Barefoot*Diaries

Musical Interlude...

2009-11-17T15:38:00.003-05:00

So here's a little song I'm particularly feeling at the moment. So... drum roll pleaseeeee...here's "Fine Line" by Little Big Town. I might start doing this more often. By the way... absolutely love Little Big Town. Saw them in concert. Amazing. Check out some of their other songs liiiike "Good As Gone," "Boondocks," "A Little More You," and "Bring it on Home." I assure you, you will enjoy them.

A wise man once said...

2009-11-17T13:04:00.003-05:00

I recently came across a quote by Dali Lama which I absolutely loved. I had planned to use it as a quote of the day but after some investigation, I found an extension of the quote which I must share. I know it may be a little dated but I feel like it speaks such great advice.

Dali Lama's words for the year 2000

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve

great risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R’s: Respect for self, respect for others,

responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful

stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realize you've made a mistake,

take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think

back, you'll be able enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home

is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones,

deal only with the current situation.

Don't bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love

for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up

in order to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

I think if everyone lived their lives according to these words, we'd all be happier and little better off. (p.s. the original quote I found and loved was #1)

Some things to always keep in mind...

2009-11-16T13:56:00.000-05:00

:) Have a great day!

Quote of the Day

2009-11-09T22:12:00.002-05:00

"What I need is someone who will make me do what I can."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

A beautiful beginning...

2009-11-09T17:09:00.003-05:00

My dearest Sarah... my best, best friend in the whole world... the one who's been by my side since, oh, I don't know, birth is getting married to her high school sweetheart, Danny next June. Needless to say, I'm elated! And was so excited when they asked me to take engagement pictures of them. Here are a few of the beautiful and effortlessly in love couple!

By the way, did I mention they're high school sweethearts? Yup! They're just 22 and they've been dating for 8 years! Since freshman year of high school. Amazing. Isn't that every girl's dream at some point? To marry they're high school sweetheart... it was mine at least. It's like a fairy tale :) I love them both dearly and I'm soooo happy for them! Can't wait for the big day. (And yes, I'm in the wedding party!!)

Quote of the Day

2009-11-05T12:52:00.003-05:00

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."-Audrey Hepburn

Movie Nighttt

2009-11-04T14:02:00.002-05:00

So I've gone to the movies a lot lately... well twice in the past couple weeks but that's a lot for me. Anyways... I saw Law Abiding Citizen last night. Another friggin awesome movie! Very intense. A little gruesome. Lots of action. One of those movies you have to pay attention in... like we were trying to figure it out the whole time and we were totally wrong in the end lol but who likes a predictable movie?? Go see it! K? K.

Halloweenie!

2009-11-03T12:30:00.002-05:00

How was your Halloween weekend?? Mine was fan-freaking-tastic! I had a little shindig at my house :) Here are some snapshots from the festivities!

My wonderful jack-o-lanterns!

a pirate, bat woman & a biker chick

some of my spooky decorations

some of the boys

Little Red Riding Hood & myself

most of the ladies!

Quote of the Day

2009-10-28T10:24:00.002-04:00

"Life is a series of choices; a big combination of moments... little ones that add up to big ones, that create who you are."
-Will Schuster (Glee)

Nostalgic

2009-10-26T16:14:00.004-04:00

If I've learned anything in my life so far it is that change is constant and inevitable. Sometimes change is hard, sometimes it's desired. But no matter what, it's part of life and we all must deal with it. And because of change, we have lots of things to look forward to and lots to miss....

Here are some things I am currently missing (both short term & long term...)

1. my tan
2. high school Homecoming week
3. playing softball & field hockey
4. my summer clothes
5. Sara & Danny 0:-)
6. not worrying about money or the future
7. not worrying about what I look like
8. TGIF friday night sitcoms with Sarah
9. ridiculous games we made up and could play for days on end
10. my car (currently in the shop)
11. having rules to break
12. my Pop-Pop's old boat
13. how inseparable my old group of friends were
14. the excitement of waking up to snow on the ground
15. trick or treating

16. when cell phones were just... phones

17. innocence and naivety

photo copyright me! :)

Quote of the Day

2009-10-23T12:36:00.001-04:00

"Never compromise yourself. You're all you've got."-Janis Joplin

I Believe in....

2009-10-22T11:05:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I feel like everyone gets so caught up in the day-to-day, hustle bustle life... what's next on their to-do list, the next place they have to be, that they forget to slow down and just believe in something... so here's a few things

I believe in... :)

...my Lucy dog's excitement when I come home (& her sad face when I'm leaving)

...the theory that laughter is the best medicine for anything

...holding each other as tightly and as closely as possible

...getting your groove on

...being overdressed

...long kisses

...singing along to your favorite songs (no matter how horrible your singing voice is)

...un-awkward, completely comfortable silences

"...the sand beneath my toes" (sorry, had to! because it's true.)

...YOU! :)

Now Open for Business!

2009-10-21T10:31:00.004-04:00

Just opened up a little etsy.com shop for my photography!

I'd love it if ya'll would check me out!

J.Hofmann Photography

*More images coming in the next few days*

You can also go to my Facebook page & become a fan, if ya'd like!

Thanks much! :)

Paranormal Activity

2009-10-20T11:55:00.002-04:00

Sooo I saw the movie Paranormal Activity last night. Easily the best horror flick I've ever seen. It get's 2 thumbs up from me. I highly recommend it to all you horror film lovers out there. I personally LOVE TV shows like Ghost Hunters... this movie reminded me a lot of the show. Except it takes the concept to a whole new, terrifying level. You must see it! Be prepared to sleep with a light or the TV on though.... just a friendly warning :)

Quote of the Day

2009-10-20T11:39:00.002-04:00

because we could all use a little inspiration every now & then...
"Sometimes the expected simply pales in comparison to the unexpected. You gotta wonder why we cling to our expectations, because the expected is just what keeps us steady; standing still. The unexpected is what changes our lives."-Grey's Anatomy

It's been a while....

2009-10-20T11:02:00.003-04:00

So terribly sorry about my absence recently. I've been feverishly searching for a job... with little to no success so far. I'd been feeling a bit down on myself about it and just wasn't in the mood to blog. But, no worries! I'm back, and more confident and determind as ever. Now I just have to get back into my routine. :)

Since my little break from the blog world, one of my best friends in the entire world decided to start a blog of her own. Shannon is a tiny fire ball of energy who has recently decided to jet off to the west coast to follow her dreams. She's always been a Cali girl at heart and I'm so proud of her for taking such a big risk! That said, I'm going to miss her terribly. Hopefully her daily posts on her blog Beach Bum's Diaries will help me still feel connected to her despite the fact that she's hundreds of miles away :) love you shanny!

Check it out, pleasssse!

P.S. Here's a few of my fave pics of Shanny & I! As you can see, we're always laughing...

don't worry, she doesn't wear this shirt by choice. it's her work uniform lol

on her 21st!

A few of my favortie things...

2009-10-06T17:39:00.002-04:00

...this week, of course.

1. breakfast for dinner
2. halloween decorations
3. running into old acquantances
4. that rewarding feeling you get after a good work out
5. giving my pup a new toy
6. the sky... the clouds & the sun are so beautiful this time of year
7. fortune cookies
8. socks
9. people watching
10. gushers

photo copyright me! :)

Quote of the Day

2009-09-30T23:34:00.002-04:00

"Happiness often sneaks in through a door
you didn't know you left open."-John Barrymore

Where the Wild Things Are

2009-09-30T18:44:00.002-04:00

Ok so, I, as a 22-year-old adult, am super excited for this movie to come out. I remember reading Where the Wild Things Are as a kid. That being said, am I the only one who things that this movie is going to be totally terrifying for children?? When I was young, I was scared to death of ET, Edward Scissorhands, etc. I feel like this movie is going to be like that for many kids. I mean, yes, the movie is based off of a child's imagination but I'm not sure an actual child viewing the movie is going to comprehend that. I think all they're going to see are giant furry monsters. Just saying...

Quote of the Day

2009-09-29T11:26:00.004-04:00

"After a while, you just want to be with
the one who makes you laugh."-Mr. Big (Sex in the City)

I'm back!!

2009-09-29T11:16:00.003-04:00

So sorry for my absence for the past week... I needed a little break. But during my time away I had the most amazing day at a concert we call Sunday in the Country - a full day of country music!! Some of you may think this sounds like torture but to all of you who have been to country concerts, you know the truth. Here are some pics from that fantastic day!

sold out crowd!

me & em!

cowboy boots <3

me, danielle, & our fave twins

a little craziness

everyone lean back!

when our man, darius rucker, came on stage!

p.s. it's been quite cold around these parts the past few days & I do not like it one bit! Ugh. Come back summer!!

Sunflowers <3

2009-09-21T11:30:00.002-04:00

Someone in my little town decided to give everyone a little added joy at the start of this fall... with acres and acres of sunflowers! This is just one tiny field of them. There's about 6 all over my town. There are sunflowers EVERYWHERE! How can you not look at them and be totally happy? I don't think it's possible. They are starting to "frown" a bit though, which means they will soon be leaving us. So I had to snap a few pics to make them last :) enjoy!

Quote of the Day

2009-09-17T17:07:00.001-04:00

"Why try to fit in when you were born to stand out?"-How to Deal

VMA best & worst

2009-09-15T16:26:00.002-04:00

After flipping through pics from the red carpet Sunday night at the VMAs, I've picked a few of my faves and not-so-faves of the evening...

First of all, Lady Gaga has officially lost her damn mind...

Phantom of the Opera?? This was prob her most normal outfit of the night.... as scary as that is.

Some may call this creative and artistic, maybe even metaphorical. I call it creepy.

I'm wondering how she navigated herself on stage with red lace over her face.... this again reminds me of blood. Which is creepy... again.

What does one call this? Is it a nest? Are you a bird, Lady Gaga?

Whew... she's exhausting. To me, there's a difference between being edgy and fashion-forward and completely insane. Ms. Gaga has totally crossed that line.

And on that note... here's some more horrible ensembles (in my opinion).

Kanye, I still hate you. And you look like a tool with that bottle of liqueur in your hand. And as for your girl... what the hell is that?? I guess Amber Rose wanted to know what it's like to be a snake? Ugh.

Stephanie Pratt, you look like a 14-year-old girl dressing in her mom's clothes. Please eat a sandwich.

GASP! Pink and Shakira wore the same dress! To the same event! And neither look too happy about it. Ok, let's play that game... who wore it best?? I'm leaning Shakira.

Oh Katy Perry, you look like a figure skater who's missing her skates. I love the top half, but maybe if it were an actual dress...
Luckily you're hot enough to pull this off. Touche.

Jolene, I love you show Nitrus Circus but the VMAs are not the prom... just saying.

And my very few faves...

Ms. Chung, fab as always.

Amerie with a simple, tastful, flattering number. That color is perf on you.

This black & white wrap mini is oh-so-pretty on your silhouette, LC. And your hair is so chic... very Taylor Swift ;)

Gorgeous, Nelly. Just gorgeous. As usual.

You know you love her, xoxo. Yes Leighton, yes I do. I'm a little undecided on those shoes, though. They're fab, but do they give her kankles??

Tory Burch, you are just so cute.

Annnd that's all folks! :)

Quote of the Day

2009-09-15T16:05:00.002-04:00

"One good thing about music - when it hits you,
you feel no pain."-Bob Marley

The Diss of the Century

2009-09-14T21:14:00.002-04:00

OMG.

No you didn't, Kanye. Not even cool.

If any of you have been hiding under a rock and haven't heard or seen what Kanye West did to poor Taylor Swift last night at the VMAs here's a quick recap...

Taylor won the VMA for Best Female Video of the Year and was on stage accepting her award and giving her thanks when Kanye came up, took the mic from her, and said "Oh sorry Taylor, I'm happy for you & I'ma let you finish but I just wanted to say that Beyonce had the best video of all time!"

Now, honestly, I could say a lot of very, very angry words about this but I'll keep it short and sweet.

Kanye,

You are a selfish, cocky SOB. You ARE NOT God, as you may think. And although you may also think that your opinion matters to the entire world, you are sadly mistaken. Taylor Swift is the shit. And even though you're obviously jealous of her early, young success (since you failed miserably as a young man), that was just about the rudest, most disrespectful display of actions I've ever seen, and Taylor is about the last person who deserves that. I will never again purchase your music.

Taylor,

You go girl!!! You are an amazingly talented, humble, successful, beautiful, intelligent young lady & you handled yourself with such grace, it makes me proud! You're awesome.

(Later in the show, Beyonce won the VMA for Best Video of the Year - ironic Kanye. Should have just kept your mouth shut ass hole. When Beyonce accepted her award, she called Taylor back on the stage to have her moment.)

Beyonce,

I have tons of respect for you for what you did. You obviously didn't agree with Kanye's actions. I've never really been a huge fan of yours but now I kinda like you. You def did the right thing.

I've heard rumors that it was a set up, but I don't think it is. They all looked so shocked. Any opinions?

2009-09-13T14:03:00.002-04:00

Danny Lee Gruzs
May 9, 1987 - September 13, 2008

Today marks the one year anniversary of my dear friend Danny's death. Over the past 10-ish years I've lost several young friends and acquaintances to completely different tragic incidences. Danny and my friend Sara, who died when we were just 13, were the two who were closest to me. While today is incredibly painful, I have to remember the good times I had with Danny and understand that fate had it's hand in his life. I have always been a strong believer in fate... in fact, my tattoo on my foot reads "fate always wins." I think it's my personal justification for so many young deaths in my life.

He was a natural goof ball. He alway had a silly grin on his face and always had something up his sleeve. I can still hear his dumb little laugh, which always made me laugh, too. When he walked across the stage at our high school graduation he threw up his hands and yelled "stay classy North Harford!" Just one example of Danny's silly, charismatic personality. I feel so blessed to have known him and have him in my life for as long as I did. And now he's in a better place where he can watch over all of us. Keep gruzsin' Danny. Miss you everyday.

To all of you who ever consider driving after drinking, let Danny's story be a lesson to you. It's never worth your, or someone else's life.

This is a poem which always seems to comfort me...

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
~Author unknown

Favorites

2009-09-11T13:35:00.002-04:00

A few of my favorite things...

Here in Maryland we're experiencing a helluva noreaster right now. We're talking constant downpour. As much as I hate rain usually, I must say, I love days like these when the rain just refuses to quit. I'd much rather it rain heavily all day than rain for a bit and then clear up... I guess that shows my love for consistency. Kinda feel like curling up in a big hoody and watching a movie or cuddling with my pup... all of which, I'm already doing! :) Here's some of my favorties of the moment...

1. watching lucy dog dream (I wonder what they're always chasing...)
2. eyelashes
3. people smell... how every person has their own personal scent
4. dejavu
5. hummingbirds
6. baby curls
7. hearing the meaning of people's tattoes
8. how refreshing it feels after washing my face in the morning
9. coming home after being away for a while
10. chili's margaritas :)

I took this pic at Jockey's Ridge in OBX last year. The two little dudes are my friends Johnson and Bill. Speaking of OBX, we just started planning our annual trip in January! I'm sooo stoked :)

Quote/Pic of the Day

2009-09-09T14:55:00.002-04:00

"Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world."
-Marilyn Monroe

photo credit: condenastart.com

Labor Day Weekend in Pics :)

2009-09-08T17:24:00.003-04:00

Hope ya'll had an ahhhmazing Labor Day weekend! Mine was seriously perf. Here are some snaps from it!

Sunset on the bay after happy hour at Ra sushi bar downtown.

Group aerial shot!

My sis & I at the O's game.

Down da yard, hon.

Out with the boys.

crazy jacob.

Soaking up the sun out on the boat!

I'M ON A BOAT!

Billiam & I riding in the back of the truck after the boat's motor nearly fell off.

Chespeake Bay + crab pot=<3

What were you up to this holiday weekend??!

Check you out...

2009-09-04T16:33:00.002-04:00

...Rumer Willis. Hello. Fab. This Zac Posen number is totes amazing on her.

Anyways... Happy Labor Day weekend!!! Rock some white like Ms. Willis, why don't ya.

I will be home. Lots of activities! :)
xoxo <3
Jess

photo credit: style.com

Quote of the Day

2009-09-02T22:34:00.002-04:00

"I'd rather laugh with the sinners, than cry with the saints."
-Billy Joel

Favorites

2009-09-02T22:02:00.002-04:00

A few of my favorite things...

Since autumn seems to have suddenly tightened it's grasp on us Marylanders with unseasonably mild weather, I've been thinking about my favorite things about this beautiful season. Here are just a few...

1. NO HUMIDITY!

2. the smell of bonfire

3. football

4. being able to open all the windows in the house

5. crickets chirping gently at night

6. scarves

7. pumpkin fluff (way better than any pumpkin pie I've ever tasted)

8. Halloween!! (because it brings out the kid in all of us & dressing up is fun at any age)

9. the prospect of new year approaching

10. being able to wear more layers, specifically my vast boot collection

*11. and (at the risk of sounding cliche) the beautiful colors of leaves changing

What are some of your favorite things about fall?

photo credit: me!!! taken last year during my January trip to the OBX

Sigh

2009-09-01T18:59:00.002-04:00

Today has been a bad day. I don't really feel like talking :( On days like these I have to repeat this fortune over and over again in my head.

I actually cracked this out of a fortune cookie about 5 years ago. I loved it so much, it has been a permanent fixture in my car(s) since. It's a simple reminder that always seems to help keep me going.

Quote of the Day

2009-08-31T22:21:00.002-04:00

"Sometimes the little times you don't think are anything while they're happening turn out to be what marks a whole period of your life."-Andy Warhol

Summer Nights :)

2009-08-31T21:51:00.003-04:00

This past week has been fantastic! Def the best way to end the summer :) here's some pics!
THURSDAY: downtown for Jordan's 22nd!

ready to go out!

the birthday girl & me :)

All my ladies (katy, danielle, me, kay, andrea, jordan)

Dancing like it's our J.O.B!

SATURDAY: Redneck Hoe Down!

My sis & I!

Redneck hotties!

We're his first 3 ex wives hehe

wifey

getting a little crazy

Ladies pic!

Fairy Tales

2009-08-31T08:51:00.004-04:00

Hope ya'll had a fab weekend! Mine sureee was :) I'll post some of the many hilarious pics I have from my li'l redneck-themed hoe down later today.

p.s. I kind of love this little saying even though a part of me still believes in fairy tales :)

photo credit: weheartit.com

Busy Bee

2009-08-27T14:14:00.003-04:00

"Nothing in this world worth having comes easy."
-Bob Kelso (Scrubs)

The next few days are going to be insanity for me... very, VERY busy. So I may not be able to post until Monday :(

In case this ends up being true, I hope you have an uuuhmazing weekend! :)
xoxo
<3

photo credit: weheartit.com

Quote of the Day

2009-08-26T16:02:00.002-04:00

"It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got."-Sheryl Crow

Blondies with twang

2009-08-26T14:00:00.004-04:00

Anyone who knows me personally will tell you I am a country music fanatic. What can I say? I grew up in the boondocks. But who knew country singers could wear anything but ridiculous ruffled dresses, cowboy boots, and straw hats? Carrie, Taylor, and Leann, that's who!

How fab are these gorgeous blonde crooners? Carrie's voice speaks for itself but her taste in wardrobe is just as impressive. I love this orange number she wore to the People's Choice awards (my fave color).
And let's talk about how Taylor is a mere 19-years-old! And she's already hit superstardom. I went to her concert in June and she (and all her several outfits) was amazing! It's always inspiring to see such a young girl with a good head on her shoulders. Not to mention her fab fashion choices.
Leann, who's has had a MAJOR transformation since the 90s (just google some of her earlier pics) when she first hit the country music scene, is equally as fantastic. I especially adore her shoe choices.

By the way, if you've never been to a country concert, you have to go to at least one in your lifetime. I promise, you won't be disappointed. :)

photo credit: theinsider.com

Buehler... Buehler

2009-08-26T10:38:00.003-04:00

Oooo, Wednesday. I sort of hate you. Well, no, that was harsh. I'm just not fond of you. You are the dead middle of the week and I feel like this week will never end. And I'm tired. Very tired. It took an immense amount of effort to pull my ass out of bed this morning. I'm pretty much in a state of here, but not here.

But I kind of love this picture. It made me turn up the corners of my mouth a bit.

My Wednesday will be spent working (forever) and then cleaning (forever). Thrilling. Buuuut Saturday is getting closer... and that makes me incredibly happy.

Ok. Ta ta for now. More when I wake up a bit.

photo credit: weheartit.com

Quote of the Day

2009-08-25T15:32:00.001-04:00

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing - kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."-Audrey Hepburn

Favorites

2009-08-25T10:25:00.002-04:00

A few of my very favorite things...
*I've decided that once a week I'm going to post a little list of some of my favorite things... since it seems to be a never-ending, constantly-changing list.

1. standing at the edge of the ocean and letting my feet sink in the sand
2. a breeze that smells like lilacs or honey suckle
3. my dogs ears and paws
4. how people's eyes look when the sun shines on them
5. my mom's potato salad
6. a good belly laugh
7. getting lifted up when I'm being hugged
8. looking at photos of my parents and grandparents from before I was born
9. cleaning the bowl of brownie batter with my fingers
10. cold bed sheets

*Pic=copyright me!
It's a photo I snapped with b&w film of my mom and grandma a few years ago for a class project. :)

Quote of the Day

2009-08-24T15:01:00.003-04:00

"Always be a first rate version of yourself, instead of a second rate version of someone else."-Judy Garland

Hands down this is the best day I can ever remember...

2009-08-24T10:30:00.003-04:00

I hope you all had a fab weekend like I did! I was able to stay dry despite the constant downpour of rain from the hurricane off the coast. Here are some quick snaps from my festivities...

We were inseparable in high school. And even though we don't get to see each other very often, when we finally do, it's like nothing ever changed. (Front: Jordan, me, Kay, Sarah; Back: Andrea, Katy)

My wifey & I having a little photoshoot.

Typical night at one of our fave bars. (Whitney, Danielle, Kotula, me, Vicki)

Today after work I will be attending the Ravens vs. Jets game!! I'm so pumped, I even wore my jersey to work :) This week is a very busy week for me...
tonight: Ravens game
tomorrow: cleaning & getting Danielle moved in
Wednesday: prepping the basement for the party
Thursday: out downtown for Jordan's birthday
Friday: last minute preparations for the party (jello shooters)
Saturday: Redneck party!!! :)
Sunday: cleaning up :(
Monday: O's game!

whew!

p.s. Next Tuesday will be the first day of September! Holy moly.

Quote of the Day

2009-08-21T16:48:00.002-04:00

"We accept the love we think we deserve."-Stephen Chbosky

This is for my girl who's going through a rough break-up right now. You know you have so many people that love you and support you through thick and thin. Everything will work out and you will be stronger for it in the end. <3

Well hello there

2009-08-21T13:36:00.002-04:00

whoa.
ok, Rachel, I totally love you. You're like one of my fave present-day actresses. I've even been told I resemble you, but uh... this might be a bit much.

This ensemble would be perfection if there weren't a gaping hole as a neckline down to your belly button! White is divine on you. Those shoulder pads, the long sleeves, the rouching, hair, makeup, shoes - all fab. Just raise the neckline about 3 inches and you've got a winning outfit. But it's ok... I'm certain you will redeem yourself for that neckline soon.

By the way, do you love Rachel more blonde or brunette? I feel like I'm leaning blonde. I think the dark hair kind of washes her out or something. I duno... thoughts?

Quote of the Day

2009-08-20T17:04:00.001-04:00

"Blame it on a twist of fate."-Bob Dylan

I want it, I need it, I'm buying it.

2009-08-20T13:55:00.003-04:00

1. layered chain necklaces

(forever21.com)
2. killer heels

(lulus.com)
3. masculine blazers

(store.alloy.com)
4. tulip skirts

(urbanoutfitters.com)
5. bustier-inspired tops & zipper details

(charlotterusse.com)

I got a feelin...

2009-08-20T11:25:00.003-04:00

Happy Thursday! Here's a pretty picture to look at :)

Tonight's going to be a good night!

photo copyright: me!

Quote of the Day

2009-08-19T15:48:00.001-04:00

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them."-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Having a movie night in with some of my girls tonight :)

Goodbyes...

2009-08-19T10:14:00.002-04:00

Last night my friends and I threw a huge going away party for my dear friend JMO who will be leaving MD and permanently moving to Hawaii on Thursday. I'm terribly sad about this. In fact, I cried like a child when I was saying my goodbyes. I've only known JMO for a little over a year but he instantly became one of my best guy friends. He's just one of those genuine people who gives so much love and always puts the people he loves before himself. I will miss him more than words can express.

I will post some pics from the evening later but here are a few snaps of the good times I've had with him over the past year.

Fab-ness

2009-08-18T17:37:00.003-04:00

Perf. Head to toe. From her casual rolled sleeves, to her dainty baby blue mani, to her fab shoes. A+, Alexa.

By the way, I really want to see this movie... Inglourious Basterds. That kind of movie is usually not my cup of tea, but the previews are pretty intriguing. Plus, Brad Pitt stars in it. And I love him. Not just for his looks, but for his acting abilities, also. Duh. ;)

photo credit style.com

Quote of the Day

2009-08-18T15:56:00.002-04:00

"I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity."-Gilda Radner

Down the Ocean, hon

2009-08-18T13:50:00.003-04:00

some random pics (out of order) from my weekend getaway at the beach...

me, meg, shan

one-legged seagull!!

big man, little man (btw, is that filipino jason mraz??)

shan & madelyn... who's already a little beach babe.

me, meg, marb, shan <3 them all!

didn't mean for this to happen but i think it's pretty cool.

me & megs are precious. and we're not sure who this filipino is next to us... jk! :) we love him.

more pics to come asap!

Quote of the Day

2009-08-17T14:41:00.001-04:00

"Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you."-Jean-Paul Sarte

I believe in the sand beneath my toes...

2009-08-17T10:20:00.002-04:00

So sorry to have been absent for the past 2 days. I was enjoying a nice mini vacay at the beach.

It was a fab break from the daily grind. I will prob post a few pics later this evening.

This is a pretty little seashell pic I took in January when I was vacationing in the OBX with friends.

Quote of the Day

2009-08-14T17:26:00.001-04:00

"No girl should ever forget that she doesn't need anyone who doesn't need her."-Marilyn Monroe

Current Lustings

2009-08-14T13:34:00.002-04:00

in no particular order...

Dress, lulus.com

My own apartment, ikea.com

Jacket, forever21.com

Miniature English Bulldog, miniature-english-bulldogs.com

Print, condenaststore.com

Booties, charlotterusse.com

Elliptical machine, dickssportinggoods.com

What are you currently lusting for??

Shawty fire burnin' on the dance floor!

2009-08-14T11:24:00.002-04:00

WOOOO! Ravens vs. Redskins (Battle of the Beltway) preseason game: 23-0 RAVENSSSS!

So yeah, I'm a huge Ravens football fan. And they rocked last night. Can't wait for the season to start!

I had a great evening last night!
-delish dinner check
-good friends check
-getting my dance on check
-beautiful MD night check
-cocktails check

How was your's?? I will post pics tomorrow.
Now it's back to work for a few hours then straight to the beach for the weekend (yayyy)!

p.s. this morning was a gorgeous break from the unbearable humidity we've been experiencing the past few days here in MD... about 70 degrees with a breeze, cloudy with the sunlight breaking through in places :) a wonderful start to my Friday!

photo credit betfirms.com

Quote of the Day

2009-08-13T16:59:00.001-04:00

"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."-Henry Ellis

Oh, Sienna.

2009-08-13T13:38:00.003-04:00

I heart her. Seriously, she can do (wear) no wrong, in my opinion. Isn't this Twenty8Twelve (her own line!) mini dress divine? And I'd love to steal that Chanel clutch from her.

She always looks so effortlessly cool, elegant, and somehow edgy all at the same time. Sienna could wear a paper sack (ok, maybe not this extreme) and pull it off like nobody's business. She's just that freakin' awesome. Def one of my top style icons.

photo credit socialitelife.com

Happy Thursday!

2009-08-13T10:21:00.002-04:00

Today is my fave day of the week! Why, you ask? It's simple. There's only one more day until the weekend. Plus, everyone's mood seems to brighten a bit towards the end of the week.

My Thursday will be spent first working (ugh.), then dinner in Canton with my co-workers for Baltimore's restaurant week (yum!), then directly to one of my fave bars for a night out with my loves (yay!). Also, I'll be seeing one of my dearest friends, Jordan, tonight, whose beautiful face I have not seen in far too long. I will surely post pics of my activities.

Oh, by the way, this is my lovely little pup, Lucy. Isn't she precious?? There will certainly be many more pics like this, as I tend to take way too many snaps of her cute little face!

p.s. Thanks for reading & commenting! :) It made my day to see that people enjoy my random ramblings.

Quote of the Day

2009-08-12T16:26:00.003-04:00

So I think I'm going to start a quote of the day... just because I love them so much and have a huge collection of them :) so here ya go!

"What we see depends mainly on what we look for."-John Lubbock

Love 'em or Hate 'em?

2009-08-12T13:56:00.002-04:00

Ok sooo unless you've been living under a rock, you've been hearing about the Jon and Kate Gosselin divorce for quite a while now. Personally, I'm getting ridiculously tired of seeing their faces on every news and gossip channel. But despite my annoyance with the TV coverage, I must admit, I've always loved the family - even Kate, even Jon.

There are a lot of people out there with very strong opinions about the topic but I almost feel like the Gosselins are getting hit way too hard. Recently, I think Jon has been being, well, a douche bag. But I kind of feel guilty for Kate. She may be an overbearing, control freak, but I don't think she's a terrible mother. After reading her book Multiple Blessings I can see where she's coming from. How can you have 8 young children and not be a control freak. I think I would be too. And without the show, let's face it, there's no way they could be providing their kids with a healthy lifestyle.

Regardless, I do think it's time to end the show. They've made plenty of money to give the kids everything they want. At this point, it's not necessary - they aren't even "Jon & Kate" anymore.

And does anyone remember Aunt Jodi? Who used to babysit the kids all the time - on the show! Well now her and her husband (Kate's brother) are attacking Kate saying that the show is detrimental to the kids. Whether it is or it isn't, who are they to judge when THEY WERE ON THE SHOW?!

Anyways... what are your opinions??

photo credit nj.com

You go girl!

2009-08-12T11:47:00.002-04:00

My latest celeb style obsession: Emma Watson. Just check out these snaps of the young Harry Potter star.

From her red carpet wardrobe, to her street casual clothes, this girl's got it all together. She's always looking classy, fashion-forward, and sophisticated (while keeping her youthful sass). She's sure come a long way from her original Harry Potter days. Touche, Ms. Watson, touche.

photo credit: Harper's Bazaar/wireimage.com

Timeless

2009-08-11T13:11:00.002-04:00

I stumbled across this striking image of Elizabeth Taylor and literally had to stop what I was doing to stare at it for a good 30 seconds. She is just breathtakingly beautiful. It made me think about the leading ladies of today. Am I the only one who feels like there's just something missing in all of them? I cannot think of one who, decades from now, I can see myself stopping to gaze at. Not to say that there aren't any present day starlets who I find absolutely gorgeous, but that timeless quality is missing, I feel. Before all the plastic surgery and the skinny mini competition. I mean, who could match the youthful glow of Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Judy Garland, or Audrey Hepburn?

photo credit ru_glamour

Welcome!

2009-08-11T12:12:00.003-04:00

Hello! I'm Jess. It's awfully nice to meet you. On a random whim I decided to create this little blog. I'm not sure yet whether there's going to be any kind of focus or whether it will just become a random rambling of my thoughts... I'm betting on the latter. Maybe a cool combo of snapshots, quotes, musical inspirations, and other tidbits. Anyways, please bear with me. It may take me a few to get the hang of this whole blogging thing. For now... I leave you with one of my fave quotes from one of my fave ladies of all time

"I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." ~Marilyn Monroe

Barefoot*Diaries

Musical Interlude...

A wise man once said...

Some things to always keep in mind...

Quote of the Day

A beautiful beginning...

Quote of the Day

Movie Nighttt

Halloweenie!

Quote of the Day

Nostalgic

Quote of the Day

I Believe in....

Now Open for Business!

Paranormal Activity

Quote of the Day

It's been a while....

A few of my favortie things...

Quote of the Day

Where the Wild Things Are

Quote of the Day

I'm back!!

Sunflowers <3

Quote of the Day

VMA best & worst

Quote of the Day

The Diss of the Century

Favorites

Quote/Pic of the Day

Labor Day Weekend in Pics :)

Check you out...

Quote of the Day

Favorites

*Sigh*

Quote of the Day

Summer Nights :)

Fairy Tales

Busy Bee

Quote of the Day

Blondies with twang

Buehler... Buehler

Quote of the Day

Favorites

Quote of the Day

Hands down this is the best day I can ever remember...

Quote of the Day

Well hello there

Quote of the Day

I want it, I need it, I'm buying it.

I got a feelin...

Quote of the Day

Goodbyes...

Fab-ness

Quote of the Day

Down the Ocean, hon

Quote of the Day

I believe in the sand beneath my toes...

Quote of the Day

Current Lustings

Shawty fire burnin' on the dance floor!

Quote of the Day

Oh, Sienna.

Happy Thursday!

Quote of the Day

Love 'em or Hate 'em?

You go girl!

Timeless

Welcome!

Sigh