Happy Days

You see it everywhere. You have probably even experienced it to some degree. The kind of sadness that leaves you emotionless, speechless, thoughtless. I have had two very prominent experiences with this. They weren't easy, but they were essential. I was in a time of my life where life was easy and the going was good. But the tables turned and I was stuck in the bottomless pit of self-pity. You want to know how I got out? I climbed. I literally took each day as it was, the good, the bad, the ugly. I learned from my mistakes, taught myself to love, to fight, to see the light. But let's look at the bigger picture. You would honestly be surprised who was fighting a similar fight. The people we see and judge can be the person you can come to trust the most. I have learned not to judge, because I am not perfect myself. I have found that with this outlook, I have come to know many people and have learned so much more about others and myself. I am happy. I have found gratitude in the happy days, and I have found gratitude in the bad. Maybe not that same day, but eventually. Seeking gratitude in experiences will make you happier. Be thankful for the bad days, for they will  soon become happy days. Stay strong and much love.

xoxo

K

Simply Be

It's funny how our lives flash before us. In my mind, I'm still living in a 14 year old body with the personality of an awkward duck. Lets just take a moment to thank Mother Nature for having sympathy on some of us (ok, probably all of us). But the serious matter is how we spend these quickened days. Do we worry about all of the things we have to do for the week? Do we stress about little obstacles in our way? I can honestly say that I do. I've been so stressed lately, so the time I reserve to be thankful for the beautiful life I have has been limited. I have big news. You can be thankful for these obstacles and stressful times. You probably think I have completely flipped my lid. But seriously, how does one grow from easy, simple times and their life? They don't. The hard times, they will teach you things you would have never known. You will grow as a person in character, moral strength, and perseverance. Take it from someone who has learned the hard way. These obstacles will become the dainty little things in your life for they have shaped you into a new, better you. Don't sweat the small stuff, don't stress the huge, for what matters will always benefit you in the end. I'm thankful today. Make the days count.
P.S. check out loveandsomevintage. She is a lovely girl with insightful posts that'll have your mind spinning. You will like it:]

xoxo
K

Destination: Inspiration

Let's all be upfront here. Everyone is guilty of inspiring to be famous icons or people in your daily life. As I was growing up, the most prominent person in my life was my mom. And, well, Barbie. But Barbie is plastic, so she doesn't really count. My mom was a strong woman who held her own in the world. She paved her own path, and she did not let anyone or any circumstance stand in her way. I still do believe that she is the most influential woman in my life. Over the years, though, I have come to know of several influential in the social media. Infatuation, maybe, but nonetheless, admiration. These people have inspired me to see life as a blissful journey and to take each setback as a way to grow.
1. Audrey Hepburn- My girl Audge (so maybe we aren't on a nickname basis-I like it anyway) has been an inspiration to me for many, many years. When I first saw Breakfast at Tiffany's, I knew that I wanted to be her. I would specifically pick out my outfits and say "What Would Audrey Do?" (WWAD is definitely the new thing). She is elegance, grace, Mrs. United States. She seriously is class in all forms. From her humanitarian work to her simple words of wisdom, this fine lady will forever be a legend.
2. Princess Diana-The Lady Di. The one and only. She was not only iconic in fashion, grace, and poise, but she was a great humanitarian. She gave her selflessly to the children in need in Africa. How can you not love a woman with such a kind heart? Although she had several issues, her kindness and positive outlook on life never faltered.
3. The F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Cast- I'm sorry. I keep obsessing over the show. But I wouldn't be honest if I said I didn't look up to them. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, and Matt Le Blanc are all individuals besides the show. However, they have all persevered in the grueling show business and made names for themselves.
4. Lauren Conrad- Small town girl with big dreams. Sounds pretty typical, huh? She, however, has made a national and even international name for herself. Her fashions sell all over and is the picture of hard work and dedication.
5. Blake Lively- As an avid fan of Gossip Girl, I have come to love Serena. But Blake is still a person to admire, being in the business for many year and is still a positive role model for all Gossip Girls. And she is practically the goddess of beauty. Aphrodite has some competition.
6. Marilyn Monroe-What inspiration list wouldn't be complete without the infamous Marilyn? I even named my car after her. A misunderstood of her time has become the timeless face of Hollywood. I know what you are thinking: sex icon. But can being a sex icon have a sort of class and grace? She was not the typical 2012 sex icon. And for that, I applaud her. She let girls around the world know that a size 0 does not make you beautiful. She gave confidence to those who needed it and hope to those who were in desperation. She was a sex icon AND NOT A SIZE 0. People, it exists. She was a beautiful woman with a rockin bod and is known as one of the most famous people of her time. If Marilyn can make body peace, why can't we?

I know this is not the average black-and-white thankfulness I usually do. But these people have inspired me to be more thankful and to grow as a person. I am thankful for the person I am today and the body and soul I have been blessed with. And with the help of these icons, I was able to clearly see why I was thankful. Hope you have a wonderful day!

xoxo
K

Keep Calm and F.R.I.E.N.D.S. On

en.wikipedia.org

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Shopping in Baton Rouge was pretty much the highlight of my weekend. And my new addiction to F.R.I.E.N.D.S. also served to be an activity I did for many hours. I don't know what I love most about it. The closeness of all of the characters, all of the character's unique characteristics, it's not-so-cheesiness story lines  or the fact that it is in my future home of New York City. I absolutely love how the characters enjoy every single get together and make the most out of their time with each other. Carpe diem could definitely be a definition of the show. They appreciate every happiness and learn from the unhappy times. These people are practically living out my dream life on top of The Central Perk. I hope to one day make my own dreams there. Until then, I'll just watch every single episode of the show and live out the fantasy in my head.

xoxo
K

Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, Joey

http://www.pagecovers.com/covers/television/friends_tv_show_cast.jpg

Some Nights

"And in that moment, I swear we were infinite"
You all probably have felt this way at some point. As The Perks of Being a Wallflower puts, feeling infinite puts a great sense of joy into the soul. You can gain this from great happinesses or even doing small deeds. After having a great GNO with some of my favorite ladies, I swear I felt infinite. The silly stories, the hours of catching up, everything and anything. A simple get together with great friends can lift away any stress. I swear. And you know what makes it even better? A fab outfit. Sleek, all black attire, and a sky high pony. Elegance and class all together. It's the tiny get togethers, several laughs, and long talks that made it all worth it. I hope you see the great small stuff in get togethers with gal pals. It can uplift any spirit.

xoxo
K

Perfection

Silly and What Not

More Perfection

Latte Love 

Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I hope this day is filled with gratitude and kindness. Besides eating everything in sight (I assure you that I will be working out all day tomorrow), I wanted to take the time and really ponder on what I am thankful for. We all say the usual family, friends, faith, fulfilling life kind of deal when asked. Right? Well, I do at least. But this year, Thanksgiving means so much more. Don't get me wrong. I am filled with immense gratitude for my family, faith, friends, and a stable life. However, I am grateful for being able to wake up this morning and being able to put smiles on faces. I am grateful for the pleasures in my life that lift my soul. I am grateful for laughter that I shared with the people I spent the holiday with. And I am grateful for every single person, good or bad, that has come into my life and shaped me to the person I am today. You see, it is not just the major and consistent things in our life that this wonderful time acknowledges. It's, well, the dainty little things. It is anything in your life that brings you joy, big or small. I hope that you have an incredible holiday.

xoxo
K

Grey cheetah-print shirt with black and brown accents, black shift skirt with lace trim, black tights, and brown booties. 

Louisiana Fall

                               

Well, I'm going to be completely honest. Louisiana really doesn't have much of a fall. Sure, it'll go down to 40 degrees in the early hours of the morning, but by noon, it's close to 80 degrees. That being said, inter-season ensembles are acceptable the day before thanksgiving. Today, though, I was preparing for tomorrow's feast. Swirled brownies, Ruth Chris's sweet potato casserole, chopped salad, fruit pie, pecan pie-you name it, my mom and I made it. It was such a warm November day, so after all that was said and done, we took a mother-daughter hike in our backyard. Relaxed days like these make me realize how much in life I have to be thankful for. To be able to cook with my mother, explore the forest behind my house, and to be around the people I love without worrying about other responsibilities. It's the small things I'm grateful for this holiday season. And I hope you find gratitude in yours.

xoxo

K

Bonding with my main man.

Nick of Time Swirled Brownies (recipe here).

A Beginning

Welcome to The Dainty Little Things! After many years of attempts at starting a blog, I have finally found my inspiration: tiny pleasures. The simple smile you see on your way to work. The fresh red roses you see at the store. The laughter that fills everything in you after a funny story. These joys often get unnoticed by the greater pleasures in our lives. However, if we look to these as our primary source of joy, then what would we do with the days or months when a great pleasure doesn't come around? Let's challenge ourselves today. Let's recognize the smallest kindness as a great kindness. We wouldn't be disappointed. My small "happies" are fashion, cooking, decorating, laughing, DIY projects, reading, movies...well, you get the point. I like anything that'll put a smile on my face. And hopefully it'll put a smile on yours. So, let's take this journey together. Cheers to a new beginning!

xoxo
K