puppies!

My dad always jokes that among his kids, there is never a shortage of opinions.  Between the five of us, we never have trouble cultivating and expressing our thoughts - from Sam's blanket statements to my passion for Gmail, we are typically ready to share. 
 

One opinion that I denied for many years is that I'm not really an animal person.  Recently, though, I have found myself very drawn to puppies.  I just can't stop thinking about how cute they are... 

It's one of the odder feelings I've experienced to date. 

Other opinions I maintain are: I don't like crew necks. I don't wear collars. And I am not one for pants. However, I recently began to question all three of these opinions as well. 

I have been wearing my Jackie shell like a uniform. 

I purchased a check boy shirt and cannot wait to wear it. 

And last weekend I could not get enough of my jeans... 

All three of these items are a move away from my normally girly style (ruffles and bows) to a slightly more utilitarian look.

They say your taste buds change every seven years, but I'm beginning to think they overlooked something.  Maybe my opinions are just changing as I continue in this new phase of my life.  Or maybe puppies are just getting cuter...

Photos via j.crew, puppy talk, and me!

whimsical wednesday {back to vacationland}

It's embarrassing to admit, but with all of the weddings I've had lately, I can hardly remember the last time I worked a full five day week (like I said, embarrassing).

Wednesdays have become Thursdays as far as I'm concerned, and with today actually feeling like the regular half way point, I'm relearning just how much of a hump it can be.

By no means can I claim that I'm in need of a vacation, but today, among the busyness, I'm dreaming of what I'd do if today were planning one...

Lately I've had my eye on the Thatch Caye Resort in Belize.  It looks absolutely gorgeous, and the private island is automobile free.  It looks like the perfect way to slow down and forget the chaos.

And in case relaxing on the beach isn't entertaining enough, the island offers snorkeling, diving, kayaking and fly-fishing (which my dad would be so proud if I tried).

Of course, after my recent time in vacationland, I'm beginning to realize there are so many places within America that I've yet to explore. And with flights to Belize upwards of $700, I'm thinking this trip may just be blog worthy for now...

Mainiacs

I'm a firm believer that Bloomington boasts some of the most spectacular autumns imaginable. However, after asserting this the last two years throughout September and October, Jim has held strong in his belief that New England's are better.

And while I'm not ready to say they are better than Indiana (better than Indiana? Is there such a thing?), I must admit that I found very stiff competition for Bloomington this weekend.

I was fortunate enough to spend the weekend with Jim's family in New Hampshire and Maine.  We attended a wedding in Southport, where we stayed at the stunning Newagen Seaside Inn, which, conveniently was where the wedding was held as well. 

The wedding truly could not have been more beautiful, and I couldn't have enjoyed myself more.  From the food, to the dancing, to the company, it could not have been more perfect. 

Jim says the leaves are only just beginning to turn, which further solidifies my only complaint from the weekend: we left too soon.

I tried lobster for the first time!

Margaret Hamilton's house...

 The vows...

And the first dance...

Some Midwestern love...

PS: Thanks to Molly for sharing her pictures

[no]meatlove

Although I like to give her a hard time for her non-meat-eating ways, Courtney is my favorite vegetarian around.  And even though I think we'd have a grand old time grilling chicken together, I support her decision to love the animals (even if she secretly doesn't want a dog either).

So, today, on Hug a Vegetarian day, I'd like to send her some virtual love.  If I were in Virginia with her, we'd certainly be celebrating this lovely holiday together (probably with froyo, because, let's be serious, we're not vegans). 

And while I tell her (all the time) that I wish she'd join in my carnivorous ways, it takes a very special vegetarian to buy me deli turkey every time I visit. She's certainly a friend of the animals, and of mine.

A special thanks to Erin for telling me about this monumental holiday.
Photo via dolce vita.