Things From Around the Web

I apologize for the lack of substantial posts the past couple weeks-- last week I had a severe case of acid reflux that I thought permanently damaged my vocal chords (my voice is still hoarse). And this week I came down with bronchitis. Just my luck. So in between hacking up vital organs, here are some things I found around the internet:

Barbie without makeup. Pretty much what I look like all the time.


Julianne Moore as "Famous Works of Art".


Syria sends Boston their condolences, Boston responds.


Wondering what to read next? Use this flowchart to find out.


Mixed CDs of mixed emotions.

I watched Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close finally and I have to say, it was just okay. The best part about it was the renter's notes. For a book that was so well written in my opinion, I just don't think the movie did it justice. It lacked not just events from the book, but the whole underlying humor that the book had. How do you guys think the movie rated compared to the book?


But speaking of books,  I read Kelly Oxford's Everything Is Perfect When You're a Liar this week which is a collection of humorous essays, and it did not disappoint. I found myself laughing out loud more than once. Have any of you read it?

So those are just a few things from around the web this week. I think I'm going to go take some cough syrup and drink 50 more Capri Suns now. Hope you all have a great weekend. 

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

This has always been one of my favorite quotes. It reminds, or even reassures us, that no matter how much we plan out our lives, it rarely ever goes how we think it will. But perhaps that's a blessing. Maybe fate knew where we needed to be even if we didn't. Haven't we all had those moments where we stop and evaluate everything that's happened to us and suddenly realize, if one particular event didn't happen then something else would have never of happened and that perhaps there was a reason for it happening the way it did even if it didn't make sense at the time? Those are the best moments, right? When in the midst of life feeling like a huge, confusing puzzle, we can find the way some of the pieces fit together and for a second life actually makes sense. 

Image by Typewritten Word

Things From Around the Web

This day in 1861 the Civil War started, see the Faces of the Civil War. I guess this would be a good time to rent Lincoln.


Today also marks the 68th anniversary of FDR's death. Listen to his tear-jerking prayer on D-Day.


Pedestrians' footsteps getting turned into leaves.

I need to get this tag for my dogs.


This crayon art looks really cool (and easy!).


You are not Carrie Bradshaw.


What a great way to remember things.


Finally, a shirt made just for me.


With all this warm weather, I can't wait to start making my own frozen yogurt.

This week I re-read The Great Gatsby (I read it in high school but who actually read anything from high school? Probably everyone but me.) just in time for the movie coming out next month. Are you guys excited to see it? I have mixed feelings just based off of the trailer, but I think it will be interesting to watch, regardless. What do you guys think?

                                                    Hope you all have a great weekend!


Image via The Fancy

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Image via Den10Studio

Illustrated Posters

How cute are these illustrated posters by Paper Sparrow? 

She even has them in greeting cards. I want them all. 

Happier

Have you guys heard of this new app called Happier? It's like Instagram, but for happiness. Their website says "Studies show that people who write down a few positive things about their day report feeling happier, less anxious and more optimistic. They also become more productive, sleep better, and have fewer physical problems." That sounds pretty good to me.

When I was growing up and I used to get really upset about something, I would automatically get angry and start pouting. After awhile I would watch my family all talk and laugh and joke around, and as much as I wanted to laugh and joke with them, I couldn't. I had to keep up this image that I was really angry about something, even though my natural reaction to watching my family having a good time was to join them and also have a good time. Over the years I think people become increasingly cynical about the world around them and their lives in particular, especially when they compare themselves to people who they think are happier than them, when all we really want is to join those people and be happy too. Yet we don't think we'll be happy unless we have this or do that. All we're doing is stunting the potential of our happiness sitting in the corner and pouting while everyone else is having fun. The truth is, we have the ability to be happy right here and now regardless of what we have or don't have.  Sometimes all I seem to do is complain and gripe about what I don't have and what I'm not doing, but when I start to actually acknowledge the good things going on in my life and around me, I realize that there is so much to celebrate and be happy about. Small things that I take for granted, like not being allergic to nuts or big things like having a home and a job. Sometimes all it takes to change your life is to change your perspective.

Happier seems like such a great revolution in social media. Share things that make you happy and you'll be happier. Happiness is contagious and dwelling on positive things help to minimize the bad things. You can even set up reminders to send yourself throughout the day to stop and focus on something good that happened that day, because sometimes in this age of multi-tasking and go-go-go and always being on an electronic, it's nice to be able to have that electronic send us a reminder to stop for a minute and just be happy.

If you need some inspiration on what to be happy about here are some starters. 

Things From Around the Web

This song has been on repeat all week. 


A great way to put your worries into perspective.


So I guess putting panty hose on your dog is a thing now.


Photographer's girlfriend leads him around the world. Such a fun idea, it reminds me of the Feet First couple. 


Ernest Hemingway and Frank Capra hanging out together, because, well, why the hell not?


Netflix should have checked on me after my binge-marathon of Downton Abbey.


An art student tilt-shifts some of Van Gogh's famous paintings. So awesome.


The Dalai Lama answers a question.


                                                  Hope you all have a great week!