Friday, August 30, 2013

Friday Inspiration

Check out these New York now & then images! It's cool to see how much of old New York has been preserved. One of my favorites it's the Madison Square Park one; it seems like there are more trees now, which only makes the park that much more beautiful!




Have a fantastic Holiday weekend!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Weekend Recap

This weekend was the Summerfest concert, with headliners: Cold War Kids and Matt & Kim. It was a lot of fun and the weather was perfect for being in the sun all day! As far as Sunday's activities; Derek and I rode the Olentangy River bike trail and stumbled upon the Park of Roses (which I've been wanting to visit all summer)! So beautiful... such a wide array of colors! I'm sure it's even more beautiful at the start of summer!

{ Derek & Joey }
{ J Roddy Walston and The Business }
{ Park of Roses - Clintonville }


Thursday, August 22, 2013

Love Languages


My friend, Alyssa, recently told me about the 5 different type of languages pertaining to love! I was immediately interested in which aspect I was, and of course what Derek would be. The five aspects are; touch, time, affirmation, gifts, and actions. Not too surprised that Derek and I scored similarly. Our strongest love language is time, or quality time;


In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.*

This means giving someone your undivided attention. I don’t mean sitting on the couch watching television together. What I mean is taking a walk, just the two of you, or going out to eat and looking at each other while talking. Time is a strong communicator of love. The love language of quality time has many dialects. One of the most common is that of quality conversation – two individuals sharing their thoughts and feelings. A relationship calls for sympathetic listening with a view to understanding the other person’s desires. We must be willing to give advice, but only when it’s requested and never in a condescending manner. 

Time spent together means the most to both of us? Easy compromise. My next highest score was touch, and his was affirmation (or words of kindness & love). The artist and the English teacher. Shocker!! Haha! In other words, he enjoys hearing how much I care for him, or how great his butt looks on any given day ;) - while I enjoy hugs and kisses galore!

I encourage you to take the quiz online [here]. And no, you don't have to be in a relationship to take it. It will help you understand your language with your friends as well! So instead of sending a card with kind words, maybe they actually need a little visit to feel comforted, appreciated, loved (whatever it is they communicate that is lacking). There is also [this] explanation of the love languages and little notes about how to meet your significant others' (or friends) needs.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Weekend recap

This past weekend was filled with sun, reading, and adventure! I spent Saturday by the pool reading a new book that reminds me of my summer in Italy. The book is titled Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter, and I want to share my very favorite line thus far; "Then she smiled, and in that instant, if such a thing were possible, Pasquale fell in love, and he would remain in love for the rest of his life-not so much with the woman, whom he didn't even know, but with the moment." I think that is so eloquently said.


{teal toes & coral nails... I can't believe summer is almost over}

Sunday... was much more of an adventure... Derek & I went skydiving!! It was SOO exhilarating! The free-fall portion was freezing and I could barely catch my breath, but the gliding along after the parachute deployed, was warm, quiet, and serene! Such a rush!




Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Marblehead

This past weekend Derek and I planned a fun little getaway to a small Marblehead community, Lakeside. We booked through AirBnB (ever heard of it?), it was cheaper than a hotel and super convenient! We brought our bikes, some wine, and spent lots of time on the beach!
It was fantastic :)



{Lake Erie, not the most beautiful, but I can dig it}




{had to improvise because we forgot chairs... clever fella!}



Monday, August 5, 2013

SPAIN ((Part 3))

{La Sagrada Familia... WOW}






{Gaudi designed the interior to be reminiscent of a forrest -
tall trees, branching out to meet one another...

...do you see it!?}

{hands down, one of my favorite tourist stops - inspiring & calming}










{stumbled upon a hotel with an amazing view & lavish garden}





{Erin loved this knobby tree and crazy roots}

{awesome graffiti never gets old}


{where I almost got successfully pick-pocketed! yikes.}


{banana & Nutella crepe - largest one ever!!}
Ahhh Spain. I miss your beautiful views and bustling streets... 'Til next time!