and sunshine, you need to get yourself a soyvanillychaitea and you need to read something pleasant. like this.

sorry ya'll.

sometimes i just need to give myself a little pep talk.

i have some fun spring fashions to blog about tomorrow!

its opposite day.

2011-01-06T14:09:00.000-05:00

do you ever think to yourself "i wonder what i would look like as a red head?" or a blonde? or a brunette? you know you do. and we do too. last night color over at Go Fish.. (my best friend, and a fabulous blogger.. follow her!) and i decided to test this out. because who doesn't like randomly deciding to go to a cheap movie at 10pm. on a wednesday. and then trading hair in the parking lot of Target until 1 am. because why not? right?

these are our results:

color as a blonde.

sharlyn as a redhead.

sharlyn as a brunette.

what do you think?

can we pull it off?

color thinks i'd be pretty bomb as a red head.

and do to that i've added another number to my life list.

what color of hair do you want to try?

dear blank, please blank.

2011-01-05T19:18:00.000-05:00

i've known about this website for a while. my little sister and her best friend Gabe are obsessed. he will randomly text her his favorites and he often puts them as his facebook status. i, naturally, feel obligated to "like" each and every one. why? i'm not sure. but i do. and because i think its just too good. i wanted to show you some of my favorites too. dear blank, please blank. thank you for existing. sincerely, me.

Dear High School Musical,

Don't let the door hit you on your way out.

Sincerely, Glee.

Dear Men,

Childbirth is always going to trump whatever pain you are in.

Sincerely, Women.

Dear track shorts,

I can supply my own underwear, thank you.

Sincerely, girl running uncomfortably.

Dear High School,

you have taught us but one thing, how to text without looking.

Sincerely, Students Everywhere.

Dear Tortoise,

Oh please, I let you win.

Sincerely, The Hare.

Dear Women,

Orgasms? Shoot, we can fake entire relationships!

Sincerely, Men.

Dear backwards baseball caps,

Thank you for allowing us to spot douche bags from afar.

Sincerely, college girls.

Dear boss,

Please stop asking me to bring you your coffee. I have a master's degree.

Sincerely, overqualified.

Dear people who think i'm grouchy,

I LIVE IN A FREAKING TRASH CAN.

Sincerely, Oscar.

check it out.

there are so many funny ones, i just can't post them all.

the best thing since sliced bread.

2011-01-05T12:09:00.000-05:00

some of my very favorite memories of my best friends have to do with bread.

yep. you read that correctly bread.

like the time steph and i were driving and she casually asked me what my favorite food was "BREAD" i responded. loudly. and excitedly. i don't think she's ever laughed at one of my jokes so hard. and i wasn't even joking.

or the time color and i stopped at a bakery in the middle of nowhere because it was a saturday morning and i've never been so hungover. ever. in my life. we ran inside, got some free samples, and ended up sneaking out while they were helping other customers because one) we looked like death and two) we didn't want to spend the money.

we've spent quite a few mornings at a little hole-in-the-wall breakfast place called Taters where they make the best "home bread" you've ever tasted. seriously. i crave that stuff now. its like heaven.. if you could eat heaven.

recently, i've added "bake a loaf of bread from scratch" to my life list.

so you can understand my excitement when i stumbled across this lovely little thing.

oh man.. and i thought i had cravings for home bread?

imagine that.. times a thousand.

i can honestly say i've never wanted something more.

i rarely wear jewelry and what i do wear is dainty, and consistant.

a small umbrella pendant necklace, either pearl or diamond stud earrings, and a small "knot" ring on my right hand. i think this would be the perfect addition.

be still my heart.

♥

back up plans.

2011-01-04T20:32:00.000-05:00

first.

LOOK AT THIS.

she is the cutest thing ever.

and so is her darling husband for posting this.

now..

you know what i love doing?

making plans.

years in advance.

i'm talking years, here.

seriously.

my wedding?

entirely planned out.

all except the venue

(because i want it to be in my backyard and i don't exactly know where i'll be living.)

and the cake.

(because honestly, i'd rather have pie, but i have to make sure my husband-to-be doesn't loooove cake first.)

my babies names?

done.

my next job?

there.

my next car?

yep.

i know that too.

i even have back-up plans for my plans.

like if for some reason this doesn't happen?

i have a plan.

and its one i'm equally as excited about.

its a little more scary.. but i'm equally excited none the less.

"the majority of men meet with failure because of their lack of persistence in creating new plans to take the place of those that fail."

so what about you?

do you plan things? or do you go with the flow?

today is good day, and the last day of a very long year.

2010-12-31T13:49:00.000-05:00

i've come to a lot of realizations this year.

and in all of that, i realized i forgot a couple of the most important ones.

the most important relationship you'll ever have,
is the one you have with yourself.

and

sometimes happiness has to be a choice,
but it is always a choice worth making.

i know the end of the year hasn't been easy on me,

and in some ways i feel like i've been taking it out on my blog.

so i just want you all to know, things are going to change around here.

starting with the new look, and ending with me.

so while i have many resolution ideas floating around in my head, this one remains the most important.

have a wonderful new year.

i'll see you in 2011.

also, a very cute little real life friend had a great post today. go check her out.

making some changes..

2010-12-29T18:43:00.000-05:00

as you can see..

with the new year right around the corner, i'm changing it up around here a little bit.

PLEASE STAND BY.

as this year comes to an end..

2010-12-29T12:40:00.000-05:00

i'm thinking back on what 2010 has been to me.

and honestly?

there are things i wish i would have changed. this has been, by far, the hardest year of my life. and as happy as i am to see it go, i have to look back and appreciate all i have learned. i still have a lot of growing and learning to do to become the person i believe God intended me to be, but thanks to this year, and the trying times it brought with it, i feel like i am a few steps closer.

i've learned that being selfless doesn't mean letting people walk all over you.

i've learned that you don't always get second chances.

i've learned that being sweet is 100times more fun than trying to be cool.

i've learned that luck can only get you so far, and that you have to work hard to back that up.

i've learned that taking care of yourself should never go on the back burner.

i've learned that other people cannot fix your problems for you.

i've learned that sometimes the best thing you can do for the situation, is walk away.

i've learned that family, above everything else, is the most important.

[this includes friends you've come to know as family].

i've learned that as we grow up, people change.

sometimes that change tears us apart. sometimes that change brings us together.

i've learned that the people who really love you will always be there. no matter what.

and they'll be the first ones to forgive you when you need it.

i've learned that sometimes it takes tacos and mozzarella sticks to buy that forgiveness ;)

i've learned that you learn the most when your heart is open and your mouth is shut.

what did you learn in 2010? what do you wish to change in 2011?

i'm working on it.

2010-12-27T19:25:00.000-05:00

"if the type of person you wish existed, doesn't..

than that is who you must become."

-i wrote this for you-

"it turns out, sometimes you have to do the wrong thing.

you have to make a big mistake to figure out how to make things right.

mistakes are painful, but they're the only way to find out who you really are."

-greys anatomy-

"she wasn't bitter.

she was sad, though.

but it was a hopeful kind of sad.

the kind of sad that just takes time."

-the perks of being a wallflower-

"there comes a time when the world gets quiet and the only thing left is your own heart.

so you'd better learn the sound of it. otherwise you'll never understand what its saying."

-sarah dessen-

"someday. somewhere. anywhere, unfailingly, you'll find yourself.

and that, and only that, can be the happiest, or bitterest hour of your life"

-pablo neruda-

"we all grow in to the beautiful person we were meant to be.

some earlier, some later."

-unknown-

"and maybe, just maybe, her heart needed to be broken,

broken and shattered and stomped into pieces.

then she could finally look down at the pieces,

study each one, and spend some time getting to know the person she'd become.

and when she finally had all the pieces back together again,

a little crooked, a little jumbled, but sealed with love,

she's realized she was more beautiful than ever.

because this time, she would love herself."

-unknown-

you're gonna miss this.

2010-12-27T12:57:00.000-05:00

you're gonna want this back,

you're gonna wish those days

hadn't gone by so fast,

these are some good times,

so take a good look around,

you may not know it now,

but you're gonna miss this.

almost any country song about leaving, or missing something, or moving on makes me think of my family these days.as excited as i am for the big move, i am just as scared and nervous. i already know how much i'm going to miss them, and how heartbroken i'm going to be not to see them everyday. i know in my heart that this move will be the best decision i've made yet, but that only makes it a little easier to make. until then, i'm cherishing every moment with the people i love the most. friends and family, you know who you are. i know i'll be happy in Nashville, but that happiness won't have anything to do with leaving you behind. promise me you'll come and visit?

pretty pretty pretty please?

♥

what a wonderful world..

2010-12-25T03:54:00.000-05:00

~~it's christmas eve..~~

scratch that.

its CHRISTMAS!

(as of 40 minutes ago)

and until ~~today~~ yesterday i was really not in the christmas spirit.

i've been swamped at work lately and haven't had a spare moment to be excited for christmas.

i was stressed about not having the right gifts (or enough gifts) for people this year,

i hadn't been spending much time with my family,

i just couldn't really get into it.

but ~~today~~ yesterday,

yesterday was a good day.

i did have to work, but only for a few hours,

and now i feel much more prepared for the busy week ahead.

i got to visit with my favorite baristas and eat my favorite lunch at my favortie cafe.

i had a good hair day.

i finished all my shopping and wrapping!

(i know.. finally!)

i took care of the much overdue lube-oil-and-filter on Alexus.

we visited my brother's grave as a family.

we saw a movie as a family.

(i'd just like to point out how exciting this was..

i don't think in my ENTIRE LIFE we've ever done that. ever. it was awesome. even though mom fell asleep.)

and now i'm baking a cake for my grandpa's birthday,

reading all the christmas blog posts in my google reader,

and listing to louis armstrong live.

yes.. at 12:45am.

no.. i don't normally do too much baking.

yes.. its turning out awesome.

i hope you have a very merry christmas.

(just like everyone else on your google reader has already said.)

i love you all. ♥

as silly as it may be to people who don't blog, therefore don't understand the effects it can have on your every day life.. you really have made such a difference in mine.
each new follower, and comment, and blog friend has made my day.

its hard to imagine i've had this baby for almost a year now.

its hard to imagine my life without it at this point.

i've grown up (and changed) so much in this year,
i'm just glad you all have been along for the ride.

xoxo,

sharlyn

i'm dreaming..

2010-12-24T15:25:00.000-05:00

..of a white christmas!

well. i know that wont happen.

but wouldn't that be magical?

i wish we were at my grandparents condo in Sunriver.

but with everything that is going on lately we're having a small gathering at my parents.

honestly, as much as i would love to be at the condo, i am thankful we are hosting since it is the last christmas i am guaranteed to be there.

i love my family and i hope your christmas is as lovely as mine will be.

xoxo

♥

in case you are wondering what to get me..

2010-12-22T18:55:00.000-05:00

i thought i'd give you a little hint.

they come in many colors and while i'd be OVERJOYED with any, i'd prefer black.

and i wear size six.

and they are offering FREE OVERNIGHT SHIPPING right now!

just saying.