ZOO DAY

Today, mom and I took H to the zoo! He had a great day petting goats and alpacas, feeding lorikeets and other birds, not shying from the giraffes, eating pickles and fries, and watching the spider monkeys. He fell asleep while walking around the Natural Florida exhibit, but was up and ready for more before we had finished our lunch. (By the way, Brevard Zoo has an amazing pulled pork sandwich... they stuff it with coleslaw and french fries. SO GOOD.) I'm loving my week off from school, and can't wait to do a few more relaxing things before classes start again. DIYODS coming up!

WE DON'T NEED NO WATER

Thursday night, I went out with some classmates to burn
our aggravatingly useless study guide for Fundies. It took
hours to complete, was required for a grade, and when it
came down to effectiveness in preparing us for tests, it failed.
We made sure that we passed the class before commencing with
the burning. I mean, it only makes sense.

And how frigging awesome are my classmates? I love you guys,
and look forward to going forward with you for the next year!

NABLOPOMO: Tell us about the first time you were in love.

Ugh, love. The greatest and most awful human emotion, in my opinion. I don't believe that anyone would or could ever love me, and I don't know where that conviction stems from. Either my crippling social awkwardness during puberty, the low self-esteem I carried for most of puberty, or my irrational fear of being abandoned.

Despite my wild-child, devil-may-care approach to "dating" and relationships, I've been in love with two men. Actually, that isn't so surprising for someone who prefers casual sex to commited relationships. If I don't have sex with someone I have an emotional investment in, then any betrayal or breakup will hurt less. My views on love and how to relate to people are absolutely not healthy, and do cause quite a bit of issues.

The man pictured wasn't my first love, but he does hold the distinction of being the only other man I loved. He passed away over three years ago, and I found out about his death from my first love. Yeah, that phone call will be forever memorable for myriad reasons. Needless to say, I didn't handle it very well at all.

Falling in love, for me, was dreadful and horrible. The lack of rationality, the inability to control my emotions and actions around the individual, and my superpower of over thinking everything, makes it a control freak's nightmare. It's a struggle I constantly am battling, and I'm not so sure that letting love win is worth risking the relationships I have.

I'd like to think so, but I'm too scared to find out.

NABLOPOMO: PIMPIN' AIN'T EASY

{WHAT MAGIC IS THIS?}

Surprising absolutely no one, I'm already straying from the pre-made prompts. Not because they are boring or unimaginative, but because I really have a problem with not being a smartass. Also, the various memories of my first's are exceedingly embarrassing and possibly still prosecutable. We can talk of those times all in good time, lovers.
Instead, I'd like to share a(nother) loving post on my ginger-haired nephew. He'll be seven months this week! It's almost like he suddenly became this gorgeous little boy, who loves squash, wants to drink from a big person glass, sits up on his own, getting his first teeth, waves, and is a Casanova-in-training. Where did the little sleepy, snugglebutt boy go? It's hard to believe he would fall asleep anytime, anywhere, and now he fights sleep until completely drained of energy. (Just like his Daddy!)

Where did the time go? I can't wait to witness all of his beginnings, but the speed it's going by at is breaking my heart.


One week old
Newborn onesies were so big!
zonked out
snuggles
zonked
snuggles

First Halloween Pumpkin Patch
First Christmas (Poor boy!)

Fist bumps with Auntie
Swinging
Big boy bottle
Two teeth growing in and has been awake all night

I love you, HT!

ETERNAL SUMMER

Because I have such a bad habit of lusting for fall, I decided to atone for my sin by dedicating a post to the beauty of an (almost) eternal summer. Just a heads up, this will be a photo-heavy post. I'll have some additional commentary, but I'll let the beauty of my home shine through on it's own.



{Technically, this is The Keys, but I loved this little guy, and had to add him.}






(I may or may not add more photos.)

Life's a beach, lovers!

ADVENTURES IN SHOPPING

Last Sunday was the final day for Florida's "No Sales Tax" break for back-to-school. The tax break mostly applies to school supplies like backpacks and lunch boxes, but clothing across the board is also included. You see where this is going, yeah? Since I don't want to be one to let a tax break pass without celebration, I took Sister-In-Law and Baby H shopping at Kohls.

A Girl's Day was so what the doctor ordered. The past week was a stressful one, for both of us, and since having the baby, she needed new clothes. And since my birthing hips keep attracting delicious foods, I needed some new pants. I know, it was, like, destiny or something.

H was a trooper. His only demands were that he have his binky and be held at all times. As long as those two demands were met, he was happy as a clam, and a MUCH better shopper than his Daddy and Gramps. I even managed to snap a quick phone picture:


{That's my Junebug!}

The lesson: Tax breaks are awesome, and H is doomed to go shopping with the Rihab women for the rest of his life. Sorry kiddo, but that's the rule.

HAPPY TUESDAY

I'll admit; the Florida "No Sales Tax" on clothes tripped me up. (It's a 'Back to School' tradition. Just because I wear scrubs to school doesn't mean I can't have nice things, does it?)


So, yes, I'll be throwing up my latest weakness on an OOTD. Theme: sheer insanity. Aw, yeah.

KOHL'S

Incidentally, Kohl's is my favorite eyeliner and a favorite store. Strange, yes, but I do so love them both. One of the highlights of my youth when visiting Wisconsin was the trip to Kohl's, where my tomboy self first got in touch with my shop-inista.

Yesterday, I went on a shopping excursion with Mom, Sister-In-Law, and Baby H. We found out that H is fascinated with the outdoors and dislikes shopping. A lot. Red faced screaming that cannot be tamed until he's back outside. And we learned that three tough, grown-ass women become basketcases when H lets out a particular whimper.




(Breaks my heart. I'd rather hear him wailing and fussing than make that whimper!)










At Five Guys. (My first time being!) H is engrossed by the colors of the Five Guys.






Grandma cuddles while smelling delicious burgers and fries. Lucky boy! (Just wait until you can have solid food, kiddo. You are in for a world of good treats.)







My Kohl's haul was pretty minor. Just a few tops to round out my closet and (hopefully) make an OOTD showing soon.




A nice breathable top in a pretty teal. (And on sale!) Can't wait to pair this with silver jewelry, baggy boyfriend shorts (DIY on these later) and sassy wedges.



I plan to pair this with boyfriend or leather shorts, bangled wrists, Panama hat, and worn-in motorcycle boots when fall comes around.



I like basic pieces, and this tank has an awesome little crochet detail on the back. I like that. I plan to wear this quite a bit over the remainder of the summer. Oversized sunnies, cut offs, with bare feet and champagne as I lounge by the pool. Ahhhhhhh....



Is it Friday yet?

STORY OF MY LIFE

{Village Green Bag}

Why do I not have a bajillion of these straw bags? This is like the epitome of Florida style. I am a terrible Floridian.

COVET: WHAT IS THIS FEELING SO PRECIOUS AND NEW

J. Crew was never my cup of tea. Either I wasn't impressed with the designs, prices, or both, unless I was shopping the Outlet malls. Every so often, I'll check out their online store after seeing another blogger rocking a cute piece, but have never felt the same "YES" moment like I do with my purchases.

But just recently, I was going through my Shopping folder (or "Research" as it's filed in my computer) and visiting old sites, when I had the urge to scope J. Crew out. What a surprise I encountered when I found myself lusting for some of their sale items! (Yes, I only scoped the sales. Times are tough, and baby has school to pay for!)




The Wyatt buckle sandals are so cute. They would be perfect for a year-long sandal, from work to play in no time. I would jump on these, if I hadn't just gotten a cuter pair of Kino's for WAY less.



I've been on the lookout for cute, plain tops. This microspun pocket tank fits the bill. I like the color, and can see this piece transitioning through the seasons, as well as seeing it be resilient to baby drool and spit up. Very tempted to pull the trigger.



The Radiette cami is my new love. (Sorry, David Boreanaz.)



This photo does not do justice to the Tuxedo cami. Or maybe I love it until it is shown on a person. Damn. Guess I'll have to file this one in the "Must Try-on First" folder. Potato sacks aren't too forgiving on me. :/



I love these Boyfriend shorts. Love them! Such a great concept and perfect for my lifestyle. I'm DIYing a whole bunch from thrift store pants, so expect to see that on here soon. Yay, legs!