Steph Loves Today

Mosaic 1A little over a month ago, I started a photo project based loosely on 100 Happy Days. From their website:

“We live in times when super-busy schedules have become something to boast about. While the speed of life increases, there is less and less time to enjoy the moment that you are in. The ability to appreciate the moment, the environment and yourself in it, is the base for the bridge towards long term happiness of any human being.”

Amen, right? I loved the idea, especially since it goes hand-in-hand with one of my favourite quotes and guiding life philosophies: “I want to feel my life while I’m in it”.  Staying present and appreciating all the lovely little things each day brings can be so difficult, but it’s also the whole point, in my opinion. It’s hard to remember to do this, but a daily photo project is an excellent cue.

Mosaic 2I called the project “Steph loves today” as a reminder to seek out the beauty and happiness of my life each and every day. It was also an excuse to try and use my camera every day, in order to practice and improve my photography. I’ve done this kind of thing before with my Everyday Beauty posts and Project 365 in 2012. Each time I do, I wind up with a lot less space on my hard drive and a lot more captured – and, it follows, noticed and appreciated – special everyday moments. This time around, I’ve been sharing my photos daily on Instagram.

Right now, it’s just me: no boyfriend, no husband, no kids. That sometimes makes me feel like my everyday moments and routines aren’t as meaningful, because a lot of the time, they’re not being shared with anyone else. But when I come to my senses I realize how silly that is. I’m the only one I’ll spend my whole life with, right? And if anything, I think I’ll cherish the memories of these young years with all their little habits even more fondly as my life continues to change shape.

Mosaic 3The photos in this post are from the past month and a half of doing this project. Some days I posted more than one photo of something beautiful or something that made me happy (my cup runneth over). When I was in Tokyo without internet, I missed a day. But overall I’m thrilled with the results. Life is good. I’ll (probably) only have one Springtime in Korea in my life, and I’m excited that it’ll be captured in some small way. You can see the rest of the photos so far here or by following me on Instagram @lifeinlimboblog.

Project 365: Weeks 41 to 45

Whoa girl, it’s been a while since I posted my Project 365 photos. Don’t worry, I haven’t fallen off this wagon quite yet! That being said, I am really excited to be finished this project. I think it’s been real, and great to take a photo of something every single day – it forces me to look hard at my environment and try to find some beauty in the everyday. Atthe same time, I think it’s natural to have some “off days” where things just are a little boring or a little busy, just because they are. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I am planning on having another, vaguer photo goal for 2013: take as many photos of beauty as you possibly can, do a weekly roundup. I like goals that can come together over a slightly longer period of time (like the cake goal!) and that don’t have to be done every single day. I’ve at times found this goal a little suffocating. But my photography has improved! So that’s the best.

Happy Thursday!

Ps. A few links:

  • I was immediately into this computer wallpaper from LinkWithLove as soon as I saw it. December promises to be completely crazy, so having a (cute, graphic) calendar close at hand seemed like a very good idea.
  • One perk of my hair having grown (way) out is going to be trying these holiday hair tutorials from A Cup of Jo.
  • I’ve been using this pattern to make some cozy handwarmers. I’ve made one so far!

 

Project 365: Week 5

Happy Thursday! I love Thursdays, don’t you? Tantalizingly close to the weekend, so everything seems so much brighter and happier. Nothing like Tuesdays!

I love this project, even though it does prove difficult some days. This past week has been stressful, so finding both time and things to photograph has been a challenge. I’m sure this will continue – and hopefully it will force me to be more creative or make more things!

Things I Love Tuesday

Bright pink macarons!

Danielle LaPorte: this woman has been on fire lately. Must reads: 1 and 2.

Sh*t Whipped Guys Say

Hanging out on Pinterest all day. {Let me know if you want an invite!}

This song: Deep in the Levels by the White Panda.

Ideas like: starting a podcast of conversations with interesting friends + making mix CDs for people

Neutrogena fast-absorbing Norwegian formula hand cream – non-greasy, so effective.

Marie Forleo videos. Every Tuesday. {Also, her new site re-design is rad.}

Getting excited about The Hunger Games (new trailer!).

Reading Black Swan Green and Game of Thrones.

Saturday morning brunch with friends.

These blogs: Olivia’s and Elise’s

Project 365. Editing together videos.

All you can eat sushi.

Making plans to watch all the Best Picture nominees before the show!

xo.