Miss America

So many words come to mind when I think of my dear friend, Liz Santorum. Steadfast, virtuous, eloquent, refined... the list goes on. I met Liz my sophomore year at UD and was immediately drawn to her friendly southern charm. I don't know if it was her pearl earrings, dirty chai or beaming smile that drew me in, but I knew we'd be instant friends. And we were. I'm her Ethel & she's my Lucy. We spent nights laughing and crying as we looked to our memories from the past to help guide us into the infinite abyss. We talked of film, fashion, love, cuisine, and travel. Once the giggling started, it wouldn't stop. The sight of us was like that of young schoolgirls, careless and free. 

This year, much has changed in the life of Liz Santorum. Her father, Senator Santorum, is running for President of the USA. Yes, PRESIDENT!!! I will never forget the phone call I received from Liz last summer that I had dreaded for so long: that she would not be returning to UD for the fall semester. I rejoiced at her decision to help her father with his campaign but worried what effect it would have on our friendship. Despite the distance, our friendship remained intact. In fact, it improved. It was as if we both knew exactly what the other needed (not always wanted) to hear. We each were the other's link to sanity. 

Poised. Sophisticated. Elegant. Eloquent. Stunning. 

I can only imagine the many memories we'll have over the years. I often like to imagine the two of us sitting on our rocking chairs, sweet tea in hand, with our husbands tending to the grandchildren. As we sit, basking in our memories, we'll enjoy these priceless times in our youth. Cheers to timeless friendship!

Meet the soon-to-be President's daughter, everyone! She's quite the catch in her white mustang convertible & that scarf around her head. Here she comes America!

The Beginning of the End

As we welcome in the new year, it is not uncommon to initiate resolutions, hoping to challenge oneself to improve and grow throughout the year. Beginning the last semester of my final year in college, I hope to do just this. Share a glimpse into my life and those who have had a tremendous impact on my journey thus far. Cheers to a year of adventure and an encounter with some of God's most beautiful creatures.

Exotic. Simple. Joyful. Artistic. 

Meet one of my closest friends, Lia. She is a true, Turkish beauty. We met years ago while venturing through the jungles of Florida (our backyard) and boating through the inlets of the eastern coast. In recent years we've reconnected and found so much joy in one another's company. I think everyone would agree that Lia is a gem of a friend, one who brings the most pure happiness to all. This Christmas break I spent nights caroling, playing bananagrams, predicting our futures around a campfire, sipping wine and soaking up the beauties this world has to offer with Lia. Isn't it the simplest of things in life that bring such tremendous happiness to our hearts? Lia is now off teaching in Hawaii, bound to fall in love with an exotic Hawaiian surfer. But she will never forget her roots in our small town and those she has brought such joy to.

The gift of friendship.

 Rather than whittle away my rainy afternoon, I decided to brush up on some British fancy. Curled up on the couch, with a spot of tea in hand, I intently marveled at Hollywood's rendition of Jane Austen's literary masterpiece, Emma. The film hardly competes with Austen's artistic brilliancy, but needless to say, I enjoyed being swept back to the mid- nineteenth century. As I indulged my afternoon away, I couldn't help but relish in the beautiful friendships displayed in the works of Jane Austen.

This scene from the movie of Gweneth Paltrow, as Emma, playfully interacting with her dear friend, Harriett, embodies so much of what we crave as social beings: affection. I found this picture to be such a beautiful display of that child-like friendship we all aim to maintain, despite our passing years.

Speaking of friends... In three short weeks I'll be reunited with two of my dearest friends, Kate & Rachel. Despite spending a mere three months in the same state together, our friendship has prevailed. Rachel soaking up the Phoenix heat, Kate enjoying some Georgia peaches & me kayaking my days away in the Florida sun, we're close as ever! I am so incredibly blessed to have such wonderful people inspiring me everyday with their beautiful display of friendship. Here's to friends!

Two of the dearest friends a girl could ask for! 

Hometown Glory

When listening to my newest musical interest, Adele, I can't help but revel in the natural talent she demonstrates. At age 23, newly aspiring, British artist, Adele, is captivating hearts across the globe. Describing her musical style as "heartbroken soul," Adele professes her love of London & those within the cradle of British culture. In her song "Hometown Glory," I couldn't help but pause after listening to her line, "I ain't lost, just wandering." Consciously or not, Adele taps something so profound, embodying humanity. A natural inclination to wander, to search, to embrace the truth should remain at the heart.

I really enjoyed this version of Adele's Hometown Glory.




I've been walking in the same way as I did
Missing out the cracks in the pavement
And tutting my heel and strutting my feet
"Is there anything I can do for you dear? Is there anyone I can call?"
"No and thank you, please Madam. I ain't lost, just wandering"

Round my hometown
Memories are fresh
Round my hometown
Ooh the people I've met
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of this world
Are the wonders of my world

I like it in the city when the air is so thick and opaque
I love to see everybody in short skirts, shorts and shades
I like it in the city when two worlds collide
You get the people and the government
Everybody taking different sides

Shows that we ain't gonna stand shit
Shows that we are united
Shows that we ain't gonna take it
Shows that we ain't gonna stand shit
Shows that we are united

Round my hometown
Memories are fresh
Round my hometown
Ooh the people I've met

Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of this world
Are the wonders of my world

Splash of Color

     While walking into a local Lily Pulitzer boutique yesterday afternoon, I couldn't help but revel in the summer cheer that overwhelmed my senses. Not only was every article of clothing radiating a summer tone, but every piece of furniture, accessory and latest ipad cover were adorned with a tropical flair. It was as if I had stepped into a tropical paradise amidst my much needed retail therapy. Can't you envision yourself wearing a colorful Lily summer dress with some jeweled sandals, as you sit by the pool journaling one summer afternoon? 


     Vibrant: pulsating with life, vigor or activity. Vibrant characterizes the way I felt walking into the Lily boutique & the way I hope to feel, as each summer day fades against the Florida horizon. Shouldn't each of us be pulsating with a vigor to love, a vigor to learn and a vigor to grow? With my summer goals outlined & slowly becoming regimented into my daily routine, my creativity has been unleashed! My new obsession: stumbleupon. If you're not already a stumbler, I highly recommend it if you need a little creative boost! 

Soup's on!

I couldn't help but crave a little cup of soup on this cold, rainy day. The thick blankets of fog known as 'pea-soupers' that used to descend on London are now a thing of the past since the introduction of the 'Clean Air Act' and smokeless fuels. This soup is named after those fogs and it will still keep you warm on a misty spring evening!

London Particular (Pea & Ham) Soup

15 Gram Butter ( 1/2 oz)
50 Gram Streaky bacon, rinded and chopped plus extra fried or grilled pieces for garnish (2 oz)

1 Medium Onion, chopped

1 Medium Carrot, diced

1 Sticks Celery, chopped

450 Gram Split dried peas (1 lb)

2.3 Litres Ham or Chicken stock (4 pints)

4 Tablespoon Natural yogurt

Melt the butter, add the bacon, onion, carrot and celery. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the vegetables have begun to soften. Add the peas and stock. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 1 hour, until the peas are cooked. Liquidise thoroughly. Add the yogurt and reheat gently without boiling. Serve garnished with bacon pieces (and croutons if you like). Enjoy!

The Symphony of Life

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common--this is my symphony.

-WILLIAM HENRY CHANNING