snapshots | neutral state of mind

Learning about the fibers that make up the person you've been created to be... these are the seasons that are stretching. Sometimes stretched by disproving ideas and outlook, or stretched by affirming. Both directions are clear progress.

I've come to realize that in order to be stretched and refined a state of neutrality should be present. Finding the element of being impartial and nonaligned, we can face situations head on and come out on the other side with a true determined direction - one that was found not by bias but by discovery and understanding.

I found this excerpt on how neutrality, if present and preserved, can have radical and influencing results. It's a bit of a case study on the Red Cross. An American fave, we can all agree.

One of the organization's major thinkers, Jean Pictet, wrote, "Red Cross institutions must beware of politics as they would of poison, for it threatens their very lives. Like a swimmer, the Red Cross, is in politics up to its neck. Also like the swimmer, who advances in the water but who drowns if he swallow it, the Red Cross must reckon with politics without becoming part of it."

The Red Cross must keep neutrality to uphold their sole fibers. They cannot be swayed by trends, happy and sad times, or change. All of these things will occur but they will advance in the water without drowning. This quote really struck me. It shares that keeping an outlook of neutrality can garner a true, well-considered viewpoint in all cases.

This feels a bit academic, I realize, but I like it. I hope you do too and that it encourages you to see a neutral state as a safe harbor for learning about yourself.

xo

EMILY

stylings | neutral rules

While I'm a fan of every color in the rainbow, whenever I go shopping it seems like the only clothing I'm capable of buying comes in shades of neutral. I usually take a few vibrant pieces into the dressing room - in an attempt to convince myself I don't have a problem, I promise I don't - but I always manage to talk my way into yet another white top. You can wear white with everything, right?

After years of dressing room debates, I've decided to embrace my love of all things neutral. The truth is that a white blouse, grey blazer, black pants and nude flats will take you far in life. Plus, when you're not wearing a tri-colored fiesta print top, people can actually notice that tan you've been working on all season.

Word to the wise - adding some contrasting color in the form of a scarf, a piece of jewelry or a shade of lipstick will keep your outfit from resembling the abominable snowman. That's just not a good look for anyone.

In fashion, as in life, sometimes it's best to begin with a neutral foundation and allow experience to add color to your palette. Until then, all hail King Beige.

Allie 

discoveries | tradewinds

Sometimes you need a weekend away to soak in the salt air and eat a dozen oysters with cares of the city far, far behind. This is one of those weekends. 

Allie and I found some time to be stress-free and we took it, venturing to my little hometown of Port St. Joe, Florida for the holiday weekend. It's a place that we've been visiting forever. Since we met freshman year of college we've been enjoying this spot on the map.

It's a place where time stands still in moments. The pace of life is slower, the people are friendly, the ocean waves are healing, and the family is loving. 

Hope you all enjoy this extra day to relax and recharge. Soak up some sunshine.

xoxo

Emily

snapshots | poignancy

What a beautiful, poignant sentiment this quote expresses. Being completely for someone, so much so that you would sacrifice the things you hold dear for their well being, is one of the most profound experiences that exist. This experience can perhaps only be topped by the emotion we feel when we know there are people in our lives that would do the same for us. 

I hope you take the time to let the ones you love know that your heart is and ever will be at their service. 

Allie

stylings | words from the styled

"fashion can be bought. style one must possess." Edna Woolman Chase

"nothing is so hideous as an obsolete fashion." Stendhal

"fashions fade - style is eternal." Yves Saint Laurent

EMILY

lists | reasons to venture

A dreamer at heart, I'm constantly lost in a world of thoughts and ideas... the things I want to do this summer, the place I want to live next year, the career I want to have in five years. I want to be a longboard skateboarder, I want to be fluent in Spanish and Italian, I want to write in a professional capacity, I want to invest deeper into friendship, I want to use my time and money in a manner that benefits those in need. The list goes on and on.

The truth is that though our minds and hearts benefit from the simple act of dreaming, our stories do not. If we fail to take action and push our dreams into the realm of reality, they will never have an impact on our lives. We will never learn the lessons that will allow those beautiful things to be born inside of us.

Venturing out is a necessary factor in living our dreams. If, like me, you need some inspiration to do so, these reasons highlight the benefits in taking the leap and getting down to business.

first | it forces you to DO the things you dream of instead of merely dreaming about them.
second | it improves your character by uncovering those weaknesses your comfort zone tends to hide.
third | it bolsters your confidence by proving that you are capable of accomplishing your goals.
fourth | it guarantees you'll have exciting stories to tell when you're older.
fifth | as Donald Miller, one of my favorite writers, points out, it would simply be a crime not to.

Let's do it.

Allie

This image was created with photos from one of my tumblr obsessions, A Well Traveled Woman. Check it out for plenty of inspiration to venture. 

clippings | beauty

Beauty is quite elusive, we can all agree. Many times we nearly grasp the definition and instantly our filter is challenged by more beauty and then the meaning enters an evolving state once again.

I saw magnificent beauty sitting at the Jackson Lodge looking at Grand Teton National Park. I saw beauty standing around my grandmother's death bed - one of the most raw, spiritual beauties we are allowed to experience in earthly life.

I'm convinced that the beauty of new found love is a ravishing one that has the same shimmer as sunlight on the water. Or the beauty of friends sitting around a North Georgia cabin's kitchen table for a few hours talking - that's beauty.

What about the beauty of parents reuniting with a child after being gone for several months or even years? That moment is spectacular and jogs the beauty radar indefinitely.

Beauty is an amazing concept that truly "is not in the face, it is a light in the heart."
All of these beautiful experiences are "heart experiences." They do not root from anything material. They have no strings of purchase. They are each experiences derived from lights of the heart. 

 

EMILY

** this Clippings was created with the help of Allure magazine & Pinterest.

discoveries | taking it slow

Reggae tunes permeate just about every corner of my hometown of Hobe Sound, from the grocery store to the local bar to the beach. Since it is right on the ocean, it is characterized by a relaxed vibe that you feel the instant you arrive. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the smell of the saltwater misting through the air and the smiles on the faces of the free spirits that inhabit it are what make Hobe Sound such a chill place to slow down and spend some time. 

The beach is definitely the main attraction in this otherwise sleepy town. Vacationers and weekenders can enjoy swimming, surfing, diving, lounging, sunning and funning as sunrise turns to sunset. At night, I recommend driving to one of the larger surrounding towns, Hobe Sound doesn't have much to offer in the area of nightlife, and indulging in the local diet of seafood and Corona. This restaurant is an absolute must visit (I recommend the sweet potato crusted yellowtail snapper) and this bar will provide a place for you and your friends to chill and chat about plans to relocate to Florida. This surf shop is a great place for souvenirs, surfboards and super nice people that can answer any questions you may have about the area. 

If these photos don't convince you to visit, listen to What a Feeling by Collie Buddz (excerpts of which are included below) and imagine yourself sitting on the coast. Word to the wise - listening to Mr. Buddz will not only convince you to visit but make you want to move to the beach as soon as possible. 

I can taste the saltwater now - who's with me? 

Allie

foundations | feel the beat

Music has an intrinsic power to preserve the memory, lift the spirit and transport the soul to another place. In my life, there are specific songs that, upon hearing the first word, I am instantly moved to the time and place they are connected to. As the melody plays on, images flash through my mind like a carousel and my heart either celebrates or mourns the life that existed in between those notes.

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we are unable to label our emotions or relay our days as we wish we could; our stories are so pervasive that we struggle to understand them, much less communicate them. How important music becomes in those moments, as we hear lyrics we identify with and our stories are given names.

Perhaps some of our stories are best told through the words of others, words that are delicately formed into songs that create a soundtrack for our lives. Through this soundtrack, we are able to feel the beat of the music move through our bodies as it falls in rhythm with the beat of our hearts.

Here is my most recent story as told through the combination of music and lyrics, and the imagery it invokes.

Is there a song that is functioning as your current heartbeat? Put it on repeat and turn up the volume. 

Allie

These lryics are from Half Moon by Blind Pilot, a must download. 

snapshots | lights shined

This song speaks to what true friends have and how their lives are weaved so tightly into each other stories that the thoughts of new chapters in life, cross-country moves, or even new weekly schedules are all main characters.

Taylor Swift's Long Live really shares the heart behind that notion. How we can reminisce on the past and look brightly toward the sun of the future.

Guilty as charged for having a best friend moment with Allie when Taylor covered it at her concert last summer in Atlanta. Yeah, we're total confetti-loving, hair flipping T-Swift fans.

xoxo
EMILY

stylings | beyoncé-fy

If you haven't already noticed - here, here, here, or here - in our house, Beyoncé rules. Spontaneous dance parties tend to erupt a few times a week as my roommates and I own the living room floor like we're on a world tour, or at least pretend to.

If there's one thing we love about Beyoncé - other than her crazy talent, numerous number one hits and boss lady status - it's her knack for fashion. She's always on point with star pieces that are creatively combined to form the perfect look for every occasion. 

Even if you're not working with a grammy winning budget, incorporating a few strategic items into your wardrobe will allow you to bring out your inner diva, also known as the female version of a hustler.

We might be young but we're ready... to serve up fierce style.

Allie

All clothing images via the amazing Topshop.

lists | change the station

I always say that I should've been born in another era.
Maybe the 1940s... Evelyn in Pearl Harbor would've been good.
Except that Evelyn didn't have Spotify and that's one thing I wouldn't trade.

We're fortunate to have such selection in life and change is our primary language these days.
Around each corner is a new discovery that makes life more complicated and all the while more convenient and simplified.
With every change comes something a bit brighter.
Even to something as simple as music.
One day we download Spotify and our world is changed indefinitely.
Any song you can think of in the universe at your disposal.

So, the reasons I love Spotify are endless.
Amazing playlists shared with amazing people.
I have everything from Aerosmith, Brown Eyed Girl, and the Vitamin String Quartet all on one playlist.
Getting ready for work in the morning is reminiscent of an old diner jukebox blaring... with Drake and old Nelly jams as viable options.
Totally normal.
I'm sure my roommates love it, too.

Kind of glad I was born in this era. Wouldn't have hated meeting a Ben Affleck pilot-type but, really can't live without Spotify. Here are five songs I'm loving at the moment.

 1/ Maroon 5 – I Can't Lie

2/ Nic Cowan – Cut It loose (feat. Zac Brown)

3/ Sean Paul – She Doesn't Mind 

4/ Sarah & Christian Dugas – One Thing 

5/ Alela Diane – Desire

clippings | juxtaposition

Every change, whether large or small, involves a juxtaposition of different realites - familiar and unfamiliar, routine and wild, trusted and questioned. Often, so vast is the difference between the two that we fear once we allow a change to occur, we will have taken up residence in a different world. Our challenge, then, is to make the choice to not only enter into the new reality but embrace it wholeheartedly.

I have found it extremely valuable to introduce change in smaller quantities, introductions that will serve as practice runs for the real moments when you are confronted with changing circumstances. This can include anything that takes you out of your normal and forces you step into someone else's; get a conversation partner, take a dance class, try that new restaurant and familiarize yourself with the meeting of realities.

The next time you find yourself on the cusp of change, the contrast of old and new won't phase you in the least... or you'll at least be able to hold your tears in until after you get off the phone with your boss who has just told you you've been transferred. Baby steps, people.

Allie

The clipping above was created with images from AFAR magazine, a wonderlister must-have.

discoveries | new reality

On the brink of anything that is change we begin to imagine what the new state of reality will be.

Sometimes we launch into the change before we dare to analyze the new state of reality. While other times we carefully calculate and make the change in order to achieve a new reality. Whichever the path, change is truly the essence of life.
 
I'm guilty of taking the calculating route for a summer internship opportunity in New York City. I'd planned where I would live, where I would work, my list of New York sights to see. Many things were in place to bring about this new reality. All things would mean clear change in my daily life.

Unaware amidst all of the planning, the biggest thing that would change was me. No matter the amount of preparedness, the change that occurs inside of you cannot be planned or calculated. Every experience pushes and pull you into a new creation. It refines your being and teaches things that cannot be read about or Google searched.

The city did that for me. It revealed my inner strength, proved my ambitious spirit ten-fold, and taught me self sufficiency. It was an experience that through daily change brought inner change.

What experiences are you diving into? What daily changes are shaping you and bringing about a new reality?

xo
EMILY

snapshots | better things ahead

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." - C.S. Lewis

I would love to claim that I'm the girl that approaches every opportunity head on without any apprehension... the girl that has no problem going to a party with all new people... the girl that never hesitates about moving forward into the unknown. The truth is, much to the chagrin of my childhood self who spent her days exploring what was just around the river bend (Pocahontas reference, anyone?), I sometimes shutter at the thought of not knowing what lies ahead. 

Changing circumstances - a dear friend moving away, a love coming to an end, an itch to relocate to a new city - are what force us to peel away the layers of old and inspire new growth. Change is the agent that turns the unknown into known and propels us from the plateau to the top of the mountain. Really good stuff is coming and, though we may not yet know what it is, we can walk ahead with confidence and rest assured that our memories will always be available for reminiscing. 

What is changing in your life? 

Allie

I took this image during an evening walk near my neighborhood, at Westside Provisions District. If you live in Atlanta, you simply must visit. 

stylings | paradigm shift

Two glasses of red wine, magazines, pen and paper spread about, the fireplace warming the room and music turned up…. Allie and I began to work on what we wanted The Wonder List to begin as and become.

We first decided to set foundations of what we didn’t want The Wonder List to be. Sometimes when you are searching for direction the quickest way to begin taking steps is by ruling out what the known “NOs” are.

For Allie and I we set The Wonder List on its biggest, most meaningful foundation. We wanted to stay far away from portraying something that was not reality. We strive to feature our raw personalities, silly expressions, vivid laughter and even tears. We want to showcase the real people that we are.

So many times women are entranced and persuaded into being someone that on the outside seems perfect. We constantly see fashion that is just out of reach, we re-pin recipes and crafts and easily feel we’re not domestic enough; we’re simply lured by images of lives that are not ours. However, with that mindset, we miss the best part… the inner workings of those women. When will the realness be shared?

The Wonder List plans to share images of lives that are ours. Allowing life experience to be a collaborative art. Not something to be envied, or intimidated by, but truly equalized.

Here are some backstage photos from a Stylings session we did last Sunday.

The reality is:
Our clothes are not all designer
Our tired eyes are an important part of these pictures
The hot blue heels are from Target
The back window makes a great mirror




Cheers to real-ness in all things,
EMILY

discoveries | souvenir stories

When you travel to a foreign country, you are bound to return home with funny stories. When you travel to a less developed country and no one in your party speaks the language, these stories are bound to be even more hilarious. My die-hard surfer family has been visiting Nicaragua for years and I had the pleasure of joining in on the fun last summer. During our trip, the laughter was in full force as my sister and I were dared to surf seven foot waves (which required you to jump off rocks in order to catch, might I add), my brother accidentally asked for cocaine at the local market when he was really trying to say ice in Spanish and every girl in the beach house sustained some sort of injury whilst we were running around screaming as bats flew into our kitchen one night. Simply put, a trip to Nicaragua will coax you away from your comfortable boundaries, which is exactly why you need to go. I promise that the funny stories you bring home will more than make up for any lack of comfort. You might even discover that you're much more amusing than you ever thought you were, even if it's in an 'everyone's laughing hysterically as you fall off your surfboard and nearly drown' sort of way. Humor is medicine powerful enough to heal bruised body parts and bruised egos in the same stroke. 

Make sure to bring:

An adventurous sense of humor / you'll need that when you emerge from the bottom of the ocean covered in sand, seaweed and embarrassment. 

Book of Spanish phrases / a necessary object if you want to avoid being mistaken for a drug dealer during a quick grocery jaunt. 

At least one book per week you'll be there / I read this last time and enjoyed it immensely.

Every reggae song you have in your music library / these tunes are perfect for a pre-surf rev up session.

A video camera to document the hilariousness / this one works really well for traveling light but still captures good footage. 

Aloe / sore sunburns just aren't funny, even if you have the greatest sense of humor on the planet.

Don’t leave without: 

Getting a few thrills in / jump off the pier, ride the wave, climb to the roof and watch the sunset... these are not things you can do every day so take advantage. 

Visiting the closest village / soak up the flavor and test your Spanish skills, even if the locals laugh at you when you pronounce hola wrong. 

Trying Toña beer and Flor de Caña rum / these made in Nicaragua ingredients are sure to increase the potential for hilarity. 

Reveling in the small moments / my favorite trip stories, captured below, came from the moments when we were laughing, gazing and enjoying the simplicity of the ocean and the people around us. 

 

Stories make the best souvenirs, don't you think? 

Allie 

stylings | winning smiles

If you’re ever in need of inspiration to accessorize, look no further than the homemade photo booth. We recently indulged in a little camera time during a Beyoncé themed hell yeah women party (a staple celebration at our house) and tested the bounds of fierceness.

Grinning partygoers touted the notion, you’re never fully dressed without a smile, as we died laughing at each other’s model poses and tried to imitate dance moves from the Crazy in Love video. The accessories were in abundance, including fedoras, sunglasses, a Beyonce mask (who doesn’t want to look like Sasha Fierce for a night?!), assorted picture frames and signature Blue Ivy party drinks (yes, we did and we used this recipe). The globe that adorns our office desk (decoration inspired by another stylings post) even got pulled in for a few frames, which is to be expected from a group of worldwide women.

When it comes to everyday wear, most of these accessories aren’t appropriate (hello, dress code violation) but the photo booth will inspire you to be a bit more daring in your choices. Who says you can’t wear gold hoop earrings, a leather cuff and glitter nail color at the same time? Just remember that no amount of accessories can top a vibrant, genuine smile… so let it shine.

Allie

clippings | have the last laugh

Maybe the scene is New Year's Day with pen in hand making a bucket list, or crafting a list of to-dos that will help you experience a new city, quite possibly a bucket list of musts before your next birthday. Whatever the scene, the moral of the story is that you will have the last laugh.

We've all had the feeling of desiring so much and yet the only thing standing between us and accomplishing it is actually doing it! That's where our bucket lists come in to play. Lists and journal entries of things we don't want to miss. 

One of my well-crafted bucket lists was the one titled "Last Week of College." Instantly those four years flash in front of your eyes and you realize that graduation Saturday won't wait on you. I remember this bucket list conversation taking place exactly two years ago in a simple 3-bedroom house about 10 minutes from campus.

The list started with three girls totally immersed in final exam study. We decided in our last week we'd pass our exams and we'd have fun - we'd laugh a lot. Daring someone to challenge us on it.

We would ...

Jump in Westcott Fountain at the heart of Florida State University's campus // don't wear a white tissue tee the next time you jump in something that looks and smells like a swimming pool
Have dinner at El Tapatio // a special goodbye to our favorite Mexican restaurant in Tallahassee & to the waiter that always gave us extra (lots of extra) chips and salsa. Priorities, people!!
Road Trip to Saint George Island // we brought a few exam week friends: vanilla rum, Publix subs and baked Cheetos. The beach is where I then proceeded to feed the seagulls much of our Cheeto ration from the palm of my hand. cool.
Take Campus Walks // you have to look good in those huge black robes & more importantly you need a few photos of you and your best girls at the freshman dorm.
Go Stargazing // sit outside with Twizzlers and popcorn and talk about what's going to happen next. Yep, that will keep you up all night.
Conquer our Last Stadiums at Doak Campbell // we turned up the music and released all graduation stress on those metal bleachers. Cason also sprained her ankle & wore heels on Saturday. #ballerstatus
Dance like Crazy in the Living Room // flitting around to 50 Cent with sun shades on and extreme white-girl dance moves never felt so good! We were about to be done.

Take time to make your own bucket list(s). The scope can be as big or small as you want.
Because, ultimately you will be the one to make it happen.

It's worth it,
EMILY

This clipping was crafted with the help of a few random issues of Lucky Magazine. Please feel free to pin this clipping, share on Twitter, or use as a customized desktop background this week.
 

lists | displays of laughter

With every funny story there is, inevitably, that token picture taken while the laughter is erupting and the smiles are exploding. If you're like me, a.k.a. completely void of composure, you end up being the one in the forefront with eyes watering, face muscles scrunched into oblivion, body doubled over. However, no matter the appearance, I have come to prize these type of photos above any others because they display the true emotion of the moment. When you look back at them, you instantly remember the punchline that was told and often erupt in laughter again just thinking about it.

I've found that displaying these photos in your home serves as an instant room brightener and can warm your heart and bring a smile to your face when you walk inside and see them after a long, hard day. Below are my top picks for ways you can capitalize on the hilarity of any funny story by displaying your photos in a quirky yet stylish manner. 

Oversized Frame

 Modern Clothesline 

                                             Shape Collage                                                 Clear Glass Displays

Wallpaper

Display those smiles with pride. 

Allie

Images via the web, 1, 2, 3, 4.

snapshots | runner baby

Last fall we were knee-deep in "Allie marathon season" and all of us were on an encouragement high for our favorite blonde BAM. At every turn we were cheering for her, helping to ice a strained Achilles heel, and telling her how hot the teal on black combo was going to look sprinting by.

Let me just fast forward to the end of the story and tell you that she rocked the 26.2 miles like a champion. The race route took her through Atlanta's neighborhoods and up every hill you can find in the city. Her fan club camped out in the Virgina Highland area to cheer and make numerous trips to a local food spot, Belly. Yes, we had warm coffee, pastries (oops!), a plethora of signs and plenty of cheering for our girl!

We then moved to the Atlantic Station finish line to bring her on in. I've never jumped up and down so much as when I saw Allie come around the last turn. Cason, Bradley, Kelly, Erica, Natalie, Allie's precious family and I were cheering until our voices were basically nonexistent. I'm not sure who had more adrenaline in that moment, Allie or Allie's raving fans.

Here are a few amazing, funny and clever (kudos to the comedians in the group) signs that you're welcome to use at your next marathon cheer event:

"Shoes Untied"

"Prince Charming at Mile 25.4"

"300 miles to Tallahassee" (our old college stomping grounds)

have a fabulous, fun week.
EMILY