It's my birthday and I'll dream if I want to.

While D has been so good to me for my birthday already, I am actually not asking for anything for my birthday (and even then he went over and beyond).  If I had 10x the amount of money I actually have, I do have a few things I'd wish for on my birthday.  And hey, a girl can dream!

I've mentioned this beauty before, but the dream has yet to come true.  I've been wanting a nice camera for a year or so.  I think I could win on Craigslist, but the cool $600+ price tag has me waiting.

I really wanted the all-white version for our living room, but D vetoed that (even though I swear it would be the perfect focus for a gallery wall).  Instead, I'll take this one with a pop of neon for our guest room.

I love all three pairs of my Toms.  I've wanted a pair of Cordones for as long as I have known about Toms.  With their higher price tag, I haven't gotten any yet.  I immediately fell in love with these while I was in Athens.

I fell in love with this bag when we visited UO in Charlottesville.  It's been in my shopping bag ever since, and I'm just waiting for it to go on sale.

I fell in love with Stainiac when I got in a a birch box shipment.  I have seemed to misplace or have lost my birch box version, so I want to go for the sheer rosy one.

Finally, I tried on this pretty in Austin and just could not even dish out for the price.  I fell in love with it though.  It fit amazingly and would work through fall for some weddings.

My birthday is next Tuesday, so I'll be planning to spend this week (and most of next) celebrating!

Snippets from NYE.

[All courtesy of Forever 21]

 [And the curling commences]

 [Ready to rock it.]

[Love this fashion decor]

 [Pre Prix Fixe]

 [Fabulous dinner drinks]

 [NYE Grand Marnier cheesecake + Hoppin' Frog Silk Porter]

[Ending the night/ringing in the new year with BFW]

Obsessed: Natalie Portman

Seriously. 

She is gorgeous and funny.  She has done such a variety of acting roles.  If I were an actress, she'd be my idol.  I sort of don't want to stop looking at her.  Claire also talked about her love of Natalie here.  I stole the following picture from her...

It doesn't help that I saw Black Swan this weekend and was blown away.

[weheartit]

Whew...that movie will probably give me nightmares.  It kept me on the edge of my seat.  I loved the sexual tension in it.  I loved the thrill.  The emotions.  I loved it all.  Amazing.  Mostly, I loved Natalie.  I can't think of a better fit for that role.

[Weheartit]

She is currently in Your Highness with James Franco (adore!) and Danny McBride.

North Carolina on my mind.

Joanna from a Cup of Jo posted about these adorable cutting boards recently.

How freaking cute are these??  AHeirloom at etsy makes these adorable putting boards.  You can place orders for Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Carolina, , North Carolina, New Jersey, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.  Cali, Texas, Michigan, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Nevada are listed with pictures.  Ever since I moved to NC, I've gradually become obsessed with it.  I mean it is no California (which I would probably die to live there...although who knows since I've never visited!) or NYC.  I think NC was the perfect transition from Georgia for D and I.  I love being close to the beach, the mountains, and still close to my family back in GA.  I really want to put one of these on my Christmas wish list!  They're only about $30-38.

Me and Julio down by the schoolyard.

...well we're about to be down there...but not in the way the song implies.  School is about to start back up.  I have a beginning teacher thing next Thursday which will kickstart the whole routine.  I'm torn on the whole thing...I'm looking forward to starting back and getting into a regular routine (although I am starting to really enjoy sleeping in, working out, and lounging/maybe doing a few chores) and getting a fucking paycheck.  I'm nervous about starting a new year.  I still feel so unprepared/inexperienced as a teacher.  It's got to happen though.  I'm hoping that being back in the regular routine will keep me on the right eating track.  Anyway...as of next week, I expect posts will lessen and maybe become more school focused.  We'll see what happens :)

Can I say a word about stress??  I am so ridiculously stressed.  I've mentioned like 5 million times about my money situation this summer.  August is going to be the tightest month.  I love having D as such a support.  I was stressing out yesterday when we were going over finances.  Even when I get paid at the end of August, it is going to be all gone after paying off all the shit D covered this month.  Anyway...no one cares about the dets of my financial situation.  D just reminds me it is what it is and we'll make it through (I just have to make sure I get my school fee paid...early birthday money? At least it's only $100).  Since I can't fast forward through August and D went out of town, I've been cuddling with my kitties.  It's funny how they just make you feel better when they curl up beside you.  Luckily Bailey is super lovey and adores just being beside me :)  Here's some pictures that make me smile though and relieve stress...

[props here and to Hey, Lady Grey for originally posting this]

[I absolutely adore the stills from this ad...image here]

[Who doesn't love a furry kitten??  I'm freaked out by people who are cat haters. love.]

[here.]

[You know I love an owl. owly.]

[Take me away on a vacay. And give me those shoes. here.]