A Unique Gift

Recently I made a purchase for my good friend, Elana. I actually loved the item so much that I bought one for myself, too!

The items? Monogram art by ARTnSEWL. I love the fact that they are made out of old books. As writers, I knew that this would be inspirational for both Elana and I. The way that these beautiful pieces of wall art are made, they look old and significant and I really adore that.

I went with an "M" to represent my last name, Morrissey. I purchased an "E" for Elana.

If you are looking for a unique, creative gift for the holidays, head over to ARTnSEWL's Esty shop and browse.

Photo courtesy of: ARTnSEWL

Black Friday? I'll Pass!

I am not the typical girl...I don't particularly like shopping. I really don't like shopping with other people. I prefer to go to the stores that I need and get it over with. That being said, I do not plan on going shopping today. Good luck to all of you that are braving the crowds. I hope you find great deals!

If I were going shopping, here are a few things I would love to pick up:

Photos courtesy of: Walmart, Nordstrom, Urban Decay, Forever 21, and Overstock.com

A Christmas Carol Thanksgiving

Today I am alone for Thanksgiving and I can't help but equate my situation to "A Christmas Carol." It's not because I am a Scrooge, it's the being by myself part. My family went to Arizona but I had to stay back in LA because of work yesterday. I could have driven over there to meet everyone, but with the traffic it wouldn't really be worth it--I'd be driving more than visiting. Anyways, I am a pescetarian so I don't eat turkey. My 2009 new year's resolution was to become a vegetarian, but I am a cheater and now eat fish...sorry off topic! Point is, I don't eat turkey, hate stuffing, pie, yams, and cranberry sauce (I know I am a weirdo!) so I am not missing out in the food department.

Back to a Christmas Carol. I don't ever want to end up alone, it's sad to be alone on a holiday. I am lucky to have friends who have invited me to join them, but I don't want to intrude on their families. The fact that they even offered means a lot to me. I am going to sit alone and feel sorry for myself instead today haha! I am actually content right now watching a First 48 marathon, because nothing says Thanksgiving like murder mysteries! I need to turn this stuff off! I did get a chance to bake cookies for the first time ever, though. They may have been Pillsbury and I may have only had to put them in the oven, but nonetheless it's a big accomplishment for me =)

Tomorrow my family comes home so I plan on going to my parents house and enjoying the rest of the weekend.

Sorry for the sentimental post! I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving, and to my non-American readers, happy Saturday!

Photo courtesy of: Snoopy.com

An Oak Glen Mini-Getaway

Last weekend I headed to Oak Glen with a friend. Located about two hours east of Los Angeles and a half hour northwest of Palm Springs, this quaint little community is known for its apple orchards.

As a kid I visited and had a magical time picking apples (and cherries when they are in season), so I have been wanting to go back and explore as an adult. As I have complained a million times on this blog, I love Fall and never get to see it because Southern California isn't exactly known for our trees and wilderness. Seeing an actual Autumn is the main reason I wanted to go back.

Unfortunately there was recently a frost and all of the apples died =( I knew this going up there, but figured we would still have a blast leaf peepin', cider sippin', and checking out the farms. I was disappointed to learn that the little town has become pretty commercial, not the idealized vision I had in my head from what I remember as a child. It reminded me of a swap meet because people were selling random stuff like blankets, hats, and other sorts.

I was a bit sad that there wasn't much apple food being sold, and those that were, were pretty expensive. This may very well be due to the frost though. A small warn apple cider, which was literally half the size of a tall Starbucks drink and not much larger than a paper cup that kids keep in the bathroom to use for teeth brushing, was $2! Maybe I am just being cheap...

However, there were some little shoppes featuring apple specialties and trinkets, and I did get to see some Fall. Of course, nothing compared to the New England Autumn that I was dreaming for, but nonetheless, there were a few yellow and orange leaves on the ground =)


We started at the top of the mountain and made our way down through the farms. Along the way this is what we saw:

An old home that reenacts Colonial and Civil War America.

Oak Glen School House Museum built in 1927. Grades 1-6 were taught here by one teacher.

A little shop selling country trinkets.

We spotted two roaming peacocks that didn't seem to mind visitors.

Late afternoon the trees started to look more like those of Autumn.

I hope you all have a great weekend! Enjoy the beauty around you and rest up for next week =)

Vampire Diaries Came Before Twilight

I am obsessed with Vampire Diaries! While most are going crazy over Twilight, I am addicted to this teen show on the CW. I think it's a great story (thus far) that most people aren't aware of. With all of the recent vampire hype it's easy to get overwhelmed by the fad. However, Vampire Diaries came years first--so for all of those people who say that this show is a copy, not true. And in all actuality, Bram Stoker started it all and nobody has anything on him!

The plot is based on a "forbidden" love and features an ultra hot cast, including Paul Wesely (Stefan, the good brother) and Ian Somerhalder (Damon, the bad brother). I am a Stefan fan, but Damon ain't too bad to look at either ; )

Monday, December 14 begins a full week-long Vampire Diaries marathon on the CW! So if you want to start watching but feel it's too late, it's definitely still possible to get into it.

Is anyone else with me on this show?

Photo courtesy of: Teen Vogue

You Know You Want Some Jammies!

The last day to enter my jammie swap is this Wednesday--Nov. 18. I will pair up the swappers on Thursday morning. Be sure to enter today!

We all love to get nice packages, so this is a great opportunity to participate in a swap without having to break the bank or go crazy shopping. I'd love for you to be a part of my first time doing a swap, so please sign up here if you are interested.

Also, I suggested you head over to REVERIE to check out the giveaway being hosted in honor of the 100th post.

Another great giveaway os being offered over at FricChic! Visit her blog to enter for your chance to win an awesome headband.

Photo courtesy of: uwec.edu

Dreaming of Warmer Days Past...

This post is two months late, but I thought I’d share anyways.

In September I took a family vacation to Lake Mead, Ariz. for some fun in the sun! We go to a place called Meadview, which is close to Grand Canyon West. Many only come to this area to visit the newly built Grand Canyon Skywalk (which you will never see me exploring!), so it’s nice and peaceful on the water. I hate when there are too many boats, it gets scary.

Although I am not a fan of the desert, this area is quite beautiful during sunsets. The back of the Grand Canyon glows in hues of reds and orange. It's quite a sight to see. My parents actually have land out there and are hopefully building on it soon. I can't wait for the summer nights when we are able to sit on the porch and watch as the day turns into night. Since the sky is so clear (as there isn't really a city nearby and there are absolutely no building for miles) the stars are so beautiful and bright.

Along with my mom and dad, my two college friends join us. Somehow I was the sober one this whole trip, and the rest of them indulged in the beverages. I would like to disclaim that there was no drinking and driving on the water though—safety first.

The weather was perfect, high 90s. The water on the lake is always great too because it’s so warm! In addition to cruising around on the boat, we enjoyed some wakeboarding and tubing. Here are some pictures of the fun:

My dog in her tiny life jacket

My dad and I

My mom and I

Me wakeboarding

Now that Fall is upon us, I can only dream about the next time I get to go back. Summer of 2010, I’ll be waiting for you!




Don't forget to sign up for the jammies swap!

WhoWhatWhere Daily: White House Black Market

I subscribe to the WhoWhatWhere daily newsletter and get e-mails featuring hot trends and fab outfits. Yesterday's graphics completely blew me away so I wanted to share!




I literally love every item showcased here! I feel like I need to buy all of it...although my bank account wouldn't appreciate it. Instead, if I had to settle for only one item, I'd def buy the Hematite Flower Stationed Necklace for $48.

There is a White House Black Market by my parents' house but I have never really payed much attention to the store because I always thought it was for middle aged women--wow was I wrong! I am going to head over to their site to do some shopping, I suggest you check out White House Black Market as well. They are currently offering 20% off purchases online when using the code 8896.


Don't forget to sign up for my jammies swap!






Photo courtesy of: WhoWhatWhere.com

Amelia

Sorry for the late post, my camera was dead and I couldn't transfer the pics!

This year at my work Halloween party I decided to go with a warm costume, as our party was held outside. After being cheap, lazy, and indecisive for weeks, I finally came up with an idea: Amelia Earhart.

It really was quite an easy look to put together. Leather jacket, white scarf, hat, goggles…then you can go with leggings and knee high, flat boots or straight legged khakis and plain black shoes. Since I didn’t have the right boots, I went with the latter.

Here’s my final look, compared to a picture of Amelia:

It’s not really a playful outfit like most girls opt for, but to be honest it’s just for work so who cares? I did wear a different outfit for a costume party Saturday night.

According to my grandma, I am actually related to Earhart. She married a Putnam, which is my great grandma’s maiden name. Who knows if the story is true or not.

In case you are unfamiliar with Amelia Earhart, she was famous for being a female pilot in a male-dominated world. In 1932 she became the first woman (and the second person ever) to fly solo over the Atlantic. Numerous other records were broken by her after that monumental flight.

Sadly, what Earhart is most known for is the mystery that surrounds her death. In 1937 she attempted to fly around the world. In one of her last communications she reported low fuel. One more message was received after that, then nothing. Nobody ever heard from her again. The most expensive air and sea rescue attempt ever was made, but with no success.

Currently Amelia, the film about her life portrayed by Hilary Swank, is playing at select theaters. I hope to see it soon!


Don't forget to sign up for my jammies swap!

Photo courtesy of: Wikipedia

We're jammin'!

I wanna jam it with you.
We're jammin', jammin',
And I hope you like jammin', too!

Why am I quoting a Bob Marley song? Because I am hosting my first swap—jammies!

My good friend, Stephanie, suggested that I hold a pajama exchange and I love the idea! So let’s make this happen. Here’s how it works:

1. If you’re interested, leave a comment with your name, email address and city/state you live in.
2. I will pair up all of those who signed up (trying to match people up who live near each other to reduce shipping costs) and let you know your partner by Wednesday, November 18.
3. You will contact each other, exchanging your sizes and addresses.
4. Purchase a pajama set—it can be one piece or two pieces, but must be a complete outfit—that costs between $20 and $25.
5. Ship the pjs by November 30th.

*Sorry, U.S. residents only, to keep shipping fees low*

I recently partook in a swap for Halloween and had a blast; however, it’s only fun if you fully participate after signing up. It’s disappointing to put effort into your swap and get nothing in return, or something that doesn’t fit within the $20-$25 limit. I understand that the economy is hard, so if you feel that the price range is too high, I apologize and you do not have to sign up. But I’d love for everyone to participate if they can/want to!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me: leeannmorrissey@gmail.com.



Photo courtesy of: Tinkerbell's Closet

A Fabulous Friend

I am so lucky to have such a great friend in my life. This morning was horrible, everything was going wrong! First, I forgot to pay my rent on the 1st so I received a note from my landlord saying that I have to pay a $50 late fee. After finding that notice, I go to the garage and find that my parking spot neighbor has all of her car doors open and doesn't have the decency to close them so that I can back out of my spot--I have incredibly unfriendly prople in the building. Next, my 3G is down and I cannot make an outgoing calls on my cell phone.

After feeling sorry for myself for the better part of the day, and complaining via email to Stephanie all morning, I was pleasantly surprised to return from a break and find flowers on my desk at work! A pot full of Fall colored flowers at that (she knows my obsession with the season and my desire to experience the color changes of Autumn) that smell amazing!

Be grateful for those special people in your life and don't take them for granted. We often get caught up in our "problems" and don't realize just how lucky we really are and how our little trials are easily conquered with the help of great people =)