happy valentine's day!

image via

For one of my New Year's resolutions, I had promised myself to simply love - to appreciate and savor every moment of each waking day - to show gratitude for everyone and everything around me - to cherish life, itself. How fitting it is, that I revisit this resolution on a day when we celebrate all that is love and the people we love most.

So here's to you, my family, main squeeze and friends for being the best support system and cheerleaders a girl could ever ask for. Sending you all hugs and tons 'o love today and every day!

Happy Valentines' Day!

xoxo

Simple goes a long way...

Whoever said "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" was a genius. Most women love the glitz and glamour; I know I would prefer Cartier over a box of chocolates any day.

However, there are times when simple gestures make a bigger and better impression. Those moments of silence when nothing is said but only passion, tension and eye contact remains... yes, those simple and non-extravagant moments are what fulfills one's life. Because with those moments, life is full of love, affection and pure bliss.

Below are images of what I call strong simplicity. I accumulated those pictures from Pinterest and categorized them on my Pinterest-board called "I Just Want These."

"Purpose of the title?" you might ask.

Well when you think about it... aside from the necessities in life (food, shelter, air, water, clothes, etc.), there are some things that are just needed/wanted to live - both physically and emotionally. In this post, I am focusing on those emotional "wants" -- what the soul craves... what the heart aches.

These gestures, though simple, are beautiful and powerful.

Actions speak louder than words right? You can say "I love you," and it will have a huge impact on a person the first few times... but soon after the hundredth  "I love you," the phrase turns into a banal exchange of words - replacing the good-byes, hellos and awkward silences. The actions that accompany those eight little letters are what makes it more meaningful. They make an everlasting impression on the heart.

Yeah, yeah.. the 21-year old admits it.. she's a #HopelessRomantic despite her Negative-Nancy tendencies around couples and PDA. 


Images via Pinterest.

PS... I guess you can say that these pictures are also tips for the boys.. aka these images/gestures will for sure win your girl's heart. Trust me. They mean more than you think.

Cooking and/or baking dates.
Food and romance.... need I say more?

Tennis Dates....
this maybe just a personal favorite bahaha
not sure if other girls would love it

Coffee + Deep Conversation
 #loves
Extra 5 points, if he's got your coffee order memorized.

Hand-written love letters
Sonnets would be pushing it as borderline cheesy...
Being a PR gal, I love writing - eloquent writing.
My weakness: Gentlemen with great vocabulary.
If he quotes anything from Billy Collins, my heart he can keep. 

Flowers for no reason except to brighten her day.
Gerber daisies. Gardenias (the favorite). Peonies.
As long as you don't buy carnations, you should be fine.

Sweet Love.
This picture is just too perfect. Dontcha think?

Put a Ring on It

Remember my wedding posts "I Do" and "'I Do' Part II" and how my obsession with the white dress and flower arrangements resulted in hours upon hours on Snippet and Ink? Things haven't changed a bit... Still obsessed with weddings and planning that magical day. #loves

I've recently started using Pinterest as a tool for gathering wedding photos and inspirations for decor. With Pinterest, virtual scrap-booking for the big day has been made much easier. Here are some lovely photos I've found:

#tendermoments #thebigday #whitedress

I'll crawl the sandy bottom of the Puget Sound...

photo courtesy of Webstagram

space needle. pike place market. alpha theta. starbs. edelman. gasworks. udub. greenlake.

Baby, Imma come back to you tomorrow....

Bright and early tomorrow, I'll be heading up to the Emerald City with my Mama. Sunroof open and my iPod on shuffle, I'm ready for a little road trip with my Mama. We're spending the day downtown, and then, it's off to a PRSSA meeting at UW. Afterwards, maybe I'll get the chance to hang out with my Alpha Thetas...a possible trip to Finn's or Earl's? You know where to find me if I feel like dancing... 

Fournos, oh how I wish I was coming up on a Thursday night. 

Lastly, I'm ending my trip with a quick interview the next morning. I'm a bit bitter about the quick visit, but at least, I get to see my beloved Seattle. #seattlelite #citygirl #marinersfan #gohuskies

This blog post's title is courtesy of Owl City's "Hello Seattle."

You Give the Strength to Me

photo courtesy of We Heart It
... a strength I never had

"I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live

and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." (Jn 11:25-26)

Happy Sunday, friends! 

This morning, I woke up, pulled on a navy and white polka dotted shift, slipped on a headband and headed off to St. Joseph's 9 am morning mass with my Bible in Kate Spade over one arm and an iced tea in the other hand. Although it's only been week 2, I have now dubbed this weekly ritual of Sunday mass- something I look forward to - and yes, these glorious Sunday mornings are very dear to me. I cherish the time of reflection before mass when I listen to a little Dave Matthews and/or Snow Patrol as I cross the Montlake bridge and drive towards the neighborhoods of Capitol Hill. I am absolutely in love with the beautiful trees and quaint surroundings of the parish, the stained glass windows and dim candle lights. All around me, I feel it -- security, peace and ultimately, God's love surrounding me. 

In today's Gospel according to John, we listened to the "Raising of Lazarus" - which was acted out in song and dance instead of Fr. Whitney SJ's usual reading from the pulpit. Although I was a bit taken back by this, the dance was moving, inspiring and invoked more emotion/understanding than if I were to just simply listen to the words being read. The verse above, from this Gospel, calls us to reevaluate our faith and questions how strong our faith is in God? 

Questions to ponder: How much do you trust the good Lord? Do you truly believe in Him or are you having trouble with doubt and skepticism? 

Believe me when I say that I have dealt with these questions - oh so many times on numerous occasions. The fact that I'm still here and fully putting my trust in God and believing in Him with my whole heart -- well, that's a pure testament of how moving and influential this faith journey has been in my life, especially the people who have helped me along the way (i.e. my mother, Father Pat and others). Their dedication and inexplainable love can really change person for the better.

What I've realized is that no matter what happens, in the end all of it comes back to one thing-- the roads lead back to Him.

As early as age 5 when I took Sunday bible classes with the other mini-Kinder kids at Holy Trinity, we learned that God is the Alpha and the Omega -- the beginning and the end. In high school, this idea was reiterated with my freshmen religion class, instructed by Fr. Pat with the explanation of a typical Catholic's faith journey. In the beginning, when we are young - we are closest to God, and at the end, when we have a family and begin to grow old, nearing the end of our life - that is when we come back to Him. It is our natural instinct. Thus, it is with the beginning and the end that God is with us, and we are with Him. The in-between... well, that's what makes each of our journeys so unique. 

This is what makes us... us. 

So with today's Gospel, I thought about how difficult it was for Mary and Martha to see their brother die. Yet, amidst such tragedy, they affirmed their belief in Jesus -- because as they said, if He were there, Lazarus would not have been dead. They believed in Him, the resurrection and the life everlasting. With that, Lazarus was awaken and came back to life. 

Through Jesus -- through God, there is eternal life. 

Today, I ask of one thing: 

Lord, please give me the strength - a strength I never had - the ability to understand the Word and the willingness to open my heart and place my trust in Your hands. Help me to always see life beyond death and to truly believe, forever and always.

Today's title was inspired by Snow Patrol's "Give Me the Strength." 

Back Where I Belong... Never Felt So Strong

St. Benedict's Chapel - Mckenzie Bridge, OR
 (April 2008)

Are you there God? It's me, Amanda. 

Yes, today's lack of creativity resulted in starting this entry like a Judy Blume book. Apologies if you're a bit disappointed. Hopefully, that won't deter you from reading the rest of it because today's entry is unlike my other ones. Instead of writing a simple chick-flick inside scoop to my sorority life or ramblin' on how much I love my Alpha Dees, etc., I'm baring my soul for you (for the first time, maybe not the last too) and documenting my "wake up" moment -- a coming-back to my true self, the old me whom I've lost when I first came to Seattle. 

....

Okay... so, here it goes. 

"Beloved: bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God." 2 Tm 1:8b

That's taken straight from today's 2nd Reading (for those of you church-goers, 5 gold stars to the next person who can summarize the main message of the Gospel reading; *hint: Transfiguration). 

Hardship:

Well, this morning was both joyous and disheartening for many reasons. First, the realization that I was stuck in a whirlwind of confusion and disappointment became quite apparent over my conversation with a dear old friend of mine, Fr. Pat. How did I come to this? Imma set the context for ya.

Since pre-school, I had attended a private, Catholic school: Holy Trinity (Beaverton, OR) for K-3rd, Pope John XXIII (Scottsdale, AZ) during 4th grade, St. Joseph (Vancouver, WA) in 5th-8th grade and finally, Jesuit (Portland, OR) for high school. I went to Mass twice a week, prayed the rosary at least three times a month and participated in confession twice a year. I, being my mother's child, was close (very close) to God. Celebrated all of the sacraments, altar served, and enjoyed every minute of it. Being Catholic was very important in my life - it was my strength and source of hope. When I graduated from Jesuit, it was my wish to continue my devotion and spiritual life. However, to my dismay, college became a distraction, and I strayed away from my faith. 

This mental block/ "absence of God" phase was not ideal, obviously. Shameful to admit, this lack of spiritual fulfillment persisted for the past three years, and it wasn't until a couple days ago, that I realized what it was doing to my life - physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

Strength (fast-forwarding to now): 

It has been a little over three years now (1,095 days to be exact) since I last visited Jesuit High School, and this past Friday (March 18th, 2011) marked my first return since graduation. 

For me, it was the moment I stepped foot into the hallways, ventured through the chapel and celebrated mass with old faculty members and the students that I reached my "wake up" moment. 

That was it - this was what I needed.

My soul had thirst for it -- At that moment, time stood still, and nothing seemed to have changed. Just the people growing older, but that strong sense of community, it endured after all these years. For months, I had yearned for that feeling -agape - love and security - and that's what I felt at Jesuit, especially when I spoke those sacred words during Mass. I wasn't "going through the motions" like any other Mass service ( specifically the ones up in Seattle at the Newman Center - no offense, I just haven't found that feeling there).. The words I spoke - psalms, refrains, creed - it all meant something to me. I felt an overwhelming sense of joy, pure bliss and peace fall over my soul. 

I wanted it to last forever.

there is a light that will overcome the darkness...
 ACE '08 Encounter Love

"Wake Up" Moment:

This morning, I met with Fr. Pat Conroy, a Jesuit priest whom I deeply admire and had the privilege of being his student during my freshman year at Jesuit, for coffee at the Starbucks right next door to my high school. 

Laughing and crying, we chit-chatted about life after Jesuit - college, career paths, relationships and friends. Then, we got to some serious stuff; I discussed my faith journey with him, describing how I truly felt about God and what I was struggling with in my life. I felt like one of the lost sheep that I had read about over and over in Mark's gospels. 

With tears brimming my eyes, I asked him "Am I a bad Catholic?" I half-expected him to reply "Yes," and explain to me the many ways I could repay God for my lack of piety and devotion these past three years. 

Instead, he looked at me, crossed his arms, half-smiled and said "No." "You are not a bad Catholic, Amanda. You're normal and just going through that part in your faith journey where everyone struggles with God." 

The next hour and half, we discussed how much I missed God, the role He played in my life and how to come back home.

In those 90 minutes, I had never felt so uplifted. Just 90 minutes with Fr. Pat,  having an open discussion about God and working through my troubles... that was what I truly needed. Not one homily or service that I had attended since graduation could measure up to this morning's conversation. Because of this morning, I finally feel reconnected again.

More than happy to say, I strongly think believe that I have rediscovered Him in my life. 

It's nice to be back -- it's a good feeling - it's like I'm taking a bit of Jesuit 

and locking it up in my heart forever. 

The title of this entry comes from "Coming Home" by Diddy feat. Skylar Grey

And yes... my soul has finally come home.

Hold on to whatever you find baby,

photo courtesy of Tumblr Photography

Who do you love... me or the thought of me?

Relationship 101 - complimentary of my COM 444 Public Relations and Society professor, Kathleen Fearn-Banks on the last day of class:

• Men are dogs until age 35.
• For those of you who are getting married within the next four years, you will say "I Do" and in the next two or three years will say "I Don't."
• For the mean time, don't waste your time with marriage. Spend your money on yourself - buy a car, a house and until you realize that you would not have to give up anything that you want in your life to be in the relationship, then commit.
• Those of you sitting in my class, you are the type that will not give-in all the time in a relationship, and neither should you settle for a partner who does as well.
• If you do choose to get married anytime soon, and one day you see me walking on the street and you realize that I was correct (which I usually am), then wink at me. For the past ten years that I have given this advice, I have gotten a lot of winks.

KFB, I don't really have much to comment in regards to your love lessons. Your PR and professional advice, however, that I will take with me for the rest of my life.

Honestly, I don't know if I'll marry anytime soon. I might even take your advice (bullet no. 3) to heart. By that time, I'll probably be in my late 40s... but that's another side note. All I know now is that I'm about to enter spring quarter 2011. My last spring quarter of college... that means my last Greek Week (not that I fully partake in the early mornings of drunken debauchery), last Black Diamond Formal, last Greek Preview (i. heart. recruitment.), and soon at the end of this summer, my last recruitment and quarter at the University of Washington. 

Watching the series finale of "Greek" the other night put me in a little reflective mode. Casey Cartwright, former president of her sorority was finally leaving CRUniversity and taking her first steps into the real world. She was letting it all go; moving on. They showed some flashbacks to the first season and a re-cap of all of her relationships - friends, boys, school, sorority and self. As I watched this, I thought about mine. 

My time at UW has been one of the most invaluable experiences. 

Coming from Jesuit High School, a private high school in Portland, OR, I was surrounded by this preppy, protective bubble of conservative ideals and honestly, was such a work-a-holic that I never truly experienced "high school." It was all about involvement - from Varsity cheerleading, clubs, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Student Government, Jesuit Ambassadors, Green Club, Diversity Club, and of course over 200 hours of volunteering. Did I ever take the time to breathe? No, I didn't. 

My freshman year at UW - I decided to change. Granted, my grades suffered quite a bit as I learned to juggle between school, sorority and my discovery of the college social scene (so fratastic). By the time sophomore year rolled around, I was on track again. Grades were a lot better, I was on the Executive Committee of my chapter serving as Recruitment Vice President, found a great group of friends/sisters and still had time to enjoy myself. Also, I began to involve myself outside of the chapter with on-campus clubs and discovered my innate passion and strengths in public relations - what I'm currently pursuing upon graduation.

Now, I am about to finish my winter quarter of junior year. What do I have to say for myself? Am I ready to leave UW - move on to the real world - let go of my sorority - be an adult? 

Well, my answer would be "yes" to all of the above. One thing I will say, is that during both my high school and college years, not once did I mention anything about love. That foufy noun/verb that many people cringe because they try to avoid it  - either due to their own weird relationship with their significant other or they are fearful of commitment. 

Personally, I just never made time for it. It was strange seeing my friends develop these boyfriend/girlfriend relationships in high school, when I was constantly thinking of other things such as projects, leaving high school and college. 

I will admit that I had a "thing" if you could call a three months of  - a guy following you around, trying to hold your hand in the hallway, sitting next to you at lunch, and calling you constantly  - a relationship. I beg to differ and would rather call it either puppy love or "being stalked."

These past three years, I have watched my friends get into relationships (some even their very first quarter of freshman year), break-up, get engaged/pinned (fratastic way of expressing love - he loves her more than his house), and/or rekindle the love with their high-school sweetheart. What did I do this time around? Did I learn anything from high school? Apparently, not. Evidence? Still single... a work-a-holic and little stress-ball (as some have nick-named me). Still looking into the future? As always... I'm a big-picture kinda girl. Detail-oriented, aggressive, type-a personality. It'll take Mr. Better than Average to handle me. 

According to a good friend, Elyssa: "You're intimidating, Amanda... you kind of have a 6 foot personality in a 5 foot body."

Thanks girl... I take that as a real compliment... but the intimidating part? I beg to differ.. I'd like to think I'm approachable. 

The next question is probably what did I do wrong? Well, if I knew then I would not be thinking about it right now, would I? IDK - the answer isn't right in front of me or anything. I will admit though. I have had my fair share of heart-breaks. Plenty of them too. I guess, I sorta fall head over heels a little too quickly because I just want things to work. Throughout my time at UW, I've had my heart broken two times. The first was just not meant to be.. it wasn't the right time. He was a bit older, needed to do a little soul-searching, and I had all my plans set out. Just wasn't a match. The second... well, that's a mystery I'll probably never figure out. The border of friend zone is an unfortunate area. Same interests, we know each other's quirks, get the other's jokes (even when they're not funny), and are able to have comfortable silence. But like all of the romantic comedies in Hollywood, He's just so difficult to read... For now, I'll just take the advice from "He's Just Not that Into You." 

As much as some people believe that I'm a hard-ass, a little demanding, and at times a control-freak.. inside, I'm a little maiden in distress waiting for her knight in shining armor.  

To answer John Mayer's question.. 

Who do I love? 

Am I looking for love or just the thought of it? 

_________________________

For now, I don't think a long-term relationship would be best. With an imminent graduation, internship in Atlanta this summer, and the possibility of re-locating after fall quarter... any sort of tie to Seattle would just complicate things and hurt both parties. So, I don't really know if I have an answer. I have a name in mind, but if I were to be smart, level-headed and to think carefully... I would have to stick with KFB's bullet no. 3. I might not be willing to give up my goals for his. 

With that being said, I'll just leave that line blank for now. Maybe before I graduate, I'll find an appropriate answer.

Til then, I'm keeping my heart guarded. 

Until I am able to feel completely vulnerable again,
have some certainty that it's real,
and feel that way about him 

then I'll offer up the key. 

"I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)" - John Mayer

And she wears the blue and white...

Atlanta, here I come! 

Yes, Ashlyn, I stole borrowed this from your blog... it was too pretty of a picture.
When I arrive at Memorial HQ, I'll take my own pic. bahaha

Memorial Headquarters - Alpha Delta Pi - Ponce de Leon - I'm coming your way this June 2011... 

Can you believe it? I'll be living there for 6 weeks! Eeek... I'm so lucky!

<> Can't wait to meet my new EO sisters <>

I have no words to describe how thrilled  ecstatic HAPPY overjoyed I am to be given such a wonderful opportunity to work with Executive Office this summer (June 8th/ish through July 15th). This past Saturday, I was just sitting at Starbucks attempting to write a paper and fill out the Chapter Awards packet. But in actuality, I was chit-chattin' for a bit with Miss Anna Kate, a sweet Zeta Iota sister. Then all of a sudden, T. Swift's "Sparks Fly" started blaring from my phone... I looked at the number and the area code was very similar to EO's office number in Georgia. Picked up the phone, and the next couple of minutes happened so quickly, I didn't even realize what was happening.. Filled with so much joy and emotion, I squealed like a little girl at Starbucks when I heard Executive Director Mrs. Ablard's voice congratulating me on my acceptance to be an 

Executive Office Intern! 

People around me probs though I was one huge freak for being all giddy and doing a little victory dance in my seat. (bahaha) When she said I had to keep it hush-hush until Monday, my stomach was going to explode. "Only tell those who are close to you," she said... Gahhh, so difficult to keep such a promise, but "Mum's the word" until NOW. 

The picture below completely sums up my mindset when I heard I was going to Atlanta.  My Immediate Reaction: (of course, I would never say that out loud... kept my cool)

 I can also hear Ashlyn saying this too,

with her cute lil' accent all the way from Drake University...

I'm still in shock... I can't believe it. 

Flying across the country by myself

 from the chill, hippie Pacific NW to the classic, land of the South. 

Lord knows, I'm stoked. 
I'd be wearing my pearls all day long...

My Sweet Alpha Dee's... I am beyond ecstatic. I can't wait to learn, breathe and truly live ADPi... then bring it all back to you, my Alpha Thetas.

Things I'm looking forward to:

• Being + Living at Memorial Headquarters! It's like an ADPi sleepover errday everyday for 6 weeks. Maybe I'll get to have a pajama jam with CBG - one could only hope...
• Going to E.T. Fitzergerald's grave - Macon, GA - Wesleyan College - I gotta pay tribute to the ultimate head honcho of our International Organization- our Founder.
• Making new friends and bonding with amazing EO sisters; so excited to meet all of you ladies <> Haley: Ashlyn's told me so much about you. Apparently we're ADPi twins? Looking forward to hanging out and venturing 'round Georgia with you.
• Finally, I get to meet Miss Anna Kate -- ahh so excited! Girl, we best be having a lunch date that includes sweet tea (extra sweetened) and some delicious southern comfort food. Please take me on a shopping extravaganza; I'm in dire need of some Lilly in my closet.
• Learning what my projects for the summer are - hopefully, it includes the ADPi Foundation - doing public relations (community outreach, media relations, and dabblin' a bit with branding) for Expansion and Violet Circle Membership - real, hands-on PR experience... YES!

•  ATLANTA, GA - need I say more? There will be tons of excursions into town... and plenty of shopping, duh - that's.a.given.
•  Ashlyn, come visit me, puh-leeze! I'd love to see your beautiful face. 
• I'm excited to get all touristy and take tons of pictures wherever I go in Atl. I'll probably accumulate 1000+ pics at the end of my trip and at least 20+ videos. 
• My first time at an Atlanta Braves game. It's a must. My sweet EO sisters, I'm dragging you with me whether you like baseball or not - no worries, I don't really understand the game entirely - it's not really a Seattle thing. bahaha 
• SOUTHERN FOOD - I'm already addicted to sweet tea, chicken fried steak and biscuits & gravy... what's next on the plate?

delicious -photo courtesy of some tumblr...

• Oh, can we please go to a "University of XYZ" and see another ADPi chapter? I'm in love with seeing other ADPi houses - I think it's an inner 'I wanna be an LC' side of me.
• Me and my tendencies to over-prepare for anything has gotten me looking at CitySearch-Atlanta, GA ... I spy with my little eyes that Little Five Points is a fun hippie, eclectic neighborhood. Shopping in Lenox Square - yes every other bullet point includes shopping. (If you hadn't known by now, then you don't know me well at all.) Also, it looks like there's a cute little restaurant, Farm Burger, right on Ponce de Leon - can we go try it? It looks yummy. Oh, and I looked at the "neighborhood" section of Atlanta on Citysearch... have no idea what category EO fits under. Ponce de Leon, where are you on here? I must find you so I can look up more/other places to satisfy my tummy. No, but seriously...
• As cheesy as it sounds, I want to eat a peach. Georgia's known for its peaches. I love peaches. Henceforth - we're gettin' me a peach. mk? thanks.
• Flirting with adventure and celebrating my summer with good folks in the South - the Peach State - "Yes, Ma'am," the land of Sweet Tea, Southern Belles + Southern gents, Sperry's and a place where they all will accept my taste in fashion which primarily consists of tennis skirts, pearls and penny loafers - the Pacific NW just doesn't get it.  It's how I was raised in Scottsdale... oh how I love my preppy J. Crew

#lucky #myadpi #atlanta #summer

Song of the Moment: "Walking on a Dream" - Empire of the Sun
I really am walking on a dream... Is this real life? 

1851 Violet Circle - Join now!

Check out the ADPi Foundation video that was presented at

District Leadership Conference 2011

Alpha Delta Pi from Mitch Hardison on Vimeo.

Alpha Delta Pi Foundation.

Feel inspired - empowered - adpi love?

Pledge your support here 

and 

become a 

<> Violet Circle Member <>

For a simple donation of $18.51 in honor of our founding year, you can make a difference and support the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation. Through this foundation, the funds go directly towards programming, leadership training, seminars, District Leadership Conferences, Grand Convention and many other benefits for all chapters within our International Organization. A majority of the donations go towards scholarships and grants, too.

In addition to helping your sisters, the donation made in your name is your invitation into the 1851 Violet Circle, the individual Undergraduate Giving program of Alpha Delta Pi. In token of the Foundation's appreciation, each Violet Circle member will receive a complimentary violet dangle each year she participates in the program.

Make a difference today and support your sisters...

I feel strongly about this Foundation not just because I'm an ADPi and how I know this supports the sorority... but because I believe in the future of my sisters. I believe in the tradition and the everlasting bonds - both old and new... and yet to come. The Foundation supports all of that. 

At DLC VI where I met Mrs. Peggy Bort Jones - I'm sure all of you who know me, have heard me ramble on about how amazing she is and that I adore her dearly - I began to realize how important the Foundation was and its important for the betterment and the future of our sorority. Mrs. Jones taught me how the love and sisterhood is for a lifetime. I want future members to find that same passion and love I have discovered. 

Anna Wintour

Anna Wintour photo courtesy of StyleSponge

Editor in chief -- the Madonna of Fashion -- critically acclaimed as one of the most amazing women of her time... 

That is Anna Wintour. 

My deep admiration for this woman has dated back to May 2000. I was a mere ten and picked up my first Vogue, admiring its cover which featured Kate Moss in various bright shades of eyeshadow sipping a large cup of what appears to be a coca-cola product. The tag-line at the bottom "Fashion Meets Art," caught my attention. That was the beginning of my love and deep appreciation for the fashion industry and the work/efforts that is put into it.

Vogue Cover (May 2000)

In 2007, R.J. Cutler directed a documentary about her and the fashion world that she rules: "The September Issue." Click to watch the trailer.

Viewers get a first glance of what it really is like to work in the fashion industry: the high-stress environment, the pressure and the glamorous clothes. It's nothing like "The Devil Wears Prada." All employees work together to bring the best possible work to the company in order to help drive up sales for the publication and its parent company, Condé Nast Publications.

Good quotes from the film include the following:

"September is the January of fashion..." -- Candy Pratts Price, Creative Director of Vogue

"Fashion is not about looking back; it's looking forward." 

-- Anna Wintour, editor in chief of Vogue

Beyond the fashion components of Vogue, the marketing and sales efforts that goes into helping maintain the reputation and distinguished name of the publication is interesting to note in the film. I highly recommend it to any fashionista. It's a gem of a film.. and currently on order via Amazon right now. 

Back to my rambles about Wintour and Fashion:

It's amazing to think that the success of this $300 billion fashion world truly sits in the hands of the one and only Anna Wintour. Increase in sales at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Marios and other luxury retailers is heavily dependent on the spreads and covers of Vogue and what trends they are pushing. Vogue is, in essence, the Fashion Bible... and she controls it. She is the final approval for that sweater you're wearing or that clutch you're sporting to the next black tie gala for a charity event. 

After years of reading Vogue and fawning over all of the latest trends, color palettes, cover-stories and interviews with celebrities, I am still hooked. The world of fashion has always intrigued me.

wise words from yours truly... (or attempts to be)


Fashion is truly a self-declaration of the person you are and who you want to become. It says a lot about you are... the personal choices you make with color and style is a means of expression, even if you are completely unaware of it. Those who choose to ignore the trends, well, they are simply blocking themselves from innovation, culture and embracing the "new." As Wintour said, it really isn't about looking back. Fashion is moving forward. It's out with the old and in with the new. It represents the fast-paced environment that we live in, which is constantly changing and moving quickly.  

Enough with my rants on fashion and back to Wintour:

At this very moment, on a Saturday evening of February 5, 2011, I am currently sitting in the dining room of my sorority in a complete awe-obsessive state, rambling on my blog about how much I adore and admire this woman whom I have never met. The respect I have for her is clearly transparent and it will only grow from there. 

Wintour's creative and innovative ideas has set Vogue apart from the rest (i.e. Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Vanity Fair, etc.). Being part of the most elite collection of magazines owned by Condé Nast Publications, there is this pressure to be the BEST and maintain that spot at the top. Well, she does just that and more. 

in a nutshell... 

i love her+vogue+fashion.

WANT #165 Be Wintour's little office slave intern for a week 

wouldn't that be so awesome? 
think of all the people you'd meet... the clothes you'd touch/see/feel
Couture... here I come! 

Nothing's out of reach right? 

C'mon, I did apply to the Summer 2011 Internship program at Condé Nast Publications... so we'll see what happens. 

I'll leave today's ramble with one song... it's the one that stuck out to me when I watched "The September Issue."  Burn It All Down by VHS or Beta

all you need is love.

photo courtesy of We Heart It

step one 

LOVE.

"If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:1-2

Love is not simple. It is complex and at times, quite difficult. For me, love is the hardest obstacle to overcome. I greatly struggle with love.  At times, I wrestle with the idea of being able to love everyone. I know that not every person can be my best friend (as Annie G. likes to point out that I have too many "best" friends when they are really just acquaintances), but every person deserves to be treated equally. BUT sometimes, there's just the select few that I simply don't get. I just want to ask them "Are you for real?" or "Did you really just say that?" And then I must remember, that everyone is different for a reason.  

However, when I forget that simple fact... I begin to categorize. It's an awful flaw of mine. I think it's in our innate nature... to judge. It's at that exact moment when we form this misconception/bubble around the person based on that one impression or an accumulation of rumors, gossip, and awkward interactions. And then we justify our actions with "Isn't it just easier to hate loathe/dislike. Isn't it better to just ignore them? They're just so weird."

Well frankly, "No, that's not right." 

This statement should forever be imprinted on my hand every time I do something wrong.

God so loved the world that He let His only Son die for us.  

Note* He loved the world. World = EVERYONE. 

Not just me, you, your BFF, the fam bam, etc.. It was for EVERYONE, sinners & all. 

So to be a better person... it's loves.hugs.&.warm.fuzzies.for.everyone. No matter the drama, the history, rumors and all, loving someone at the most difficult time/in awkward situations/no matter the differences... that is the greatest gift anyone can give. That is being a better person. It is being a man/woman for others. 

And that's how you differentiate between the strong and the weak. The question is, are we willing to be strong? Can we give our love to those we don't like? 

Can we omit the word hate?

I'm trying to be a better person, which will be my life goal. And my quest to love will be an on-going journey. It'll be rough. There will be obstacles and struggles and when I hit the crossroads between the two different paths (to be strong or remain weak), I hope that God will help instill in me the courage and strength to choose love.

Portlandia

No, I'm not speaking about the new IFC show "Portlandia" that exposes all of the eccentric, hippie-like mannerisms of Oregonians. But, don't get me wrong; I LOVE that show and sadly, some of those jokes are true... maybe a bit exaggerated.

Portland - land of the bicycles, Rip City, PDX.

Whatever you want to call it. It's HOME to me. 

For your special treat today, I'm going to reveal to you my favorite aspects of my beloved Portland... the City of Roses, Voodoo Doughnuts, and much more.

And so we begin...

Voodoo Doughnuts

Probably located in what you would consider as one of the sketchier areas of Portland

 but so worth it. 

Fried dough; enough said. 

Recommendations?  

The Bacon Maple Bar, Captain My Captain, or The Old Dirty Bastard

If you're really up for the challenge... try the Texas Challenge. Eat the entire doughnut under 80 seconds, and you'll get your money back. Guaranteed. 

(Me and Sarah R. (Fellow ADPi sister who came to visit!) - Summer of 2009)

This pictures is taken right in the middle of NW 23rd - one of the hippest, vintage-like areas of Portland. Some of Portland's finest dining is located in this area (others are in the heart of Downtown and the Pearl District)

Great eats within the area include Papa Haydn, El Matador, and Lucy's Table. 

Recommendations:

Papa Haydn - Their dessert is absolutely delectable. It will surely satisfy any sweet tooth. 

Loves: Boccone Dolce, Raspberry Gateau, Panna Cotta or the Marjolaine! 

(Boccone Dolce - layers of fresh fruit and Chantilly cream and swiss meringues drizzled with chocolate... orgasmic!)

El Matador - Shots of patron for everyone; this tequlia bar has some of the greatest tapas too -- must have an order of the Tex-Mex Spring Rolls and and Ancho-Chipotle Wings. YUM

Lucy's Table - The goat cheese ravioli is to die for and I'm a big fan of their risotto. Their menu is exquisite. There's always something new, in season, fresh and absolutely delicious.

10 minutes away... my favorite little brunch getaway - Meriwethers

Within walking distance from Washington Park and just 5 minutes from the Oregonian Zoo, this little NW 23rd Portland neighborhood-like area is a hot spot for locals.  It holds a special place in my heart. LOVES it. 

 

(the story of saint cupcake -- too cute)

Just a couple streets away on NW 17th and Flanders, sits an adorable cupcake shop:

Saint Cupcake. One of my favorite hang-outs as a high-school kid when I attended Jesuit. My best friend, Sarah, and I would always have our little rendezvous here and catch up on life/gossip. 

Saint Cupcake (in my opinion) is better than Seattle's Trophy Cupcake.. don't get me wrong. I do love to gorge myself every once in awhile when I make the occasional trip to University Village, especially when my stomach begins to rumble from lack of sugar intake.


BUT I just simply love Saint Cupcake more. I don't know if it's because if it's a Portland thing or because I've grown up with it. Is it the fact that the little shop screams pink when you first go inside? Girly-ness everywhere? Well, I don't exactly know.. One thing I do note is that the cupcakes are much smaller. (My Size!) Their regular size is about half the size of a Trophy and then they also have the option of a dot, which is a bite-sized cupcake (comes in every flavor)... I guess it's the "less guilty" feeling because I can eat two dots at Saint Cupcake.

Best flavors hands-down: Red Velvet, Big Top, and for all you earthy, go-green health nuts - I HEART the VEGAN CUPCAKES TOO!

 

NEXT STOP:

 MY FAVORITE SUSHI PLACE

 MASU.


Masu Sushi  is located on SW 13th Ave right above American Apparel in downtown PDX and across from the Pearl District. Some of the best sushi I've ever had hails from this restaurant. A little pricey, but the quality is amazing. Love the sashimi and the rolls that I adore include the following: Japanther, the Nemo, and Japanista. Drink of choice? The Hello Kitty.




(Oh and the pictures of the restaurant are complimentary of yours truly... I experimented a little with photography back in the day... the subject in the photos - BFF Elizabeth)




Other reasons why I LOVE Portland:

No Sales Tax - shopping 'fo days....

Home of the BLAZERS!!!!

Washington Park is absolutely gorgeous. Picnics and a little "Funday Sunday" would be prime there... especially if it includes a little wine and cheese among the beautiful roses.

The hippie culture -- gotta love it. I have never been to another place that can exude the intense granola-ness that I have witnessed in PDX. Hemp. Mary-Jane. Bicycles = art. Where flannel is a staple article of clothing and everyone rides the tram. That's Portland.




So now that you've read some of my favorite things/places to eat in Portland, I hope you understand why I am, at times, homesick. It is a place where I truly feel at ease and brings me a sense of comfort. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Seattle and exploring new cities and having adventures, but the return back to Rip City --- that will always make my heart go "pitter patter."