Monday, September 26, 2011

Evening Stroll

The perfect beginning to a relaxing night in, after the ending of another Monday here too soon.
Tank- Target, Skirt- TJmaxx, cardi & belt- Urban Outfitters, Oxfords- MLE

Taking the furball out on her evening walk is always a nice way to wind down after a long day.

And attempt to pose for a picture :)


This skirt brings back memories of early Saturday mornings on a fresh cut grass field, putting on my shin guards and cleats, for a soccer game. I am almost inpired to get a ball and practice my dribbling!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Bruce on the Loose

Today was the first day in over a week that I didn't get to see my cute little Turtle friend's face when I woke up this morning. Yesterday was a bitter sweet day for me, when we found Bruce's home.
It all started when we made plans to pick up a 150 gallon tank from one of our friends. My brother said he would be happy to have Bruce stay with him, so we were working to get the whole set up to make him a Turtle Palace aquarium. We did a little more research on all the equipment that he would require, and we found ourselves a little over our heads, and short on time since we had him in a 56 gallon storage tub with bricks for him to bask on, when ideally a pond is where he really belonged.

So my next thought (it broke my heart) was to search for a local Turtle rescue, i just couldn't bare to take him to the pet store. At this point I was so attached, and all I wanted was for him to be healthy and have a safe home.
During our search, Matt's mom called and told us to go to Google earth to see a sky view of our neighborhood, and what do you know there was a HUGE pond just down the street, that the green belt behind our house led to. This HAD to be Bruce's home. This pond was on someone's property, so we found our way into their gated community (following a car in, so slick haha) and we made our way to their gated driveway. I wonder what they were thinking when Matt called their intercom saying " I think I have a turtle from your pond". The gates opened after a brief conversation of turtle talk, and we were greeted at the bottom of the longest driveway with the residents on their golf cart, drink in hand, all smiles and waving. They were the sweetest! we talked about how they rescue turtles and they have over 20 in their Pond (that is as big as over 4 huge pools put together!) The pond was complete with lilly pads, rocks to bask on, and cat fish. THIS was Turtle paradise! We found the route that Bruce must have escaped from, and they have made plans to cover it with chicken wire to prevent any future tricky turtle escapades.
So it was time to say goodbye...with tears in my eyes I set Bruce back on his way.

It felt good knowing he was back at home. We watched him swim across the pond and he looked so happy! But I don't think I will ever forget this face
I can't really explain the feeling I have when I think of what could have happened if he never made it to our yard. My Aunt was the one who found him roaming through our garden, and if it weren't for her, he would have gone unnoticed. We were so happy to take care of him, and went to great lengths to make sure he got back to where he came from. I am grateful we had the chance to save him, and the weight on my heart as been lifted now that he's home. The owners offered to let us come by whenever we wanted to visit, and I will most likey be taking them up on their offer :)

Friday, September 23, 2011

Who ever really knows

If you would have asked me at 17, where I thought I would be 10 years later, my guess would have been way off.
Growing up I never really had a clear picture, or even a dream for that matter of what I would do, or where I would go in life. School was such a painful experience, I just could never grasp things the way everyone else could. That on top of daily awkwardness, just led to disaster for me. Getting caught up in the wrong crowd, easily influenced by everyone's opinions. It's safe to say I spent a majority of childhood and teens, and then some trying to figure out who I was. I just sort of floated along, trying to fit in, while trying not to at the same time.
I don't remember the exact moment, or what it took to make me realize that it was up to me to take charge, and make my own decisions. It was from that point on that I knew what I needed to do, and that was to work hard, and stay focused on my future.
I have had a job since I was 16, (sometimes 2 at a time),and I struggle every day to reach my goals that I have FINALLY made for myself. I know it is not going to be easy, and I've never accepted the easy ride, but I am proud of where I am in life. Not a day goes by that I don't think about where I came from, and what that has done to help me where I am going.
I am so grateful for the people and experiences I have had in my life, and I can't wait for all the things to come :)

Dress- Fire from Nordys Rack, Belt- Urban Outfitters, Shoes- Steve Madden

Sorry to get so deep, but I haven't even scratched the surface ;)

Monday, September 19, 2011

Slow and Steady

Oh Monday, here too soon.
I had a nice weekend with the fiance's family that stayed with us. Got to do a Friday Ikea run (not fun in L.A. traffic during rush hour), but well worth scouring through fun kitchens and nick nacks. In between entertaining, and the normal weekend house chores, we spent most of our time watching our new backyard guest roam through the garden. Meet Bruce:

Named after Bruce Jenner, he's very fast. Somehow he ended up in our yard, and we are glad to have him, I am even petitioning to have a pond built just for him! (or her, not really sure). Anyone have special Turle care tips, I would greatly appreciate it :)

After seeing this outfit post on The Pleated Poppy
, I have been wanting to replicate this outfit. So here is my summer version. (spray tan coming soon):

Dress- Gifted
Vest- F21
Belt- Tjmaxx
Sandals- Bamboo
Necklace- Nordy's Rack

I will probably wear it again for fall with tights, boots and a cardi, but I am squeezing out as many days of dresses and sandals as I possibly can in the next few weeks.
Hope you all had a great weekend, any new guests show up in your yard?