A Little Review

     The song above is from the newest album by Cold War Kids. I used to be completely obsessed with them, but kind of fell of their bandwagon after their second album came out; I was just too in love with the debut Robbers and Cowards to be open to anything else, I guess. But, the bands fourth record, Dear Miss Lonelyhearts, has completely restored my love and faith in Cold War Kids. Seriously people, every time one of the tracks starts playing on my iTunes via shuffle, I end up just listening to the album. All the way through. Once or twice...or even thrice. It's that good. 

     I know a music review may not be all that compelling to some of you readers, but I wanted to make quick appearance since I've been on somewhat of a hiatus from my usual blogging schedule. To be honest, I've just felt very uninspired and exhausted lately. I have a tendency to fall into these ruts where it seems like everything and everyone sucks, and I have no idea what the point of anything is. I know, pretty angsty stuff, right? Its a quality and way of thinking that I am trying to shake, slowly but surely. 

     Today, however, should in fact pull me completely out of this funk. I'm visiting one of my favorite people in the world, in one of my favorite places in the world. Expect a lot of pictures and feels, bloggers.

With love,

Heather

P.S. I'd like to take a second to acknowledge the events that occurred in Boston yesterday. My heart feels for all of the victims, any person who knows a loved one involved, and this entire country. It's scary to think how sudden tragedy can strike, and how quickly fear can spread. But, this is not a time to lose hope in humanity. It is a time to promote and practice it. We love you, Boston. And, we also love and recognize people who lose their lives in thoughtless violence like this everyday. 

"Praying for those in Boston today. For those in Iraq where 20 bombs were set off today. Praying for the 29 that were killed in Somalia because of a bomb set off yesterday. Praying for the thousands of innocent victims of U.S. drones in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia. Praying for everyone. Praying for this whole world. Because every life matters and because they are all equally important."

(Images and quote found on Tumblr)

On the Road

     My best girl-friend and writer of Fancy That , Ashley, and I took a day-trip to Columbus for a brief escape from our shanty, small town. The day was full of Spring shopping, artery-clogging food, hookah, and adventuring. We started at Easton Town Center, where I was honored to introduce Ashley to the greasy and delicious world of Five Guys Burgers and Fries. After we had done enough damage to our bank accounts, we headed to High Street to get hookah and browse some of the local shops. Unfortunately for us, most of the smaller establishments closed before we could make our rounds. Instead, we settled on Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, which happens to be open until 11 pm. Clearly, they know what's up.

     Ashley and I ended the day with a quick trip to Urban Outfitters, so that I could try to find Andy a birthday present. Alas, I left with jeans and a dress for myself. That boy is just impossible to shop for, and I am getting increasingly nervous about not scoring the perfect gift for his 25th. One thing I wasn't disappointed with while browsing was getting to see part of the "Take Back the Night" march that was going on. I had never heard of the event, but Ashley, after dislocating my arm (just kidding, Ash), was quick to point out the walkers and explain what it was all about. After learning it was centered around putting an end to assault, rape, and other violence towards women, I am completely on board to join the next march. Too cool.

     We made our way back home with the windows down and music on, both feeling much better about some things that had been bringing us down. Sometimes a getaway, no matter how short, is all a person really needs. However, I do wish it had lasted a tad bit longer now that I'm back to the reality of working all weekend. You take what you can get, I suppose.

     Life is really speeding up over here, readers. I'm all set to visit my dearest friend from Cleveland next week for some catching up that is long over-due. I have to admit that I am quite nervous about being back on my former college campus, simply for what kind of emotion it could stir. Seeing Timothy, however, will be more than worth it. He's a peach, and I cannot wait to take loads of pictures of all of our old favorite spots. I'm about to cry just thinking about it, jeez. 

     I'll sign off before I have to grab a tissue.

Until next time, 

Heather.

Outfit: Right As Rain

     The sunshine around here lasted all of two seconds, and now its back to April showers. I can't say I find this terribly saddening, though. We're at least beginning to see blooms form, and that is pretty encouraging. Just ask Ashley, she LOVES all of the blooming flowers. Our lengthy adventure around Columbus also gave me the chance to break out my new umbrella, which I think is the coolest. It obviously does not take much to keep me satisfied. I bought this little shelter from the rain at work, where I learned that I apparently stress the wrong syllable when saying the word "UM-brella". Whatevz,

     Until next time, readers!

Heather

Outfit Details:

Sweater- Urban Outfitters (found at Gabriel Brothers)

Dress- Forever 21

Tights- Gabriel Brothers

Shoes- Forever 21 (forever ago)

Backpack- T.J. Maxx

Umbrella- T.J. Maxx

Pinspiration: Grrrl Power

     This edition of "Pinspiration" is all about grrrl power. It seems like every time I'm on Pinterest, or any social networking website, I have images of nearly emaciated girls on my dashboard with quotes like "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels..." or something else ridiculous like that. Not too mention posts with blatant slut-shaming or victim-blaming. Can you say "unfollow"? 

     With annoying images such as the ones mentioned above, its nice to also see an equal amount of pro-feminist posts, especially ones with a bit of humor; feminist-Ryan Gosling forever. I hope these pictures inspire you to pick up a copy of  "The Feminine Mystique", listen to Bikini Kill, and, at the very least, throw out a few copies of Cosmopolitan magazine. 

With love,

Heather

(All images found on Pinterest)

P.S. Ashley and I had so much fun in Columbus, and I cannot wait to share pictures from our trip. But, those will have to wait until tomorrow. I MUST SLEEP.

Weekenders

     I mentioned earlier this week that Andy and I had quite an eventful weekend. We soaked up ALL of the Vitamin D we could with plenty of outdoor activities, one of which included a nearly 20-mile bike ride on the local trails. There is a pretty funny story that goes with the bike ride, that ends with me almost crying and questioning my own sanity; note-to-self: you have to ride the same distance to get back as you do going out. Yikes. Alas, I managed to make it home in one piece, where Andy and I made a pretty ingenious dinner of falafel burritos. Please, hold the applause. This culinary creation was due to the simple fact that we didn't quite have everything to make either dish on their own. I still think we're pretty clever, though.

     Well, that about wraps things up over here. I'm going to return to my tea and reality television. (Don't judge me, it's been a long day.) Ashley and I are taking a day-trip to Columbus tomorrow, so I will be back with plenty from our travels. 

Most fondly yours,

Heather

P.S.-I'm considering the possibility of a "Q and A" post, since this blog hasn't necessarily been "personal". If you have anything you'd like to ask, or even a suggestion on things you'd like to see be apart of Rags and Roses, please head over to the Facebook page and leave it as a message. Thanks!  Facebook: Rags and Roses