its the small rituals that matter

The past few weeks have been pretty rough on my sanity. I keep telling myself I’m going to take a day off, or put aside time to get away, then the day comes and I’ve managed to schedule myself work, sometimes even unexpectedly. July 20^th was the last weekend I had an actual day off, and at the rate I’m going the next day I don’t have work scheduled for is September 14^th.

It all seems pretty nuts, and going at this speed will eventually kill me, but that’s what I get for owning my own business and it being the first year of operation. I need to put in the hours, do the time, and kick some serious ass. Which * wipes my shoulder * I’m doing.

While I can’t always take the time out I need to recharge, I’ve been doing a few things that are helping me to stay sane.

:: My morning coffee routine

Regardless of how crazy my day is, I try to give myself 2 hours in the morning of just me time. I catch up on any last minute urgent work needs, then spend the rest of the time not doing anything in particular. Most mornings I read a chapter or two of a book, drink my coffee, watch an episode of my latest TV show, or just mindlessly surf the Internet.

On the days I’ve forgotten to give myself this in the morning, I’ve found my days were scattered and a bit crazier than usual. It’s so important to allow yourself moments of unscheduled time. Time to do whatever you want, or nothing at all.

:: Indulging in retail therapy ::

I’m generally not one to indulge too deeply in consumerism. I am pretty frugal in my spending when it comes to my wardrobe, and just about everything else except when it comes to food. I love food. Mm.. Food..

I do a lot of online window shopping, filling up my carts and wish lists without actually buying most things. I like to wait until things go on sale, which let’s face it, that dress you’ve always wanted and finally buy is definitely going on sale the next day after you order it. Or at least, that’s how my luck goes. Recently I’ve been giving myself a monetary budget each month and letting go of my fear of spending money on things I want. To paraphrase that 1983 hit, I work hard for my money, so why shouldn’t I buy myself a few things?

I don’t go crazy, and generally my rule is anything under $20 is a fair grab without any guilt attached to it. If I buy new pieces of clothing, I go through my closet and get rid of a couple of articles of clothing I don’t wear any longer. Checks and balances, it’s working out so far.

:: Having a glass, or two, of wine and smoking a cigarette :: 

Yeah. I do it. Maybe even every night. Maybe I even switch it up and have red one night and white the next. I know, I’m living on the edge. This small little bad habit generally keeps me from wanting to murder someone after a long day. 

The cigarette I could probably cut back on again. My sense of smell is taking a hit, but ugh it’s so good. Is there anything better than sitting out on a porch at night, with a glass of wine and a smoke? Probably not. 

xo

this.

[ source ]

xo

i can feel it but it wont let it drag me down

 I realized this past weekend I can no longer party like I’m 21. This isn’t quite a new revelation, but more like one that’s been instilled in me so hopefully I don’t forget so quickly.

Friday night was the Nico Vega show at a venue this side of the river. Meaning, I didn’t have to go in to Boston to see it. The show itself was phenomenal. I didn’t know the opening band, nor the band after them, so we mostly just drank to take up the time when they weren’t on. First big mistake there.

The show itself was one of the best performances I’ve seen in a while. Energetic, interactive, and they played a few of my favorite songs.  After the show a bearded burly little man came running up to us to show us his tit that Aja had signed. His ex-but still friends – boyfriend came after. We became drunk friends. Second big mistake. 

 What followed was drunken hair talk, exchanging of numbers, and shots. Shots of jager.

We left the venue and started walking home. We parted ways with our drunken gay entourage and while waiting for a car service to pick us up, I decided throwing up all over would be the best idea. I got some on my shirt so naturally changed into the shirt I had just bought at the concert. This is where I really felt like I was 20 again.

The car driver was convinced KH was going to puke everywhere but I reassured him he just needed to drive faster and put down a window. I bet I was so convincing.

I got home and had to make mac and cheese while sitting on my friend who I woke up the moment I walked in the house. I only let him be when I decided I had to ravage my girlfriend.

The next day can be summed up in this.

I couldn’t sit up so I ate my breakfast sandwich off my chest.

It was rough. Until around 7pm, when I felt well enough to drive up to Salem to eat fried shrimp and ice cream. Delicious, and I want more. 

Sunday thankfully I awoke with a new lease on life, and not feeling nearly as hungover as Saturday. We went out for brunch, came home and napped, and then went to see Elysium. Pfffftt, is my review of it.

Just what we need, another movie where a man saves the world and his woman counterpart is helpless in the plight.

We also forced ourselves to watch the season finale of True Blood. This season has really been tough on me. I want to keep loving the show, but it’s just hard. I will forever love Alcide however, especially with his shirt off.

It’s Monday. I feel slightly like shit still, and do not want to have this week start. Isn’t there a pause button? My days are moving to fast for me.

xo

i will be right to you

Weeeee! It’s Friday! The mornings have been chilly, my days are becoming less humid, and I don’t have a lot of work to do this weekend. So needless to say I am in a great fucking mood. Even if I have managed to spill my coffee all over myself 3 times this morning.

This weekend is looking to be quite promising.

Tonight, I’m going to see NicoVega. Fucking yay. I'm going to drink a beer. Or several.

 My good friend is in town, which means I get a haircut. I’m split right down the middle between wanting to cut my hair off, and to keep growing it out. Ughh. Life’s hair decisions are hard. I’m just getting sick of pulling out hamster sized balls of hair from my butt crack when I get out of the shower.

Sunday we’re planning a girl’s day. Brunch, flea marketing, possible amusement park adventures, and seafood eating. That last bit no one else is aware of, but I’m going to get a lobster roll this weekend. It’s going to happen.

Other minor details: I’m putting down a deposit on my next tattoo, since my hands are almost healed. As usual I’m not telling anyone what it is. I like my secrets. 

They're going to need some touch ups, but overall they healed quite nicely. Leave it to me to always get tattooed in the hardest to heal/most likely to fall out places. 

And I can’t stop online shopping. I’ve started to put together my dream vanity (even though I don’t have a vanity..) set, in the hopes I’ll stop throwing my clothes on top of my dresser. It's just really convenient when you don't want to put things away..

I gave in and bought a vintage porcelain glove mold to hang my jewelry on. I can not wait for this stuff to get here. 

I also did some massive buying from Forever 27. My new obsession? Printed harem pants. Weird.

This post brought to you by too much coffee, the letter R, and the end of Summer.

What's new in your world? 

xo

newest projects: etsy, and stencil totes

The past couple of months I've been concentrating more energy in getting my various creations out and in to the world. Instead of hoarding them in my studio like a chipmunk. The first step was to launch my Etsy shop, which I finally did.

I've been having a lot of fun with hand stenciling and hand painting tote bags. I did a series of crows, and my newest undertaking is a wolf pack.

I just bought these tiny glass bottles that I have big plans for. Necklaces? I think so.

You can also follow me on instagram @theboneandarrow.

xo

free glitter download

If you've been around these parts for a little while now, you might recall when I posted this. If not, and you're too lazy to go read it let me sum it up. I participated with a lot of other awesome women in a compilation of stories on female sexuality.

That book, you can now download for free on kindle this weekend. So, go get your copy! I've already made a few of my friends do it, so you should too.

xo