Hello Goodbye…

Can you believe it is the end of June already?!  Where has the time gone?  It seems like we just said hello June, goodbye May – and now we are already moving on to July…sometimes I wish life would slow down a bit.  I have loved that summer has finally arrived and allowed for us to wear our summer fashions, as well as put on a lighter more fun spirit.  There is something about that sun that brings out a happiness in me that is clearly missing in the depths of winter.  June has been a month of travel for me, filled with experiencing different cultures right here in the states.  July will be marked with lots of concerts (amongst an extremely busy month of work) – which I am super excited for, but by no means want to wish to be here.  I want to sit back and enjoy this last day of June – and really enjoy every day of summer.  It is a beautiful time of year that seems to have everyone at ease…

What was your favorite part of June?  Do you feel like the month flew by?  What are you looking forward to in July?

Much love,

B

Burning Stars…

Summer is here.  With that comes late nights dancing around outside.  At least in my world.  The perfect music for me to put on and twirl, spin and let my whole body be taken over by the music and move me is this wonderful trio out of Portland, OR, better known as  Mimicking Birds.  I would say Burning Stars is their most popular song off of their debut album that was released in March 2010, though the whole album is really great.  This is one of my personal favorites to play loud in my car and drive with the windows down on a summer night.  There is something about it that takes me to my happy place, so I wanted to share it with you.  Whatever that song is for you – play it loud and let it move you and enjoy the warmth (at least of the music if the weather is not currently helping you out…).

Do you ever feel like music takes over you – like a healing power that makes you smile no matter what seems to be happening?  What music does that for you?  Or if not music, what is that thing that brings that healing for you and stirs your affections?

Much love,

B

All Knotted Up…

It is a look that has taken over the runway for at least three straight seasons now.  Obviously, it is becoming a street trend these days.  It takes a little more time than the basic pony tail or messy bun, but not too much more.  And, the little extra time and effort is totally worth it.  The knot bun on the top of the head has such a clean and classic look to it that can pair well with an elegant look, or be worn with a more casual look.  It also does not have to be a perfect bun – you can mess up the knot (and yes it is a literal knot – check out the steps here) to fit your personal style.  I personally love it when for when I am running out of yoga to meet up with friends and do not have time to do my hair, but still want to look put together.  It looks great with no bangs, but also works well with bangs.  I have even made it work when my curly hair is getting to be too hot for the day.  That is what makes this look so great for summer – it gets your long locks off of your neck without having to cut them off.

How do you feel about the top knot?  I love how hair can be a great accessory to finish off a look.

Much love,

B

Girl Crush…

A woman of class and true beauty.  Kirstie Clements.  Not sure who she is?  Well, she is most well known for being the Editor-In-Chief of Vogue Australia.  She is a style icon for all fashionistas – it seems to come with the role she has at Vogue.  I love that she is a normal woman who has pursued her dreams and is doing a great job at tackling them.  She is more than a simple girl crush – she is an inspiration to me.  I would love to be like her one day – and would actually love to work for her – I mean honestly, it would be my dream job.  Vogue.  In Australia.  My two favorites in the fashion world in one – this little ladies dream come true.

Who or what is inspiring you today?  How is that inspiration moving you into action?

Much love,

B

Visonary Reflection…

Reflecting on one’s life is not simple or easy.  It can be emotional because you never know what exactly you will discover – but that does not have to only be a hard emotion – it can be exciting.  It is also something that is often done around the new year – but I say screw that, reflect whever you feel like it is needed – no need for a date to change in order to mkae a change in your life. 

A great way to get your ideas out onto paper is through a vision board.  I mean we could write our dreams and ambitions out in a journal – but sometimes it is more helpful to have a display to look at and laid out.  Yesterday, I actually had the privilege to make my very own vison board after taking some time to reflect on my life and where do I want it to go.  The beauty of this is that it is up to you – what makes you exciting, what do you want to do – not what is simply trendy to the world around you.  The hard part is – that the options can be endless (unless you are one of those lucky people who knows exactly what you want out of life – me I am a little ADD and feel like I am constantly changing my mind) – though it was interesting.  I realized as I made my vision board that I am not as ADD as I tell myself – my dreams have not changed all that much – I know what I want, I just need to figure out how to go get it.  I have taken the first step – I have laid it out for myself in my vision board and you would be surprised – it has actuall yhelped organize a lot of my thoughts.  Now, I need to take those thoughts and move them into action so I can really go pursue my dreams.  I share a lot of other people’s art with you, but wanted to take today to share a little piece (well more like a huge piece) of B with you…here is a picture of my current vision board…

…as you can see, I am still in the process of figuring out exactly where I am headed, but at least I am up for the adventure.  What things would be on your vision board?  Have you known what you want out of life your whole life?  Or do you feel like it is ever changing? 

Much love,

B

PS.  I am back from vacation and so excited to make it back to all of your lovely blogs and say hi!  I loved my week plus away, but it feels good to be back (well…back writing…not so much the current working…hence the vision board needing to move me into action…).

Just a Thought…

Summer Lovin…

Oh how I love summer – don’t you?!  I love the warmth, the sun and all the pretty flowers.  I am not sure what official summer has been like back in MN – but thus far I have been loving it in SC and IN.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could be outside enjoying this all summer long?!  Too bad I need to work some times…but I do still have two days left to soak up of vacation so I better be off and enjoy it…

Hope you can get out and enjoy the sun like this pretty little lady!  What are you doing to enjoy the first few days of official summer?

Much love,

B

Sparkly Weekend…

I still have a few days left of vacay and am on to my second trip of this lovely vacation.  So, instead of thinking about all the work that awaits me Monday morning, I am going to stay calm and keep sparkling.  I have just been having so much fun, I am not ready to let it stop yet.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend and get to do some sparkling yourself!  What are you up to this weekend?!

Much love,

B

Five Loves…

People watching is one of my favorite things to do – and I love it even more at an airport.  Trying to figure out where people are coming from, where they are going – and why, simply fascinates me.

Flying.  I love having my head above the clouds – it is always so gorgeous up there.  I cannot get enough of it.  Every time I get up there I can’t help but smile.

Starbucks at the airport.  A staple to every one of my travels.  I love that it is the same everywhere I go so I always know I can get my favorite soy latte.  (And random – the Starbucks at an airport I thought had the best picture would naturally be in the Sydney Australia International Airport…)

Time to catch up on reading all of my magazines – they are perfect for the plane.

And let’s be honest – I just love travel.  There is a big world out there and I want to see it and all of it’s beauty.  And that makes me love airports in general because the world is at your finger tips – those planes can take you where ever you want to go.

Are you a fan of airports?  What do you like or dislike about them?

Much love,

B

Jet Setter…

Okay – so this may be a little excessive, but I do love traveling in style.  There is something about finding the perfect balance of comfortable yet still stylish.  I do not want to travel the world and look like a complete slob – just not for me.  You never know who you will meet, what will happen with your luggage, or what you will need to do when you land – thus you better be prepared and okay with the clothes you are wearing (trust me…I have had to wear mine for two days a few times now – can’t have perfect travels all the time).  I am a fan of keeping everything to a carry-on when possible – I swear I could be a professional packer.  Too bad that is not a real job.  Anyways – here is a look at one of my standard go to travel outfits – comfortable, stylish, easy shoes to slip on and off for security, as well as run in for those extremely close connecting flights…

Do you have a go to style you like to travel in?  What is your strategy in picking out the outfit?  Or are you thinking – what strategy? Planning?! I just wear whatever and don’t really think about it?

Better be off…another flight to catch…

Much love,

B