Your New Favorite Songs

DAY SEVEN //  your five favorite songs

It's so difficult to choose favorites with songs. But here it goes -

#1) Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
           Post about my love for this song - which started when it was performed at my grandmother's funeral when I was very little - here.

#2) O Holy Night
           I listen to this song all year long. It's too good to be restricted to just the Christmas season.

#3) A Maker of My Time
           Also pretty much every other song by the Paper Kites. They're a bit of an obsession right now.

#4) Hey Pretty Girl
           This may very well be the cutest country song ever sung (a close second right now would be I Don't Dance by Lee Brice ). Well done, Kip Moore.

#5) Biodh An Deoch Seo 'n Laimh Mo Ruin
            I will forever have an affinity for traditional Gaelic music. Julie Fowlis is, hands down, my favorite Gaelic artist.

And there we go. Listen and love. You're welcome.

Erinaceinae

Or, The Post where I Thought I'd be Clever and Use the Scientific Name as the Title

this is a photo by Eliane Guiheneuf and I am adding this link in the
attempt to eliminate any possibilities of getting sued but really I don't know what I'm doing

DAY SIX // a photo of an animal you'd like to keep as a pet

Actually writing a blog post is not mentioned in this prompt. And I'm tired. Hedgehogs are cute and unfortunately illegal to own in California. Hence my main motivation for moving to Oregon.

Flashback

DAY FIVE // a photo of yourself two years ago

Two years ago, I spend a night at a bridal boutique with a couple of friends, trying on wedding gowns. Because why not?

The Day We Danced in the Rain

DAY FOUR // your favorite photograph of your best friend

This is by no means a flattering picture. We both look a little insane. But it's a memory. It's a carefree memory of the day it rained and she called me so I drove over and we danced in the rain, in the middle of the street. There weren't many times this year I felt like I didn't have a single thing to worry about, but this was one of them.

Pinching Pennies

from an old, old outfit post, in which everything but
the tights (hand-me-downs) was thrifted

DAY THREE // your favorite store

I am extremely money conscious/frugal/penny-pinching/cheap. That, combined with a pathological fear of finding myself wearing the same thing a someone else, has turned me into an avid thrifter.

When I was much younger, I hated the Salvation Army. It was a dirty place filled with ugly clothes that were only there because no one else wanted them. At some point I came around. For a while I would only buy clothing there that was some kind of name brand. Thankfully it didn't take long for me to grow out of that stage. Now, if you look back at any of my outfit posts, I can guarantee that almost all of every single outfit was thrifted.

I have only two rules for shopping at the Salvation Army:
1) The older, the better. Bonus points for being homemade.
2) NO underwear, swimwear, sleepwear, sheets, or blankets. No amount of washing could make those acceptable.

I'm a bit more lenient with the second rule when shopping at Goodwill. I have a bit more faith in the cleanliness of their items.

Thrifting has been more of a hobby than anything, but as I assume responsibility for my own finances, it'll be a necessity. Even if I'm ever in a position where I can afford full-priced fancy name-brand clothing, I'm not sure I could bring myself to spend that much. I'll be a thrifter for life.

Self Portrait

Despite an optimistic post and new resolve to begin blogging more often...nothing much has happened blog-wise in over a month since promising to post more regularly.
Nothing at all, actually.

So naturally I turned to Pinterest for help. After a search for "blog challenge" and a quick glance through the results, I decided on one 30-day blogging challenge I like well enough. I'm not sure what the original source is, but I found it posted on Writer's Hub.

And now, without further ado - the beginning of my 30-day blogging challenge.

DAY ONE // a photo of yourself and a description of how your day was

This is definitely not a picture from today - but the prompt never said it had to be. This is a picture from a happier time of year, when the temperature wasn't in the triple-digits every day.

And now for a brief description of my day.

Thank goodness for afternoon church. I'm still adjusting to my new ward, but today was the first Sunday that I didn't feel totally awkward and out of place. We had an ice cream-themed "Linger Longer" after church, featuring all varieties of ice cream and popsicles, and I actually met several new people - and even carried on conversations with them. 

I also found out that being assigned to be the assistant organist doesn't just mean that they want me to play when the regular organist is out of town - it means they want me to regularly trade off playing organ with him. This gave me a mild heart attack, considering that I haven't actually played organ in over a year.

But hey - if I can manage to begin to make new friends, maybe I can pull off playing organ, too.

ABC

Addictions// see this post

Bed Size// XL twin. I used to have a queen, but it had to go. [sad face]

Chore you hate// I actually really like cleaning...I guess my least favorite chore would be scrubbing the floor. It hurts my knees!

This picture's image number was my birth year. So I figured that was a sign, and I should use it for this post.

Dogs or cats// Dogs scare me to death and I'm ridiculously allergic to cats. But every once in a while, I find a dog I can fall in love with, so I'll go with dogs.

Essential start of your day// Food. Oh, and prayer. But mainly food.

Favorite color// I rotate between various happy colors, but I always come back to blue. Orange is a close second, though.

Gold or silver// Gold, definitely.

Height// Between 5'6'' and 5'7''. It depends on the day.

Instruments you play// Piano, Clarinet, and Organ. I kinda sing sometimes. And I can play a mad "Hot Cross Buns" on the trumpet.

Jam flavor// Pomegranate. Hands down.

Kids// Currently, none. One day, lots. I'm hoping for 8 right now. We'll see how much that changes after the first few...

Live// Sunny California! Valley girl through and through.

Monopoly piece//The top hat. I have a special place in my heart for top hats.

Nickname// I don't really have one...not much you can do with "Niamh".

Overnight hospital stays// None as of yet, thank goodness.

Pet peeve// Hyper-sensitivity in people. Like, when they get offended over anything and everything. I'm finding myself having a very low tolerance for that lately. Oh, and when people don't use their blinkers.

Quote from a movie// "Sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery and I promise you, something great will come of it." (We Bought a Zoo)

Right- or left-handed// I'm a rightie.

Siblings// Five, all younger - two girls (twinsies, the lucky ducks!) and three boys.

Time you wake up// It really depends on how much schoolwork I need to get done that morning. My alarn is usually set for 3:20 am during the school year, but it's not uncommon for me to sleep in until 6:00 am or later. It's pretty bad. During the summer, I'll generally be up by 8 at the latest.

Underwear// Honestly, whatever's cheap.

Vegetables you dislike// Peas. Yuck.

What makes you late// Sleeping. I do far too much of it. And having nothing to wear. #firstworldproblems

X-rays you've had// Plenty on my teeth. When I was in first grade I had to get x-rays on my stomach. I don't remember why. I think there was a rash involved, but that doesn't really seem to connect. I had an MRI on my knee once, too.

Zoo animal//If they had hedgehogs at the zoo, that'd be it. Since they don't (not at my zoo, anyway), I'll go with the fennec fox!

P.S. Inspiration for this post here

                                 ****Don't forget to enter the FIRMOO GIVEAWAY!****

Addicted Lately

This is a picture of me at the beach from last week. It has nothing to do with the post, but aren't we cute?

PINTEREST.

My boards were rapidly growing for a few weeks...and then they were rapidly shrinking....and now I'm going crazy again. 

Two reasons for the shrinking:

1 // When I'm in a pinning frenzy, I pin a lot of stuff that I'm not actually as 

crazy about the next day as I am in the moment.  

2 // I read an post called Blogger Beware: You CAN Get Sued For Using Photos 

You Don't Own on Your Blog. Now I'm paranoid. And concerned with doing the right thing,

but mainly paranoid.So I'm going through my Pinterest boards making sure everything is linked

to the original source, and I'm obeying their copyright laws...and I did that before I changed all the

pictures on my blog because it seemed less overwhelming. But now that I actually think about it, I

only have 150-ish posts, but hundreds of pins...so I don't know where that reasoning came from. I

guess I'll start with the blog before I do any more pins...silly me.

COUNTRY.

Looove it. 'Nuff said.

READING.

I've had to start reading for school rather than my own entertainment, but that's better than nothing.

SLEEPING.

I do it too much. I don't do it enough. It's really becoming an issue.

For example: The other day, I needed to read a chapter in my history text book. So I sat down at 8:00 pm and read a page...and woke up at 10:00 pm. I really had to read that chapter, so I woke up way early the next morning. I sat down at about 4:20 am and read a page...and woke up at 6:15 am. I never did read that chapter.

CHAMBRAY.

Fool-proof for any occasion

SLEGGINGS.

They're not jeans, because they're too stretchy. They're not leggings, because the material is too substantial. They're not jeggings, because they don't resemble jeans at all, in appearance or texture. They're kind of just really stretchy slacks....so I dub them sleggings. And I love them.

DOCTOR WHO.

I'm new to this, but I'm thoroughly obsessed. Not to mention extremely upset that Christopher Eccleston only got one season.

Anyone else "suffering" from any rather pleasant addictions?

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Because Sometimes Contacts Are No Fun

top: thrifted // cardi: hand-me-down // belt: thrifted // necklace: vintage
skirt: f21 // shoes: thrifted // glasses: nine west

When you've been wearing contact lenses for long enough, apparently people forget that you ever had glasses. And then they're shocked and give you lots of compliments (and the occasional "What's with the Clark Kent glasses?") when they see you in them, and it's kind of nice. 

I'm totally in love with my new glasses. It's nice to wake up and not have to worry about poking myself in the eye for the sake of being able to see. My contacts aren't going away for good, but these glasses will definitely be making more frequent appearances - especially on the sweat-pants-and-messy-bun days of finals week.

****Speaking of glasses....don't forget to enter the FIRMOO GIVEAWAY!****

Linking up with Sunday Style

These PANTS.

This picture, taken two seconds before driving off, does not in any way do these pants justice. But right now I'm pretty comfortable in my yoga pants and t-shirt, and getting dressed to retake pictures isn't very high on my list of priorities. I'll showcase these pants in another post someday...but for now this will have to do.

I'm headed off to camp at the beach tomorrow! Luxury camping...with cabins and real bathrooms and cooks...the works. It's only three days, but I'm going to love every second. To be honest, my favorite part is the fact that I get to wear sweaters every day. I'm sick of this summer weather - give me autumn already!

****Don't forget to enter the FIRMOO GIVEAWAY!****

Linking up with Sunday Style

Back to Reality

Somehow, I forgot to mention that I was going to Disneyland. Which is strange, considering that I've been absolutely ecstatic about it for quite a while - but anyway, I went to Disneyland! We drove down Monday, spent all of Tuesday (from opening to closing) in the park, and came back Wednesday.

I love Disneyland. I was skipping down Main Street wide-eyed as if I'd never been there before - definitely more excited than any of the kids.

I'm not going to document the whole trip - but there's one thing I have to mention. When we were waiting in line for Indiana Jones, the ride was having technical difficulties. So we had all been stuck there for quite a while, and I'm sure a lot of people were getting impatient. A guy was exiting the ride, and when he walked by the line of people waiting, he pulled out one of those bubble-blowing machines they sell at the gift shops and sprayed a bunch of bubbles into the crowd.

And basically, that's the type of guy I want to marry.

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Making It Up on the Spot

{Such an interesting leaf....}

top: thrifted {from the boys' section...} // skirt: thrifted //
shoes: target // necklace: earned, church

Today I gave a talk in church (Mormons do this thing where members of the congregation give little "sermons" during our meetings). I printed off my notes before we left for church and stuck them in my purse...except apparently I didn't. So I had to go up there, armed only with my scriptures and "Preach My Gospel" manual, and make it up on the spot. "Let the Holy Spirit guide", you know. And naturally, this happened on the Sunday that both the Stake President and the mission president and his wife were visiting (they're kinda a big deal, locally). 

So I guess you could say I was a bit nervous. 

Fortunately, though, it all went just fine. 

I talked about developing Christlike attributes and true conversion. The gospel wasn't made for perfect people; it's for every normal, flawed human being. God doesn't give us impossible tasks - He's given us everything we need to become like Christ, and by doing so, to become like Him. Consistency in developing these attributes leads to conversion: a change of heart, when we really only want to do good. The saying "every member a missionary" is a something we hear pretty often. I'm coining a new phrase, though: "Every member a convert". 

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A Week in Review

1 // On Monday, I walked dogs. I have this awful fear of dogs, so that was pretty huge step for me. And the best part is - they didn't even try to kill me!

via

2 // Kenny Chesney was in town for a concert on Wednesday! And a local radio station was throwing a pre-party, with performances by Kenny and a local country group called Leaving Austin (they were on America's Got Talent a while ago). Except there wasn't really a performance by Kenny. The advertising was misleading! Or maybe it wasn't and I just assumed Kenny would be there so that's what I told everyone... Fortunately, I can write it off as a blonde moment and no one questions it. A couple friends and I showed up 3 hours early to make sure we got spots (when Hunter Hayes came, the bar was packed!). We probably should have taken the fact that the bar was still practically empty an hour before the show as a sign Kenny wasn't actually performing...but we remained blindly optimistic. Leaving Austin was still good though! They had a lot of great covers, and I loved their original songs. I can't wait for them to get big!
Oh, and one of the workers at the restaurant bar ended up giving us our drinks for free, so that was kind of awesome.

3 // "Speed-dating" with the Chinese students was just as fun as it promised to be! Between the guy who refused to tell me his American name, trying to get me to say {more like butcher} his Chinese name instead, and the guy talking about his three girlfriends, there were a lot of laughs.

4 // Obviously the Royal Baby was a highlight - adorable!

5 // Hold the phone - I have a snapback. And that pretty much completes my wardrobe. I should be giving it a makeover soon...so check back for that sometime next week!

Tourists and a Grandma Skirt

top/undershirt: thrifted // skirt: thrifted, vintage // shoes: target

First of all, I'd just like to preface this by saying that taking pictures in the garage seemed like a good idea at the time. In my head, the lighting was much better. Also, a laughing amateur photographer means blurry pictures. But I really like this skirt, so the pictures get posted anyway. The skirt has this great paisley pattern - and POCKETS. Score! It reminds me of something someone's grandmother would wear...and apparently in my book, that's a good thing.

 Second of all, are Google Reader and GFC not the same thing? 

Because I assumed Google Reader was the list of posts that show up on my Blogger homepage. But Google Reader died this month (unless it didn't), and the list of posts is still there. If anybody would care to, I'd love an explanation of what this Google Reader is. Or was. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Earlier this week, I had the chance to give a campus tour to a group of Chinese students who are visiting California. Personally, I think this is a strange city to choose to spend so much time in if you're visiting from that far away. I mean, they could be on the coast - but no, they're in the Central Valley. The hot, sweaty armpit of the Golden State. Anyways, that was a pretty interesting experience. They were not shy at all. They were totally comfortable asking us questions, even with their limited English. They had no problem asking to take picture after picture with us. I'd be too shy to do that if I were visiting another state, let alone another country! We're getting together again tomorrow for ice cream and "speed dating" to help them practice their English...and after how entertaining the tour was, I can't wait for tomorrow.

Summer Is

...pancakes for breakfast. Real pancakes. Not these.

(speaking of which, I still cringe every time I eat a banana thanks to that experience)

...the things you never get too old for. Like blasting the radio, dressing up, and 

having a dance party while you're home alone. Which totally happened.

...sleeping in late. check.

(that sticker on the clock? Ei klokke. That's from back when I was teaching myself 

Norwegian. I don't remember any)

...Psych marathons. I've discovered that I laugh much harder and louder when I'm

watching them by myself. 

...BOOKS. Oh, how I have missed the books! 

Summer means I finally have time to READ. And that's pretty much the best part.

Also, this song:

It's kinda the opposite of what this post is about, but I'm obsessed with it. And Sara Bareilles in general.

The Day That Thrifting Fulfilled My Dreams

Behold - the thrifting haul!

white blazer // $2.78
banana republic shirt // $2.00

suede booties // $5.80

maxi dress // $3.40

And most importantly...

My ballerina skirt.

warm-up skirt //  $0.83

If you've read this post, you know why finding this was pretty much the highlight of my week. Possibly the highlight of my month, if nothing  more amazing happens.

I spend about 10% of my time at home in my pajamas {sleeping},

5% changing in or out of whatever socially acceptable clothing I wear in public,

and I may or may not now spend the remaining 85% of my time playing dress-up in my ballerina skirt.

And I'm not afraid to wear it in public...

Before driving to the library, I was wearing it with a black t-shirt and leggings.

To go to the library, I threw on an over-sized black sweater and my riding boots and called it good.

Sorry, sweat pants...this is a childhood dream being fulfilled here.

My Name is Niamh and I Take Awkward Outfit Pictures.

And as a result...the face gets cropped out.

But not the soccer ball.

everything: thrifted 

I was ready to give up on pictures altogether, but I'm way too proud of this jacket not to have a post dedicated to it. It's the product of yet another fabulous thrifting trip. A brand-spanking-new $80 Vera Wang leather moto jacket for $6 ...that doesn't happen every day. So when it does, it must be documented, regardless of how awkward the pictures are.

I am truly, deeply in love with thrifting. 

And I'm broke again.

Just Trying to Make Your Life Better

I'm pretty sure the best part of my friends having birthdays is making them cookies...and then me getting to eat the extras.

You've seen this recipe, right?

Peanut Butter and Nutella Cookies

from The Sister's Cafe

1 cup butter (2 sticks) room temperature

2/3 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy – I like crunchy)

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

2 2/3 cup flour

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

heaping 1/3 cup Nutella

Cream butter, peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla together until smooth. Combine flour, baking soda and salt and add to butter mixture. Add Nutella in dollops over the top of the dough.  Use a butter knife to swirl the Nutella through the dough.  Do not over mix.  Chill the dough in fridge for 15 minutes before spooning onto cookie sheet to firm the nutella.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  Bake until slightly brown at edges.  Let cool a few minutes on cookie sheet before transferring.

Go make a batch. And eat them warm.

You're welcome.

The Morning I Didn't Make a Mess Getting Dressed

scarf: h&m, thrifted // cardi: ross  //  dress: thrifted //
belt: thrifted // tights: hand-me-down // shoes: twentyone, thrifted

Generally, I leave for church in the morning having emptied most of my closet onto my floor - but not today. This is the one and only outfit I tried on.
Which is definitely a miracle that may never happen again.

-----------------------

Sometimes...I need to remember how much I have to be happy about.

Not today, per se - today's a happy day - but just in general.

Instead of how annoying this bipolar weather is {fuh-reeeezing in the morning, sweating by the afternoon} - how awesome it is that I can still wear all my favorite winter pieces, just in layers.

Instead of how strongly I dislike going to school {have I complained about that lately? I haaaaaate my classes...} - how blessed I am to have the opportunity to be educated, and the gift of being able to learn relatively quickly and retain that knowledge.

Instead of being annoyed by a certain person - being glad that apparently somehow I'm a good example to them? And then trying to be better.

Instead of wanting more - being grateful for enough.

Instead of dwelling on mistakes - accepting the Atonement and moving on.

Sunday Style at Plane Pretty

Style Showcase at MoMoMod

Watch What I'm Wearing at Watch Out for the Woestmans
My Style Monday at My Greatest Hits