Friday, January 28, 2011

the redefined wish list.

A couple of weeks ago I was watching a new episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." It was about a couple with three children, one of which has some developmental delays due to complications at birth. The couple was struggling to get through day to day life in a home that didn't meet their needs at all, to the point that they were doing their dishes in their BATHTUB, because their kitchen didn't work properly. Not only was it issues like these holding them back, but the house was holding their son back from being able to properly learn and grow.

During the home tour a chalkboard on the wall was brought to attention. At the top of the board was the title, "Our Wish List." What is so significant and beautiful about this is the fact that these weren't wishes of things they wanted for themselves, but things they wanted for their friends and family. (Example: Help "friend" buy an engagement ring.)

How amazing is that? I was inspired. I made a list.

I am selfish. So often, I hear myself saying, "I want, I want, I want." And that, my friends, is disgusting. I know I am not alone in this way of thinking. I'm pretty sure it's quite common...And I'm not saying it's wrong to want things! Of course not! But here's a little recap of me the other day:

"I want a Blythe doll, record player, the complete series of Full House, the complete series of Fresh Prince, blahblahblah."
(I know...I'm cool.)

Really, Lydia?
I mean, I do want those things. And that's okay. But why do I care so much?

So, a couple of nights ago, I lay awake in bed. Just thinking and thinking. Money is weird, I thought. And why do I care if I have things now? They will always exist. Money will come again. Why do I get so selfish? I don't NEED anything. And I have to realize that there is plenty of time to get things...
While I was laying in bed that night, I finally decided that biggest thing of all that I want is to make someone else really, truly, genuinely happy + excited. I want to see someone's face light up, because a wish was fulfilled. A wish that they hadn't even asked for, because that's the kind of person they are. 

I'm hoping to fulfill the first wish on my list in the next few weeks. And I couldn't be more excited. I'll share more about it when it comes true!

What's on your wish list?

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

the burger joint.

our first night here after walking around for awhile, taking in the city, we decided to stop in for dinner at "The Burger Joint." before we got to the restaurant, boyd said, "i really want to try out this burger joint up here." and then it turned out the place was actually called that. funny!
the restaurant's look is basically the style of the cliche 50s diner, with a red and aqua color scheme. which is cute and i like.




i ordered their all beef hot dog w/ tomatoes, onion, and relish, fries, and fresh brewed iced tea. it was super good. so, if you're ever in the area...maybe you should check it out.

♡ ♡ ♡

Monday, January 24, 2011

everybody's doing it.


so, i've recently noticed that everybody and their brother is singing up on Blog Lovin'. so i figured i would, too. follow me on Blog Lovin', if you'd like!


Sunday, January 23, 2011

the road to san francisco.

this trip was CUH-RAZY. we're talking 36 straight hours-in the car-kinda crazy. WAIT. 36 straight hours-in the car-with a dog-kinda crazy. there, that's better/more accurate. seriously, guys. it was rough. josh and i totally love each other and are complete BFFs, but i'd be lying if i said there wasn't a time when we wanted to kill the other. And we totally love Stella, but when a guy offered $50 for her...I may have had to think about it. (i'm totally kidding about that, btw.)


All sort of kidding aside, the roadtrip was actually pretty okay. I can't believe how much I slept. And I actually drove a bit! Originally, we were going to stop when we got to Vegas, and stay a night. But I decided I would rather push through and just get here. So, in order to do that, I had to help drive. Which I was totally fine with, but at times it was kind of nerve wracking. There was like an hour, where I seriously felt like I was practicing for a Nascar race.

{some diner by this gas station we stopped at}

{giant pickle from said gas station}

{my own personal blues brother. aww...NOT}

It was the longest car ride ever. EV. ER. but it was definitely worth it! I am in love with San Francisco so far. And I've barely seen it. It's just so beautiful. And I love the vibe I get from the city.


♡ ♡ ♡

Thursday, January 20, 2011

BRB, GOING TO SAN FRAN.

Today Josh and I were sitting on the couch. Just hanging out, watching tv. Then, my sweet husband looks at me and says:

"Let's go to San Francisco."

Whaaaat? At first, I thought he was joking. Then, it turned serious. We called up our friend Boyd, who lives there, and he said for us to come and "stay forever." 
Well, I don't know about that. But we're definitely coming. In fact, we're leaving in about 30 minutes. Spontaneity is fun!



xo.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

{makeover} monday: a day late.

"Rockabilly." Gosh, I hate that word. Earlier tonight, I didn't think I did. But I have now decided that I do. It just sounds...less than cute. But I suppose it is how I'd best describe this look.
ANYWAYS. I recently decided that I really want to start branching out--trying new styles, new looks. So I decided a fun way to do that would be to each week share one new look with all of you...sort of to hold me accountable. This week originally started out as a "60s Look." But then I didn't have enough bobby pins, so this happened!



First, I did my makeup. And when I was done I was kind of like, "DAAYYYUUM, GIRL." Just kidding. But I did think that I looked quite pretty. Then, I did my hair. And I was like, "Okay, okay." But then I had to go show Josh, and I was actually nervous. This was way more extreme than what I, or anyone else who knows me, would be used to. And I was afraid he'd be all, "Lyds. You're a goof." But it actually went more like this:

Lyds: Dun-dun-da-dun! PRESENTING LYDIA! 
(yes, i am this dramatic.)

Josh: BABY! You look so pretty! Awww, Baby.
(he is nice.)

Stella: ~lots of growling + barking~
(she is scary.)

So, it turned out that it wasn't my imagination...and I really did pull this look off. It's probably not something I would do all the time, just because it's not really something that I would want to use as an everyday kind of look. That...and my dog is afraid of me and has no idea who I am when I look like this. But it's definitely a look that I can see myself going back to every now and again. 


{i know all of the pictures are of my profile...just go with it.}

I couldn't get a decent picture of me from the front, soo. But if you can't tell, I went with the "pompadour" style. It was big. And cute!

{vintage pumps}

As far as my clothes go, you'll have to use your imagination a bit. I forgot to take outfit photos. So...just imagine me in those cute vintage pumps, super dark wash skinny jeans, a navy blue and white striped v-neck, and a black leather jacket. Got it? Don't I look AWESOME? :)

This was fun. I'm excited for next time!
xo.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

business + friends: how do they mix?

A few days ago I posted some pictures on Facebook of five paintings I'm trying to sell. (Oh, hey. I'm selling some paintings! Want one?) I sold one the first day, to a girl I used to work with and am friendly with. Then, tonight, another friend approached me to purchase a different painting. I immediately felt awkward, and told him, "Oh, no! I couldn't let you pay for it!" And he made me an offer, of which I felt was too much and said so. He joking told me that I was "haggling the wrong way."
He made a second offer, and I eventually accepted.

Later in the evening I started thinking about the relationship of friends and business. Where do we draw the line? Do we even draw one? I wouldn't exactly say I'm a business woman or anything. I'm just curious, and when I do eventually, possibly start something up...it'd be nice to know peoples' thoughts.

Do those of you who run a business or sell your works ever feel awkward when it comes to friends and family?
Do you or do you not charge friends and family?
Why or why not?

Maybe I am the only one who feels awkward in this situation...?

Friday, January 14, 2011

freaky friday: weimaraners.

this first week of "freaky friday" is brought to you by weimaraners. i am NOT okay with them. and if they happen to be your favorite dog of all time, i am sorry, but to that all i have to say is, "WHY."
i've come to the conclusion that this may have something to do with the fact that, for whatever reason, people seem to really enjoy dressing these particular dogs as humans. so, maybe i'm not freaked out by weimaraners, but weimaraner lovers. hmm.

{exhibit a}

{exhibit b}

{exhibit c}

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

let it snow + my new bff.

On Monday night I went over to the boys' house to hang out with everyone, but most especially to hang out with Rosie, because she is my new best friend and I super love her.
While I was there, it began to snow, so we decided to go outside and play + take some pictures together! Alaska (Jason's pretty puppy) decided to join in on the fun, too. :)

{little rosalie}

{rosie is cute, i am awkward + have a snowflake eyeball}


{alaska and i}

we are back in springfield now, and i already miss my friends way major big time.
siiiiiigh.

GIVEAWAY WINNER!

Congratulations, Holly Knitlightly! :)
You are the winner of the CuCuCo giveaway.
Yay! : )
Please send me an email with your information, and Rachel and I will get everything squared away.
Thanks! xo.

Friday, January 7, 2011

2011: Making It My Year.



Yeah, yeah, yeah. Everyone says that, every year. Well, actually I've never said that before. So, maybe it will actually be true for me! The point is, I know it can be if I actually try. And try I will.
I make resolutions every year. The most common one being "lose weight, get in shape, get fit, get healthy." I've never actually completed this one, and yes, it is on my list again this year. :)
So, here it is, a week late...my resolutions, goals, and plans for 2011-AKA-my biatch. (It had to be said, okay?)

1.) Lose 50 lbs. Get in shape, get fit, get healthy. 
     On New Years Eve Josh and I went to Walmart to buy groceries. (My plan has been to eat a vegan, or at least vegetarian, diet for at least one whole month. I am hoping that in doing so, that will change my eating habits.) I also ended up buying a couple of Jillian Michaels' workout DVDs. So, yes. I was a walking New Years cliche. AWESOME. But so far, I've already lost 4 lbs. And that has inspired me, and I know I will continue with this one. I have to. For more reasons than just wanting to look good, but maybe we'll talk about that another time. :)

2.) Be nice, or else.
    If there is one lesson I have taken away from my time at Paul Mitchell it is this. BE NICE. They even gave us a book with this title, "Be Nice or Else." (It was written by Winn Claybaugh, and I strongly recommend everyone read it.) And that's what I really want to be...a super genuinely nice person. I think I'm already pretty darn nice, but I know I have my moments where I can be rather grumpy or rude. Maybe it's because I'm having a bad day, or maybe it's because I'm around the wrong kind of people. Regardless, there's never a reason for it, in my opinion. And being nice doesn't mean being a doormat, or not standing up for yourself or someone else. But you also don't have to be mean to do those things. Being mean gets you nowhere in life.

3.) Go back to college.
     If you read my last post, you know that I withdrew from the Paul Mitchell program. If you didn't read that post...Hey, I withdrew from the PM program. I did this because I knew that my true passion was elsewhere, and I've decided to pursue that. I know that what I really want is to work with kids. So that's what I am going to do.

4.) Do what I (we) want.
     Since I am married, that one can't apply to just me at all times. I really want to follow this one 100%. It basically encompasses all of the others, and I feel that it's the most important one of them all. I have so many goals and dreams, and I want to achieve/attempt ALL of them. I never want to let anything stand in our way. Not money, not friends, not family, not distance. Nothing. And I don't mean that in a mean way towards the people in our lives. I just know that sometimes people decide not to do things, because they know that it's not what other people would ideally choose for them. But I can't let things like that stop me, even if it's hard. I want to do what I want, and what is best for me and us.

Do you make resolutions? If you posted about them, let me see!
Or just tell me you're favorite one. :)

xo.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

beauty school dropout.


Frenchie and I now have more in common than a love for pink hair.* If you catch my drift...While my reasons for leaving my school's program are far different, I am still in fact a "Beauty School Dropout." And I'm totally okay with that. In fact, I feel pretty darn content. That's absolutely nothing against the Paul Mitchell program. I actually feel incredibly blessed to have had this opportunity, and appreciate everything that I learned in my time at The System. Not only in my education, but also what I learned of who I am as a person, and who I want to be. It was an incredible experience. And I wouldn't change a thing, even though it did mean that in the end I would have to one day (today) put my big girl pants on and have a few awkward conversations.

What I realized is this:

While cosmetology is SUCH a fascinating industry, and one that greatly interests me, it isn't where my passion lies. My heart just wasn't invested in it, and everyday I felt like my gut was telling me I wasn't in the right place for me. But I didn't want to listen. I kept pushing these thoughts aside, and going through the motions. And then last night, I finally stopped, and truly listened to myself. I finally accepted that I was going into this profession for the wrong reasons, and after a long talk and sobfest with my husband (it sounds like he was crying too, but he totally wasn't. i wish he was, though...just because it'd be kiiind of hilarious) I made my decision.

This morning, I walked into my school, found my ever so lovely learning leader, Mendi, and had the "dreaded" talk. There may or may not have been a few more sobs. And you know what? It wasn't that bad. Again, it was awkward and slightly embarrassing, because after Mendi, I had to go have this talk with three other people...but it wasn't that bad. It wasn't like I thought there would be flames and pitchforks, but I was a little nervous. But after talking with all of these amazing people, I only felt a greater sense of relief. And that's why I loved my school, and the culture of Paul Mitchell. It's such an encouraging, open, honest place...filled with those kinds of people. So, even if I didn't come out of there with a cosmetology license and a vast knowledge of this industry, I still learned a lot from this experience...something way more valuable to me than any piece of paper. And I'm happy about that.

I don't really know 100% what's next for me. I guess you'll just have to wait and see. :)
I know that what I truly love is kids. And I know that I want to work with them and learn from them. So, that's my goal, and what I'm working towards now.

The End. (well, of this chapter, anyways.)

*Oh, and I know that Frenchie wasn't exactly thrilled about her pink hair. But can't we just pretend for cleverness' sake?

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

CUCUCO GIVEAWAY! YAY!


One of my most favorite bloggers is the adorable Rachel, of "Adore More." She is the cutest, nicest, sweetest little thing. And I've grown very fond of her and her cute little blog! Oh, and not only is she nice and cute...she's super talented, too! Talk about a triple threat. :)

So, Rachel and I got together and we're doing a little Q+A and a giveaway! She handled the Q+A, which is a pretty fun little interview she did with me, about love and my relationship with Josh. And now, I'm hosting the giveaway of her lovely creations right here! (Note: I'm super jealous of you guys. I want to win! Sadly, I cannot.)

For the giveaway, Rachel has offered up one of her way cute headbands and journals! Seriously, they're so cute! (Maybe that's why her Etsy is so fittingly called, CuteCuteCompany! CuCuCo, for short. Check it out!) Anyways...onto the pretty things you're actually here for!






Again. I'm jealous. 

To enter this giveaway, there are no requirements! While it would be super neat if everyone who entered fell in love with and became followers of both Rachel and I's blogs...it's not mandatory. So, just enter! Oh, but do you leave your name and email address so I can contact the winner! And just for fun, maybe tell me your favorite moment from your holidays this year. :) 

Extra Entries:

(1) if you tweet about it.
(2) if you blog about it.

Be sure to let me know in separate comments!


The giveaway will be open until Jan. 12. (Wednesday) at 12 AM.
The winner will be posted later that day.
Thank you!