Constantly Seeking Wonder
Some bloggers have stories to share about exotic vacations or exciting announcements. My life is a little more average, but I’ve learned through the years that readers still enjoy hearing about it. Here I am to talk about all those ground breaking matters on what I’m thinking, eating, watching, and more. This month features Harry Styles, home renovation, and s’mores.
For long-time readers of this blog, it’s no surprise I have struggled along the way. What originally drew me to the world of blogging was that it was a unique way for everybody to have a voice and a platform for the things that mattered to them. Over the past few years with the rise of the influencer, it has seemed to me that many blogs began to morph into a very particular and uniformed thing. We began to expect certain formulas. There were similar color schemes and multiple versions of the same topics. I’m not bashing it – the fact that many individuals (often women) are becoming trailblazers and using blogging as a career path is an amazing feat and definitely something to be applauded.
It just wasn’t me. It would never be me. For a long time it made me lose my motivation because I felt like I was on the outside and I couldn’t even pretend to fit in. I hate to admit it, but I think for a long time I myself even equated my blog to “unworthy” because it wasn’t those things.
It took me a while to realize I was looking at blogging the wrong way.
In my book club, we read The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls. During a chapter on the record industry and fans, there was a passage that resonated with me. It basically boiled down to stop chasing an audience you will never have. Palmer knows her band is a niche sound that most of the quote “mainstream” audience won’t enjoy. Instead of letting that fact be disheartening, she uses it to her advantage. She sends her heart and soul out to those who will devour it and enjoy it as thoroughly as she does. That’s how I need to think about blogging.
I may never be some major influencer, that’s okay. Instead, I have found my own amazing community, no matter the size. The fact that the internet has allowed me the ability to share what I love with others and have conversations and relationships that are based on that excitement grow…well, that’s pretty incredible.
For that, I want to say thank YOU to my community.
If you happen to be new around Constantly Seeking Wonder, here’s what you can expect from me:
You can take it or leave it. I know I’m not for everyone. I don’t want to be for everyone anymore. Most likely I will never go viral and there may even be posts that occasionally get hardly any interaction and that is okay. I’m learning to realize it’s less about the numbers and more about the value anyways.
Out of curiosity, what draws you to my blog?
P.S. – I unabashedly like what I like, there’s nothing guilty about my passions.
Until next time,
Now that I’m finding myself back in the blogging game, I figured it was long overdue for a little catch up. You can’t just fall off the face of the earth and come back eight months later without any idea about what’s going on in my life. Well, I guess I could – but that would probably be slightly weird.
Reading…Every book I can get my hands on apparently. (Don’t believe me? Check out my January Literary Run Down) I’m about to start Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. Honestly, I’m a little frightened. It’s gotten mixed reviews from fans, being even criticized as badly written fanfic. The plot centers on one of my favorite characters, so I’m nervous to see it go sideways. I had always intended to read though the play and the time is ripe now with me just finishing a re-read of the original seven books, so here it goes.
Watching…My friend recently got me to watch Frozen for the first time after haranguing me for literal years. There’s no reason why I refused to watch it so long, it just seemed to be something I did. My friend obligingly put up with me asking “Do you want to build a snowman?” at random parts throughout the movie, so I guess I got my payback. I couldn’t hear Josh Gad’s voice as Olaf and not expect him to break out in a Book of Mormon song however. Now, that would’ve been funny, albeit wildly inappropriate.
Complaining…About my knee. I’m not even thirty yet and here I am having aches and pains. I’ve had low-level issues with it for about a year, but I just ignored it and they went away quickly. I was trying to do the same again, but it seems to be sticking around. Time to make an appointment I guess.
Obsessed…With budgeting and tracking my finances. Who am I? While I was sick I created these detailed charts that I update weekly. I mean, it’s a good thing, but I did not see this coming.
Eating…Girl Scout Cookies. I enjoy the oldies, but will gladly skip over a Samoa or Thin Mint for all the S’mores and Peanut Butter Patties. When you’ve got flavors you enjoy, you got flavors you enjoy. Gotta keep consistent in all areas of my life.
Drinking…All the good ol’ boring regular water I can. I started to rely a little too heavily on sparkling water. Which is great and all, but I probably shouldn’t be drinking multiple cans a day.
Needing…To buy cubicle decorations. My workspace got reconfigured for more space and now it looks bare and sad and even more grey than it was before. Where are your best places to buy cute but not overly expensive desk accessories?
Tell me what’s new with YOU! Any big wins lately?
P.S. – Two snowstorms in one weekend means I am hankering for spring. In the mean time, I’ll just listen to my Hello! Spring playlist on repeat until it’s here.
Until next time,
Rest assured, your eyes aren’t playing a trick on you. This is, gasp, a new post!
*Taps mic* Is this thing still on? Hi, hello it’s been a while. Actually, it’s been the longest silence since I started this blog two years ago. (I even missed that anniversary.) I don’t know if anyone still expects for a post to pop up in this space anymore.
Honestly? Somewhere along the way I lost my love for this blog. I got too wrapped up in the idea of needing to fit into this tiny little square of what blogging had become. Of some idea that no matter how much I tried to wear it, it never quite fit me right.
The longer time went on, the more I missed this space and what it meant to me, but the more I also felt like I was stuck. How did I get back to writing and not caring about the number of readers and simply sharing my excitement over the things I loved? I still don’t have that answer, but I think you just gotta start somewhere. So here I am trying.
Since it’s been a while, I figured a catch all kind of post on the happenings of my world would be good for dipping my toes back in.
Watching…Everything in Chris Evans and Sebastian Stan’s filmographies. When I fell down the rabbit hole a few months ago, I really fell down. I am now 100% a complete fangirl of them both (Well, technically I’ve loved Seb since he played the dashing “villain” Carter Baizen on Gossip Girl while I was in high school.) I have no complaints about this path though. They’re both adorable, talented, and on top of it all – good human beings.
Is this me gushing my love over them or them gushing over each other? That’s one secret I’ll never tell. (via)
Reading…Late last year (still weird saying that and meaning 2016) I realized I had been really bad at reading actual books. I wanted to rectify that. I joined Erin’s book challenge for the first time and at the same time, joined a book club. Never say I do things half way. I’ve since devoured three books and am already onto my fourth. Finding myself reading more I do plan to do monthly/quarterly review posts. (Hopefully.)
Eating…Attempting to eat healthy again. I was doing really well last summer and feeling good and then Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and NYE came. Lets just say I ate enough sugar to last me a year.
A visual representation of my eating habits the last few months. (via)
Debating…I ran my first race on Thanksgiving and I really enjoyed it. If you would’ve told 11 year old me who faked every type of illness to get out of running a mile I’d one day love it, well…I wouldn’t have thought you were in your right mind. Now I’m wondering if I want to sign up for more and make it a thing I do. There’s a series of four here in MN that are all well loved, I figure that may be a good place to start.
Learning…Romanian. I admit, I’m bad at studying. The days I remember to use the DuoLingo app I go all at it with notecards and everything so gold star for that? My favorite thing is that I can say at this stage is “You are not a man, you a boy.” Keeping me salty in every language, alright alright.
Listening…To the Backstreet Boys. I’m seeing their big razzle dazzle “Larger Than Life” Las Vegas residency in about a month. My fangirl heart can’t wait.
If you don’t think I still have this entire video’s dance sequence down 20 years later, you don’t know me at all.
Loving…All the sparkling water I can get. I go through stages and right now I am all about that LaCroix life.
Bummed…My dream Super Bowl team match up almost happened. SO close. They keep taunting me. Next year maybe? It is in the Twin Cities, so here’s to hoping.
What is new with all of you? Fill me in on all the big things I may have missed!
P.S. – This isn’t my first go around on the perfectionism struggle train.
Until next time,
I am hands down one of the worst people to have to shop for. My entire family hates it. Come birthday and Christmas times, it’s an uphill battle. I’m someone if I want something that badly and can afford it, I buy it for myself. I don’t like waiting and I don’t like giving this list of things I want in expectation others will buy me any of them. Is anyone else like that? This year though, I’ve tried to cut back on the personal spending in the months leading up to my birthday so I could have a bit of a birthday wishlist for once. I can hear my mom thanking the powers that be. (At least until she gets to the shoes.)
I’ve never made a public wish list as a blogger even though I know they are fairly common place, but I admit I feel a bit like a certified tool making one. (Have I ever mentioned I’m not a fan of my birthday because I feel incredibly awkward putting the attention on myself?) I guess there’s a first time for everything though. Plus, I know I’ll end up treating myself eventually.
Music Supplies
Camera Supplies
2. I would like to start doing a bit more portrait work in my own photography and feature some fashion posts of my own on the blog/Instagram. A fixed 50mm lens for my DSLR is perfect for this. Bonus: Getting a better portrait lens means I should probably also invest in a ring light to perfect that glow. It would also be a god send come winter time here in the great north when I want to do a bit of prop photography indoors.
Shoes
3. A girl can never have too many shoes right? That’s what I keep telling myself at least. My all time favorite pair of sandals aren’t quite dead yet, but they’re on life support. While I have a few other pairs I enjoy, I want another comfy long lasting ones so I turned to Birkenstocks. But not the normal ones, not that there is anything wrong with them, but you know me and I have to have a bit of pizazz. I’m leaning towards the Copper Color leather. Bonus: While I’m already a massive shoe fiend, I still have a few fall backs that you can always count on. One of those is my love of Converse. I’ve already got quite the assortment, but I’ve had my eye on lo-top all black leather ones for a while.
Makeup
4. Since I randomly decided to fall in love with makeup in my mid-twenties, I have loved trying all kinds of new and fun products. My favorite find has been the Kylie Lip Kits. I have been resisting buying all three of the metals from collection because I wanted to see if the Colourpop equivalent hold up for a fraction of the price. Since we’re already paying for shipping, let’s throw in a few of the fun hot pinks and purples for summer.
Workout Gear
5. I’m still torn on a Fitbit. Those that have them, swear by it. But doesn’t my phone already do everything that a Fitbit does? Part of me feels like it’s a waste of money due to that. However, I really am trying to make healthier life choices and this is one that seems to always pop up.
Bonus: Hamilton tickets. Even just the nosebleeds. This will never happen due to Hamilton frenzy, but it would hands-down be the best birthday present ever. So hey Lin Manuel-Miranda if you’re reading this…
Are you someone that’s easy to shop for?
P.S. – I’m not ashamed of a single item on my wishlist, because I don’t believe in guilty pleasures. If you like it, like it fully.
Until next time,
Hello, it’s me. I was wondering if after all these months you ever thought I’d post again? Wait…You’re telling me that’s not how the lyrics go?
I know it’s been a hot minute since I actually acted like a blogger, so I figured what better way to get re-acquainted than through a life lately post! I can’t promise you it’s riveting, but hopefully you’ll at least find a moment of enjoyment.
Recovering…From a nasty bout of pneumonia. I’m not someone who gets sick, let alone super sick, but this knocked me on my bum. I was 100% out for almost two weeks. Now, I still don’t feel fully functional human, but I’m at least somewhat able to get back to work and have a social life a bit.
Panicking…My birthday is coming up and no I’m not worried about turning a year older. This year I decided to finally treat myself to dying my hair a fun shade like I had been contemplating for months. I’ve been looking at how to upkeep the color and starting to get overwhelmed with the options. I’ve never done this before where is my red alert help button?
Thinking…I saw Colin Jost perform standup on Saturday evening and boy was he cute.
Watching… The Captain America movies. I blame Tumblr for this one. I had barely seen any Marvel movies and then all of a sudden my dash became nothing but Stucky (Steve Rodgers/Captain America and Bucky Barnes) and I became intrigued. So, here I am falling down the rabbit hole. Be prepared you will definitely be getting a thoughts post.
Planning…Lots of fun things for this blog. I’m finally getting my shit together because let’s be real – I have to if I want to keep Constantly Seeking Wonder going. I have too much prior love, work and dedication into my little space on the internet that I don’t want to lose. This means I actually have an editorial and social calendar currently in the works. Say whaaat?
Reading…On a whim I purchased Me Before You by JoJo Moyes ages ago and it’s just been sitting on my night stand collecting dust. Now that the movie is out I should maybe do something about that.
Drinking…Not coffee! Cue the gasps and shock. I know, I know. Ever since I was sick I haven’t touched a cup of coffee. I think I am going to try and make it more of a treat than an everyday thing since I’m not as reliant on it now.
Researching…Good day or weekend trips from the Twin Cities. I don’t have a ton of vacation time, but I want to make the most of life when the weather is nice.
Wanting…To try that pink Starbucks drink that is taking over the internet. But being a former barista I kind of sort of hate myself for hopping on the trend.
Learning… How to make overnight oats and smoothie bowls. I’m a hot mess express in the morning and I’d really like to start eating healthier, more filling breakfasts. Does anyone have any yummy suggestions? Or something else with minimal effort and time.
What is new in your world lovelies? Any fun future summer plans?
P.S. – I’m currently working on a Summer 2016 playlist, but for now rehash and enjoy Suns Out, Songs Out: Summer 2015 playlist. I promise the tunes are just as good a year later.
Until next time,
During my time spent as a blogger, I’ve found there are many things that keep me involved and in love with the blogging community. While I could write an entire post outlining them all, today I’m talking about the wonderful people I have met.
Blogging allows people from every inch of the globe to connect and build relationships. You can easily make friends with people in Japan, Ireland, or the city next door. These friendships are often built on sharing a part of ourselves online that may not always be seen everyday. We understand each other because of this odd thing called blogging. All of this allows us to build strong relationships through this platform. Which that should be cool enough in itself right? The support that comes with these relationships continuously astounds me every day, and that is the best thing. The friends I’ve made in the blogging community are the most supportive people. Every endeavor I’ve seen a blogger undertake, their blog friends are right behind them going the extra mile to support and build each other up in whatever way they can.
When the lovely Emelia at Dream Big and Buy the Shoes told me she was opening an Etsy store for her prints – I couldn’t WAIT to see what she had designed! If you scroll through her Instagram you will find me ALL CAPS COMMENT SCREAMING for months over her cute prints she designed. I’ve been team Emelia needs to be a party planner since the beginning.
As soon as Emelia opened, I went on over to The Dreamy Details Etsy Page and realized what a tough decision it was to pick just one. I really wanted them all. From coffee lovers to jetsetters to Swifties, Emelia has everyone covered with a print they will enjoy.
I decided this “Get It Girl” graphic was PERFECT for spring! It’s such a fun and breezy print with these bright colors. In my mind I see it as a very simple but chic decoration for warmer weather get togethers in the porch. I’ll easily be a return customer as I have my eyes on plenty more.
Check out Emelia’s Etsy Page or The Dreamy Details Instagram for a peek at her wonderful prints!
Until next time,
What? I’m back at hashtagging and confessing again? For some reason you lovelies enjoy hearing about my life and boring thoughts, but I think you secretly stay for the snark. Or maybe that’s not so secretly. #SnarkForEveryone
This week, every rambling thought I have is a case of #TheShitIWant. I’ve been verified #HermitStatus lately so now I’m itching to go spend my money.
Has everybody else’s social media feeds been blowing up with people losing their cool over Kylie Jenner lip kits? I can’t go more than a few posts without seeing all the raving. I want to try them. I need to try them. I’m not even a makeup junkie. This weekend, I hit rock bottom when I set a phone alert for when the website is rumored to be restocked and allowed Twitter notifications to stay in the know. #SuccumbedToPeerPressure #AgainWhoAmI
Hoping my experience doesn’t have me winding up like Mama Kris. (via)
All over NYFW and LFW recently there were fun faux fur coats everywhere. I love how outrageously cool they are. Rocking one of those bad boys is totally in line with the style I’ve been told I have going on, but I worry I’d look like an oversized Elmo. I almost purchased a deep plum one, but I resisted temptation. If they’re still on trend next winter, I’ll probably take the plunge because I know I won’t be able to help myself after salivating over fashionistas wearing them for the next six months. #PleaseDontTickleMe #BeyonceTeachMeYourWays
When I get in life ruts, I often want to do drastic measures. Tattoos, piercings, fun with my hair. They’re all possibilities. Currently the most feasible option is a color change. But which direction do I go? Auburn? Rose gold? Silver blonde? My office is fairly conservative, so I’m not sure how this will go but I’m willing to try and swing it. Yolo or something. My excuse will be I work in marketing. That sounds feasible right? #JustCallMeKatyPerry #UnicornHairForTheWin
The only hair option I know WON’T be happening. (via)
I’ve spent hours scrolling through Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. Give me all the boho vibe accessories. Minerals, succulents, diamond shape glass planters. Yes, yes, and yes. I don’t even currently have an office but you can bet that I’ve practically picked out all the accessories to decorate it grandly. #IJustWannaBeAsCoolAsPennyLaneOkay #SheHadAnAceFauxFurCoatToo
Maybe it’s cathartic to tell the world about all my spending desires. Or, maybe I’m just telling myself that in hopes that it will work.
Remember to check out all the lovelies leading these fun hashtags and confessions based posts Laura & Lauren, Alanna & Sarah, and Nadine & Kathy!
What fun stuff has been on your radars making your wallet fearful?
P.S. – Learn all about my lessons failures in adulting in the first installment of Hashtags and Confessions.
Until next time,
I’ve always spent Wednesdays reading everyone else’s hashtags and confession posts for about the last year, but I’ve never actually joined in. Today, I thought I’d throw my hat in at an attempt. I still don’t know how to talk about myself and feel like my routine is boring. Work, workout, blog, bed, the end. Yet, people seem to love these types of posts from me. #Snoozefest #FirstTimerHere
I haven’t seen the new Star Wars movie, nor do I know if I ever really want to. What I do know is that I have read Every. Single.Theory. I AM OBSESSED. I have also blogged an unhealthy number of posts about the subject matter on Tumblr. The whole emo Kylo Ren memes crack me up and are too funny to resist. #WhoAmI
The celebrity world is a tough subject for me. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed, but due to my course work at university I also see through most publicity stunts. As I’ve gotten older I have realized 90% of Hollywood is nothing but smoke and mirrors. That makes it hard to mindlessly enjoy as much as I used to, especially in normal every day conversations. Most people don’t see the set-ups and will gush about things that want me to explain the inner workings. Recently after telling a friend her new favorite OTP was actually a fairly obvious PR relationship, they told me I read too much into things and Hollywood is exactly what we see. #NotAllRainbowsandUnicorns #BitingMyTongue #SlammingHeadAgainstWall
I have never understood people’s frustration at the gym each new year until now. I JUST WANT MY MACHINES. It was literally a forty-five minute wait for a dang bike. Did I mention I already go at 9 o’clock at night? It should be dead at that time. #EverybodyGoHome #BreakYourResolutionsAlready
Over the holidays I found out another friend is pregnant and another got engaged. I’m over here pretending to care about floral patterns and the cloth vs throwaway diaper debate. I must’ve taken a very wrong turn somewhere, because I have literally zero interest in marriage or children for the foreseeable future. It’s okay, I’ll stay over here blogging about boy bands and drink recipes cause that’s all that really matters right? #AdultingFail #SingleForever #WheresTheWine
I have no idea if I did any of these hashtagging confessions right, but hopefully you at least enjoyed my witty and delightful commentary. #Shrugs
Remember to check out all the lovelies leading these fun hashtags and confessions based posts Laura & Lauren, Alanna & Sarah, and Nadine & Kathy!
What are your fun Wednesday stories or confessions for me?
P.S. – I’m full of personal posts lately, did you catch my recap of all the best things I stumbled upon in December?
Until next time,
Your Support – I honestly can’t say this enough, I was so humbled and blown away by the positive reaction to #JAMpackedholiday. To say I was hesitant to launch that project beforehand was an understatement. Seeing how excited people got each day had me wowed at the community around Constantly Seeking Wonder. I wanted to take another moment and just properly say thank you all once more.
Carpool Karaoke with One Direction – Look, even my friend who despises One Direction texted me after watching this video and asked “Why are they so endearing?” It’s a quick look into why I love these guys so much. James Corden is basically the embodiment of me when I’m in my car and 1D comes on the speakers. Make sure to do yourself a favor and at least watch until they coordinate outfits and make a dance routine for “Not Control” to finally embrace their boyband roots.
Rimmel London Scandal Eyes – I am not a makeup expert or a beauty blogger. I couldn’t tell you the difference between one thing and another most of the time. However I find a product occasionally that I absolutely love. Which is exactly the case with this eyeshadow. It packaged in a smooth pencil format so it’s easy to apply, as I don’t have any fancy tools or brushes. The colors come in a variety of shades for an instant smoky eye look – my current favorite is Bad Girl Bronze. Best part? It goes on smooth and LASTS ALL DAY. That factor right there is a godsend. My only downfall with this product is there is no way to sharpen/scroll the tube up so they go fairly quick.
Eugène Delacroix – I had an extra day off over the holiday weekend and spent it on various solo adventures. One of my stops was the Minneapolis Institute of Arts to see the Delacroix Influence show. He was a French Romantic painter and his style impacted everyone from Renoir to Van Gogh. Seeing all the art was beautiful, but the thing that really astonished me was Delacroix’s massive murals in France. I spent an entire afternoon after the show researching his work in The Louvre, The Salon du Roi, and Church of St. Sulpice. Breathtaking even in pictures and you bet it’s now on my bucket list to see it all in person.
Galerie d’Apollon of the Louvre by Delacroix (x)
Cycling Class – I recently bought my first gym membership as an adult and thought I’d try my luck with a cycling class. I fell in love instantly. It is now something I look forward to each week. Can a SoulCycle open in Minneapolis yet? It’s basically the reason I even tried a cycling class in the first place. (What can I say? I’m a sucker for celebrity trends.)
NCIS – Somehow I had never watched this series before in the twelve plus years it has been on the air. In December I stumbled upon a marathon and got sucked in. I have a strong appeal towards murder mysteries and crime shows, so it’s surprising NCIS wasn’t on my radar before. The main cast members of Gibbs, DiNozzo, McGee, and Abby are delightful. It has quickly become my favorite thing to watch when I’m at the gym too. Which works well until there is an episode where Ducky is searching for his long lost brother and I was basically telling myself not to tear up while on the elliptical machine.
(via)
Adele Tickets – Hello, it’s me. I was wondering how the hell I managed to score Adele tickets this summer? Okay so maybe I’m not quite a pro lyricist but the sentiment still stands. I’ve been lucky to see her perform live before (the last being in 2011) but I figured with her skyrocketing popularity there’d be no way I’d snag tickets this time around. Yet I did and I’m pretty amped about that fact.
Tattoo Roulette with One Direction – I’m sorry but One Direction were extra cute during December so you get the double dose this month. The real winner during Tattoo Roulette is Niall as he was truly freaking out. His pure reactions during the game are gold. I never felt so bad for giggling hysterically over someone else’s misery. Does he have the misfortune of choosing the tattoo box? You’ll just have to watch and find out. Fun fact: The tattoo artist is from Shamrock Social Club and has tattooed countless of celebrities (including One Direction before this game) and even yours truly when I was in Los Angeles.
My Favorite Posts of the Month:
What were your favorite finds of December?
P.S. – Want to continue the One Direction binge? I’ve got you with the perfect playlist. Or maybe you’d rather find out why their new album Made in the A.M. is worth a listen for even non-fans.
Until next time,
