Let's get down to business

I've been meaning to get around to a couple of things...passing on blog awards and responding to a tag.  I think I'll combine it all in one post.

Thank you to On Dressing Up for this very sweet (and well designed, I might add) award:

There are many blogs that are dear to me and that I don't go a day without reading but since I have to narrow it down, I'd like to pass this onto (does this make anyone else uncomfortable to have to choose?):

Delight by Design

Nonpareil

Grayson: A different shade of grey

Homemade Grits

Kotori

Adorably Distracted

I also received the Creative Blogger award (I'm sorry but I refuse to spell creative w/a "K.")  This award has been around the block a time or two so if you've already received it, maybe you can pass along the love.  Thank you Our City Lights!  I think I'm supposed to list 7 things I love before passing this but check out the tag below...

I'd like to pass this lovely award to a few special bloggers...

Red Otter

Captivate Me

Mostly Mod

Perfect Sentiment

You Can Call Me Chris

Terri Rees Wang

Wow, there are so many more blogs I would love to pass these too but I imagine my list would get obnoxious. 

I was tagged by Technical Support and Adorably Distracted with a challenge of listing 6 things that I love (and that are unimportant).  Well, if I love something, it's probably important, but here goes:

1) I love Q tips.  Have you ever heard of an ear-gasm?  

2)  Back scratches are so nice, especially when administered by B.

3) I love the way my dog's bellies feel (and they have no problem receiving tummy rubs).

4)  Claritin- D.  I would not survive allergy season without it.

5) Ben and Jerry's Oatmeal Cookie ice cream...To. Die. For.

6) My bed (which I should be in right now).

I'm not going to tag anyone...but I'd love to know something unimportant that you love.  So tell me!

Tag I'm it...

What is your current obsession?

finding art prints for my art wall and plates for my soon to be plate wall
source: Country Living
What is your weirdest obsession?
i have a fascination with little bitty food replicas. you can see some here and here.
What are you wearing today?
from the bottom up- black knee boots from banana republic (a present from b's mom), banana republic patterned dress from the local outlet, converse for target denim blazer, my peapod necklace (a gift from B) and retro inspired glasses (b/c the pollen won't let me wear contacts, bad pollen, bad). Please note this was written earlier in the week so I'm not actually wearing it anymore but it's way cuter than what I'm wearing now so I'll keep it.
Why is today special?
it's a beautiful day outside and i'm happy and healthy as are my dogs and my beloved B (oh and i haven't had a day to myself in over a month and i haven't killed anyone, so i guess that's reason to celebrate!).
What would you like to learn to do?
sing so that i could be in a rock band (ha!) until then, rockband will have to do!
What's for dinner today?
i don't know, i depend on B for that (he is the cook after all)
What's the last thing you bought?
two framed prints from etsy (more on that later)
What are you listening to right now?
B has Neil Young on the Ipod.
What is your favorite weather?
autumn, when things are cooling down after an absurdly hot summer but it's not cold yet
What is your most challenging goal right now?
obtaining my master's of social work (part time which will take three years). some of you asked where: the University of Georgia. I work in the grants department there so they'll pay for my classes!
What do you think about the person who tagged you?
courtney is very sweet and if i ever decided to have a wedding, i would want her to be my planner
If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
figi islands, but i wouldn't need anything fancy there, just the necessities
Favorite vacation spot?
the beach, any beach will do
What would you like to have in your hands right now?
my sweet baby nephew (call him X)
What would you like to get rid of?
abuse of all kinds (child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and and we'll through substance abuse in there for good measure).
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
for only one hour? well, i guess i'd go play w/my niece for an hour, maybe she'd let me read to her. This is the most recent photo of her (pretty isn't she?)
Which language do you want to learn?
i'm the saddest puerto rican you've ever met. i can understand but can't speak well, even after studying it for years and years. so my answer is spanish (and yes, i'm embrassed).
What did you dream of last night?
can't remember
Who do you want to meet in person?
henri matisse (i would just give him a big hug for painting pretty pictures even when people thought he was shallow)
What's your favorite part about the city you live in?
it's easy to take your time growing up in athens (you'd have to live here to know what i mean).
What's the favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?
my vintage polka dot dress (there's a picture of me wearing it on my side bar of this blog).
What is your dream job?
i'd have a theraputic private practice for children (victims of abuse) and i would utilize art therapy (this will happen one day, in due time). i also wouldn't mind being the author of a style book...wouldn't that be cool?
If you had $150.00 now what would you spend it on?
if i had an extra $150 i wouldn't spend it, but i'd put it towards my emergency fund.
Do you admire anyone's style?
i admire a lot of people's style, i can't pick one...sorry. i'm inspired by street style mostly.
Describe your personal style: hmmm, feminine, vintage inspired, if i think it looks good i'll wear it regardless of current trends.
Who's fashion show would you want tickets to? My question- Who's closet would you want to raid?
i'd want to raid serena and blair's closets on gossip girl (i mean, who wouldn't?)
source: (yikes, unknown!)
So I guess I'm supposed to pass this on (please play only if you want to...it will not hurt my feeling if you don't). Here are the rules:
1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention.
2. Tag seven other people: I'd love to learn more about these bloggers should they have time to share!
If you've already been tagged for this, don't worry about it...
Diana from Our City Lights
Tanya from Captivate Me
Polka Dotted Owl from The Magic Risotto Diaries
DrollGirl
Annette from Wally's Paper
Kotori from Kotori Design
From the Right Bank to the Left Coast

Tag, you're it!

I mentioned on Friday that I've picked up a third job. This means no day off during the week; however, before you start feeling sorry for me, understand that I used to be a state social worker (investigating child abuse) so never having a day off is a relief from what I used to do. Regardless, I just got home from my cafe shift (Saturdays I work at a vintage clothing store, and during the week it's grants administration at the University) and I am pooped. Part of the reason I'm so physically sore is b/c today on my way to heating up a quiche, I busted my butt on some water in the kitchen I didn't see. My feet just about flew over my head, the quiche skidded across the floor, and I landed on my side w/out breaking my fall b/c I wanted to help the stupid quiche. Owwwwww. Now for the point of my post.

Blair, from Delight By Design, tagged me in a sort of blogger "challenge" I was asked to pick a (most of you probably know Blair, but if you don't check out her blog; I promise you won't be disappointed) photo that epitomizes or describes my style. In case you think this is an easy task, think again friends. Not easy.
I suppose if I had a freakin' camera that worked I would have taken pictures of my own decor, but since that's not possible, I decided upon a photo that I feel like embodies my sense of style, or at least what I think I portray (what you think you portray and what others are seeing are not always one in the same!)
source: Domino via {flickr}
Here's why I chose this photo:

Artistic, old world glamour meets graphic, modern details. There's a sense of personality in this room; I visualize the owner being a creative reader or someone who likes to surround themselves with items of sentimental value. The room doesn't take itself too seriously as reflected in the playful wall color and cheeky sculpture. Although there is a sense of purposeful design, there's also a feel that the room is truly lived in. As with my personal sense of style, the room isn't strictly modern or strictly vintage, but rather a mix of the two. Whew, that was tricky. To keep this game alive I'd like to pick a few people to play along:
Lesley from Homemade Grits
Tanya from Captivate Me
Callie from A Different Shade of Grey
Karen from Blog Goggles
Rachel from Dwellings and Decor
Ladies, if you've already been chosen, don't worry about it, but pass on the love. I don't want to be the only one frustrated with finding the "perfect" picture (does that exist?). If you want to play, join in the fun!