Thursday, April 30, 2015

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day with PAWS

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It should be crystal clear that Zephyr holds a pretty special place in my heart. I can't imagine what life would be like without a paw in my face at 6 AM, without his sweet face greeting me at the door when I arrive home after a long day at work, a life without antics and shenanigans and strange cat behavior (we're still trying to figure out the obsession with our shoes and dirty socks) seems like far too quiet a life.

Zephyr isn't a shelter cat, though. No, his origins are closer to that of all the animals I had growing up: He just popped out of the woods. In Maine, especially in the area I grew up in which tends to be lower on the economic scale, it's fairly common (and heartbreaking) to find stray cats and kittens out in the wilderness or on the side of the road. People don't often take advantage of the spay/neuter clinics offered regionally, and when their cat comes home expecting babies, it's off to the woods or the neighbor's doorstep (I'm in no way saying this is what everyone does, but I have experienced this firsthand, more than once). All of my childhood pets were either strays, fosters, or taken in from neighbors and friends, so it was only natural that Zephyr and his brother Zeb (who now lives with my mom) have the same origins. My mom found them on the side of a dirt road near our house -- two tiny kittens dragging a squirrel across the road -- after some coaxing we were able to bring them home, where they hid in our woodpile for nearly a week, only coming out for kibble. Seven years later they are two of the most spirited and sweetest cats I have ever lived with. Zephyr is such a huge part of our little family, he chills with us on the couch and promptly hops up on the bed when we turn in at night. 

Today is Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, and earlier in the week I had the opportunity to visit Philly PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) with FP's engagement intern, Katerina to take photos of some of the adoptable animals there for a Free People blog post. We didn't use all the images for the post (for the sake of length), so I wanted to share a few with you today! PAWS is an incredible non-profit organization here in Philadelphia that is dedicated to saving and rehabilitating the area's abandoned, unwanted, surrendered, and homeless animals. They're a no-kill shelter and they do incredible work - just take a peek at their Instagram and read the success stories for proof.

All of these animals (except for sweet Zephyr) are available for adoption through PAWS. Visit their website for more information or stop by sometime to visit!
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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Funnel Cake

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Lou Reed with the windows down. Get your ass in gear and get out from the blanket of the city. This is what I love about living in Philadelphia... that there's shit to do outside of Philadelphia. Places to see, small town dreams to discover, an afternoon spent entertaining the idea of living out in the country (oh, if only it were possible). The largest magnolia tree I've ever laid eyes on. Beers in Kutztown after an afternoon at the flea market. Much-needed time spent intentionally with the one I love, our days together fleeting as we seem to be living on different wavelengths with schedules that get more and more insane.

Sometimes you just need to drive, and listen to Lou and Janis, and hold someone's hand and let the early spring sun work its magic. More days and nights like this please, I'll take as many as I'm given.


Sunday, April 26, 2015

Here & There & Weekly Goals 4.26

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Happy Sunday! How are you spending your day? I have too much to get done and not enough time to do it in. I'll be spending my afternoon making almond milk, cookies, candles, packing up my mom's birthday gift, and attempting to get my house cleaned up. I've been thinking a lot about goals lately -- simple goals -- and think I'll start using this post as a place to set some weekly intentions. Nothing crazy, just little things I'd like to improve upon from week to week. Here's what's on my mind for this week:

Plan out gym/workout time. I usually just always have my gym bag with me, and hit the gym after work or during lunch when the opportunity arises. I'd like to start being more intentional about it and maybe even start training for something.

Be more present. This means less phone time. I was doing really well for awhile, but sort of fell off the wagon in terms of phone time before bed. No more mindless internet scrolling - I'm thinking of deleting Facebook off my phone, too.

Donate and sell more clothing. I've been paring down a lot in the past year, and have been going through my stuff in cycles, bringing it to Goodwill and Buffalo Exchange. This is also why I've been quiet on the Thrifting front, I just haven't been buying secondhand because I wasn't being intentional about it (and also just haven't found too much in terms of thrifting in Philly). It's time for another clean-out round, especially as my new goal is to get tattooed in the coming months. Time to save up for something lasting and meaningful.

What are you working on this week?

+ How to help the earthquake victims in Nepal

Obsessed with this fringed western jacket from JessAmity! I've been all about classic Americana touches lately, it feels like the perfect marriage of my past and present obsessions.

Speaking of which, these vintage sterling feather earrings would be the perfect accompaniment.

Love this campaign from American Apparel - and this crop top

Inspiration for your weekend

Love this vintage-inspired squash blossom necklace - plus, it's actually affordable

A new-to-me blog I'm loving + how to create a media kit

Well this mechanic's jumpsuit is damn adorable, never enough jumpsuits in my opinion. This one is cute too (and on sale)

The art of being apart

Save an extra 10% off Asos sale! Love this pretty off-the-shoulder dress and this festival-ready mini dress

Do you like Amy Schumer? I absolutely do and thought this Friday Night Lights spoof killed it. Also, THIS.

Can't wait to get my hands on this cookbook!

This made me laugh. "Steve Zahn"

A beautiful dress to wear to a summer wedding

Might have to make these today

Have you heard of The Clymb? It's a flash sale site for camping, fitness, and outdoor apparel and it's awesome! Use this code to sign up and you get a $10 credit!

Obsessed with this perfect hat!

Pretty hair

This might just be the perfect summer dress.

I'm dying to get my knees/legs tattooed - how gorgeous is this?

Save 30% off NEW styles at JCrew! i'm dreaming of a new swimsuit (love this one)

Monday, April 20, 2015

Over the Weekend: Chicks and Flowers

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(No respect for plants. No respect!)
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It feels as if it's been forever since I last recapped my weekend. Life is busy, the city is in full bloom.

When warm weather hits, there are few things greater than that first drink consumed outdoors, on the first evening of the season warm enough to allow such things. I let myself be coaxed out of my original plan to go running on Friday night in favor of after work drinks at Johnny Brenda’s with a couple of friends. I regret nothing.

On Saturday morning I finally took care of what we’ve come to refer to as the “Murder Hallway” and/or “Secret Shame”… the hallway leading from the front half of our shotgun-style apartment to the bedroom in the back. We’re still dealing with downsizing and figuring out storage in our new (smaller) living quarters, so over the past few months the hallway had become a dumping ground for things that had no home. It was bad. Really messy and hard to walk through while holding the cat – a common occurrence. I cleaned the FK out of it on Saturday and while there’s still stuff in there, it looks 150% better.

Saturday also happened to be the most gorgeous day of the year so far here in Philly, and I instantly regretted falling down the rabbit hole of cleaning. As soon as I finished I headed out with my camera into the South Philly sunshine. The flowers and trees are in full bloom here and I didn’t want to miss it. I wish Chris and I could have aligned our schedules so we could have gone to see the cherry blossoms in DC or even just to the parks here in town. But a solo venture is just as nice at times, plus it gave me a chance to pop into a few vintage stores along the way.

I’m doing a gardening project for work, which required plants and pots and soil. Rather than go to Home Depot, I made the trek up to Greensgrow, in Kensington to pick up my supplies – and I’m so glad I did because baby chicks. My brother just got chickens at his place out in Oregon, and is planning for bees soon too, and I’ve been feeling especially jealous of his situation. So gifs of baby chicks is the next best thing, right? 

I really need a vacation. This is related to nothing but the fact that I think I really need a vacation.

The tacos and drinks at Loco Pez are my favorite. Also my favorite is the fact that three people can have multiple drinks, chips, guacamole, salsa, and three tacos each for under $50 total. Loco Pez is the best. Especially on a warm Saturday night.

Sunday was far quieter – I’ve been spending most Sundays shooting and getting caught up on projects. Grabbed some stuff at the office to shoot at home, reluctant Home Depot run, planted my plants, spent 45 minutes trying to figure out where to put the plants, spent too much time on the internet. Drank too much coffee. Eggs again for dinner.

What have you been working on lately?

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Here & There: 4.19

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Happy Sunday - how are you spending the last few hours of your weekend? The past couple of days in Philly were pretty much perfect: beers with friends -- outside! -- after work on Friday, 80 degrees and sunny on Saturday (with some late-night tacos), and an afternoon spent planting my potted garden today. I'm feeling super accomplished and am now set to spend the rest of my Sunday relaxing with the cat. Here are a few links that caught my eye this week:

How cute is this little crochet mini dress?

The perfect boots for festival season (and every season)

Love these vintage western-inspired earrings

Tattooers drop trou - love these stories

This Earth Day tee is pretty much the cutest

Anne Lamott shares all that she knows

Save an extra 30% off sale items at Urban Outfitters! Love these baskets, this quilt, and this cute lamp.

DIY anti-anxiety oil - because the only stress-relieving essential oils I could find were pre-made mixtures... annoying

Serious shoe love: these sandals, these loafers, these classic espadrilles.

Yum - these look amazing

J.Crew sale is on sale! Save up to 75% off - love this sweater.

Awesome beauty hacks

This little moon necklace is so sweet!

Loves this article - the moral bucket list

Asos is having a huge sale too - love these pretty spring sandals

It's official - gifs are awesome

Gorgeous swimsuits

Fascinating (and famous) death records

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

One and Done

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I could count on one hand the number of times I wore a dress or skirt with tights this winter. A far cry from the past few years when I nearly lived in them. Now that the air is finally warming up and spring seems to have finally arrived, I'm spending slightly less time in jeans, but I won't be retiring my denim completely anytime soon. My favorite combination will always be the softest tee, black boots, and dark jeans. Five minutes and you're dressed, another five to throw messy hair into braids. 

Done and done and out the door.

Get the look: Vintage army jacket (similar vintage) // Vintage tee (similar) // J.Brand jeans // Madewell boots // Vintage bracelet (similar vintage) and antique necklace (similar) // UO ring (similar) // Vintage hat (similar)