a little wishing.

From top: Nisolo Mendez flat, Pig bookends, Anthropologie gift card, OTBT brown boot, Real Simple subscription, address stamp, Madewell striped skirt, Lisa Leonard word of the year necklace, leather key fob, Mindy Kaling topic cards, duck boots, signet ring.

Guess what I just realized? I'm turning 27 next week, and even though I have lots of different celebratory plans up my sleeve, I had no idea the day was getting so close. (It's February 2, if you're curious.) In honor of the impending date -- and during priceless moments I'm sure I should have spent finishing freelance projects -- I compiled this little list of some of my favorite, yet-to-be-turned-into-reality Pinterest pins. And while yes, these are all gifts I'd love to receive for 27, I'm pretty sure you guys might like them too. 

I'm curious: How do you all celebrate your birthdays? I know I'm a grown-up, but I think everybody deserves a fun celebration, even if it's low-key. So what do you do when your special day rolls around? Breakfast in bed? A trip to the movies? Flowers? A dinner party?

Let me know in the comments!

for the birthday.

Now that I've been blogging for a bit (nearly five years!), I try to avoid posting wish lists and my findings from the world wide web. Lots of other blogs do that, and they do it well. I make it a goal to stick to story-telling and to observation-making as much as I possibly can.

I hope you'll indulge me today.

Next week, I turn 26 years old, and for the first time in a long time, I just don't have much planned. I do, though, have a few things I wouldn't mind unwrapping this year, and I thought I'd share them here (despite my aforementioned editorial policy).

Without further ado, a birthday wishlist. 1. A Fabric-and-Handle bag that can transition from winter to spring. 2. A new pair of tennis shoes to run and exercise in (with bright orange laces, please). 3. A Falling Whistle necklace. More on the heartbreaking cause can be found on the organization's website. 4. A classic signet ring from, where else, J. Crew. 5. Gold flatware perfect for parties. I visited a West Elm store last weekend in Jacksonville, and I've kind of been obsessed ever since. 6. An exercise mat to use during my Bar Method DVD (more coming on this next week). 7. I'm thinking I maybe want an iPhone (and this pretty case). Here's the thing: I want to have an iPhone without becoming an iPhone person. Is it possible to have a smart phone without constantly whipping it out during dinners and conversations with friends? 8. A lovely pair of earrings. 9. A FashionABLE scarf. I got an infinity scarf for Christmas that I love, but I'm kind of digging the stripes on this one. 10. This shift dress is both trendy and timeless. 11. I've been ready to read An Altar in the World since I finished Leaving Church back in November. 12. It's time for a new wallet, and I think this one would do the trick nicely.

It's the iPhone that's the most unrealistic, and ironically, it's the wishlist item I'm still a little hesitant about (I think I get some sort of pride out of not having a smart phone just yet), but I have to admit: There are times it would certainly come in handy. Otherwise, I think this list pretty much covers my current wants (and a couple of needs).

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So you've seen the wishlist. Now forget the gifts, and tell me: What's a girl to do to celebrate her 26th birthday?

a trip to tybee.

Jordan and I have been reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil together, and its Savannah setting has me dreaming of one of my favorite destinations: Tybee Island, Georgia. The beach isn't nearly as pretty as the gulf coast my family heads to each year, but there's something rather magical about it: the pretty gardens, the long bike rides, and the satisfactory feeling that everyone is content doing absolutely nothing. I love its proximity to Savannah, but I love Tybee for Tybee... And I'm crossing my fingers that Jordan sees the need to take us back this year.

I already know what I'd pack...

01 : Bookish shades from Anthropologie
02 : Smile towel from Bloomingdale's
03 : Ruffled tankini from Boden USA
04 : Hat from Anthropologie 

house-hunting.

Since I was a little girl, I've been dreaming about the kind of house I'd live in one day. I used to come up with imaginary floor plans and designs for each room, feverishly tearing photos out of magazines and gluing them into collages.

Looking back, collage-ing may have been one of my favorite pastimes. I think it was my way of being an artist.

Today, I don't make collages, but I do still keep a collection of magazine articles and photos in a binder at home. I know everyone's into Pinterest right now (and, full disclosure, I have one too), but there's something about sitting in your living room floor, going through magazines, punching holes, and marking things with post-its that's a little therapeutic. And even though Jordan and I aren't yet in the market for a home (though if we were, this one's still up for grabs; remember how much I love it?), one day, when student loans are paid off and we're finally ready, I'll have a list of exactly what we're looking for.

Behold, a peak inside my inspiration binder (you know you want one):

{built-in bookcases, cottage living magazine, photo by roger davies}

 {farmhouse sink, cottage living magazine, design by jane leyens}

 {natural light, cottage living magazine, photo by tria giovan}

 {open shelving + wood floors, country living magazine, photo by ellen mcdermott}

 {farm table, country living magazine, design by jill borelli}

{yellow door + livable entry, blueprint magazine, photo by laura moss}

 {more natural light, do it yourself magazine, design by pamela porter}

 {white cabinets + kitchen bar, better home & gardens magazine, photo by reed davis}

 {space for outdoor entertaining, country living magazine, photo by lucas allen}

 {black + white floors, country living magazine, photo by laura moss}

bookstore dreams.

 {the boulder bookstore, via pinterest}

I love traveling with Jordan. I love traveling in general, but I like experiencing new cultures, country back roads, and good food with my best friend. Plus, there’s something about time spent away from home that gets us talking about more than just upcoming events and the week’s grocery list. We’re able to dream a little, to think about the future and express gratitude for the present.

Last Saturday, on a spontaneous trip to the coast, Jordan and I were sitting outside a coffee shop in Rosemary Beach, talking about the summer and what we wanted it to look like. Our little trip to the beach felt like a much-needed reprieve, but the sweltering heat and a chipped tooth (yes, yes, I’m a klutz) had put a damper on things. Then Jordan found me a bookstore and a coffee shop, and my tears dried up pretty quickly.

As we sat talking and laughing, I nodded to the 20-something young woman standing and talking nearby. She had opened the Rosemary Beach store just three weeks before, and I told Jordan: I want to do that.

I want to own a bookstore.

That dream is nothing new. I’ve wanted one since before Norah Ephron penned You’ve Got Mail, before I even knew Kathleen Kelly of the little bookstore existed. I’ve had the name picked out for years, toyed with the idea of an accompanying deli or stationary supply shop, peaked inside windows of empty stores in my little town, imagined myself greeting customers and hosting book clubs.

For the first time, though, Jordan looked at me, and said: Have you prayed for it?

And I thought. And I thought. And I realized, no.

I hadn’t.

In fact, it hadn’t crossed my mind to let God in on my little secret, to introduce Him to the little entrepreneur waiting to bud inside of me.

Why?

Why do we keep our dreams to ourselves when we serve a Creator who instilled those passions inside of us?

If I truly believe that He knows the desires of my heart, why don’t I ask Him for them?

So today, I begin. I begin to say out loud what I’ve been saying to myself since I was a little girl. I let God know what I want. And I wait.

Because I just don’t know what He might do with the dreams and desires of my heart. He is a very big God, after all.

sandal weather.

It's been a while since I posted a wish list of sorts (a sign I'm becoming more mature and less concerned with temporal things? meh...), so here are some shoes I came across in the Sundance catalog last week. I was an intern at Coastal Living when I first discovered Sundance -- I used to take home the office copy out of the recycling bin -- and now, here I am, four years later (!) still drooling.

1. Peep-toe flats.
2. T-strap sandals.
3. Metallic leather sandals.
4. Kork-ease sandals.
5. Sunburst sandals.
6. Blossom sandals.

P.S. - Today I'm off work and -- is this gross to admit on the internet? -- having a couple of moles removed. I've never had stitches before, so this should be a blast. Also, consider this your warning: Wear sunscreen, and visit a dermatologist. You'll be glad you did.

improving my closet.

Maybe it's the new year, or the desire to purge, or the fact that every fashion blogger is talking about it, but I'm in the mood to clean out my closet.

One of my resolutions this year was to develop a "usable, uniquely me" closet, and I feel like I'm well on my way.

Last week, I invested ($3.50) in the latest issue of Lucky magazine, and let me tell you: worth every single penny.

One entire article was devoted to 90 outfits for under $500. That's dressing for $5 a day! And even though I'm getting better at the mixing and matching thing (thank you, Kendi), I need pictures of exactly how to pair what with what. What can I say? I'm a visual learner. So anyway, Lucky did all the work for me. Showed me exactly what I needed (a lot of things I already had: denim dress, striped shirt, etc.), then put outfits together... 90 of them! Amazing.

Armed with birthday money and a list of exactly what I needed, I did some shopping -- online and otherwise -- last week. And even though I did buy the occasional Target piece, I'm still working on buying quality clothing... Clothing that will last. Here's a list of things wanted and things bought:

 I need a pair of work jeans, remember, and high-waisted flares are back in. Don't worry, folks: I wanted these, but bought these. I just can't justify spending nearly $200 on one piece of clothing. And based on your comments, you can't either. Glad we're all on the same page.

A striped cardigan. I really want this one.

Also a patterned/funky cardigan, like this one. Anthropologie-esque.

A classic black blazer. I have one from Old Navy, but it's not my favorite (weird slit sleeves). I've got my eyes on this one. Anyone seen one for cheaper?

I used to have a really great pair of black pants, just like Audrey. But they faded (things from the Gap fade easily... or is it me?). So I bought these.

Lucky told me I needed a floral tank top, and I agreed. This one from Target seemed reasonable, so I took the plunge.

Every girl needs a black pencil skirt, and I have one, but it's starting to show its age. Lucky featured this one, so maybe despite the cost, it's decent quality. 

 A new pair of Toms. No one told me I needed these; I just looked in my closet at my holey, faded pair, and I knew. It is time.

---

There we have it. I love shopping with a list of exactly what I need in mind; I think it's saving me a ton of money in the long run! I only buy what I need, instead of what I think I need spur of the moment. Plus, I'm planning on hosting a clothing swap with some friends in the spring, so when I purge, my old clothes will have a place to go. Any clothes not swapped will go to a local charity. I'm pumped.

So, what's on your list? Are there pieces I'm missing? What do you consider essentials for your closet? 

Curious minds want to know.

dreaming in denim.

I'm making a list of things I "need" to revamp my closet. I've got some birthday money and the latest Lucky magazine for inspiration. (Grab a copy next time you're at the grocery store. This issue is amazing!)

Anyway, I need some work appropriate jeans for casual Fridays. And ideally, I would be able to wear them with flats.

But these retro, high-waisted, flared jeans are "in." And I've been eying this pair from EmersonMade for a long time.

Alas, they are are $188. Which seems excessive. Generally speaking, I spend no more than $50 on a pair of jeans. And that is pushing it.

So, a few questions for my readers:

- would you ever spend that much on a pair of jeans?
- what items are on your "need" list for the upcoming season?
- if you could have one item from EmersonMade's shop, what would it be?

I'll probably wind up buying a pair from the Gap -- my standard MO -- but seriously? These EmersonMade clothes are making me question my entire budget...

birthday wish list.

 {from here}

I knew it would happen. I predicted it.

"By the time January rolls around, I may have become completely apathetic towards the whole thing. (Or, at the very least, become a little bit more realistic."

My words. October 25, 2010.

Yes, folks, I believe I peaked early in terms of birthday excitement.

My enthusiasm for the approaching 25 is waning and -- wait for it -- the big day is less than a week away.

Good grief. This is the year of celebration, for crying out loud. I have got to get back into the spirit of things.

So a lovely birthday wish list from me to you.

Because sometimes wish lists make things better. Sometimes.

{this print}

{this cookie jar}

 {this dress}

{this word-of-the-year necklace -- mine would say "celebrate"}

{these bowls}

{these books}

 {and please, oh please, this book}

 {this necklace}

{oh, who are we kidding. anything and everything from EmersonMade}

a modcloth christmas.

you know, in case anyone is taking notes, i wouldn't mind having a modcloth christmas this year.

{sweater | blouse | boots | dress 1 | dress 2 | dress 3 | dress 4}

For your convenience, size 7 in shoes, small or x-small in everything else.

books + t-shirts = love.

I've blogged about these before, but with Christmas around the corner and parents asking for Christmas lists, I think they're definitely worth mentioning again.

{gatsby | jazz | atlas | mockingbird}

All shirts can be purchased from Out of Print, a business whose mission I can totally get behind:

Out of Print celebrates the world’s great stories through fashion. Our shirts feature iconic and often out of print book covers. Some are classics, some are just curious enough to make great t-shirts, but all are striking works of art.

We work closely with artists, authors and publishers to license the content that ends up in our collections. Each shirt is treated to feel soft and worn like a well-read book.

In addition to spreading the joy of reading through our tees, we acknowledge that many parts of the world don't have access to books at all. We are working to change that. For each shirt we sell, one book is donated to a community in need through our partner Books For Africa.

How we read is changing as we move further into the digital age. It's unclear what the role of the book cover will be in this new era, but we feel it's more important than ever to reflect on our own individual experiences with great literary art before it's forever changed.

(from the Out of Print mission statement)