Vent Session

Searching for an apartment in New York City is like putting on a duvet cover blindfolded. 

I HATE PUTTING ON THE DUVET COVER! 

(typing that in caps made me feel ohsomuchbetter.)

My lease isn't up until the end of June, but I've reluctantly started the hunt primarily using Craigslist, StreetEasy, and various no-fee/landlord websites. My bf has been extremely helpful, too - I seriously wake up every morning to a new email with links to peruse. (thank you!!)

I'd really, really love to have a separate room/area for living space.

...and a bathroom that is big enough for both a shower and a toilet.

...and ample cabinet space so I don't have to use my oven as storage. 

...and a furniture facelift. 

I meaaan, I'm 26 years old and it's time I have a normal-sized couch. The two bottom drawers of my previously owned dresser no longer open/operate without falling apart. And my "side-table" is a flimsy stand constructed of cardboard that was once used as a pedestal in an off-Broadway production. Let's be real.

Who knows, maybe I won't even end up moving. I have moments where I really do love my set-up and the thought of dealing with the process and packing up my life amidst its current momentum leaves me short of breath. Maybe I won't even find anything "better" in my price-range...but the bug is in my ear and goshdarnit, I'm going to at least try. 

My DVR is always full of two TV re-runs that will never get old:

Sex and the City & Friends.

A 30-minute episode of either is as effective as a professional therapy session complete with Oreos & milk. I often find myself fantasizing about living in either of their homes, frolicking around and having more than two options of where to sit down. 

[yelled into a loud-speaker] 'Scuse me, NYC, I'd like to know where you're hiding those apartments!

Let's take a look at theirs, shall we? 

Here is Carrie's apartment:

images via

(ugh, that closet makes me hyperventilate with envy.)

Here's the same apartment post wedding-drama remodeling:

images via

I know, friend, I know.

 Don't cry.

And don't forget where the gang hangs out:

"I'll. be. there. forrr youuuuuu."

Yeah? Well be there by finding me a big purple living room.

If you witness any irrational aggressiveness / unruly behavior / overall annoyance from the little lady during this process, blame Bradshaw & Geller. As the stress increases, I will be relying on my DVR for support. And you know who lives inside the DVR...people with big, beautiful, & rent-controlled apartments.

Oh gawwwd. I'm going to end up like this chick, aren't I?

until next time,

g

Five Quotes

:: five quotes for your day ::

until next time,

g

Colorful Dresses

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

p.s.

until next time,

g

Starting My Weekend Early

what are you up to this Easter weekend?

yes, that's right. i'm signing off early this week

to take a break from NYC for a long weekend with my guy.

long distant relationships stink most of the time...

i could go on and on about all the difficult things we face

on a day-to-day basis.

but the anticipation before a visit?

feeling the need to apply a last-minute layer of lipstick?

the butterflies in my stomach as I see him and start speed-walking down the airport ramp?

my flushed cheeks and nervousness as I hug him

and remember what it feels like?

it's been nearly seven years,

but i get to relive the excitement of meeting him

over & over & over again.

and i really do love that part.

...

I wanted to share a few things before I go:

a cute cosmetic bag by virginia johnson.

these puppies are havin' a bad day.

i'm a fan of the sideways cross necklace.

been a while since you've dyed Easter eggs? here are instructions. feeling frisky? check out these trendy neon eggs. and can someone puhlease make these?

i've saved this as a future must-do DIY project. So simple to recreate! Frame it and hang it in your bathroom. Speaking of bathrooms, these are cute chevron bath mats.

a list of everything you need to outfit a cozy guest room.

lavender ballet flats.

the tale of peter rabbit.

my friend just told me about this project called "One Hello World." have you heard of it? it's a collection of voicemails set to music. you can even call the provided number and leave a voicemail. listen to one here.

have a wonderful holiday weekend!

until next time,

g

Recent Inspiration

i practiced using a new calligraphy nib the other day...

(the inverted colors / bokeh effect are done on my iPhone.)

...and i can't stop writing everything i can think of.

I always start with a sketch for my little lady desktop wallpapers.

{here is april's!}

this month, i was inspired by Lauren Conrad here in this picture.

do you like her Rebecca Minkoff clutch? you can purchase one here.

naturally, i decided to give a copy of the pic to Lauren in person.

idunno, maybe she needs to keep track of her busy calendar 

and could benefit from a quick reference?

...or maybe i'm a giant nerd?

this is my friend, Kate, who went with me to meet L.C. 

she's the best. :)

here she comes!

um, love the shoes.

she talked about her new book, The Fame Game,

(purchase here) and answered various questions from the audience.

beautiful, bright, lovely, & down-to-earth.

in addition to her other series (L.A. Candy), 

she has a book on style (add it to my wishlist.)

& a fun-filled blog. (get your Pinterest boards ready.)

i've also recently enjoyed following her

 Instagrammed African adventure.

Trey Phillips (from Laguna Beach) showed up halfway through &

ran up on the stage to give L.C. a hug. it was pretty darn cute. 

he was very friendly...

even after Kate proceeded to tell him how she cried 

during the episode he leaves Laguna, ha!

(this should explain why we're friends.)

...

p.s. i gave in and am doing another month of photo-a-day via @fatmumslim.

whatcanisay? it inspires me.

1. #myreflection

2. #colour

3. the best #mail to come home to. :)

4. #someonewhomakesmehappy

(and someone i get to see tomorrow!)

p.p.s. an inspiring quote for your Wednesday.

until next time,

g

Chalcedony on Etsy

:: chalcedony is one of my favorite stones

because of its uniqueness & iridescence. ::

wana see?

check out these aqua chalcedony pieces on Etsy!

:: via :: 

:: via :: 

:: via :: 

:: via ::

:: via ::

:: via ::

aren't they pretty?

make sure to click the "via" links beneath the images

 to find out where to purchase.

until next time,

g

April 2012 Desktop Wallpaper

happy april!

:: inspiration via ::

{click image to make bigger, save as desktop wallpaper}

until next time,

g