Future Life Balance

I believed in a good home, in sane and sound living, in good food, good times, work, faith and hope. I have always believed in these things. It was with some amazement that I realized I was one of the few people in the world who really believed in these things without going around making a dull middle class philosophy out of it. I was suddenly left with nothing in my hands but a handful of crazy stars.

- On the Road, Jack Kerouac

When I stumbled upon this quote, not only did all of the memories and details from Kerouac's novel come rushing back to me, but I was comforted by his sentiment; it resonated with me, with my present and my hopes for the future. I was a person who often balked at the idea of a "traditional" life because I saw my small-town family, and thought that all relationships and futures ended in a complicated family situation, the same routine day in and day out, 'round and 'round the cup-de-sac we go. I grew up with the notion that middle class existence was mundane.  I didn't want the same thing for my future. But I still wanted a good, stable home, still wanted to make a living with a steady job, be surrounded by people I loved, and wanted to be happy. So how could I ever find a balance? Did wanting those things mean I was destined to a monotonous future? 

Nope. I don't have to be one of those people who chooses between a haphazard, "free" life, with no stability, and the mundane and monotonous. I too, am one of those "few people" who can see myself living a "traditional" life, without it being susceptible to all the cliches that go with it. When I think about my future, there's a foundation to my life, a blueprint in which I can build, but not one that I have to stick to. I don't have to fit into a mold, adopt an entire middle class philosophy. I am free and spontaneous and can have any life that I want.

via bloom

Wednesday Blues

**I take no credit for these photos. Original sources can be found via my pinterest "fashion" board.

Bedroom Decor

In the near future, wherever I happen to call home will include my current bedroom furniture. I love my mattress - it's like sleeping on a cloud - and the drawers beneath offer crucial storage space. Plus, the espresso color and silver nobs will be a nice contrast for the lighter and brighter colors that I like to incorporate into my living space. 

Bedroom ideas and inspiration

Exposed Brick

Purple

                Add purple accent

Add accent colors

Cozy Knit

Moroccan Quilts

Ever-changing Societal Norms

I am a firm believer in making decisions based on what you want to do and not travel down a life path that solely adheres to what your family, friends, or society expects of you. That includes my personal take on marriage. It's not that I am "un-romantic" or trying to "prove a point," it's that to me, marriage is a very personal thing between you and your partner. It should not be reserved for certain people and exclude others, and it should not be a such an ostentatious event like it always sometimes is today. In my personal opinion, if you decide to take this step in your relationship, what does a huge party of "support" from your friends, family, and people you barely know, (your mom's cousin's son that you had to invite to assuage an old family feud) have anything to do with your lifelong commitment to one another? Regardless of my opinion and thoughts on the matter, society is changing and evolving. People are now marrying later (or not at all) and having kids with friends, donors, or on their own (or again, not at all). 

via NY Mag

This article from New York Magazine, "Parties We Should Have Instead of Weddings," though not particularly insightful, is what got me thinking about all this. The author's point is that society is changing, so the typical wedding - and all of the parties and hoopla that go with them - are outdated. Why have a couple register for gifts when they've been living alone for a decade and already have the things that they need/want? 

Personally, I love the idea of having a "home warming party;" when my boyfriend and I move in together, we are going to be without the funds to buy what we really want or even need, so it would be an amazing help if our friends and family could each pitch in a little bit. Especially because we don't plan on getting married (at least in the traditional sense with a huge party). It's not like we want to hit people up for gifts all the time... It's that we'd rather have the stuff we really need when we need it. And not years down the road if and when we decide to even have a wedding celebration. All I'm saying is, I have no problem buying my friends gifts when they get married and have babies and then move again and then have another baby. But why should they have all the fun of opening gifts? Can't we throw a few parties for our life accomplishments too? 

PS... For the future,  like West Elm for many home goods ;) 

Home Decor

Thinking about living with John got me thinking about the second best thing about moving out: decorating (yes, on a budget). I have visions of what my future home will look like, and  I can't wait to see it come to fruition. Luckily, with the invention of pinterest, all of my future home ideas and inspirations are in one handy spot.* 

I tend to be drawn to light and airy spaces with a bit of personal charm. And no matter where I end up, I know there has to be space for lots of books. 

Book shelves and storage ideas

Light & breezy

Cozy 

Organized by color

Useful storage

Create a nook

Lots of charm

DIY

*I do not take credit for any of these images. Most of them came from my "Home Decor" pinterest board but I did try to credit the original source when available. 

And wouldn't it be nice to live together...

Ever since he put it on a summer playlist last year, this Beach Boys song always makes me think of my boyfriend. And they were really onto something. Wouldn't it be nice, if once you found someone you could be completely, 100% yourself around, you could create a life together? And not have to worry about bills, or student loans, or job prospects? 

Wanting this print for our future home

Over the past few days, my boyfriend and I were roommates as we had a house to ourselves. It was quiet, relaxing; we cooked, hung out with friends, read books, went in the pool. A truly fantastic weekend. And it got me thinking about living with him and also living alone. I'm an introverted person and quite enjoy being and living alone. I remember blogging about this New York Times article last year, "One is the Quirkiest Number,"which explores some of the pros and cons of living alone. I can't say that I've ever lived alone for an extended period of time, but when I was house sitting for a few months last year, it was just me and the dog. It was wonderful. 

I even credit this true independence for the beginning of my relationship with my boyfriend. When a person lives alone, as the Times article explores, they can truly be themselves. I know I felt so true to who I was as a person and I was so happy in my own skin. I could record and watch anything I wanted on the DVR. Pee with the door open. It was a glorious freedom to be utterly and completely me. A weird, quirky, girl who talks out loud to the dog, sings in the shower, dislikes wearing pants, likes to eat cereal in bed - me. I was more confident and sure of myself. So when I met John, I wasn't putting on an act, or showcasing some selected version of my personality. I was authentically me. And it paid off. The first conversations that we had we just normal. They weren't like those first date conversations where girls claim that they "love watching sports" and guys "confess" that they "love romantic comedies." Who are those people? John and I weren't trying to be perfect, we were just perfectly ourselves. And this has been the case ever since. 

Which brings me to my main point here, (which got quite convoluted) that this weekend confirmed what I already knew: I can be me around John, all the time. Nonstop for 5 days and nights in a row. So I guess, he would be an okay roommate because I'd do all the things I would do while I was living alone. Except he would be around and hear my horrible singing voice and see my embarrassing dance moves while I clean the apartment. 

Have a Lovely Weekend

This weekend I am going to take advantage of the warm weather, pools, friends, and a few good drinks. Cheers! 

Here are some links/photos/quotes from around the web that have made me smile this past week: 

via pinterest/source: istanbul

Love you back.  Thanks President Obama. 


This HBO film, Clear History, starring Larry David and John Hamm has a great supporting cast and even the trailer made me laugh.

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Close your eyes & imagine the best version of you possible. That’s who you really are, let go of any part of you that doesn’t believe it.

C. Assaad 

(via sorakeem)

 Book shelf love

via apartment34

How does a baby giraffe sleep?

via neatorama

Dress envy.

pinterest