Christmas Crafting

Anyone who REALLY knows me, knows I'm practically the human spawn of the fictional character, Mrs. Claus (Miss Claus in my case)... so when Christmas rolls around, my domestic soul gets extra excited!

So, in the spirit of Christmas and my love of crafting... here's a DIY project I completed over Thanksgiving.

Paper Tree(s)

MATERIALS
- Florist's foam or plastic foam
- Flowerpot
-Wooden skewer
- Sheet Moss
- Vintage Paper, such as book pages or sheet music

DIRECTIONS
Place the florist's form or plastic foam in the flowerpot. Insert the skewer into the middle of the foam. Cover the foam with moss.

Cut of tear the paper into approximately 20 squares (give or take 10) in eight different sizes, starting with 4 1/2-inch squares and decreasing the size by 1/2 inch at a time. Push the squares onto the skewer, graduating from the largest squares at the bottom to the smallest ones on top.

More DIY projects to come!

A Tribute: to Greta

You always remember your first(s).

The first time you rode a bike.
Your first day of school.
Your first crush.

The first time you get behind the wheel of a car.
The first time you leave home.
Maybe even the first time you tried sushi.

And for animal lovers and pet owners, you always remember your first pet.

Pet. I hate the word. It's completely not equivalent to the animal's being and importance in the owner's life. Because anyone who opens their home and hearts to an animal, knows their dog, cat, rabbit, snake, or even bird becomes so much more than just a "pet"... they become a member of your family.

Meet Greta.

Greta Dorsett was a lovable Golden Retriever. She was born on February 5, 1997 and graced the Dorsett family with her presence around April of that year. She was a gift from my parents to Brittany, Brandon and I as we patiently waited for a dog, ever since we knew what a dog was.

You see, I had a bit of a different childhood than most...

I was blessed with a talented father who played Major League Baseball and due to family travels to and from the great ballparks of America, it didn't make sense to have a dog when we were always on the go.

But being the wonderful parents, Brian and Gina Dorsett are, they promised their children that when my dad retired from baseball we would get a puppy. So in the Spring of '97 when my dad decided to hang up his cleats, we did just that... we got Greta (-:

It was apparent from the beginning, that Greta wasn't a gift to us kids, she was a gift to our whole family. She graced us with an unexplainable love in an extremely bittersweet time in our lives and we were so thankful for her. She was the joy of my youth and the first thing I've seen for the past 15 years and 9 months when I walked through the garage door to my home. There was rarely a time her tail wasn't wagging and it goes without saying she would have totally been voted Prom Queen if there was a doggy high school.

Sure, she couldn't do many tricks and her fear of storms and fireworks even cost my parents a couple home improvement projects, but boy could she love. She had a personality that could light up a room, she was a curvaceous Goddess that loved nothing more than table scraps and treats, which I shamelessly gave her too much of, but how could you turn down that face?

She wasn't a huge fan of exercise, but when she was young she would never turn down a walk with someone she loved or an opportunity to prance around the neighborhood.

She had great hair. Thick, soft and the most beautiful shade of strawberry blonde. I know this in detail because I wore it to school everyday, but I didn't care... I loved her anyway.

She was brave. She put up a great fight to ignore the storms of the Midwest, but failed miserably every time. But she tried, and that's all that mattered! She was the epitome of a first born "child", because we all know first born kids and/or dogs are the bravest in the family, right? (-;

She loved living. Despite her daily medicine intake, she somehow managed to outlive two family dogs that came after her, Princess Holly and angel pup Wrigley.

And while she was a million other things, in sum she was a priceless gift.

She was the joy of the Dorsett household, the joy of the two neighborhoods she lived in, and lastly, the joy of our hearts for nearly 16 years. We were blessed to have had her this long, and while we would have loved to see her reach another Birthday, sometimes you just know when it's time.

Today was Greta's time...

I knew it was coming, but honestly nothing can prepare you for the day it actually happens. I rest a little bit easier knowing Holly, Wrigley and her boyfriend Scoobi will be there to greet her at Heaven's gates, and I look forward to the day I hear that tail wagging and see her sweet smile again.

Greta girl, you were SO loved and will remain fondly remembered and sweetly missed.

I'll never forget you.

Year 24.

[Read to tune of my voice, it will all make more sense (o;]

I turn 25 in a few days, #woah. So, naturally, in my last few days as an "early twenty something", I started googling. 

I googled lots of things. For example: "What changes when you turn 25? "Does my insurance really go down at 25?", "Does anything really cool happen when you turn 25?" And lastly, I googled, "Things To Do Before You Turn 25."

And... I found this. 

I read and reread the list a couple of times, convinced myself that while I might not have completed all of the items on this particular "to-do list" (because frankly, some of which were legitimately odd)-- I did find a selection that really hit home...

Number 12: Take time to revisit the places that made you who you are: the apartment you grew up in, your middle school, your hometown. These places may or may not be here forever; you definitely won't be.

CHECK.

And touche! While I love living in Chicago and any weekend away is bittersweet, I've made it a point to get out there and visit the people and places I love. You see, I grew up in a town that is a little behind the modern scope of life. It still baffles me that Terre Haute, Indiana doesn't have a Target in 2012, but it also doesn't change my sincere love for the city. It's a joy to go home every now and then; to visit my family and friends and a few of my favorite "fine dining" establishments. Yes, I'm talking about Taco Casita and The Olive Garden, don't hate. 

Number 13: Find a hobby that makes being alone feel lovely and empowering and like, something to look forward to. 

CHECK.

Interior decorating has become a huge passion/hobby of mine. So much that my favorite Interior Design blog of all time showcased my apartment in a house tour! It was featured around this time last year and it was such a special feeling to see my apartment being recognized for all its charm and treasures.

Number 16: Identify your fears and instead of letting them dictate your every move, find and talk to people who have overcome them. Don't settle for experiencing .000002% of what the world has to offer because you're afraid of getting on a plane.

CHECK.

When I moved to Chicago, a lot of people kept telling me how big and unsafe it was. Sure, I had some hesitations, but I also had a million and one reasons to be excited about this new endeavor in my life! So instead of freaking out, I put one foot in front of the other and charged onward. Coincidentally, during my first month of living in Chicago, I found this precious necklace (engraved in braille) that says, 'Be Brave.' This necklace has been such a beautiful reminder, that life is too short not to skip, jump, and leap into life-- even if you're blindfolded.

Number 25: Quit that job that's making you miserable, end the relationship that makes you act like a lunatic, lose the friend whose sole purpose in life is making you feel like you're perpetually on the verge of vomiting. You're young, you're resilient, there are other jobs and relationships and friends if you're patient and open.

CHECK.

This past year, year 24, was a really life changing year for me. Yes, I know the phrase "life changing" is pretty overused, but I went through some pretty raw and humbling experiences that ultimately shaped me into a better version of myself. 

You see, this time last year I was working in a job I wasn't thrilled with. I was a little lost when it came to what I thought I wanted and/or needed in the male companion and I began to find out who my true friends were. 

And while I don't have it ALL figured out yet, I can say that year 24 was honestly the best year of my life. I found a company that truly values it's employees, lives by its mission and makes me want to get up in the morning. I've discovered the difference between "what I want" and "what I need" in a relationship and lastly, I am 100% confident my faith, family and my circle of friends are the biggest blessing(s) in my life. 

So did I live up the cliche of "finding myself before I turned 25?" I dunno, probably not. But what's the point in "finding yourself" at 25; why not keep learning, loving and discovering yourself every day! As one of my favorite poets, Rainer Maria Rilke wrote, "Be patient towards all that is unsolved in your heart, and learn to love the questions themselves." 

With that, I toast to YEAR 25 and question marks.

--ACD

Obsessed with this dress.

Jennifer Nettles looked absolutely stunning at the ACM's. Just GORGEOUS!

 

Best and Worst dress from ACM's  

thoughts?

If I had an extra grand laying around

these pretty beauties would be on my pretty feet!

click to buy me these (o:

If I go to Coachella

I want to rock this Wild Fox tee...

Where was this in College?

via Baxter Bark Twice

My apartment made it into....

Apartment Therapy's House Call! I'm so so shocked, honored and estatic. I think this is just the start to more of my designs coming to life.

Dream on.

I swear I'm not boring....

I've just been really busy savoring every last bit of Fall!


Here's a peak at what I've been up to (the last month or so)


so, I went to D.C.
(yes, The Nation's capitol definitely lived up to the hype...)

one of my best friends got married...

(a bestie, not me)

I moved apartments, can we say UPGRADE! My neew bedroom is below (-: 

(oh how I love modern, vintage fabulousness!)

and then it was Halloween! (I was Rhianna from her new video 'We Found Love') although I looked a lot like Rosie the Riveter 

(oh, well-- it's whatevs)

 More posts to come, I promise! 

An apology... [ to my beloved Chicago(ians) ]

to Chicago...

I am sorry.

I am sorry for running off every weekend. 

I am sorry that as of late, I only see your beautiful skyline from the corner of my rearview mirror, or from the 8x10 window I peer out of from my aisle seat. 

I am sorry.

---------------------------------

I am sorry for not showing face at Castaways,

 for only catching three Cubs games,

and for only shutting down Beaumont's twice.

I am sorry. 

... and to my Chicago(ians)

I miss you.

I miss our family dinners.

I miss our bottomless bloody mary/mimosa brunches on Sunday's.

I miss our Saturday morning texts which always included three choices, "North Ave.? Fullerton beach?or maybe a rooftop?" 

I miss you.

---------------------------------

I miss too many people to name.

 I miss your smiles, 

your sweet, sweet souls,

and your name popping up on my phone Friday-Sunday cause you know I'm out runnin' again.

I miss you.

So this is just a little note of reassurance. 

Come October, our little long distance love fest will subside. It's been a wild ride and one of the best Summer's to date, but you Chicago make it easy to come HOME.

So here's to Fall... 

to year 24.

to Bears' games (or at least the tailgating part),

to a new apartment,

to extra large hoodies,

and to shutting down Beaumont's more than necessary.

I can't wait to rekindle our little love affair.

until then....

peace. love. and chicago

(o:

Etsy lovin'

As I begin my apartment search, I instantly scour blogs and etsy for fun decorating ideas. Here is one item I'm wanting/dreaming about:

Dragon Slayer Sofa

What I'm always wearing...

My Greek prayer bracelet.

Am I Greek you ask? No, but I am a big believer in prayer and I know the power behind it. Nearly six years ago when I started wearing these bracelets, my life changed. While I won't go into details, I will leave you with a short and simple reason as to why you'll never see my arm without one--it's a reminder. A reminder for all that I'm blessed with, for all the blessings God is still working in my life and every time I look at it I'm reminded to breathe, and just let and let God. Not to mention these bracelets are really cute and come in lots of fun colors! In my six years of wearing them I've sported every color from pink and silver to my current rockin' red. I order them here and they arrive in about a week. I definitely recommend buying a few for yourself AND friends-- they make the best gifts (-:

pic of the red one I'm currently rocking. 

1 + 1

My #1 on Beyonce's No. 4

someday.

Note to self:

Stop ignoring His will.

Recently, I learned this lesson the hard way. I've been one, in my 23 years of life to often go against the status quo. I ignore the signs, I push away the intuitions and I get hurt OR I hurt somebody else in the process. So today, I'm moving forward. I'm going to stop ignoring God's will for my life and follow His plan; whatever that may be. I know God's plans for my life are limitless and he sees the big, while I often see the little-- so I'm trusting in Him. 


Here's getting back on track to a life of unwavering faith. 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11

God > Everything 

Boots, boots, boots!

Better shine up my  boots! I'm heading to Nashville this weekend for the CMT Music Festival! I can't wait! 

Nashville, you still have part of my heart. 

Happy Thursday.

It's the Little Things

I'm not a big fan of chain e-mails and rarely will I read it if I see a FWD: next to it. But this one, I couldn't pass up. It was entitled, "The Little Things." And as a firm believer in TIMING and the cliche quote, "what's meant to be, will be" I had to read it... and I'm so glad I did. 

As you might remember, the CEO of a company survived
9/11  because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was
His turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her
Alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike
Because of an auto accident.

One of them
Missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take
Time to change.

One's
Car wouldn't start.

One couldn't
Get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man
Who put on a new pair of shoes that morning,
Took the various means to get to work
But before he got there, he developed
a blister on his foot.

He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid.
That is why he is alive today..

Now when I am
Stuck in traffic ,
Miss an elevator,
Turn back to answer a ringing telephone ...

All the little things that annoy me.
I think to myself,
This is exactly where
God wants me to be
At this very moment..

Next time your morning seems to be
Going wrong ,

You can't seem to find the car keys,
You hit every traffic light,
Don't get mad or frustrated;
It May be just that
God is at work watching over you.


So, may God continue to bless you
With all those annoying little things
And may you remember their possible purpose.


Tomorrow, I encourage you to embrace whatever life throws your way. Untied shoelaces or missing the EL you ran a block to catch-- Bring it on, life (-:




O' and to the random man who paid me one of the sweetest compliments today, thank you-- more men should be like YOU.


ACD

Pretty sure my life is channeling a Taylor Swift album with a twist of Katy Perry

3-1-11