Guess who didn't post a Top 5 for April?

That's right...it was me. Laaaame! And I hate to be the one to tell you this, but this isn't going to be much of a Top 5 post either. If you'd like to see my Inspirations of late, pick up the April edition of Domino Magazine. Did you know that Wal-Mart started carrying Domino?! Anyway, it is a gorgeous one this month.

 

Speaking of gorgeous...

Saturday morning dawned the most beautiful sunrise over the beach. I felt so awake and invigorated as I stepped out onto my hotel room's balcony (morning hair and all). The sights, smells, and sounds of the ocean greeted me and, well, who could ask for a better wake up call? The working day went well (if it's on the beach, I'll never complain) and the wedding was simply stunning. I would promise photos soon, but here I sit with my memory-completely-full mac. No room in the Inn. So the photos are stashed away in a safe place for now, until I can get my mac to make friends with a cute external hard drive. :) This single (unedited) photo from the weekend made it onto my computer somehow. Lovely!

Well, here's one little item that caught my eye. 

I love small purses. I've been carrying a "wristlet" (the name makes me giggle) as my main purse for a couple of years now.  You've got your cell phone, keys, lip balm, and cards all at your fingertips. None of that digging in your black hole of a purse anymore. This leather wristlet from American Eagle has caught my eye. It's so classy! White leather for summer (though it comes in brown and silver too), sassy tassel on the side, fun yellow print interior, and a built in spot for all your cards! Try the wristlet. You'll be hooked. 

Hope your days are lovely!

So glad I have internet service here!

Hello, hello!! 

It is so hard to put into words how insanely excited I get when I get close to the ocean...but just so you know...I'M LOOKING AT THE OCEAN!!

Erin and I pulled in town just a few minutes ago, got checked into our hotel, and I'm pretty sure I've already decided I'm sleeping on the balcony. 

Not really. But it is gorgeous. Even though it's one in the morning and it's super dark out. You can still hear the ocean and you can see the waves breaking! Not to mention the sky is partially cloudy which means bright stars with a smattering of cloud silhouettes. Apparently the ocean brings out the poet in me as well. :)

Well, we are here to work (shoot a wedding...which I'm insanely excited about...wedding's on the beach!) but already, I've felt so rejuvenated in my heart. I so needed to get away from school and all. School's been kicking my bum like nothing else recently. But anyway, it's been wonderful to have this opportunity. 

Erin and I really got to know each other on the way down here (with an 8 hour drive,  that's no surprise) and that was a blessing. Not to mention, I got some alone time on the balcony a few minutes ago, just me and the Lord...so sweet. I keep marveling with thoughts like, "God, you TOLD the waves where to stop! You put the stars in the sky!" Really, the thoughts are so big that I can't help but laugh at how I can't comprehend it. Amazing.

Well, it's time for bed. Got a long day tomorrow. But it will be beautiful!

Much love!

Photos from Spring Break! And a bit of where I've been. And a lame post title :)

Hello! Here are a few of the photos from Spring Break! Honestly, we took more videos than photos, so there weren't that many to choose from. If you want to see the big ol' video that we compiled, edited, and set to swingin' music, come ask me some time! It's well worth a watch. At least Megan and I think so :)

So...wondering about my blogging absence recently? 

Well, as soon as I got back from the wonderful Spring Break, I got sick. After a week of fun with that, I had what the education majors refer to as "Hell Week" (where we are teaching a class in a local elementary school every day, finishing our observing hours at a different school, completing our tutoring projects, and taking our 2/3 exams--all in ONE WEEK).

On top of all that, my grandmother passed away on Tuesday morning.

Needless to say, last week was one of the longest, roughest week of my life. And even though I don't have deep spiritual things to write, I know the Lord is good. I'm in a quiet place, I'm in a confusing place, I'm in a stressful place...but I know the Lord is good. Not because of some awesome experience, but just because His word says so...and I trust that. Especially in a time of confusion. Hopefully I'll have more clarity on it all soon and can write wonderful and inspiring blog entries. :) But in the meantime...yep.

Love you all! Promise I'll be blogging more soon. And don't forget to be watching for the two surprises.

These call for a 2nd post today...Inspirations!

Guess what?! I have neat things for you to see! So, how about an Inspiration post? This one is devoted to cool backgrounds and photo ops!

Check out how artist Mariko Jesse used drawings as backdrops for these stellar bridal photos! This spread was featured in Martha Stewart Weddings. I personally love this magazine. Great for sweet inspirations.And here we have a photo straight out of Real Living magazine. Has anyone seen this magazine available in the US of A? Anyway, I just love this idea...cute, cute.Last but not least...I just have throw some fashion in the mix! Can't help myself from these gorgeous 70's inspired threads from Target! Jovovich-Hawk designs for GO International.

Honey, I'm home!

I'm back from Spring Break '08 and it was...GREAT! The secret destination location was Rockport, Texas! Meg and I left on Saturday, drove all day, and then arrived on the beach! It was such a fun week filled with fun on the beach (like laying in the sun, playing in the waves, and flying kites!), shopping trips, ferry rides, renting a new movie every night, DELICIOUS food (including my favorite restaurant: Charlotte Plummers!) and the Texas State Aquarium! Wahoo! I needed a week like that. :)

Pictures/Videos will be coming soon!

Now it's back to reality, and I'm really not complaining. I feel more focused after having a week of total fun and relaxation. I'm a little nervous about how much homework I have to do before Monday...and the week after that, teaching every day...but I'll get it done!

Right now I have photography fever! My creative juices are flowing, and I want to make some stellar shots! I've got a few engagement sessions coming up the next few weeks, and I'm SO excited about them! I keep getting lens/equipment lust though! The 24-70mm is a'callin' my name. ...Caroline... But don't forget about my exciting news from my last post. Still a "secret" but I'm sure if you run into me somewhere, I'll spill the beans. :)

I really can't explain how refreshed and refocused I feel after this week. Simply wonderful. :)

One night, after hanging out on the beach all day, I ran across this verse: "Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment...when I fixed limits for it when I said, 'This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt'?" Job 38:8-11

The next day, that's all I could think about while watching the ocean waves roll in and out. God, my God determines exactly where those waves stop. Wow. Our God is so powerful and so in control! And He is good. In the deepest sense of the word, He is good. I got to experience some of His goodness to me this week. Beautiful.

Make sure to watch out for some photos from the week in a day or two!

Spring Break is upon us!

My blog post average per month is going down fast. Looks like we have a critical situation on our hands. I have a really good reason though...but it's top secret. So...sorry. I can't share it. But I'll give hints.



Hint #1: There are two reasons.

Hint #2: One is .net

Hint #3: One is blu.

Hint #4: You'll see both of them very soon.



I bet half of you can make an accurate guess now. :)


Well, in other news, Spring Break is coming up! That's so exciting. I can already tell you it's going to be a good one-- full of wholesome, non-alcoholic fun. :) And hey, my birthday is coming up too! I won't be blogging in honor of Spring Break this coming week...


But don't lose hope in the dear ol' blog...exciting things are in the future.



In the meantime, here's an simple, classy outfit that you'll LOVE for Spring Break!

The Dress that is WAY comfy, on sale for $15, and even cuter than it looks in the photo.
The Jean Jacket that provides for the cool nights and everyone needs one anyway.
Lastly, the Shoes that make the outfit!

The top 5 for March! a.k.a The Longest Post in the World!

Sub title for this post: Oh no, I'm a blog slacker!

Instead of blogging this month, I've been taking advantage of the purely lovely warm weather, basking in the sun, taking long drives to the lake, dancing around the house, and staying up too late. Oh yes, and doing school work of course. :) But to make up for my absence, I have some of the coolest things to bring you in this month's edition of le premier cinq. AKA the Top Five! (Can you keep a secret? This is more or less an inspiration post than a Top 5 post...but shhh, don't tell.)

1. Wanting some new tunes for your iPod? Welcome Rue Royale into your life with a big hug and a few high fives! I can't even describe them, you'll just have to listen and be delightfully surprised (if you have music taste that's anything like my own). They have a new album out on iTunes that was just released the day before Valentine's Day! Where have I been!?
2. Yay for gorgeous! Check out the photos for New York Magazine's new airy Spring line. Click on the slideshow.

3. Hello J. Crew with your inspiring photography and wonderful argyle sweaters made just for Spring. I personally don't have $128 to drop on one, but maybe you do. :)
4. Lines and Shapes connect us. Cool design and I just like this website's line of thought. No pun intended.
...Okay, the pun was intended. I like corny jokes :)

5. Whoever invented the alphabet had no idea what kind of artform they were providing the world with. Make your own or find some inspiration searching "typography" on Etsy! (We all love Etsy!!)

***And just in case you were wondering what I'm up to these days***

Wearing: No make-up. I woke up late for work this morning :)

Listening to: Of course I'm listening to Rue Royale's new stuff!

Eating: A Hershey kiss...wish I could find more around here.

Photoshopping: Pictures for my dad's business website.

Loving: The fact that I got to dress up and go to a ballet last night!

Excited About: A family photo shoot tomorow...first in a while it seems!

Reading: Up on who I should vote for as Prez'08.

Feeling: Like making dumb abbreviations (as made obvious by that "Prez'08" up there).

New Hot Spot: Don't make fun, but the campus library. If I take my mac with me, I can listen to other student's shared music while I study. Not illegal!

Laughing at: Everything Obama is doing for me, like commenting on my blog and folding an origami crane for me. Do yourself a favor and go here. Relax, I don't know who I'm voting for yet. But it's still just funny. Keep refreshing the page to get more of what Obama is doing for you :)

Feeling Special because: My birthday is in March! Oh boy!

Love you all,

CarolineJoy