And we're off!

This morning is a whirlwind of last minute packing, finishing up some work, and a long run before two days in the car. We are hitting the road before noon today and will be camping in our little two man tent in Utah tonight. Tomorrow night we arrive in California. I am just so ready to see family and be back in my hometown for a few days. And then its wedding festivities! Over the next few weeks you'll see a few snippets from our trip, as well as a handful of features where I get to introduce you to a few of my favorite writers and bloggers. Be sure to check back often, and you are more than welcome to say hello to me via Instagram @lauren_tien (which is where the majority of any of my "plugging in" will be).

What My Sister-In-Law Has Taught Me About Beauty

She said something striking, as we sat in our slumber party form, girl talk in the air and opened lingerie boxes scattered about, "I decided a long time ago that I wasn't going to change my body. He knows  me and what I look like, why would I change who I am just for my wedding day?" My sister-in-law, three weeks away from saying "I do" to her best friend, spoke it loud and clear, right there at her Bachelorette party: Why would anyone change who they are, wedding day or whatever the occasion, just to appease the crowd? What's even the point? And why do we, as women, and maybe especially more so as bride's to be, try to change ourselves?

Spinning and Free | Love Yourself LinkUp

I just ate three cookies--in a row. I have no time to write. I'm behind on my work. Going to the gym is nonexistent and out of the question. I've slacked on my quiet time. My closet is begging to be cleaned. The food in my fridge is expired. And I seriously have swiffered my house every day yet dog hair is still everywhere.  Loving myself in this state, well, let's just say it isn't easy! And normally, loving myself even a little in a place like this would be impossible. But I honestly think that writing about loving myself, working through loving myself, and focusing on being vulnerable and honest has truly changed my heart. Because, you guys, I'm not having anxiety today. I'm not freaking out. I haven't had a panic attack, even now, when I feel like my world is spinning. So, although I don't have time to write a long one today, I just wanted to say thank you to the woman who have been writing and reading with the linkup each week. Because its truly healing. And me, today, in my spinning world, anxiety free and just a little crazy--but good crazy--well that is something to shout out loud about!

watercolor via  Elizabeth Mayville

Let's Make This Red Necklace

Those of you on Instagram with me: remember a few weeks ago when I was swooning over this red and gold necklace at Anthropologie? My friend Melanie commented that I could totally make one like it. And I'm completely up for the challenge! I have a few ideas, and hopefully can get the materials in time for our road-trip to California which we will be venturing out on this Friday. What do you think, doable or out of my league? ;) 

I am a little bit in whirlwind mode right now, and wanted to let you know there may not be a post here every single day, but at least every few days while we are driving back west and spending time in California leading up to Morgan and Josh's wedding. It goes without saying that our trip will be thoroughly documented on Instagram, so you can follow me there (@lauren_tien). And there will most likely be some hilarious moments of trying to cram ourselves and Shelby (our lab/shepherd mix) into our two man tent as we camp along the way. Also some beautiful behind the scenes snippets of wedding prepping! 

Chartreuse Cups & Ampersands

Chartreuse is a color I just love right now. It compliments the other hues that are dispersed around my house perfectly-its a crowd pleaser really as its guy/girl friendly. After making the E A T kitchen sign with chartreuse craft paint a few weeks back, I came up with a few more little projects to use it up and bring more chartreuse pretty into the world.

Thrift stores have seen me A LOT this week, which is always a good thing, while I've been on the hunt for pretty glassware and teacups (more on that later), and when I saw this little vintage jar, and its outer texture, I knew that for 25 cents it was worth it. Worth transforming. Worth chartreusing. Worth becoming a vintage modern pencil holder. 

Happy Weekend

Summer is changing to Fall, but I really hope that we can have a few more weekends that have a similar vibe to this photograph. Enjoy the sunshine and whatever great outdoors adventures are waiting for you. Happy weekend, friends!

image via Pinterest

I'm Telling You About It

Sometimes I wish that blogging could be more tangible. That you could meet the people I meet, and know the people I know. And that I could meet you, if I haven't already. Or that we could talk over coffee on these linkup days, and open up about what it truly means to love oneself, choose true beauty, in an even more vulnerable and intimate setting. Sometimes, writing in such an open and uncovered way is a heavier weight to lift than just talking one on one, in confidence, in the safety of a coffee shop. 

While in California this past weekend, I met up at the beach with my friend Kara. When we were talking about writing and blogging, she asked me "Is it hard to be that open and vulnerable?" And I think in the moment my pride got to me, and I told her that, "No, it isn't as difficult as I thought it would be." If I could go back, and rephrase, I know I would add something. Something big that I missed. That, yes, it is one of the hardest things to do. In fact, I feel like I don't even get to the most covered parts of my heart and share them. That I still save those covered matters for the safety of a coffee shop, the safety of one person listening, and the safety of words being spoken rather than typed and frozen on a screen for all to see. I would actually tell Kara, that, "Yes, it is hard to be vulnerable. But it is worth it."

Time Away

Can I be honest? I am feeling a little bit disconnected from my Denver life. Right when I get back in the swing, its time to travel again - which has been amazing - but at the same time, I feel my home life has been neglected a bit. Because of that, I've decided I'm going to unplug. A few days to soak in these last moments of summer are much needed. With no distractions and time to center myself and have a little quality one on one with this city, with these little moments, and with my family, the people at work, and everything else that I feel like I've been too busy for lately. My first priority is to not be too busy for the simple things, because that is what life is made up of--and I feel like I have been. Can you relate? My weekend in California opened my eyes to this, as I probably spent more time laughing and enjoying the little moments these past few days unplugged than I have in a while. And its been good to feel that. I want that feeling that found me in California this past weekend to meet me right here in Denver.

I've been writing for the Love Yourself Linkup each Tuesday, and I think this is the way I need to love myself right now: by stepping away and re-shifting my focus. My cousin's baby is due any day. We have friends who just moved here. A cross country road trip is just around the corner. I have design endeavors I want to explore. On top of so many other things that I don't want to miss. So, friends, I'll be back in a bit. Maybe a day or two, maybe a week. See you soon!

(& in the meantime, check out some other bloggers listed in the right column under "Reading List" or the amazing women who link up with the Love Yourself and Choose Beauty Linkup each week).

Let's Make Envelopes | Darling Magazine

Below is an article I wrote for Darling Magazine this month. Hop on over to Darling Magazine online to read the original article, and don't forget to Pre-order your copy of the Fall Print Edition. Issue No. 5 marks the one year birthday of the inaugural issue! 

Words these days tend to be bare, received instantly through an email, fax, text, and social media. But words received in an envelope? Words sent like that are covered, creating a waiting time—a pause between the writing, the receiving, and the reading. Although our world shifts the pace of words, where communication is sent quickly and read instantly, there's a nostalgia and mystery paired with the envelope. A wonder of “what could be inside?” and a slight pull from our heart to open something so basic and simple that now seems like a novelty.

To keep that sense of wonder, and send words that cause a pause and tearing of a seal—let's make envelopes! Let's create unique handmade envelopes that bring the details of nostalgia and delight to the recipient who's name adorns its exterior.

I have measured out my life with coffee spoons

I want to mix things up a bit in our kitchen. A very subtle change, but a change none-the-less: in the form of our coffee cup display. We have a great collection of mugs that would be much more appreciated on open shelving or wall hooks. Below are a few of my favorite coffee mug stylings in kitchens from around the interwebs.

Why so serious?

 Raise your hand if you can say this is true about you: I take myself too seriously. 

Perhaps my hand is the only one raised, but I completely fall guilty of taking myself way too seriously at times. And while being serious and being my harshest critic can be helpful in areas like hard-work, focus, and drive, it can also monumentally hurt that area of true beauty that comes out in the form of laughter, being goofy, and extending myself grace. More than anything, being married to a someone who once proclaimed as a child that he wanted to be a comedian, has clearly pointed at the fact that I do not laugh at myself enough. That I can take life too seriously. Why is this? While the pensive, reflective, perfectionist that I am is thankful for this trait in part, there has always been a side of me that wants to nurture the silly a bit more, and choose to take myself less seriously--especially in adulthood. I think it goes hand in hand with intentionally choosing beauty--intentionally choosing to let go of the "put together" facade and just bask in being ridiculous when ridiculous calls. I know it may sound strange, but I think "gracefully goofy" is something so charming. You goofballs out there, you not taking yourself so seriously--you are gorgeous in doing so (and I admire you)! I know I need to allow that beautifully silly part of me out more than I do. I feel most beautiful when I can laugh at myself and let that serious part go. What about you, will you laugh at yourself a little more this week?

Upcycled Denim Cutoffs DIY

Oh, denim! Oh, chambray! You may have become the biggest fashion crush of the year, but my eyes still love to see you in washed out, soft, and worn in form. Even better? Upcycled denim, worn again and again, because aren't you supposed to last a lifetime?

>>Denim, originally The Gap | Flats, Target | Top, Bella Dahl found on clearance at Nordstom Rack

Think about such things | Love Yourself Linkup

Sometimes, anxiety is a full on battle of the mind. I first wrote about my untold story, my battle with anxiety, here. In the process of recovering from and overcoming anxiety, if thoughts are not corralled or paid attention to, the flick of a switch can bring on the tightening of the chest and panic that turns into an attack. The mind defaults to worry, if not intentionally lead to focus on the opposite: on things that are good and true. Anxiety is a battle of the mind, and I mean literally.

Part of my personality is that I think best when I am alone. While I enjoy being with others, I recharge my energy best and feel most myself when I have significant alone time each day to focus and get "in the zone"--whether while doing concrete productive tasks like running, swimming, blogging, writing, reading, gardening--this is simply how I work. Because I am wired this way, and because I think best and process fully when just me, in my alone time it is vital that I set aside time to dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. When I do dwell on these things in my alone time, through time with God, reflection, engaging in God's word, prayer, or just thinking about those things while I run, swim, garden, etc, I am better. Anxiety almost diminishes. When I have alone time to dwell on those things, I am well prepared to face those moments when anxiety likes to build up. I am prepared for battle. On the opposite end, when alone time is gone, and time to think about these things is stripped away, then my mind and heart are not equipped to fight.

Hello August

SOURCE

Hello August, I wasn't quite ready for you! Before you turn this sunny season into a crisp fall, here's a little reminder of the summer days we had in July. It was a good month! (Photographs from Instagram, @lauren_tien)

Spotted: Darling Magazine

To my delight, I stumbled upon Darling Magazine in Denver's Anthropologie yesterday (finally, I don't know where they've been hiding it!). The tassels on the display bedding even matched the cover's balloons. So clever! Did you know that you can pre-order Fall Issue No. 5 of Darling? Yes, its true, you can! And you'll get a free digital copy if you pre-order  >>Take me to Darling's online shop

Also, last week a DIY article I wrote for Darling's online magazine was up. You can read my article, Let's Make Envelopes, in full here. Happy weekend friends!

And then I found a dress

Last Saturday I snapped a photo of my recently purchased black dress, and many of you asked what the front looked like. It was only the second dress that I tried on, and I hadn't planned on finding one I liked so quickly after my little black dress "Pinterest shopping" last week! The cut of the back is what absolutely got me. But it doesn't hurt that the front is a flattering cut as well :).  Its a great addition to my wardrobe. I don't like buying things for only one occasion, so I always shop with the bigger picture in mind (can I wear this in the winter with boots and tights? with flats and a cardigan? on a date night? yes, yes, yes!)

Now the fun part of accessorizing. I'm either going to do a bright colored skinny belt with gold details or a thin brown braided belt. I've pretty much settled on nude wedges or low nude heels since I've been needing a new pair of neutrals in my wardrobe anyways. I found a pair of amazing Cole Haan leather heels in a camel color that feel oh so wonderful on my feet, but I have yet to decide if I'll keep them. I have huge buyers remorse, always! (Cost per wear versus Do I need these?) Any suggestions or thoughts on accessorizing are welcome!

You don't want to miss West End Salvage

Would you believe me if I told you that each of the four floors inside this brick building are filled to the brim with antiques and salvaged vintage pieces? Hanging from the ceilings, stacked along the walls, crammed so full that if you blink you may miss something? And would you believe me if I told you that this building, standing in downtown Des Moines, can pretty much hold its own against L.A. flea markets? I know, this is big talk. And you know I wouldn't compare just anything to Pasadena's Rose Bowl Flea Market (oh, how I miss it!), but West End Salvage in Iowa is amazing. Amazing. (No wonder they had their own HGTV show!) 

Luckily, my iPhone got some snippets of the place--and only snippets because I really was quite busy ooh-ing and aaah-ing with my sister-in-law Morgan that I took minimal photographs (although, a random passerby may beg to differ, as my minimal photo taking may be considered a maximum to some in situations like this).

So, if you still don't believe my lofty claims about this amazing store, let's treasure hunt, shall we?

Phenomenally | Choose Beauty

These words by Maya Angelou resound true beauty. They resound confidence. They are words spoken from a woman who chose to love herself, know herself, and celebrate it. I am reminded today of those things that make me a woman. A woman, not just familiar or ordinary, but a woman, phenomenally so.

Notes from a Swimmer / 3

In this little series, you'll find notes from my swimming heart. Because through and through, I'll always be a water girl. You can catch up on past Notes from a Swimmer here and here.

Oh this suit ! Its nautical stripes and high waisted synch have caught my eye ever since Natalie's post (and you guys, its on sale!) I don't need another swimsuit, but I just thought I should point out the fact that Anthropologie seems to be clearing out their summer swim collection in case you still have a trip planned to a beachside villa or a week of houseboating at the lake (I wish I did!). Also at Anthropologie, this darling menagerie juice glass.

1 & 3 // Lately when it comes to pool workouts, my bag of tricks is pretty empty. I rotate through the same sets. Over and over. Two workout tools I would love to add poolside to my kickboard, fins, and buoy are The Waterproof Coach and Workouts in a Binder. They are waterproof and have tons and tons of workouts, and are great for triathletes too.

2 // Can we just note how adorable the illustration is on this journal?

4 // Another book on my "to read" queue: Leanne Shapton's Swimming Studies (Winner of the 2012 National Book Critics Circle Award). The description of the book won me over:

" Swimming Studies is a brilliantly original, meditative memoir that explores the worlds of competitive and recreational swimming. From her training for the Olympic trials as a teenager to enjoying pools and beaches around the world as an adult, Leanne Shapton offers a fascinating glimpse into the private, often solitary, realm of swimming. Her spare and elegant writing reveals an intimate narrative of suburban adolescence, spent underwater in a discipline that continues to inspire Shapton’s work as an artist and author. Her illustrations throughout the book offer an intuitive perspective on the landscapes and imagery of the sport. Shapton’s emphasis is on the smaller moments of athletic pursuit rather than its triumphs. For the accomplished athlete, aspiring amateur, or habitual practicer, this remarkable work of written and visual sketches propels the reader through a beautifully personal and universally appealing exercise in reflection." 

Confidence is the sexiest thing, Etc. | Love Yourself Link Up

source

We've read these words before: Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear. Quotes like this one are pinned all over Pinterest, strung as pretty font across beauty blogs, and written on pink sticky notes near mirrors in teenage girls' bedrooms. But in the eyes of our culture, the line between confidence and external beauty is significantly blurred. The separation of which comes first is confused, especially in a dialogue where magazine covers and media try to convince us to believe that if we-just-wear-this or look-just-like-that or loose-ten-pounds then confidence is guaranteed. If confidence is truly the sexiest things a woman can wear, why do external adornments have such a grip on us?

La Catrina Tile Art (a framing DIY)

After stowing away a few handpainted tiles on our Sayulita adventures, and a few other treasures, it was about time to frame the falkloric ceramics. Being tiles, both small and thicker than the normal frameable art, I had to come up with a way to make framing work. Ikea has these great frames (the RIBBA) that allow you to add depth to your picture. Pretty perfect, right?

Sunday is.

A metaphor for your Sunday, and mine too. Here's to the binding up of the week. And tomorrow, Monday oh Monday, the start of a new volume. Fresh. Blank pages. Ready to be filled. What will be written on yours?

Photo via Pinterest with graphics added by me.

On the Farm

Last weekend I went to Iowa with Matt's mom, aunt, and sister. Jayne, my mother-in-law, grew up on a farm in Oskaloosa, which is still run by her brothers and their families. Our day visit at the farm was filled with sweet corn, homemade applesauce, kittens, baked goods, front lawn family time, and wide open space. That wide open space part was my favorite. I didn't bring my canon along, but the iPhon caught a few moments out in the country. You can see more from Iowa on my Instagram feed (@lauren_tien). 

(more farm snippets after the jump!)

Little Black Dress Shopping

Do you have a go to black dress? The one that you wear whenever an event calls for simple, classic, and polished? A black dress that can be worn for any occasion? I am in the market for one, and have yet to go to any stores, visit fitting rooms, or do online shopping. So far, Pinterest has been my outlet for window shopping of sorts, getting ideas for the black dress I am drawn to. My sister-in-law and soon to be brother-in-law are tying the knot in Septemeber, and I need a black dress to wear for the wedding day. Below are a few styles that I really like.

(black dress shopping after the jump!)

At the Intersection

We were standing at the corner of the intersection, me balancing on my seven speed townie while he stood adjusting his baseball cap and gripping the handle bar of his road bike. The sun glistened, my eyes slivers as they squinted to see if the signal was telling us to cross. I reached up and touched my still damp hair from an afternoon swim, which was twisted up into an uneven top knot. I realized I must look a bit disheveled, knowing I hadn't ever looked in the mirror that day to conceal blemishes or add a hint of blush. Glancing over, he was still there, adjusting his hat and bike wheels slightly rolling. Even his sunglasses couldn't hide the brightness of the sun, and I could see my reflection staring back at me as soon as he looked my way.

Me: "I'm sorry I look a mess"

Him: "What do you mean?"

Me: "I haven't put any make-up on and haven't touched my hair since my swim. I'm sure I look less than pretty."

Him: "I didn't even notice you had no make-up on. I never really notice."

Me: "What..."

Him: "You are pretty with or without. You're the same."

Up until that moment at the intersection, bikes and a picnic dinner were our sole mission. Whizzing through neighborhoods, sun beaming down, lies about my appearance hadn't been let in. I had forgotten about my disheveled top knot, lack of beauty products, and uncoordinated outfit. And it felt good. In those moments leading up to my apology at the intersection, adventure was winning, true beauty had the upper hand, and lies were not seeping in. But the moment I saw my reflection, the moment I was reminded that I may not look so put together, adventure stopped winning and a lie got the best of me. A lie that caused a gut reaction to apologize to my husband--apologize for not looking pretty because I hadn't washed my face or put on make-up. A lie that told me, because I didn't hide a blemish or rouge my cheeks, that I was a mess.

And what a lie this lie was.