Please, Please, Please...

I'm begging spring to come ASAP. I have had enough of unrelenting cold and snow. My mind has oped up the windows and started letting in the fresh air. While I mentally clean for spring, I've been putting outfits together for the crisp season.  

Coat: Need Supply Co., Bracelet: Need Supply Co., Dress: Freepeople, Bag: Forever21, and Shoes: Modcloth

I added a cute coat to this outfit, because even when spring is here let's still be sensible. I will still be brisk out. I am in LOVE with this dress by Free People. It's actually made up of different patterns all sewn together. I thought it was one big print, but when I realized how it was made I'm thinking of trying to make my own version. Why not just buy it? Well with a hefty price tag of about $300, I figured giving the old college try couldn't hurt. for now let's hope that little ground hog doesn't see his shadow. 

Until tomorrow...Natalie 

B I E N F A I T

I feel the need to apologize for some of the worst lighting I have ever dealt with. That you are now witnessing. It is simply too cold for me to want to even consider going out side, its grey and murky and blah. A few days ago I thought there was a beam of hope almost all the snow melted the sun was shining. I was able to go outside in a light jacket. I thought "YES! this is it!." Alas snow came back with a bone chilling vengeance. I had not foreseen this. I knew I should have taken photos on that day, but I was quite busy in the city all day. I have found myself running around Chicago lately like a mad person, but it's also kind of fun. I've been museum hopping, I recently saw Phantom of the Opera with one of my best friends, and went to a Jake Bugg concert. I love the city...but I could do with out the chilly wind and snow. 

So the outfit I put together below is a super comfy city look I just adore. I'm wearing my favorite Top- Madewell: old (well not really old but from last summer), Hat- Black Kitty Beanie, Sunnies-no clue so so old, Watch- Anne Kline (it was a gift so not sure where it came from), Skirt- The Limited, Tights- Modcloth, and Shoes- Converse. In my last photo I'm showing this red lip stain I got which is from Besame Cosmetics, but I have a future post for that. 

 I swear that Madewell has some of the softest shirts ever. Most of my friends know I am practically obsessed with that store. Even thought I lack the funds to fill my closet with all of it. It's probably for the best.

I want to thank those who got to the end and ignored my messy room, and overlooked terrible change in lighting. I really am pleading with spring to come so I can go outside. I have been searching for better photo locations. Until tomorrow...Natalie

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I am now officially, well will be 22 as of the 28th! So now I can start my before 23 list of things to accomplish within the year.

Here is my list:

Go white water rafting

(source) 

Get another tattoo

(source)

Run a 5k

(Run or Dye info) I have already signed up and I'm excited!!

Bike more often 

To learn more about espresso and tea

I bet you didn't portable espresso machines existed...neither did I but they are real. Check it out: here

Learn at least the basics in Korean language

(Blog source)

Read at least 25 books or more

(Source)

Sew more

Finish my book

I have been writing a lot recently and I can't wait to actually accomplish something I have been working on for a long time. 

Plant a small garden

I may not have been gifted with a green thumb, I will try my best!

Take a photography class

Take a yoga class instead of doing all of it in my room alone

by John Drewry

 Really break in all my new pastry books

This is the beginning of a list of things I wish to do. Who know's what tomorrow will bring, so I have to do what I can today. Until tomorrow...Natalie 

Saying Goodbye, But Welcoming Hello

We rose our glasses to toast to all the memories made, reflected and remembered of 2013. We now bid you adieu. What lies ahead for us this year? I've learned one thing from 2013: You are in charge of your own happiness. You want something? You have to be the one to go and get it. I have spent time hoping what I want would make its way to me. I always say I want so much out of life, so there is my answer. 2014 will be the year of pushing myself further and pursuing my own happiness. What will you do?

Reflection of some of my favorite moments of 2013:

Black Sabbath concert with good friends

 The fact I got this little love Finley <3

 Watching my brother spend month fixing up a Model A from scratch and take it to his first car show 

 Seeing this little lady after she her year abroad for a pint or two

 Halloween was one of the best

 our glorious morning after 

 She just likes to pose all the time awww

 Working on my skills 

 That dog makes me laugh (he kept rolling off the couch, but he is so small >.< )

 Rocky Horror night we get real serious lol

 Yeah we had a little too much fun

 Most of our photos from Disney look like this lol 

 ahh camping

My brother got my my first set of fancy colored pencils!

 My France/ England trip was amazing

 We have family photo shoots 

Best friends. 

Some of my favorite memories are attached to these photos. That's 2013 the good and the bad folks. So goodbye, and hello. Lets not make resolutions, but just go and be happy. Take more photos, meet with your friends more, spend more time with the ones you love, read more books, create art, learn to sing, or travel somewhere you long to go. Whatever you do love the ones you know, be kind to those you meet, and always smile at strangers. This is the year of possibilities, and who knows we all start as strangers. Don't let 2014 be a stranger. Say hello and start your adventure. Until tomorrow...Natalie