insta lately

Relay for Life fundraisers: 1,000 cranes for a cure / homemade sourdough bread our team sold

Jeopardy Magazine, my first time being published / my last day of childcare for these cuties

Mt. St. Helen's Vietnam Band / Metric performing on campus

fake bartending in the cabin / essentials for Memorial Day weekend

relaxing by the lake / being as classy as possible and/or celebrating America w. my sister

getting ready to fish / a quick stop home to give this guy some love

It's been an eventful few weeks! Starting with Relay for Life last weekend, I feel like I haven't had a calm moment since--and I mean that in the best possible way. Life has been full of small celebrations lately, whether we're celebrating the publication of Jeopardy, my university's literary & fine arts journal that I have three pieces in, or Memorial Day, or money raised for cancer research or simply the fact that the sun is out. I spent a perfect weekend on a lake with my best friends, filled with American flags and boating and cheap beer and long bonfire talks. I even got to introduce my pup to my best guy friends on the way home--really, I absolutely cannot complain about life right now. The luckiest. 

I also just found out that a poem I wrote about Seattle is going to be published in the Spring '12 issue of Line Zero and I couldn't be more excited. It's an absolute honor & inspiration for me, as a writer and as a PNW resident. Can't wait to see it! 

follow along on Instagram @charityvictoria

bears and moons and polka dots

You saw me wear this skirt recently, but I can't keep away from it--it's just so flowy and pretty! When I saw this post from Kenzie's blog where her sister dressed down a high-low skirt, I couldn't wait to copy it. And what dresses down a skirt better than a sweater with a bear on it? Thanks for that, Urban Outfitters. 

I'm off for a weekend of fake camping with some of my favorite people in the world. What are your Memorial Day weekend plans? have fun & be safe! xo.

top: Urban Outfitters, skirt: Buffalo Exchange, purse: thrifted, boots: Charlotte Russe

chilled.

Stole this easy recipe from this pin & am already loving it for summer: brew a strong pot of coffee, chill in the fridge for an hour or two, then pour into an ice cube tray & freeze overnight. On a warm day, drop 3 or 4 cubes into a glass of chilled almond milk (I chose vanilla), let it melt a bit, & enjoy lakeside with a good book. Summer tastes so good.

I'm going to use my leftover coffee cubes to make a mocha chip frappe, found on the Beautiful Mess blog. What drink recipes are you loving for warm summer days? Do share! xo. 

vintage lace & lazy braids

I wish I could put into words how happy I am that it has been above 70 degrees all week. I worked all weekend, and the second I got home each evening I headed for a sun dress, a cold beer, and friends. Lounging by the lake every day has me the most relaxed I've been in months...oh Washington, thank you for your seasons. Summer fashion, welcome. 

ps--I copied this quick hairstyle from this pin. Not that I can rock anything like an Olsen twin can, but a girl can try. 

dress & sandals: Target, vest & purse: thrifted, necklace: UO

insta Monday

shooting for a special project with Angela / cheerful breakfast to make waking up at 6:30 easier

reading lakeside after a long day of work / sushi with friends

yummy, colorful lunch / best caramel lattes in town 

BBQ at my favorite lake with some wonderful friends / best breakfast sandwich of all time

watching the Mariners win on a sunny Seattle day / ingredients to get better

find me on instagram @charityvictoria to follow along! how was your weekend? xoxo Charity

if I ever feel better

Finally, a proper outfit post. For the last three days I have been confined to bed, sick as a dog, infinitely unsuitable to have any photos taken of me. Finally, yesterday, I woke up feeling healthy enough to join the outside world again and could not WAIT to put makeup/real clothes on! A girl can only watch so many Mad Men/30 Rock episodes before starting to feel a bit insane. Waking up to sunshine was the icing on the cake, and a floral romper seemed the only appropriate thing to celebrate health & spring reappearing. Both the shirt and romper are borrowed from my sister for an indefinite amount of time--seriously, having sisters is the best. I don't know how people survive without 'em. 

If you've got 'em, what's your favorite part of having siblings? Or least favorite, if you're feeling sassy. xo!

romper, ring & top: Forever 21, purse: thrifted, shoes: Urban Outfitters, polish: Essie

Bumbershoot 2012

Alright all you Washington residents, who's coming with me? One of my favorite events of the year, I can't wait! xo. 

what home is.

Just a few shots from a quick trip to my parents' house last week. When I think of the word "home", this is what I see. What do you see? Have a lovely Sunday, friends. xo. 

Casual Friday

black & white stripes, jeans, black flats: easy peasy outfit perfect for grabbing coffee, driving two & half hours back to my city, and enjoying the last bit of sun before the Washington rain returned. I'm already scheming about all the ways I can work this top into my Spring wardrobe--this simple outfit was just the pre-funk. 

Have a wonderful weekend! Have anything fun planned for Cinco de Mayo? I'll be working, so have a margarita for me! xo. 

top: Forever 21, jeans: American Eagle, flats: Target, necklace: thrifted, watch: Stacy McBride

Insta Wednesday

 iced coffee for sunny, productive days | favorite taco place to catch up with a lovely girl

 day trip to Snoqualmie Falls | sunny Sunday afternoon at Lake Padden

 cherry on top | graduation announcements (thank you SO much for all your advice, it really helped!)

 morning coffee in my mama's office | BBQ on a warm evening

 cuddles with this sleepy boy, one of my favorite parts of visiting home

 an exciting package waiting for me | local goods for an early Mother's Day present

a quick stop on the way home | blooms in my parent's amazing backyard

So, there's a snapshot of my life lately. Between working and doing some writing/editing/submitting of old nonfiction pieces, I got a chance to jump home for two days to surprise my family, since I won't get to see my mom on Mother's Day. It was a quick trip, but such a relaxing couple days--a much-needed escape. 

I apologize for not posting very much in the last week. To be honest, I haven't felt inspired when it comes to blogging AT ALL lately. I thought once I graduated and had so much more free time I would focus on this blog a ton, but for some reason the motivation just hasn't been there lately. I've barely been taking any photos, either...not sure what my deal is! I think I'm just in a funk right now, creatively. Does this ever happen to you guys? How do you get out of it? I want to get back to feeling inspired and excited about blogging, but I'm not sure how to do so! Lay some advice on me, ladayz. 

guest posting at the You Are Project

good morning, lovely followers!

I am guest posting about thrifting on a new website called the You Are Project today. They are all about empowering women to be who they were meant to be as well as improving relationships between women--which I think are some of the same points of style blogging, yes? One of the founders, Lauren, asked me to post & I was more than happy to. See the post here, & have a wonderful Tuesday! xoxo.