10 Things On A Tuesday in May

 1). Last we chatted, we were in the middle of utterly horrible chaos. To be fair, we are still certainly in the midst. Last Thursday, though, I rushed to my third apartment showing (and just another of many that Chris has dutifully reached out to) and somehow, within hours we had a lease sitting in our inboxes. 20 minutes later we signed it. Yay! WOW. Jesus, what a relief. We can move in 6/1. Chris is currently still living in NJ with Bear. We still need to get out from under this apartment. But it now feels like there is a way to move forward. 

2). This had been on my mind pre-crisis, but I've been thinking a lot about "Main Character Energy." A pretty nebulous topic, but in my head it consists of mornings spent reading and sunlit porches, a great pair of shoes and a bowl of garlic noodles, fun late nights with friends and early mornings spent running or thinking and just being. The photo above is a screen shot of my "Main Character Energy Spring '22" saved collection on Instagram. It has croissants from Joy the Baker (the queen of main character energy), a woman talking about relaxing on her porch after work, colorful framed art prints, a getaway cabin, and lots of talk of romanticizing your life. I'm ready for a change. 

3). The only thing I don't like about this new apartment is that there is no outdoor space. We don't have a porch (or even our own staircase), no little spot to throw outdoor plants. I currently have a bunch of pansies outside as well as two peppers and two tomato plants. I'm thinking I will keep a pansie or two, and my veggies and put them in our one assigned parking spot and just park behind them? That's not crazy right?

4). To be fair there are other things I'm upset about: the cabinets are dark. It's in Dover, which will be so close to friends (fun!) but add a lot of time to my commute (sucky!). This house feels like a pretty basic apartment to me....none of the cute little cubbies or corners like some of the historical Portsmouth apartments I'd been looking at. But I realize I am being so picky!! It will be great. 

5). Before we signed, our working plan had been to put all of our stuff in storage and then live in a motel or with my parents until we were able to find a place. So, I've been putting a lot of energy into purging everything we own. We are both pack rats; like it's bad. We have way too much stuff. And even though now we have a place, it will be smaller and we won't have as much storage space and I just don't want to feel crowded. I want to feel light! So I'm staying committed to getting rid of as much as possible. Those are two completely different purging questions: what can I move into the new space? And would I pay to store this somewhere? I'm loving the resolve that the second question is offering.  

6). Connected to purging is my rediscovered passion for Buy Nothing groups. Honestly, Buy Nothing groups are probably the most pure and wonderful place on the internet, and certainly on Facebook. So far, I've gotten rid of: a few baby gates from when Bear was a puppy, a board game, a giant beer making kit we had gotten for Christmas, some old records we don't listen to, a bag of art supplies I don't like anymore, at least 20 books, and a bag of random old pots and containers for someone to make an outdoor music board for their kid! How fun is that?!

7). Outside of all this home chaos, work has actually been going really well. I am choreographing a few ensembles right now: two of my Artistry classes are each doing a number in their club show, we've started rehearsals for our first ever American Ice Theatre of NH Junior Company piece, and then I'm doing a very cute little Learn to Skate number for my group class. Busy busy! And so so fun. I should do a works in progress post soon. 

8). With spring I've been fantasizing about a lot of the making I want to do. Here's my recipe list as it stands right now: ham and cheese croissants from Joy the Baker, chocolate orange and cream cheese pound cake from Joy the Baker (maybe for Mother's Day gifts?), these wraps from Budget Bytes (I'm picturing lots of dinners in the park at our new apartment, to replace our porch-sits), fish from Dinner A Love Story (I'm scared to cook anything other than chicken or ground beef so trying to get better), and lots of cocktails that use Aperol. On the non-kitchen side, I am planning to finally start this cross stitch kit from Elise Joy. I'm also dreaming of some sort of flower a day/one picture a day cross stitch to mark our first year married, and making a t-shirt quilt beach blanket from some old sentimental shirts. 

9). For Christmas, I had gotten Chris tickets to see Sal Valcano when he was performing in Burlington, VT this winter. The weekend he was supposed to be there we had a snowstorm, so we still went to VT to see friends but his show got rescheduled to May. With all this moving stress, and finals, and so much work, and the fact that we're living in different states, I wasn't sure if we'd be able to go. But I think we need a break, so we're going for it. We booked an AirBnB for next Thursday and Friday night. Maybe Chris can board Bear in NJ and then meet me up there? Unsure of the details. But this is much needed; I'm excited!

10). Books of the moment: just finished listening to This Is The Story of A Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett on audiobook. Loved it. My goal for May is to read my second paper book of the year and I'm planning to restart The Incredible Journey of Plants by Stefano Mancuso. Shows of the moment: Chris and I had been watching Inventing Anna on Netflix, and I'm planning to start Dairy Girls soon. I continue to watch every single piece of content The Financial Diet puts out. Listens of the moment: Elise Joy's podcast is back and I've been finding this season very grounding and inspiring!

That's the update friends! I'm reminding myself that life is short: even if we are lucky, we still only get about 4,000 weeks to careen through our lives. Even in the midst of the upsetting, turbulent times, I want to remember to not waste a week by forgetting the moments of joy, meaning, fun, and connection. Spring is here, and we're moving forward!

on being back at sea world

Throwback to WWOI 2018.

Hey friends.

Today marks two weeks since rehearsals began for Sea World's "Winter Wonderland on Ice" 2019! We had our approval show yesterday, today off, and then we open tomorrow! I am so excited, and honestly, I feel amazing.

Don't get me wrong: rehearsals, as always, are tough. This time around, I've been dealing with a horrible blister (like bleeding every time I'm in my skates kind of horrible), and a cold that led to lots of interrupted sleep, headaches, and now a cough that I can't quite conquer. Compared to how I felt this time last year, though, everything is going just fine. Being here last year was my first professional show, and I loved it. Timing wise, though, it also marked the early stages of the depression and anxiety I've been dealing with throughout 2019. To be honest, I felt really raw and emotional most of the contract last year.

WWOI 2018.

This time around, I feel so much more grateful, inspired, and most of all, ready to actually enjoy this. It's so much more fun to not be new. While there's a lot of factors as to why I feel more grounded and happy this year, I thought it would be fun to share some contract-specific things I'm loving this time around.

Having a car. Driving down was the best decision I could have made. Not only was the roadtrip itself tons of fun (I'll share more about that soon!), but being able to run to the grocery store without making a whole morning of it is amazing. Having a car means I can go to church, train at the local rink, and even go downtown just to get coffee, all of  which I had to really limit last year due to the price of Ubers.

Arriving with friends. The day I rolled into Orlando, I immediately went to the rink and picked up a friend I'd met at another contract to grab dinner. It was the best welcome I could have asked for. I can be really shy, and already knowing a huge chunk of the cast has been so peace-giving.

Daily yoga. I'm attempting to commit to doing yoga every day while I'm here, and I'm finding it is so incredible for my mental clarity. Between the sunshine and the constant rehearsals, I've honestly felt extremely healthy since I've gotten here, and yoga is the icing on the cake.

Dinner with a friend night one. Check out Kayla's blog!

Planning parties. Speaking of cake, I've been having a blast planning fun things to do with the cast this season. We have so much to look forward to: opening night, Thanksgiving, Christmas, a joint birthday party with another cast member. Next week I'm watching one of my friends cats, and will have the option to use her oven (our hotel rooms only have a stovetop). I am so excited to bake, and am planning to make a lasagna and have a a cast lasagna party for the hotel crew.

Going to church. I love the local church down here. It feels incredible to be worshiping with a big, healthy body of Christians, but it also feels amazing to get away from hotels and theme parks and the show itself and focus on something so much bigger than all the noise. I'm so grateful attending regularly is an option this year.

Training at a real rink. While we do have ensemble ice available to us, it's only a half hour on show days. Though the blister has made getting started tough, I'm loving driving to the real rink a few times a week to really move my body and keep myself trying new things.

Having tools to heal. I know I keep mentioning the blister but it's been horrible, guys. Here's what I've been using to heal: makeup pads in my skates to help cushion it, applying Neosporin every night to soothe it and prevent infection (because it's been an open wound for a week and a half now), and spraying it with New Skin every morning and before and after every time I'm in my skates. The New Skin has really helped it re-open less frequently, so overall it's much less swollen and painful. Also, special shoutout to Biofreeze: I could never get through rehearsals without you.

Natural skincare. My skin doesn't love makeup and we wear a ton of it here. This year, I've been using the Burt's Bees Micellar Cleansing Water to take my makeup off after shows, and it is so cooling and refreshing. Plus, I've been using some special Burt's Bees oil for breakouts, and moisturizing with witch hazel. All of it feels fantastic.

I am so grateful to be here, and to keep gaining these show experiences. Most of all, though, I'm excited to really be here. To soak it in. Embrace every inch of it. And celebrate everything it took to get here. I never want to forget that a year and a half ago, none of this felt attainable. Life is so crazy that we get to do things like this, guys!

These are the days, let's enjoy them.

xoxo Gillian

Gilmore Girls

I make up a minority of the American female population, in that I have not yet watched all of Gilmore Girls. Shock! Horror! Shame!

As a book-obsessed, comedy-loving 90's child, I realize that this is ridiculous. When it was actually airing, I was just a tad too young for it, and more interested in I Dream of Genie re-runs, anyways. But now, with Netflix at my fingertips, I'm finally living out my fullest potential, and binging it as quickly as possible. There is a revival to prep for, after-all!

You ever notice how some things, like a quote or a book or a blog, find you exactly when you most need them? That's how it was in 2014 when I read Someday, Someday, Maybe Lauren Graham's (Lorelei Gilmore) debut novel about an actress in NYC struggling to 'make it' before her self-imposed deadline. That book was life changing for me. As a junior in high school, it spoke to everything I was feeling as I entered my senior year and faced what adult life would be. There were times that I felt my dreams were silly, and not possible, and this book taught me to hope, and chase after them anyway. I felt so seen and understood after reading this, which was welcome after all the hard questions like "so where are you going to college?!" that I was getting daily.

So, when she already had that much impact on my life, maybe it's not surprising that I completely fell in love with Lauren Graham and everyone else that brings Gilmore Girls to life. I feel like it is yet another moment of finding what I need, exactly when I need it the most.

Right now I need community. I need friends, and neighbors, and the small-town vibe of Starshollow. I was starting to really feel it this year. At my job, I knew everyone that come in. Since it was a grocery store, I knew every local chef and driver and restaurant owner. I knew all the local construction company guys, all the elderly couples from assisted living, all the elementary teachers that run in before school starts. I had my favorite manager, and each morning we'd have a new story to update each other on.

But I just got a new job. I start the 31st. I am over the moon excited and grateful, and it's going to be such a better situation than my old job. But Saturday, I also found out that my favorite manager just got transferred. I won't even get to say goodbye, he's in a new store starting Monday.  And that all just feels like too much change. I'm already missing my little community. It took me a while to feel a part of it, and I don't know if a new one will be easy.

I wish I lived in Starshollow. Right now, I need that community. I wish I could walk to everything. I wish I knew exactly who to call when I'm feeling down. I wish I had a Luke, with a diner that is magically open at any time of day, yet also incredibly easy to leave so that he can come help me fix problems. I wish I could eat burgers everyday with no repercussions.

Everything is looking up right now. This is going to be a great winter, I know it is. I've been anxious about everything I've said above, because change is scary and I'm very easily spooked. But I know in a few months, I'll be happy with the new situation. But right now, when I forget to calm down and enjoy, I turn to Gilmore Girls for the reminder. There will always be family to turn to. There are always more people than I think willing to help me. You need to find friendship before romance. And we all need something to work hard for.

Currently on Season 2, episode 18. No spoilers, please! I know a few are obvious but I'm trying really, really hard here!!

14 Things For The 14th

01: I LANDED MY DOUBLE SALCHOW! Yesterday. We didn't get the first one on video but we got the second one! I landed about 5 or so after that. So an exciting day! I'm chomping at the bit to get back on the ice and practice them again. Friday come sooner! I want to write a much more in-depth post about double-salchows, but for now here's a preview from Instagram:

LANDED my double salchow today! Literally my first thought in the split second between landing it and turning to my coach was "oh! That's how you do it!" 😂 #figureskating #doublesalchow #sohappyourehere

A video posted by Gillian (@gmrobidas) on Jan 13, 2016 at 2:37pm PST

02: Speaking of, I got an Instagram! I've loved Instagram for awhile and mercilessly stalked bloggers on it, but I didn't have a smartphone so I couldn't have my own account. I got an iphone 5s for Christmas, though, and the very first app I got was Instagram! Definitely jump over there and follow me!

03: I know I'm super late to this party but Elise's small business story is well written, addicting, and a great series for those of us who often forget that there's not set path.

04: I'm in love with my phone. Seriously though. I feel like I should be ashamed to admit that but I'm just not. Right now some favorites are being able to easily send photos/videos, Instagram (duh), budgeting apps (through Every Dollar), constant access to email, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

05: I am loving the fact that it's only January 14th and I'm already working through my 3rd book for the year. That's quite a feat considering I only read 11 books in all of 2015! The extra time is coming from just a page or two everyday as part of my daily reading goal I mentioned here, and being able to listen to audiobooks easily!

06: I've been working on getting up early again and while I hate it in the moment, I love it the rest of the morning. Before the holidays I was up at 6:45 perfectly everyday and now I'm going for 6:30 and might go as far as 6. I'm in love with being able to have a slower (but productive) morning routine.

07: Last week I had a really bad asthma cough, and it got to the point where I couldn't talk without talking. My side also hurt a ton from coughing, but not just an ache, actually pain. So Saturday after skating and coaching I went to the urgent care. They gave me a new inhaler but didn't seem concerned about the pain at my rib cage...but I totally think I either bruised it from coughing so much, or cracked it, because it just hurts too much.

08: I'm dreaming of soup again. I should learn to cook.

09: I'm back to obsessive clutter attacking. I want to focus on consciously taking care of myself in 2016 (fluffy as that sounds), and I've become really in tune with how much my stuff being sprawled everywhere puts me in a bad mood. So I need to stop!

10: Does anyone use Periscope? I'm intrigued and want to try.

11: Coaching on an outdoor rink is a ridiculously beautiful experience. There's fresh air, sunlight, and it just feels magical. It's also miserably cold and will have you in tears if it starts to rain, but seriously. It's an experience I'm very grateful for.

12: Every day I realize how blessed I am to have my family (for the most part) close by. Especially grateful for my grandparents on my dad's side moving down this summer, so I can see them every weekend!

13:This guy has created a video game called Level Up Your Life where you essentially break your life goals into levels, and can earn points for working towards them! It's pretty cool. Learned about it from the College Info Geek podcast which I just re-discovered and can't wait to find out more.

14:Putting a lot of trust in gut feelings and doing what's on your heart. If something keeps coming back, and just won't leave your mind alone, maybe you should stop ignoring it.

Happy Thursday! xoxo

15 Times Fandom Actors Made Us Fall In Love

Today is Day 22 of the July Everyday Geek challenge! Today's prompt is 'favorite fandom actor moments'. Honestly, one of the best parts of any fandom is getting to know the actors and actresses behind the characters....and stumbling on their funny lines! Here are some of my favorites.

That time Billy Boyd got into character:

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That time Ori proved he was the one for us:

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That time Ian McKellen explained passion.

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Me too, George, me too:

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That time Billy showed us his brilliant side (which we always knew was there).

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That time Richard Armitage got deep and melted our hearts.

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That time Alan Rickman was scary (but, actually, extremely sentimental).

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That time Billy and Dom talked about their friendship.

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And when Christopher Lee proved how awesome he was.

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Just...their faces...

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That time Tom Hiddleston was the classy British gent and Bennedict Cumberbatch was the eccentric millionaire.

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And throwing it back to the class-act, Julie Andrews, holding her baby on the set of Mary Poppins.

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That time Sean Astin was Mr. Involved.

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When Richard Armitage got real about being shy (and melted all our hearts).

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And that time Richard Armitage awkwardly smiled at the camera (and melted all our hearts).

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Now that we're done with swooning, don't forget to stop by Dia's blog for her post and joint the conversation on tumblr using the hashtag #everydaygeekjuly. Tomorrow's prompt (Day 23) will be, 'Our upbringings and how we're geeky.' As always, thanks for reading!

Happy Wednesday! xoxo

Pixar-Disney Ships

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Well, I've been a bad blogger again. I totally skipped writing yesterday's post for the July Everyday Geek Challenge.  Yesterday was a pretty eventful day....we got home about 3 in the afternoon from our roadtrip, unpacked, and then my mom and I had to take a sheep to the vet. But! That's no excuse and I apologize.

Anyways, yesterdays prompt was 'Disney vs. Pixar' and today's prompt is 'cross fandom ships' soooo, I'm going to combine them, and share my Pixar-Disney fandom ships. You're welcome!

My very first thought was Sully from Monster's Inc. and Megara from Hercules. I know it's weird, but personality wise I see them being really good for each other. Sully is an easy-going, steady character who I think would really listen to and appreciate Meg. Meg would feel safe with Sully, but also have to room to be crazy, fun, and totally herself.

The second I came up with was Andy from Toy Story and Wendy from Peter Pan. I honestly would only see this as a childhood crush, though, because once they grew up I think Wendy might be a bit uptight for him.

Next it gets a little foggier. I was thinking of Violet from The Incredibles, and my first thought was Peter from Peter Pan. But Peter might be a bit too much like Dash, and no girl falls in love with someone that reminds her of her brother. Then I thought of Aladdin. If they were closer in age, obviously....that could totally work. Because really, Violet is just a less mature Jasmine.

Treasure Planet has to be one of the most under-valued Disney movies ever, so of course I was trying to ship Jim Hawkins. I found some stuff that paired him with Ariel, and I've got to say that's my favorite. I could almost see it as a couple, but I like the idea of them being platonic best friends A LOT. I also thought of Violet for Jim, but I'm not sold on that.

What are your Pixar-Disney ships? Don't forget to join the conversation with me on tumblr, and to stop by Dia's blog for her post! Tomorrow's (Day 22's) prompt will be 'favorite fandom actor moments'. Thanks for reading!

Happy Tuesday! xoxo

Best of the BBC

Time for Day 19 of the July Everyday Geek challenge! Today's prompt is BBC shows and I am SO excited to be sharing my favorites. Don't forget to check out Dia's blog for her picks!

I've been into the BBC for...ages. Even when I was little, I'd sit and watch shows on PBS with Mum every Sunday night. Over the years we've watched and discovered lots of shows, and I'm so excited to be sharing some favorites!

Sherlock Holmes (1984) I've gushed about this show before, but it's too good not to mention. Definitely the best if you want a good, classic, by-the-book mystery. Classic, Mystery, British Fireside Feel.

This is from North and South, but this guy is also in Downton Abbey.

North and South (2004) I'm by far not the biggest North and South fan out there, but it is pretty great. Some would Thornton (played by no other than Richard Armitage) is better than Mr. Darcy, and while I wouldn't go that far, he is pretty dreamy. Classic, Romance, With A Brooding Hero.

Keeping Up Appearances (1990) Another slightly crude but hilarious show, this was my first British 90's TV show. I've seen every episode now, and they're all amazing. Also, Rose is my favorite sister. Judge me. Light, Funny, Sarcastic.

Wives and Daughters (1999) The book this is based on is by Elizabeth Gaskell, who also wrote North and South, but I like this one much better. There are so many great lines, and it's definitely a feel good watch. Sweet, Feel Good, Classic.

And it wasn't me!

As Time Goes By (1992) Another 90's TV Sitcom, I've seen significantly less of these than The Vicar of Dibley or Keeping Up Appearances. I really love the dry humor though, and you just can't not love Judi Dench. Sweet, Feel Good, Dry Wit.

Call The Midwife (2012) A favorite that we didn't discover until this winter, my mum, dad, and I devoured it. It's so full of life, and humanity, and really gives you a whole new outlook. Mum and I had so many conversations inspired by the themes in this show. It's a little taxing emotionally, but definitely worth it. Heart-wrenching, Inspiring, Quote-worthy.

The gorgeous Richard Armitage as Harry in The Vicar of Dibley.

The Vicar of Dibley (1994) Okay, so this is definitely a weird suggestion put next to all the historical fiction romances in here, but it is so. stupidly. funny. A little bit crude, definitely, but freaking hilarious. (Also it has Richard Armitage. So it's a must see) (Also also, Armitage says his role as Harry is most like him in real life, so this is practically getting to know him personally). Roll on the floor hilarious, lovable characters, adorable hero. 

Foyle's War(2002) I saved the best for last! Foyle's War is my mum and I's favorite show, honestly, and we pretty much went into mourning when we finished it. It takes place on home front England during WW2, following Detective Foyle as he investigates at-home murders. They brought back the show for a cold-war version, and while I don't like it as much, it's still pretty good. Also! Fun fact: Anthony Howel, who plays the assistant, Milner, is the same guy who plays in Wives and Daughters. AND it's written by Anthony Horowitz, who's books like The House of Silk: A Sherlock Holmes Novel and the Alex Rider series, as well as other TV series like Poirot and Midsummer Murders. Hard to guess mysteries, heart wrenching, characters you'll get too attached to. 

What are your favorite BBC shows? I'm always on the lookout for new watches! Don't forget to join the conversation in the comments, in a post, or on facebook, twitter, and tumblr using the hasthag #everydaygeekjuly. Check back tomorrow for Day 20, Disney vs. Pixar. Thanks for reading!

Happy Sunday! xoxo

My Phases of Sherlock Love

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Day 12 of the July Everyday Geek Challenge! Today's prompt: The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes. Just a heads up, as of today I'm leaving for a roadtrip, so things might bet a bit spotty around here. I have some pre-written stuff, and I will have my laptop with me, so hopefully things will stay moving but apologies for any tardiness! In the meantime, don't forget to stop by Dia's blog!

My love affair with Sherlock Holmes started at a very early age.

I fell in love with the books as a pretty young reader. I made it through every casebook, as well as reading the Hound of the Baskervilles. Over the years, I've picked some of my old favorites back up when I was in a 'fireside British mystery' mood.

At about this time, they were still showing the amazingly accurate Sherlock Holmes mini-series on PBS, the one with Jeremy Brett. Every week I would watch episodes with my Mum, and it only grew my love for Holmes and Watson. I loved Jeremy Brett, because he really was Holmes in so many ways. One of my favorite things, though, was how he'd be sitting on the couch completely still, and then all of a sudden spring up and jump over it! Jeremy Brett really nailed the different energies of that role.

I left my Holmes phase for a while and moved onto other things, but was jolted back into it with the release of the BBC's Sherlock. I was incredibly skeptical at first, but gave it a shot and became utterly obsessed. I admit: I totally joined the ranks of heart-fluttering fangirls with Bennedict Cumberbatch.

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I love the edginess of Sherlock. It definitely keeps you on your toes, and is the type of show you might need to watch multiple times to fully understand. I always find myself worrying about where they're taking the show, but that just adds to the excitement! Plus, in their own way, Bennedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman definitely nail the Sherlock/Watson energy, too.

With my new wave of Holmes-obsession, I started looking for more outlets. I found mine in the Enola Holmes books by Nancy Springer. I only ended up reading books 1-3 (because they were ever so slightly too young for me by the time I found them), but I really loved the steam-punk spin they gave on the classic. Honestly, I should really go back and finish them because they were pretty creative!

Sherlock Holmes is the perfect example of a fictional character staying with you throughout your life. While the original Holmes hasn't always been my go-to, his inspiration has influenced my taste and preferences over all my different moods and phases. And really, isn't that what a great story is all about?

Elementary, my dear Watson.

(he never actually said that)

(whatever)

Which 'face' of Sherlock Holmes is your favorite? Chime in in the comments, in a post, or on tumblr, twitter, and facebook using the hashtag #everdaygeekjuly. Can't wait to hear from you! Tomorrow (Day 13)'s prompt is 'Inside Out Review' OR a FREE DAY! For those who haven't seen it *guiltily raises hand*. Thanks for reading!

Happy Sunday! xoxo

Life-Truth Fandom Quotes

Day 11 of the July Everyday Geek challenge! Today's prompt is 'Favorite Fandom Quotes'. Don't forget to read Dia's post for today!

It's no secret that I'm extremely quote-obsessed. And honestly, great quotes are one of my favorite parts of the fandom world. Here are some of my favorite inspiring, motivational quotes from the best characters, actors, and authors. :) Let these fandom life-truths guide you through life!

On the power of love:

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On doing your own thing:

On always being grateful:

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On the importance of children:

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On belief, faith, and convictions:

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On realizing there will always be shadows (but there will also always be light):

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On standing up:

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On true hotness:

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On the power of the little things:

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What are some of your favorite fandom quotes? Which was your favorite on this list? Chime in the comments, in a blog post, or on twitter and tumblr using the hashtag #everdaygeekjuly. And don't forget to stop by tomorrow for Day 12, 'The Many Faces of Sherlock'. Thanks for reading!

Happy Weekend! xoxo

P.S. More quote collections: 11 Quotes to Cut The Haters and Go For It, 5 Attitudes for a Happier Spring.

Alternative Disney

Day 7 of the July Everyday Geek Challenge! Today's prompt is favorite fanart. :) Don't forget to check out Dia's blog!

I love fanart....as anyone who follows me on pinterest probably knows. Lately, though, I've been especially getting into the punk, alternative, and rockabilly side of Disney. It's just too fun! I'm going to keep it pretty light on the words today and just get straight to the images.

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Anywho, sorry for the super short post! I share more fanart in an ancient post here.

Happy Tuesday! xoxo

Why Printed Pants Will Change Your Life

1.) They will teach you that print matching is a million times easier than you ever expected. It will also teach you that Fashion Bloggers have no right to talk about it as much as they do--it's not really a big deal.

{17}

2.) You'll have the comfort of pulling on jeans and a sweater 5 minutes before leaving the house, but everyone else will think you made a big effort, because OH MY WORD SHE'S NOT WEARING NORMAL DENIM.

3.) You'll get 4-season wear out of these babies. And we all know that's a huge bonus.

4.) You will use them to make great steps towards the social acceptability of talking pants in public. For some reason, whenever I truly love someone's pants, and I say, "Oh my! Those pants!" I get nothing but strange looks. I could say that exact same thing about a top, or a jacket, or shoes, and not be looked at like a witch at the local drowning, but for some reason saying you love someone's pants is not socially correct. If that's not inequality, I don't know what is. But while wearing printed pants, someone will inevitably say "I love those pants!", which makes great strides (strides! legs! pants! get it??!! hahaha....) for our cause. High fives for clothing compliment equality!

{Doing It All}

5.) They'll match literally everything. Green? Pink? Plaid? Another floral? Why not?!

6.)You'll feel like the most adorable six year old on the planet. Skipping around in these pants and ballet flats make me feel girly, silly, and obnoxiously cute. These are the grown up version of all those polka-dot leggings we used to wear.

7.) While the above is 100% true, these pants also send out major put-together vibes. I mean, you're a young woman so in control of her life that you can wear pants with flowers on them. Absolute genius.

{February 2015}

8. You'll make someone's day. Laugh all you want, but I know my day is made when someone walks in looking particularly cute. And there is some intelligent thought behind this. (1) That person has beat procrastination, laziness, and grumpiness because they got out of bed and pulled on something that makes them happy, (2) they've pulled on something outside of the norm (let's be honest...we seldom call someone's jeans + sweatshirt 'cute'), and (3) they're being themselves.

Because here's the thing about printed pants, and every other awesome article of clothing you own: wear it. Love it. Rock it. Because style isn't about clothes, it's about knowing yourself enough to express it through clothes. And that, ladies, will change your life.

Is this dress ugly??

So, I've been prom dress shopping.

Errrr, thinking about prom dress shopping.

Errrrr, scrolling through Pinterest.

Anyways, I found this dress on Modcloth. I think it's pretty, and I really like it, but then I showed to my best guy friend and he said it was ugly.

But, I mean, what do boys know, right? So I showed it to my best friend (his sister).

And she didn't really like it, either.

So now, I'm not sure if the dress is ugly and I'm the only one who doesn't realize it, or if it's gorgeous and no one else can see it.

PROS:

-Cute short length.
-Fit-and-flare cut.
-The 'tacky-not-tacky' 90's sofa floral that I LOVE. Yes, I love it.
-Lower back.
-Not a bad price.
-Versatile for after prom.
-Dark, elegant, grown up...while still be flirty and fun.

CONS:

-Perhaps too casual?
-The top might have some issues staying up....
-It might be really short...and I can't try it on, obviously, so there's that.
-Is it actually ugly?

OUTFIT:

Imagine it with a cute top knot and bow, with brown sandal wedges that lace up the ankle a bit.

So now, I'm coming to you guys: is this dress ugly or awesome? What are you wearing to prom?

Happy Weekend! xoxo

I'm Just Overthinking About Songs and Movies and Pixar Shorts

{here}

I have the tendency to find a little thing (usually ages after everyone else has discovered it).

And that little thing will remind me of lots of other little things.

And the little things make me think of bigger things. Deep things.

And then I find that the little things reveal major life truths about the big things.

And maybe, that's why we have the little things. 'Cause it's the only way we'll understand the big things.

Or, I could just be crazy, and the little things are just little things, and I'm over-thinking, as usual.

But it still happens.

I've been listening to Bad Day by Daniel Powter on repeat for the last two weeks.

I love everything about it. In a round-about way, it reminds me of the Pixar short The Paperman.

And in a more round-about way, it reminds me of You've Got Mail. Specifically this scene and this scene.

And it's these little things that put into words a lot of what I want, and what I believe, and how the world works. Things I couldn't really express without a lyric/short/romantic comedy to help me out.

I think it's easy to fall into the "I hate people" trap. I know it's me and Deanna's favorite saying. But, I think what I mean is that I hate the fakers. The people who are rude, and thoughtless. The lazy people. The cliches. The boring people, who refuse to be their own selves and therefore refuse to be interesting.

Because I really do love people. I love it when people are unapologetically themselves. I love it when people are tough, and pushing their limits, and so busy working hard and creating awesome lives that they don't even realize how cool they are.

I love it when people allow themselves to feel things, because I think that's one of the biggest problems of our era--we allow ourselves to get worked up over the little things, and numb the big things. We're either rushing, or wasting our lives being lazy. Noticing someone's smudged makeup, but not noticing they're upset. Why can't we get it right? Why can't we hustle and make time to just sit and talk? Why can't see the important little things, and be blind to the unimportant little things?

I think it's easy to look like we're functioning. To keep moving and crossing off tasks. Like the people in the Bad Day music video, we're fine--but, something's missing. It doesn't even have to be a someone. We're just off.

This, honestly, is what I'm thinking during that song/short/movie.

I'm thinking that even when we're on the right path, we'll still have our doubts and insecurities. I'm thinking that having hope, and faith, is the only way to live. And that we must always be looking around us, even if we don't like what we see.

I'm thinking that having core values, topped with passion, and a bit of spontaneity, is the best way to live.

That even when we're really happy, we might be a little bit sad.

That the smallest interactions, the 'nothings', can often be more important than the 'somethings'.

And I'm thinking that being completely yourself is the most important thing. That soulmates are real. And that love and loyalty are my favorite emotions.

Happy Saturday! xoxo

Random Stuff I Love

{here}

Because Valentines Day. You're Welcome.

Freshly painted nails. Wearing purple right now.
You've Got Mail. This nothing has meant more to me than so many somethings.
Rockabilly clothes. Because I haven't talked about my awesome new high-waisted jeans enough. Have I mentioned my new high-waisted jeans? They're awesome.
Meg from Hercules. That dress, that ponytail, that sass. And her fabulously swingy hips. I want to be her when I grow up.

Chobani yogurt. Peach with Pistachio and Chocolate granola. Trust me.
Journaling. AKA brain dumping.
French Vanilla Coffee. Aaaall Daaaayyy Looonnggg
Bad Day by Daniel Pewter. Listening to it on repeat, basically, and the video is just awesome.
Mohawk braids. I must learn how.

Old friends who I've literally grown up with.
Sisters because blood doesn't dictate family.
New friends because I stink at making them but when you find one, it's epic.
Adult friends because they're extremely undervalued and I love them.
My brother cuz most of the time he's actually pretty rad. Most of the time.

Happy Valentines Day! xoxo

Stuff I Need To Remember To Do

Stuff I need to remember to do:

+Not snooze my alarm.
+Save for a car ($35 a week gets you there eventually...right?).
+Do yoga every day.
+Eat healthy.
+Don't binge on chocolate. Or cookies.
+Push during every single practice, even if your skates hurt.
+Go to bed before midnight.
+Be more patient.
+Check in with friends.
+Make time to write.
+Don't sit in bed while doing homework.
+Pray more often.
+Stop overthinking and trust God more often.
+Stay off pinterest during the day.
+Make plans to hang out with friends. Don't be a hermit.
+Put bandaids on my feet before skating. Ooouuuucccchhh.
+Make time to read!!
+Buy new snow boots. I broke mine. Yes, it IS possible to break boots.
+Blog once a week.

Stuff I wanna buy:

+Sorel-type-ish boots.
+Heeled caramel colored slouch boots.
+These jeans in classic. I bought them in dark wash with Christmas money and LOVE THEM!
+This LBD (possibly for prom).
+Protein bars.
+A new wallet but alas...probably not that one.
+This toy-story-esque poster.
+This P&P poster.

Stuff I'm looking forward to:

+Galentines Day with Deanna!
+All the epic combos in our TOI freeskate.
+Having my own new routine.
+A summer roadtrip with friends.
+The critiques coming up for our team.
+My last semester of high school! Evah!

Happy Tuesday! xoxo