An Unexpected Purchase

This past winter, I bought a motorcycle jacket. Moto jackets have always been a bit intimidating to me, and to be honest, I was not really seeking one out. I just like to admire them and appreciate them from afar, like pixie cuts or tight-rope walking or lions. I don't know. I've never actually seen a lion in person. Regardless, I digress.

For my own style, I used to be into much more feminine pieces, but as of late, my taste has streamlined and become more minimal, which you can see in my small PINTEREST. I don't really dabble in trends, partially because I'm a student and don't make enough money to constantly update my wardrobe and partially because the idea of wearing an item for only a short amount of time really irks me, and I am far from being edgy. Therefore, leather motorcycle jackets--the epitome of bikeriness (totally not a word) and edginess--make me uncomfortable and just looked wrong when tried on. But all has changed since I found this.

 

No, it's not leather, so maybe I'm cheating. But the shape is the same. The wool fabric and dark navy color make this motorcycle jacket less intense. To me, this is much more crisp and wearable, and it fits well in my wardrobe. I don't look as awkward, which is always a plus, and I got it on super uper sale--even bigger plus. Maybe one day I'll be able to wear a leather jacket, but for now, this is enough. For anybody wanting a less formidable moto jacket, I would suggest looking into different colors and fabrics such as these: HERE (this season's version - it also comes in different colors/fabrics) or HERE.

How To: Half Moon Nails

Once my recital ended, one of the first things I did in my spare time was paint my nails. It sounds a bit silly, but if you're a female instrumentalist, you know that being able to paint--or even grow--your nails is a rare opportunity. And this time, I decided to go the extra mile and do a half-moon manicure. Super exciting. Half-moon manicures are essentially the opposite of French manicures; instead of highlighting the tips of your nails, you highlight the moons. It's really quick and easy. I'm terrible at nail art, so if I can do it, you can too. All that's needed are some sticky labels, two different colors of nail polish, a pencil, and scissors. If you choose to paint the moons a lighter color than the rest of the nail bed, you can simply use BINDER REINFORCEMENTS. But if you want the moons to be darker, I think this is an easy way to do so. You can also just use French manicure strips if you'd rather not draw and cut, but you won't get as defined of a circle.

Step 1: Paint the entire nail bed with your color of choice. I went with Loreal's How Romantic. It's a  pretty color, but it's streaky and therefore very annoying. I had to do about 3-4 coats.

Step 2: Cut out a strip of labels, leaving them adhered to the paper backing. Outline the shape of the moons with a pencil, and make sure to draw them wide enough so you have buffer space when painting the nails. Cut out each strip.

Step 3: Peel off the strips and place them accordingly onto your nails. Paint below the labels to create the moons. I used two coats for each nail and set them to dry.

Step 4: Remove the strips, add a layer of clear top coat, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You can stare at them adoringly, stick them in front of your friends' faces, whatever comes to you.

Blessings and Flowers

This past Saturday, my friend and I held our joint senior recital, and it was both an incredibly fun and incredibly scary experience. I pretty much panicked all morning and early afternoon...and also tried to shove down as many bananas as possible. Tip for the nervous: bananas and pomegranates have natural beta-blockers. While I don't know/think the bananas actually worked, seeing all my family and friends who came despite their busy schedules and the long trip down to Charlottesville made me feel so, so blessed. They helped calm me down, for sure. Now that I'm on the flip-side of things and the performance didn't turn into a giant train wreck--all thanks to God--I am really glad to have done a senior recital in my last year as an undergraduate student. Even though it's nothing huge, it has really challenged me to grow as a cellist and as a person, particularly in the area of self-confidence.

Also, my sweet friends and family gave me such BEAUTIFUL flowers. I haven't received so many flowers since my high school graduation. They're so stinking pretty. Every time I look at them, I want to explode. Here are snapshots of just a few of them.

 

 

I wanted to do more of an object study, so clearly these are staged. My room has had recital stress tornado right through it--there was no time to be a lady. But aren't these flowers gorgeous? Two of my closest sister-friends helped me arrange all of them when we got home late after dinner, even though they were tired. They did such a good job! Not to be excessive, but I am again so, so thankful and blessed by the people in my life.