The inspirational Maya Angelou!

I fell in love with this quote the other day- Maya Angelou - You can only become accomplished at something you love.

“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don't make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can't take their eyes off you.”

I mean I’m not going to lie… money is nice and lets you do a lot of fun things BUT money isn’t everything.  I will tell you that I love kicking ass at a job that is amazing in an industry I’ve wanted to be in for oh so long! Since I was a teeny tiny fashionista I can remember wanting to own my own dress boutique and I know I’ll get there someday… right now I’m exactly where I’m meant to be and that makes me happy!

My hope is for people to become happy.  The world we live in now is SO crazy. We work long days, many of us at a job we just consider a job not a career, we don’t make as much money as we’d like and the days aren’t spent like we’re in college any more, surrounded by friends. Find something you truly love and it will make all the difference.  I know it certainly did for me!

xox always-Linds

Currently Listening To...

OMG I love Collin McLoughlin almost as much as I love Gavin Degraw.  It only seems fitting that I would stumble across Collin's video cover of Gavin's Not Over You. One word- AMAZING! He has his own youtube channel: mcloughlinmusic in addition to songs for sale on iTunes so check it out!!

Here's a short bio that can be found on Collin's youtube channel:

22 year old Collin McLoughlin’s dream appear to be coming true before our very eyes.  His energy and passion for writing and performing great music, continuously fueled by his strong talent and the support of his ever-growing fanbase both inside and outside of the music industry has brought an exciting new voice to today’s pop music scene.  Collin began his career as an acoustic artist, writing and recording original material in his early teens.   Following a successful tour to support this guitar-based music, he was recruited by three fellow students at Colgate University to create the hip-hop/R&B group, Nautical Young.  Collin began by writing and singing hooks and quickly began to co-produce songs and manage the group.  Nautical Young’s debut album, ‘Just in Time’ was released in April, 2010, sponsored by DJ Benzi.  The mixtape was met with rave reviews by fans and critics alike, leading to a college tour across the East Coast.  With group members heading in different coasts upon graduation, Collin focused his efforts on his solo career and began recording a debut solo project in May, 2010.  Combining his recent involvement in hip hop and R&B, with his passion for electronic, and his acoustic roots, Collin’s solo project serves as a refreshing blend of electronic, soul and pop rythms.  He has performed with Wale, Fabolous, K’naan, Sam Adams, and Lupe Fiasco.  Collin plans to release his solo album in the electro/ soul genres in the coming weeks, followed by a solo tour to promote the project while juggling his role as a graduate student at NYU’s Music Business Program.

xox always- Linds

Just another Manic Monday

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a FAN-TAS-TIC Thanskgiving and a relaxing few days off from work! Now that you are back to the grind you may be looking for a nice laugh. I am slightly obsessed with Chelsea Handler so have fun checking out this 2 minute blooper reel haha!

xox always- Linds

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gooooood Morning and Happy Thanksgiving! I hope all of you are enjoying a wonderful cozy morning getting ready for today's festivities.  Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, eat lots of yummy food, hang out with some amazing family and take a nice long nap!!


Here is a SHORT list of things I am thankful for today!

1.       My amazing Fiancé who puts up with my nonsense

2.       My family who sees me through everything and anything

3.       My friends who are there for me no matter what

4.       My dogs, my crazy, crazy dogs

5.       A roof over my head- one dayyy we’ll get out of this….sing the lyrics

6.       My health, thank goodness

7.       My clothes J which I love

8.       My job that I love so much even though it’s only been 2 weeks

9.       My car that gets me everywhere I need to go

10.   Energy drinks... Specifically Red Bull although I have promised a friend to try Nos!

11.   Yummy & Delicious homemade food

12.   My bed- my warm amazing cloud of a bed

13.   Technology so I can communicate with all my friends and family

14.   Music, no matter what music

15.   Laughter ahhh laughter what can I say besides I love to laugh and I’m thankful I get to

16.   Mistakes- as much as  they’re not fun when they happen, it always teaches me something

17.   Life.

Ok............BLACK FRIDAY!! Who else besides my Mom and I will be a crazy shopper at Midnight??




xox always- Linds

Amazing Fashion!

Two words for you this morning… MOHAMMED ASHI!  I stumbled onto his designs yesterday and have been mesmerized ever since.  Ashi is an up an coming Haute Couture Saudi Arabian designer who had dressed the likes of Eva Longoria, Anna Nalick, Lauren Conrad and Lea Michele.

The only word I can use to describe Mohammed Ashi’s collection is magical.  I was stunned when I started looking through his designs- to me, this is every little girl’s dream- to grow up and be able to wear a fancy gown such as one of these.  I honestly don’t know if I have even picked my jaw up off the ground yet.  This is what fashion is all about- pure creativity and reckless abandon.  As I sit with my eyes glued to these beautiful photographs of Ashi’s collection (ASHI’S STUDIO) I daydream about wearing one of his magnificent creations while attending an elegant ball in Paris somewhere…. Ah what a life that would be!

Enjoy some background info/pictures below!

I was able to dig up background info on Mohammed Ashi, courtesy of,  Arab Designer of the Year written by, K.S. Ramkumar  from the Arab News. (http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=21&section=0&article=96279&d=17&m=5&y=2007)

“Born in 1980, Ashi has had an impressive career since he first became interested in fashion designing. He attended a French design school and obtained his bachelor’s degree in three years. He learned a great deal from Elie Saab, a Lebanese designer. “Elie Saab saw my interest and made me his assistant. It was a great experience.”

He made his major foray into the field when working with leading Arab designer Mohammed Berjawi as his assistant. He presented an haute couture collection in 2005. He then teamed up with Elie Saab to present an haute couture and ready to wear spring/summer 2006 collection. This was followed by working on autumn/winter 2006-07 collection as an assistant designer of accessories, including bags and shoes.

He worked with Millia Maron Studio and presented a ready to wear women’s autumn/winter collection in 2006, followed by another women’s collection spring/summer 2007.

He worked for two months in 2006 as a concept designer for Skin, an architecture and interior and graphic design company.

Interestingly, Ashi has a legal academic background and has undertaken various legal courses. He also holds a diploma in business from St. Michael’s College in Vermont, United States He also did a diploma in Lebanon to qualify as a stylist and pattern maker.

Ashi now has his eyes set on a European country, “Maybe Paris,” where he wants to present his fashion show with a story. “My new fashion show is always with a new story. And that distinguishes me from the rest.”

His father is a well known textile dealer and company owner and his sister Soha has been a designer for over four years. Thus, Ashi is keen to present his show in his home country. “Yes, I want to present my collection here — and soon,” says Ashi whose other interests include photography and making short movies. As he is a stylist and a good concept developer, he will probably succeed.”

Here is some information on Ashi’s collections that I found on celebs-style.blogspot.com (http://celebs-style.blogspot.com/2011/03/line-we-love-ashi-studio.html)

“Ashi started MODE 6, a series of collections that fallows no pattern in terms of time and they are more of capsule collections with different themes and exclusive limited pieces.MODE 1 was a series of exotic and modern kaftans.

MODE 2 was influenced by “A Bird came down the Walk”, a poem written by Emily Dickinson. Taking inspiration from Dickinson’s limitless and genius imagination, Ashi realized the image of the wild bird in her poem in fifteen spectacular pieces with the help of Saudi jewelry designer Abeer Baghdadi.”

Ashi Contact info:

http://www.ashistudio.com/

+961 70 623771

+961 1 381987

ashistudio@gmail.com

xox always- Linds

Just Another Manic Monday

Good morning and happy Monday!  I hope you all have a nice short week due to Thanksgiving! So if you have Thursday and Friday off this week (like me) just pretend to day is your Wednesday!

xox always- Linds

New Tattoos!

Good morning! Rise and shine on this lovely Sunday!

I’m so excited for today!!!!!!! I get to see my Iron Mountain work girlies- some of the sweetest friends a girl could ask for.  They’re taking me for a surprise birthday outing oooh-la-la! I have no idea where I’m going but I just can’t wait to see my lovely ladies- Marisa, Em, Lauren and Laura! (Meg is in FL for a wedding)

Before I head out this morning I decided to post about my new tattoos I got while I was out in Cali! I got them ON my actual birthday which makes them even more special to me! The last time I got a tattoo on my real birthday was when I turned 24- so that one was the most special tattoo I’ve ever gotten because: it was on my 24^th birthday which is my favorite number, it was my first tat, and it was a matching tat with my sis. I’m slightly obsessed with even numbers.  As much as I try years when I am an odd number do not pan out as well as my even years. I’m looking forward to my full year of being 28 and I can’t wait to see what life brings me!

So back to my newest tattoos! The first one I got is on the outside of my right wrist and it says Happiness.  I feel like happiness is such a big part of my life that I want a daily reminder of it on myself. Happiness keeps the soul alive; there is no better feeling than just simply being happy.

The second one I got is on my collar bone eeks! I’ve wanted one on my collar bone for a LONG time but it’s a big commitment that is not easily hidden even if it needs to be.  Now that I’m working for a fashion company I decided to take the plunge.  It says with every heartbeat.  It’s a reminder for me to put 100% of myself into literally everything I do  – with every heartbeat

Hope you enjoy my tats as much as I do!

xox always- Linds

Currently listening to...

Happy Saturday folks! My first week at the new job was AMAZING! Of course by the end of the week I was exhausted from travelling to Cali last week and the job in general... so last night I passed out at 6:30pm and woke up this morning around 7:45am. WOW- GRANDMAAAA ha it's ok becasue I feel SO refreshed now!


I did a little shopping early this morning at Marshalls and TJMaxx. It's my favorite time to shop- right before everyone else gets up. It's my own little piece of heaven.... shopping around all by myself in the store, so relaxig! If you are a HUGE Betsey Johnson fan like me- you should know they have some great Betsey winter accessories there right now! I got some fabulous deals.


Currently listening to: So today's post will be short and sweet.  While I was in Cali my sister played me the most amazing song I have ever heard, Somebody that I used to know by Gotye. Posted below is the video and lyrics. This song is probably the best breakup song I've ever heard to today's post is definitely inspired by my friend Em who is amazing and one of the most lovely people I've ever met! YOU ARE FABULOUS and GOSH DARN IT PEOPLE LOVE YOU!!


xox always- Linds

Now and then I think of when we were together
Like when you said you felt so happy you could die
Told myself that you were right for me
But felt so lonely in your company
But that was love and it's an ache I still remember

You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness
Like resignation to the end
Always the end
So when we found that we could not make sense
Well you said that we would still be friends
But I'll admit that I was glad that it was over

But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened
And that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger
And that feels so rough
You didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records
And then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
(From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/g/gotye-lyrics/somebody-that-i-used-to-know-lyrics.html)
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over
But had me believing it was always something that I'd done
And I don't wanna live that way
Reading into every word you say
You said that you could let it go
And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know...

But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened
And that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger
And that feels so rough
You didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records
And then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

I used to know
That I used to know
Somebody...

Cheers to the PERFECT DAY!

SOOO I am SO sorry I haven’t been able to blog lately! My life has been a little crazy! Last week I was in LA visiting my sissy for my birthday wahhoo…. So much fun! While I was out there I got two new tattoos- the first is on the outside of my right wrist and it says happiness and the second is on my collar bone and says with every heartbeat.  I love them!  My sis got one one her wrist that says breathe... she's always wanted it and finally got it! Pictures are below woohooo...We always go to the BEST tattoo place in LA on Sunset Blvd- Shamrock Social, loveee it there!

While we were out there we did a lot of shopping and ate some amazing food- mainly sushi.  We also celebrated my birthday at a fabulous hotel and my little sis from my sorority Jizzy came out to celebrate with me as well! xox My sis and I also go to go to her friends wedding, I was her +1 it was soooo amazing! Best part is that it was catered by food trucks, mainly in N' out burger ummm INCREDIBLE and tasty ha!

Today I started my new job at Rue La La and it was AMAZING! I was surrounded by so many amazing clothes and a whole closet of shoes… think Devil Wears Prada but with really nice people haha!  I also found out that I’ll be supporting both the CTO and CMO so I seriously could not be happier…. Marketing and technology for an ecommerce/retail company… I am ONE LUCKY GIRL! I have so much to learn but I can’t wait.  The other thing that I LOVE about the company is that Kindness is a core value… seriously- could I have picked a better place to work!? They go above and beyond for their employees and you can tell that people are truly happy there!

It doesn’t hurt that we have an employee sample sale on Friday either hahah! Oh boy… here goes my paycheck!

I’ll try to write some more ASAP! Thanks for checking in as always!

xox always- Linds

Photographs

Happy Saturday! I fell in love with this quote awhile back and thought I'd share for some inspiration. Hope you enjoy!!

xox always- Linds

TGIF

WOW so the day has come... it is my LAST day at Iron Mountain... so weird, exciting, scary etc! I'm looking forward to going out to LA to visit my sis next week and then I start the following week at Rue La La, I can't wait, I really can't but I'm also sad to leave my IRM family.


I hope you all have a lovely Friday filled with lots of laughs and a little bit of dancing of course!


xox always- Linds

True Beauty

Afternoon! I know I talk a lot about believing in yourself and being truly happy but it is SO important.  You can do amazing things in this world, small or large- you just need to keep believing.  Just because something you want doesn’t happen the second you want it to, doesn’t mean it won’t happen eventually.  Everything happens for a reason- so keep believing.  Find things that make you happy and do them, no matter what it is. Take a nap, write in your journal, watch tv, go for a walk, play with your dog, spend time with your family, kiss a loved one, laugh with your friends, go shopping, eat a good meal, spend quality time with yourself, find a hobby, get a new job, take a bubble bath, eat a box of Oreos, listen to music, dance anywhere and everywhere, be silly and always try to have fun.

I want to share one of my favorite quotes, to me it’s exactly how I see beauty.

Beauty is all around us, in nature, people’s souls, art and in words.

You can choose to see beauty everywhere, or you can choose to remain untouched.

True beauty is not perfect. Beauty doesn’t have to be flawless.

True beauty is found in happiness.

Seeing a smile on a person’s face after they have had to deal with too much pain, hearing a best friend’s laughter, or seeing a scrap of blue sky, or a gap in the clouds on a miserable day.

Beauty isn’t’ just found in looks; songs are beautiful, emotions are beautiful.  Not just faces on magazines.  Being pretty, cute, stunning, or good-looking, are not the only ways of measuring true beauty. True beauty is love. Family, friends.

Beauty is the quality that gives us intense pleasure in what we see, or sense.

Beauty comes from within the heart and the soul, and not just from your appearance.

Beauty shouldn’t’ be who looks the best, or how close to perfection you are.

Beauty should bring happiness, and happiness itself is beautiful.

xox always- Linds