This journal is now semi-locked.

(Graphics can be found at netherfield_x.)

I suppose it has been for awhile, but I guess this is just making it official. I'll still keep general posts, like fandom info, and memes and things, public, but my journal will be friends only.

At this time I'm not adding any more friends. Thanks for your understanding. :)

I'M ENGAGED!!!!

Thomas proposed and we're getting married and it's so exciting and feels so right. God is so awesome and we're so blessed to be where we are.

While we're so happy, there's a lot of planning to happen, and there's already been enough conflict. With all that there is to do, including graduating university and finding jobs, we're planning on May 2013. It should make for a nice spring wedding.

I'm sorry I've neglected my journal here. I'm hoping to resurrect my blogging, and perhaps even start a "proper" blog separate from Livejournal. With my degree in English, I'm hoping to go into publishing and editing, and perhaps something with writing, so this could be good practice for a potential career. Part of me loves the idea of becoming a writer while the practical side of me shrinks from the discipline that it might require. I question if I have the passion and drive for it, but I would like to at least keep writing as a hobby.

Needless to say, 2012 is looking to be an exciting year!

(At the moment, I find myself switching between very flighty things and much more serious issues. This post is about the former.)


"Unending Love" Lookbook" @ Ruche

I think I found Ruche via wikidwitch, and be forewarned, it can be a dangerous site! It bills itself as "a modern boutique with a vintage touch" and everything is adorable. It re-kindles my wish to have a wardrobe filled with lovely vintage clothes, especially dresses. Alas, I shall have to continue to build my vintage-esque wardrobe slowly, but at least I can keep in mind what I like and add specific pieces intentionally to my collection.

( However, I've been in need of new bathing suits for ages... )

I highly recommend looking through Ruche's "Unending Love" Lookbook — it's gorgeous and seems inspired by the movie "The Notebook." Plus, the clothes modelled are reasonably priced and available, should you fall in love with something.

Or you can just enjoy the pretty pictures for inspiration and fun.

More and more I absolutely love looking at design blogs for inspiration and pretty things. It makes me look forward to a time when I'll have my own place to make home! And with the summer weather I dream that perhaps I can have a cottage... or at least, perhaps fashion my own home with a cozy, cottage feeling. Maybe.

These are a few of my favourite images that I've saved from the blogs Poppytalk and Design Sponge. I hope they have you thinking happy summer thoughts!


Mokkasin blog (via Poppytalk)

I love the crisp white with the bright colours, and with the quaint flowers in the vase — both fun & modern and sweet & vintage.

( Much more under the cut, in no particular order )

I went to see "Jane Eyre" this week! Apparently it's only in limited release at the moment, but fortunate for me, I am close to one of the few theatres it is at. Even more fortunate is that my boyfriend willingly went with me, and even more exciting — there was a mini exhibit at the theatre featuring costumes from the film. I had no idea this was on, and I was beyond excited. I snapped photos like tourists at the museum (which Thomas and I had just visited) and I didn't care how funny I looked. I've always heard about these kind of exhibits but I've never seen one myself, so I thought I would share these pictures with you. (There are quite a few because no matter how I tried, none of the photos came out quite right..)
( A little card from the exhibit feautring the movie poster )

This was right near the entrance of the theatre. There were these display boards next to the three costumes that were showcased. I didn't read everything but I thought you could see the pictures they used. Most importantly, there's the dress worn by Mia Wasikowska as Jane. Even though it's "plain" I thought it was still so pretty. What I wouldn't give to be in period pieces just to be able to wear such dresses...

( More photos of the exhibit )

Of course my poor boyfriend had to follow me around and hold a couple of things as I awed and squealed over each display. But it's not every day you see costumes from an adaptation of one of your favourite novels!

( A Review of the Film Itself )

I encourage everyone to see the film if you can! It was well done and I enjoyed it. It doesn't compare to the miniseries, but there are similarities and differences which you can appreciate. I even found some things that I liked better, so there are advantages and disadvantages to the different forms. I think Fassbender and Wasikowska present a great version of this epic couple, especially in their physical appearances and sizes, and they certainly make these characters their own. Of course, now I want to watch my 2006 DVD and revel in all the four-hour "Jane Eyre" glory. I still don't think anyone can beat Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens as Jane and Rochester (though Michael Fassbender comes awful close.)

January is flying by and that mean's Valentine's Day is almost upon us. What do you guys think of this special day? I know it can be a touchy subject. My roommate subscribes to the "S.A.D." philosophy — "Singles Awareness Day" — so she doesn't enjoy the reminder. (I've also heard it being called "Singles Appreciation Day" which is brighter.) Personally, I've always loved Valentine's Day because my birthday is the day before (February 13th). Therefore, Valentine's Day is almost synonymous with "birthday" for me and I've always loved the cheerful red and pink hearts and the excuse to share chocolates and cards with friends. I wish everyone else felt the same way — boys are definitely not necessary for enjoying this lovely little day in the middle of winter.

Speaking of cards, then, I've seen some really cute cards online and I thought I would share them with you. (Hence the premature theme, in case any of you want to buy them to use before February 14th.) I, unfortunately, have very little money and I need to save for the birthdays coming up, so if you don't want to buy, you can join me in drooling over the pretty-ness:


Rifle Paper Co.

I absolutely love the cards and artwork of Anna Bond, and her Valentine's Day cards are no exception. I wish I could get all the cards, as well as her calling cards and recipe box and have my (eventual) wedding invitations from this company. At least the set of Valentine's cards are within reach.

( &c. )
I hope you enjoyed these. Do you guys do any cards or anything for Valentine's day? I wish I had time to make cards but unfortunately between schoolwork and not actually being at home where all my [mom's] supplies are, I'm unable to create much of anything. I do make a card for my boyfriend every year. My mom also gives us all some goodies with her wonderful handmade cards. I think Valentine's Day should be fun and not a reason to feel lonely, though of course that is easier said than done. I know I am very fortunate to enjoy both sides of this little day.

I do want to make a point of saying I intend to write a "real" blog post/journal entry soon. I wrote this first so I wouldn't put it off until it was too late. There is certainly a lot of things to talk about! God has been challenging me and I know there is a lot to come in the new year, both exciting and nerve-wracking.