Friday Favorites

Hello friends and happy Friday! This week I've been packing and cleaning out clutter like crazy in preparation of my move. It has come to my attention that I have a serious shoe problem...so.many.shoes.y'all. The good thing is,  I am about 5 days out and just about everything is already boxed up! My favorites this week are home related because that's what is on my brain. I am feeling wildly inspired to craft inside since it's beginning to get cool outside, not to mention I want to make the most out of my new space!

To start us off... the ikea rast dresser 
it is only $35.00!! It has three drawers, but works well as a nightstand! It's perfect for a small bedroom where you need dual acting furniture. Did I mention how easy it is to makeover? so many examples! I ordered one for my new bedroom, and I can't wait to give it a makeover :) I'll keep you all posted! Today I'll even offer some clues...wallpaper, paint, lamp

I am getting a ton of bedroom inspiration over at apartment therapy . I have a small space to work with (thanks New York) so the house tours and organization tips on their website really show how much potential the room actually has. I am planning on going against the minimalist trend, though I love it, and doing something bold with lots of pattern.  Hopefully, it will turn out to be cozy and inviting!

I hope to play lots of music in this new room including Marcus Mumford singing
"when I get my hands on you" a lost Bob Dylan song-so romantic

In other favorite news-THE MINDY PROJECT. It is a movie in 30 minutes every time, and I adore it. Her outfits are amazing, the chemistry is electric, and the jokes are hilarious. Yay for season 3!

okay so this list would not be complete without mentioning Emma Watson's amazing speech from earlier in the week! It left me inspired, and so so thankful she used her voice for something incredibly important.

happy weekending! cheers xo

My name is Chelsea Reed Davis and I have a problem.

I am ADDICTED TO PINTEREST.
dun dun dunnnnnn GASP.

stop judging me!
I used to hate it...then I browsed for special craft projects... then I made some boards... and before I knew it.... I am on every night before bed slowly designing my dream house!
 (f.y.i. it is a vintage inspired cottage in Hawaii with eclectic design elements)

well anyways, feel free to follow me here! I'm clearly down the rabbit hole.

whoknowsnobody

sometimes I have no idea what I'm doing...allow me to clarify....
most of the time I have no idea what I'm doing.
ALSO I  never know how to ask, "excuse me, what should I be doing?"
BUT today I stumbled over my words and got out the question.
AND I was actually told  
what I should do.
 you guys this is what I think people refer to as a breakthrough.
Mom and I always discuss the principle of  "take things one day at a time, and if that is too much one hour at a time"-she knows me well.
You see, I'm an addict.
I dive head first. I thrive under pressure because, as I mentioned, I never know what I'm doing!
I just figure it out.


I work harder than 90% of the population to fix everything as quickly as I can, the best that I can.
So when this "control" is taken from me...when I need to speak up or be confrontational in any way because I can't just  figure it out immediately...
I meltdown y'all.
When there is no other option but to surrender....ughhhh it is the worst.
This week has humbled me, but it led to something good.
I decided to go one day at a time.
I realized that sometimes things aren't an easy fix-but there are people who actually know what to do.
People who can... I don't know help!

 

Monday, Monday

I sincerely hope you, me, and everyone we know has a wonderful Monday!
Kate Arends, a designer/blogger over at wit and delight, has been a personal hero of mine for a while. She is brave, eloquent, and true in every post she writes, and her design aesthetic is gorgeous. She recently recorded a podcast for The Lively show..YOU GUYS...it is chock full of good stuff if you need a boost to start the week! She touches on mental health, perfectionism, authenticity, and even design-It is a beautiful conversation beginning to end.

I loved her definition on what it means to be authentic:

"authenticity is really when you don't need the affirmation of anyone else to feel very good about what you have to say or what your point of view is"
 
ok Monday here we go

Friday Favoites

oh hey Friday!  My week has been a bit hectic over here so I'm very excited to talk faves today y'all-let's dive right in!

for starters...I've been reading a lot this week.  The weather has been positively dreamy, so we at apartment two have been keeping all of the windows open-I just sit lazily reading and let the breeze blow through the apartment...heaven.  Two of my favorites thus far have been "This Is Where I Leave You" (hysterical) and "Wild". Hopefully, the movies do them justice!

Another favorite right now is my new acting class  ! Acting classes are intimidating, so I am very relieved this first week in a new one has been very positive.

My most ambitious favorite yet is.... my new fall bucket list!
I highly encourage everyone to make one with me! just think of 10 things you hope to accomplish between now and the end of November-I decided on 5 fun things and 5 challenges.
Number 1 challenge for me is cooking! I am not good at this you guys! I hope to start cooking some healthy meals 4 or 5 nights a week if possible! it is supposed to be a challenge after all, am I right? so if you know of a good recipe I should try-send it my way! My number 1 fun task is to see a play. I never go to the theater here, which is absolutely bananas!!  I am solving this problem.

okay so big stuff ahead

Did I mention this will be my last week at apartment 2? Basically I'm saying... you can come help me move if you want! New York is great for so many things... moving isn't one of them.  I miss my car ahhhhhh I miss having tons of family and friends around to help me pack ahhhhh it's okay. 

REALLY.

I CAN DO IT.

I CAN.  

okay hope your weekend is super fun! cheers pals xo

tuesday

"before Alice got to Wonderland

 she had to fall 

pretty hard 

down a deep hole."

that chill

New York is feeling an awful lot like fall dear reader. Today, I even needed a light jacket! This weather makes me want to sip on coffee, wear tights, and listen to lots of Dylan. I think "To Ramona" is one of the nicest letters/songs ever written in the history of the world. Every year around this time I find myself putting it on repeat. you should do the same

Tonight, I stayed in and crafted-yes, I know I am officially becoming that weird cat lady. I told myself I would never buy yarn, but then it was cold out and I broke down.
whatever. I am pretty happy with the end product! let's hope it keeps away my bad dreams for years to come :)

"I can see that your head
Has been twisted and fed
With worthless foam from the mouth
I can tell you are torn
Between stayin' and returnin'
Back to the South
You've been fooled into thinking
That the finishin' end is at hand
Yet there's no one to beat you
No one to defeat you
'Cept the thoughts of yourself feeling bad"

that one time

I tried yoga.
I can't believe it either.
Know what is even worse than me trying it? I kind of loved it.  I know, I know! I'm just as shocked as you are! Okay so here is how this went down...

Part 1: I decided that my only goal this year would be to break out of my comfort zone and conquer fears that hold me back. (blah blah Oprah blah).

Part 2: I went home last week, and long story short realized that my health is important. I realized I'm not actually sixteen anymore. My body is something to be thankful for and conscious of-It was sort of a wake up call to take better care of myself. NOW, I am not saying that I will now be a track runner or a vegan! this is ME after all...but I can be better. My goal isn't to be the size I was in high-school or to stop eating bread, but to be strong. I want to feel strong.

 

 (Here I am eating the best sandwich and hot dog of my life in Paris!)


Part 3: This blog ain't called calm like a bomb for nothing! That is me you guys! I am calm...like a bomb. It turns out your mental health is just as important as your physical health! You see, my entire life I had play rehearsal. I had a wonderful outlet for stress all of the time! Until... I didn't. I began to venture away from theater and into this new world of film, and truly didn't know how to live without those rehearsals ruling my life. That combined with graduating from college without a steady plan made my anxiety soar.

and all of these things led me to yoga class tonight

I'm so intimidated by exercise classes because I never take them. Yoga seemed challenging enough, but mainly focused on meditation and breathing. It's quiet and peaceful and slow moving.  At one point I felt ridiculous in class...like I was playing twister, but when I left I had no tension in my back and no thoughts racing through my mind.
pretty much a miracle.  so I signed up for a few more- we will see if this sticks- but it's a step right?

Friday Favorties

It's Friday hayyyy! I'm back in New York! Spending the rest of the night watching The Killing with Bartholomew a.k.a. never unpacking anything  because it's annoying.  got any fun plans this weekend? hope it's grand-let's chat favorites

 A definite favorite is cooler weather-it is time for coffee, bonfires, falling leaves, carving pumpkins, good television, apple picking, and my favorite FALL FASHION. I am thrilled to wear my boots and tights!

I am a big fan of dear creatures , and they just released their autumn collection!
could I have this coat and dress please?

A  favorite show of mine is the Mindy Project- is it is almost time for the  premiere! I can't wait to see more of the Mindy and Danny love story, as well as Peter's antics.

 A few faves on this Friday are: good health, a new book, and the unknown heading into this fall. I feel like the things that often terrify me are the very things that make me who I am.

 I absolutely loved the doc. "maiden trip". It follows a 14 year old girl who sails around the world alone-even made me cry. It was inspiring and left me in complete awe.

cheers to the weekend xo

around here

 I don't know how I'm ever going to board the plane in the morning!
 (never thought I would be sad to leave Mississippi and fly to New York-weirdo worthy)
It has been a week full of relaxation, pet snuggles, and spending time with family. 
to end my week here, we decided to go  bowling!

Destiny's Child was played, Christmas socks were worn, Cole got a lot of strikes, and my lame, super weak wrist hurts!

 Did I mention we got ice cream after? Tomorrow, I'll be back in Brooklyn missing these people!
There's lots of change coming around the corner this fall- I'm starting a pretty serious acting class, leaping into a new job, and dun dun dunnnn.... moving into a new apartment. I'm thrilled to be moving in with some beautiful, smart, fun, and get this...southern girls!

Speaking of change- on a complete whim I kissed my long locks goodbye yesterday...

 It is taking a hot minute to get used to this cut -

I kind of just sit around like OMG I have NO hair.

so that's how I'm doing :) Okay New York...I'm coming back.

how you doing tuesday?

"and this is the part where you find out who you are"



Memphis is wonderful.
I'm elated to be spending a few days at home with people I really love. I hope you are having a good Tuesday friend!

Friday Favorites

It's Friday y'all! 

we made it another week reader of mine! I just landed in Memphis for a few days-so my absolute favorite  is getting to spend some time with my family and sweet little pets! let me tell you what else I thought was cool this week...

I loved this article about female pop stars posted on hellogiggles earlier this week.

I have  new bedding in my room! just felt like a change (don't judge it came from a teen website, I promise it looks pretty!)

It's fashion week in the city! I personally really love Honor NYC-the clothes are stunning, wish I could afford to buy something! A girl can dream...

I had a horrible headache yesterday, and Bartholomew chose to nap with me until I was feeling better. He has been in a crazy mood lately, so this cuddle session was a little surprising.
Also  his smirk is perfectly captured in this bottom picture. what a charmer.


cheers to the weekend pals xo 

talking about losses

"My eyes were glued on life and they were full of tears."

Jack Kerouac 

This week.
 sheeeeesh
This week is a rough one dear reader...BUT you know what else? I'm gaining a lot of perspective.
I'm learning that falling down is pretty inevitable, and it does not make you a failure.
 I see how good the friendships in my life are-what an amazing thing it is to have people to call on.
I see the person I would like to be, and the person I never want to be.
I understand that death is a part of this life-there's no right way to feel about it, but there is value in perspective and how you proceed.
so yeah I promise to keep growing and learning and stretching even when it's hard if you do too

ok
enough of this sappy stuff-
you have no idea how hard this makes me laugh-Like doubled over every time, crying laughter

whos that girrrlllllll

It's Anna!

 

I have been reading little reminders of love  for years! This blog is amazing you guys-especially if you are having a bad day. It will inspire you when you're on the floor I promise. I also highly recommend everything lovely her tumblr! It really is everything lovely. so let's all get to know each other...

1)why blog? 

For me it's all about making connections. Whether over love for the same books or sharing tips as to getting over hard times, nothing is quite as comforting as hearing someone say, "I understand!" or "You're not alone."

2) your last meal you choose... 

All the food. Buffet? I can't decide, but all of it.

 3)phone, keys, wallet.... 

chapstick, book

4)heels or flats? 

Heels in my dreams, flats in my reality.

5)favorite thing about where you live
.

Midwestern Manners and good thunderstorms

 6)dogs or cats

Dogs (poodles and corgis)

7)a perfect day would be

full of naps, dancing, pizza and kisses

8)your humans of New York quote would read

I wish I could hug "past me," and I suspect future me will wish the same, so I now try extra hard to be a little bit gentler with "present me".

9)what's the last movie you loved or what are you currently listening to?

I recently saw "A Royal Affair" on Netflix and was immediately hooked. Danish royal history? Doesn't get much better than that in my book.

10)can not live without...

Laughing. It has saved me in so many moments I thought were hopeless. Laughter has kept me going.

hello there September

"It was a bright blue day in September " 

the hundred dresses

Every little girl in the entire world should read the hundred dresses.... Amazing is an understatement.

I kept thinking about it as I was walking around running errands today-the book starts with a walk to the first day of school underneath a bright blue September sky.

 I've got a good feeling about September, but then how could you not? Did you have a good labor day? Mine consisted of some reading, french toast, planning some stuff, and finishing the second season of The Killing...pretty wonderful way to spend a day not working in my book.

I also read a great blog post today by my talented friend Sarah. In this post she writes about feeling unstable and facing the unknown-it's something I know I needed to read what is your price? 

Did I mention before she left for her African adventure she made a record? I'm all "I hope I make it to work on time...I'm hungry."

Also a random food for thought kind of moment 

 I noticed the internet exploded with photos of Jennifer Lawrence today- I love Lena Dunham's bold words on the matter:

 "Remember, when you look at these pictures you are violating these women again and again. It's not okay" 

so here we go September-I'm a blank page.