ringing in 2010

photos via once wed

2009 is coming to a close - can you believe it?! This year flashed before my eyes. I'm still trying to decide whether that's a good or bad thing. The saying does go, "Time flies when you're having fun," but I'd rather take things slow and cherish them. You with me?

As I mentioned before, 2009 was good to me in many ways. That's not to say I didn't have some major struggles along the way. In fact, this year was probably one of the hardest in all my 20 years, but it's not stopping me from being thankful for all that I did experience. What tests me makes me stronger.

Thanks to everyone who continues to read love in details. I love this conversation between you and I. :) Talk to you in twenty ten!

Now, go celebrate in style!

small objects

The Small Object via happy lady eats

Umm, can you say adorable?

a resolution to read

photo credit: apples and pairs

I reeeeeally want to start reading more. Sadly, the last book I read was Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food back in June. Yes, June. I'm making an official resolution to read more, and here's what's at the top of my list:

1. Three Cups of Tea
2. The Time Traveler's Wife
3. Reading Lolita in Tehran
4. The Yiddish Policemen's Union
5. The Help

small cool

I seriously love everything about this apartment.

That's all,

2009, in review

When I read Nicole's A Year In Review, I loved the idea and wanted to get started on my own immediately. Thanks for the inspiration, girl. :) So, here it is: My 2009!

January: I started my first 6-month co-op with a not-for-profit in Cambridge, MA.

February: I turned 20 - woohoo! Plus, we hit up Stratton, VT for snowboarding.

March: I got accepted to UT Austin's Retail Merchandising program but made the decision to save some money and stick it out in Boston. I also got to volunteer with my Dad for Habitat for Humanity - I was a painter!

May: A and I moved into our summer studio apartment - so grown up! A few weeks later, I ran my first half marathon, Boston's Run to Remember, after months of training.

June: Our yearly family trip to Yosemite has a special place in my heart.

July: A bee-a-u-tee-ful, white Peugeot bike from Bikes Not Bombs became mine! Then, A and I took our bikes on the ferry over to Provincetown, MA for a day trip!

August: A transferred schools, and needing a new outlet, I started love in details!

September: My parents visited me in Beantown, and we road tripped to Maine and Newport, RI.

October: I had my first New England apple picking (and corn maze) experience. Love you, honeycrisps. :) Oh, and Pebbles and a cowgirl hung out for Halloween. :)

November: I was offered a position for my second co-op in Dallas, TX. I start in January! I also got to visit my man in TX and the Grand Canyon with the fam for Thanksgiving.

After thinking back, I realize so much went down in 2009! I am so thankful for everything that I've been given, and I'm so ready to charge full-force into the new year. Bring it on, 2010!

merry and sunny

Boy, what a relief it is to be relaxing at home! And I have my family and my man with me. :) So far, vacation has consisted of:

- tennis, running & basketball
- laguna beach & taco loco
- mission san juan capistrano
- disneyland
- decorating gingerbread houses
- baking pies and cookies
- lots of movies

Yup, I want to show A all that SoCal has to offer! He's been here a couple of times before, but there's always more to see. I hope everyone has a merry Christmas Eve filled with lots of love. I know I will!

Until next time,

she's back

Bye bye Boston, hello Orange County! I'm hoooome! So far, I've gotten to see a handful of old friends, go for runs around the neighborhood, bake cookies, go line dancing (so random, so fun!), and hang out with my rambunctious dog.

Today, I pick up Alex from the airport for a, get this, 3-week visit! Yup, I'm about to have one of the best holiday breaks ever - I can feel it! I already have some fun stuff planned for us, which we'll be sure to document through photos.

What fun do you have planned for the holidays?

Loooove,

brown boa

m. andonia journal and laptop case

Gimme, gimme, gimme. I love Swirl (thank you, DailyCandy). I need a new laptop case anyway... :)

dream wardrobe

If I had to choose my dream wardrobe, this would be it. Ah, See by Chloé.

fancied up

Roomies @ Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker (2007)

Tonight I'm taking my awesome roommate out for an early 21st birthday dinner here. I'm so excited to get all fancied up for a girls' night out. A dress, perhaps? I think so. :)

Have a great Friday night, all!!

belle & boo

Darling, huh?
>> Belle & Boo <<

boots make me happy

1. Dolce Vita - Sweet Life - $158
2. BC - Rainbow - $78
3. Minnetonka - Fringe Boot - $78
4. BC - Stormy - $78







Do shoe companies really like the number 8 or something?

warm & chunky

Dear Santa,

I would love a chunky sweater (inspired by this) like this or this to keep me warm in this freezing weather.

Love,
Michelle

where's lulu

My awesome brother Greg (aka Toshio) and his good friend Caitlin (aka Lulu) founded Where's Lulu after seeing a huge need in the disabled community.

Where's Lulu is the first pro-disability company of its kind. It's a free online community where people with disabilities can finally obtain accurate, reliable information on accessibility, and provide that information to other users by reviewing their favorite (or least favorite) local businesses. A guide to accessible places and services, Lulu provides an open forum where people can share information on everything from menu readability to bathroom accessibility.

As you can believe, I'm a very proud sister. When he first told me about it, I had one of those "Aha!" moments, wondering why someone hadn't thought of this before. My bro and Caitlin truly are pioneers in their communities and, very soon, in communities all over!

So far, San Francisco and Portland have been launched, and Boston and NYC are coming soon.

I have a favor to ask of all my lovely readers: write reviews! Whether you live in Portland or SF or have visited at some point, your feedback is welcomed. Just another way you can give back this holiday season!

Lots of LOVE,