The world behind and ahead

So, judging by the in flight air map, I am currently somewhere over dark blue, very deep ocean, somewhere in the middle of the pacific between Fiji and Aukland, NZ. I am on flight #1 of 5 on my trek back home. I am anxious and I can't sleep. Listening to Bon Iver (because that normally does the trick) just wide awake thinking about all the travel I have ahead of me the next 2 days but, so excited about seeing my family, my friends, & my sweet Bradley.

I keep feeling this overwhelming sense of happiness and joy and appreciation for the places I have seen, the people I have met, & the eye opening, jaw dropping scenery that God designed himself. It's been such a time of growth, traveling the past month... & as you might be catching onto, I am pretty phsyced about it. But, what I'm even more excited about is the life I'm going back to, it's pretty cool too. ;) It's sometimes really hard to be removed from the so called "real world" and travel the world, knowing that the "real world" is still waiting on you when you get back. But, for me and my optimistic thinking, I cannot wait to get back to my real world!....Brad, New York City, spring time on its way, a burning desire to chase my dreams again in a new place, my turquoise bike, date nights, sushi take out, curling up on the sofa and watching old James Dean movies, cooking, having wine with my man... Yea, its that good. :)

My point is, I've had the time of my life this past month (which feels like a year) of my life and I am so happy for the chance to see the world but I am even happier to see the world ahead of me. I know it will bring great things as long as I am keeping my eye on them. I hope to get there eventually... Because right now I feel like I am light years away!! Let me just fill you in on my journey to "home" (because I am makimg a few detours along thr way for BRITNEY/AJ WEDDING, etc...woohoo!!)

From Fiji to Aukland (customs/immigration).
Spend the night in Aukland airport.
Depart Aukland to Sydney (customs/immigration. &yes we are going backwards)
Sydney to LA (customs/immigration. Finally, USA!!!!)
LA to Dallas (thank G no customs)
Dallas to TN (hugging my momma's neck!)
{wedding festivities, wedding}
TN to Vegas (on Sunday to work ACM'S)
Vegas to NYC (I think I might jump out of the moving cab prematurely out of pure excitement).

It might be a minute (or a few days) before I get anywhere but, I'm staying positive and sleeping (a lot). Thanks for listening to me babble.




Last day in FJ :(

Love
{L}

Be strong. Be smart. Be bold.

Location:In the sky

Paradise

Fiji is my paradise.
Sunshine, sand, bugs, mountains, sailboats, local beer, culture, snorkeling, the company of best friends, a beachfront bungalow.... Paradise.
Day 3 and we are still basking in the beauty. Got online to find Brad but had no luck so, I'll Blog instead:) heading home on Monday (it's Saturday). Yesterday we spent a day on a boat today we might bike or just lay by the pool. Love to this life.
















Be strong. Be smart. Be bold.

Location:Fiji

NZ to Fiji

Vacation has begun... Officially.

I am sitting in the airport in Auckland, New Zealand right now, with 45 minutes of shut eye (meaning no sleep, only eyes closed), a straw beach hat, a backpack, & my sandals. I left my giant suitcase in storage here at the airport so I wouldn't potentially want to shoot myself carrying it around much longer. So, I plan to live In my swimsuit and a few simple things for the next 6 days of my life. I'm really so excited to just go, sit on a beach and do nothing, worry about nothing, talk about nothing except maybe what I want to eat next and how beautiful the sky and world is. Life is beautiful. Traveling has inspired me immensely. I am ready to see the world in its entirety. I have found a rewarding feeling knowing that, we are so small In this huge place. Our problems, concerns, the things we work so hard to achieve are only present. There is so much out there. There is a happy, simple balance to life that should be reached. Calm down, slow down, smile, and be thankful. :)

I will say, The past 5 days in New Zealand has been incredible. This is the most beautiful place I have ever laid eyes on. It's green and lush with gorgeous views of miles and miles of sea. It's very tropical and earthy and makes you wanna walk around bare foot eating the leaves off of the trees! I love it. I was able to do a lot while being here... I hiked to the top of a volcano, swam in the Tasman sea, went wine tasting on Waiheke Island, went on a road trip to the Bay of Islands on a rainy day to see tons of rural back roads and rainforest and then came upon a sleepy little town with the oldest pub/hotel in NZ. But, the besssst....I repelled down a waterfall, swam with an eel in a freshwater pool, jumped off a giant 20ft rock and did it all without even worrying about risking my life. :) It was great! So liberating. Later that day, we laid on a black sand beach (volcanic sand). Amazingness my friends. I could not be in a better place right now. Although, I am realllllly tired and I really miss the love of my life, I am thankful for this time to explore and seizing the opportunity for adventure.

Loving on the present.















L

Be strong. Be smart. Be bold.

Melbourne. Sunshine, Victoria.

This city is so eclectic and artsy I love it!! Tons and tons of small cobblestone streets and alleys with cafe's and bars and amazing restaurants. I have been to an Aussie rules football game in the middle of no where, a winery in the outback (that looks identical to Tennessee), and I spent today & yesterday browsing around Brunswick Street doing a little vintage shopping and scored with some great finds!! Today, Marlyn, Shannon, Charity, Taylor, Claire and I spent about 45 min in a vintage shop trying on retro swimsuits. I got 2 of the cutest suits of my life. So classic and flattering :). Everyone got one actually. Good finds.

Tomorrow is show #3 and the final show of Australia. It's kind of nuts how quickly this is going by, with only 1 more country/city left & 3 shows after tomorrow! It's sadly coming to an end... But, what a ride! It has truly been a life altering, mind boggling experience. I'm so happy it was granted to me:). I plan yo get brekkie around my hotel with dancer gals and go to a lift,e hat shop I found today to get brad something special. Bc he deserves it:) These hats though... Are sooo cool. All made in New Zealand. Great quality, unique hats. It's gonna be a good day.

Here's to a night of good, deep sleep.



Melbourne.

{L}
Be strong. Be smart. Be bold.

Location:Melbourne

Opals and Sydney

I bought a new opal ring today in Sydney. It's my favorite thing!! Opals are BiG down under! Just excited to share....



We frolicked around more street markets and took a ferry ride to Manly Beach. It was a GOOD day! Show tonight, Melbourne tomorrow! Whewwy travels! I'm tired, but happy:)

{L}
Be strong. Be smart. Be bold.

From Addie to Brisie

Current location:
Just flew over the Indian Ocean & took a mental snapshot of the crystal blue water going from a light ice blue to a turquoise to the deepest blue you can imagine... Looking for great white's from above but, having no success in spotting any deadly creatures of that nature. :) We are traveling from Adelaide to Brisbane. 2 shows of 12 are behind us. We have 2 more in this city. I'm on a Qanta's flight, sitting beside a nice man from the Gold Coast, south of Brisbane, just sipping on a cola zero and water (yeah, I never can decide which to get so I just fold and say, both!) The airline is so nice! Far better than American airlines...Free meals, snacks, alcohol. It feels like 1st class even on the back of the plane. I mean... I can't actually imagine what first class is like on here. Geez!
Adelaide was cute! It wasn't the most amazing place I have ever been to in my whole life but, it was sweet. There were lots of old churches and old buildings with wrought iron balconies and tall cobblestone clock towers. A small city, where you had to search for the character but, it was there! I went out on an exploration yesterday for coffee and found an adorable street market happening! Just so you know... That is right up my alley. If I had to do the same thing every Saturday and Sunday for the rest if my life, I would be a street fair/flea market hopper. Yea... Frolicking around, in my own Lyddie land, finding vintage treasures, one of a kind jewelry and clothing and purses and antiques. It would be the happiest time! Which, is exactly what I did yesterday. I got some gift items for others and fed my soul with an Adelaide cultural experience. :) It was guuuud. I also managed to pay $22 for a bag of coffee beans to take home to Brad. It was just one of those things I couldn't have gone home without. THE BEST COFFEE I HAVE EVER PUT IN MY SYSTEM. Delicious! & a unique thing to the city of Adelaide. The beans are from there. I might have a hard time drinking them when I get home. I will certainly savor the sips!
So, this week we are in Brisbane! We have lots in store there... A Koala Santuary, which is apparently the biggest in the world (holding a Guinness book of world record) & the only place left in the world that allows you to cuddle a Koala! I mean... It might not be the same as cuddling with my man but, a chance of a lifetime ehh? :) Maybe a hike in the beautiful mountains too & hopefully another trip to the beach, if the rain goes away...I hear they are a bit more commercial here but, I do LOVE me some beach! Looking forward to new adventures in a new Australian city.
It's been such an awesome, broadening experience thus far. I love traveling and I love being open to new adventure. It keeps me inspired. Missing my Bradley and chatting with Sully each day but, it won't be long until I can hug their necks! XX from the other side of the world.
























{L}
Be smart. Be strong. Be bold.

Show on the road!

Today was an all around amazing day... I have a million pictures to prove it... A beautiful, non stop 75 degrees, sunshine beaming, ocean breeze, 5 sweet gals, a nice cocktail, and the ocean. Yea, it was pretty much a day when I said to myself, "wow, this is my life?!" at least 5 times. Not to mention, I got to enjoy the company of the boss gal TS, outside of work. It was fun!

In Australia, at the beach, with no regards and the most gorgeous blue water I have ever seen (the Indian ocean). I am truly thankful to have gotten these opportunities in my life. How can I thank the Lord enough for making my dreams come true?

Tonight I am drained by the sun and trying to get prepared for our first show day tomorrow!! Excited! Let's get this show on the road!...TS Aussie/NZ 2012

Love to ya!

{L}
Be strong. Be smart. Be bold.

Location:March 1st

6 thousand miles away...

Well.... After days of traveling, 3 flights, a cancelled and a delayed flight... I made it to the other side of the world. I am somewhere around 6 thousand miles away from home and everything I know. I'm in Australia! First stop, Perth. The agenda includes a stop in, Adalaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne. Then, onto New Zealand! We complete our tour in Aukland but I don't stop there!... Planning to stay in Aukland for 3 extra days and take my happy bottom to Fiji to wrap up "vacation" on the isles of Fiji. Preferably in a beachfront bungalow In my bikini. Yup! A trip of a lifetime for me and definitely one I will always remember.

This week consists of rehearsals... In preparation for our first show on Friday. But, today consists of, pool time! Yes, currently I am blogging poolside. :) I hope to keep posting throughout my glorious travels (my mom will certainly appreciate it). Love
from the other side of the globe! xx

Here are a few pics of my first days in Aussie land...












Be strong. Be smart. Be bold.

Location:Perth, Australia

trending today...

.RAIn. [go figure].
.an hour long convo with Meggo. [she just got back from Asia and has a ''stomach bug'' if you know what I mean].
.messy hair and no makeup.
.coldplay- mylo xyloto on the tunes.
.searching my drawers for old clothes that i haven't seen in months, or maybe years, to make new outfits.
.job searching too.
.looking at the dishes in the sink about every 30 minutes thinking, "i should do that" but, still ignoring them.
.my red shoes are on. [even though I'm not going anywhere].
.a delicious afternoon snack. [steamed broccoli with lemon and hummus].
.a morning filled with coffee and hoda & kathy lee. [myfavvv].
.the FEB. issue of Glamour, InStyle, & Tay Swift Vogue in my lap.
.& this little necklace I have pulled out to spruce up my little black sweater and jeans.



.& it's FRIDAY!.
Hoping tonight can be a date night for me and BS. We struggle a bit with that when it's mid-dreary-january. We would much rather rent a movie and order chinese takeout like bums. But, making a better effort this weekend, considering I only have 3 more weekends here until my world travels begin! HAppY FriDaY!

{L}

sleepytown.

i'm much too tired to say anything interesting today so, i'll just leave you with this... it's so true of my thoughts, every night of my life...since I was 8. :)



goodnight. go to sleep my friends...enjoy the fact that humpday is over and the end of the week is near!! aka THE WEEEEKENDDD!!

{L}

the giants and the gym

i'm not so into pro football but, by default, i guess i need to say, "GO GIANTS!" like everyone else in New York. i guess in NY, the Giants are like the Vols in Tennessee. people are absolute fanatics. crazed people who live, eat, breathe, and die for the Giants. so, i get it. it's good to be passionate about something, right? now, because i live here, i need to at least 'be in the know'...
i know this, at the final winning 3 point kick of the field goal in overtime last night against the 49-ers, car alarms were sounding. approx. 3 or 4 car alarms went off as soon as the Giants won the game. coincidence? i think NOT.

it's raining again today, and cold. whyyyy? the Lord is trying to challenge me. he wants me to fight an internal battle with myself, should i stay in and eat, sleep, and do nothing all day? (why not, it's gross outside)...or, should i go to the gym? (fiji in a month, fiji in a month)... i think i'll win this fight. going to the gym.

Happy Monday peepS!
{L}

sources of inspiration

i am often inspired by so much i see on the streets of new york and the millions of fashion resources online and pretty much everywhere i go in this world. being in the beauty business means, staying on top of those trends is not a question! it's not only a fun hobby but, also becomes part of my life, my work.

{NAILS!}

so many unique, funky nail designs out there right now that can be worn day, night, weekends, & work (if you are in a creative environment) take a peek:
the 2-tone nail. love!

2-tone with a surprise punch of a color stripe!

the BRIGHT deep V!

the double deep V! using bright colors are always fun. it gives it a tribal feel- great for vacation!
cheetah print!- we all love that animal print!

asymetrical DOTS! different colors and different sizes makes it so cool and effortless.

splattered stripe! it's a little rough on top of a clean color. very 80's turned 2012!

fun fingers for all kinds of fun gals!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIENNA MILLER. [she's oh so cool].

& RIP Ms. Etta James. One of my absolute favorites.

Happy Friday!
{L}

woodstock!

soo, brad turned 29 last saturday, as we know. & even though almost a week has passed, I couldn't keep our weekend to myself!

it started out with breakfast and the surprise!.... an envelope with 3 personalized dye-cut hearts (of 3 different sizes of course) labeled 1,2, & 3, in order of which to read first, with a detailed "SURPRISE" description of our trip ahead!

In a nut shell, "Happy Birthday! Guess What?! We are going to Woodstock! & Guess What?! We are going to see Levon Helm at his home studio/his barn for an intimate 4 hour jam fest he likes to call the "Midnight Ramble"." (he claimed that he had an inkling, but was a little unsure due to the fact, it is absolutely impossible to get tickets to the show). Needless to say, HE WAS VERY EXCITED.

so, we packed our things, headed out to get our little zipcar, and we were on our way! out to conquer the last year of the 20's celebration in northern new york state!...

after researching for dayyyzz on where to stay, and coming across a million different bed and breakfast's, i was forced to choose because of the procrastination i seem to enjoy so much. there wasn't a whole lot available for the time i needed. but, the most perfect, quaint, little house, situated on 9 acres of land, all made up of bare winter trees and creeks throughout was seemingly just waiting for us. you see, the thing about woodstock, everything is tiny and cute, and everyone has this earthy-artsty-hippie thing going on. so, the owners of the b&b were, naturally (no pun intended), a yoga instructor/pastry chef and a master gardener/writer for men's journal. a delightful couple...very welcoming and made our experience just perfect.

here it is, sweet Pike Lane B&B.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRADLEY!

so the night progressed, we had a lovely dinner at a little spot called CUCINA. it was an old house turned restaurant with white beams on a wrap around front porch and hard wood floors. a giant oak tree was in a spotlight in the center of the yard out front. it was the perfect choice for a pre-show meal.
[my favorite dish was the starter- a flatbread pizza called the "caprina" it had a fig-rosemary spread with pear, arugula, goat cheese, and truffle oil....ummm, delicious!!]

it goes without saying, by the time we had even gotten to Levon Helm's house, we had pretty much experienced a top notch birthday but, the best had yet to even come!...we got to this house, a very simple wooden log cabin type place, parked, and got instructions on the evening and were handed red solo cups. yes, i said it. college style, we drank our BYOB wine out of red solo cups, which we had no reservations about.

it was the coolest thing...Levon Helm is a musical legend and here we were, walking into his barn/home studio to hear his band put on a 4 hour show. they say, "if the walls of the barn could talk..." apparently, it is a pretty historical place but, on this night, a very intimate setting, with low lamp lighting, and just so so good. everything we had imagined and more. i think the best part was hearing brad say, "best birthday ever" like, 3 times. :) we jammed out, drank our un-pretentious solo cup wine, and smiled, a lot.

29 was guuuud. let's just hope we can top that one for 30! happy thursday to the blog world! tgiAf (thank goodness it's Almost friday).

love, lyddie

a lazy bum

whether it's a sister, a friend, an aunt, a couch surfer, a movie watcher, a dishwasher, a movie star, a fashion icon, a girlfriend, a wife, a stay at home mom, a babysitter, a shoe shiner, a barista, an internet browser, or a lazy bum...whatever you are, be a good one. abe lincoln said it. :)

today, i am being a girlfriend and a lazy bum, and a couch surfer i guess. just enjoying martin luther king jr. day with my man, at home. it's 25 degrees outside so, that means, i will just take in the pretty day from the window. loved this boyfriend birthday weekend in woodstock, can't wait to share more about it! talk sooner than later!

lyddie

things i love right now

good morning blog people! (still believing that is an invisible land full of cyber looking people and not fully understanding WHO that consists of exactly)...

it's rainy today. just what i need, a rainy day. HA! not really, the rain actually hinders me from going outside which means i am confined to doing only a few things today but, good news is, i have a lunch date! a girl friend from my old work and i are getting together in SOHO for a catch up. we're going to a pretty neat little place called cafe habana, with supposedly, the most amazzing corn and cuban food everrr. it started as a busy luncheonette type place in mexico city and is now in 3 locations in the US- NYC, Brooklyn, & Malibu, which I regret I never tried out while living on the west coast. anyway, it looks delish!! looking forward to a good meal and good company. i'm sorry but, you just can't beat that!
check it out: http://www.cafehabana.com

just as my thoughts are always scattered, so is my blog... just some things i am lovin on right now in regards to, everything....hence the title.

{things i love right now}
.michelle williams and her pixie cut
.emma stone and her way of being awesome
.blogging (duh)
.spending time alone, listening to my ipod in new places
.my new short hair :)
.pandora on she & him channel
.my new red shoes!
.cooking things for my man
.journal-ing
.still loving red lipstick
.kate middleton and her classic brit style
.brooklyn and it's european feel
.random texts from brad throughout the day
.facetime with Sully

yep. that pretty much does it. happy thursday! oh yeah, hoping to bake a cake/cupcakes today for bradley p. Let birthday weekend begin!

Lyddie

Sully, the birds, & me...

Today, my precious nephew Sully is celebrating his 10 month birthday (sub-consciously) but, you best believe my sister is super conscious of it! We can't believe how time flies, which is beginning to be a frequently discussed topic. But, really! He's getting so big! & developing such an awesome personality, and growing teeth, and crawling, and laughing, and pooping all up to his belly button much less often- well my sister might not be able to vouch for that but, I have hope that that isn't happening quite as often. He's just becoming a little, big boy! Although, we are all going to be in denial about that for a while I think...it's true. It's no secret that we all don't want to remember what life was like without him. I don't know how many times this Christmas someone said, what did we do last year without him?? I guess he's a pretty lucky boy to have such an enormous amount of people that love him so much, just as we are even luckier to have his sweet young soul to fill us full of joy and all those special things you sometimes forget to laugh about when you become an 'adult' like, how cool it is to burp out loud and spit up on yourself (or someone else) but, also just simple first little smiles are pretty neat to see too. I think it's clear, I looove him. & celebrate his birth today, and everyday, but especially today.


Today, I am also celebrating a beautiful and peaceful mild Wednesday in New York City. I found a sweet spot in the middle of central park, parked my booty on a picnic table and ordered a cafe au lait. It's a nice feeling knowing I am right where I need to be at this moment. Not being certain for any other reason than, I just feel it. Sun is shining, birds landing on the chairs beside me, chirping and graciously begging for something, anything, and I'm staring at the most amazing skyline ever. Oh, and the fact that the employee at this cafe gave me a free macaroon! It's a good day. Take it all in, everyday people. Love on life.


Lyddie

roadtrip!

Bradley is turning 29 on Saturday!
Birthday's are sooo exciting and make the whole world happy!
Been planning the most amazing adventure everrr for this weekend!
But, I'm running out of time!
Better HURRY!

Ok...enough of the things beginning with B stuff. I ran out of cleverness.

I am surprising Brad with a fun little adventure to celebrate his 29th year of being alive! All birthday's are a pretty big deal & should all be treated as special but, this one is kind of huge to me. I mean, when I turn 29, all I will think about is, "Ohhhh dear!" & "This is my last year in my 20's!! What the H?" & "AHHH! I'm getting so old! Who am I?" & probably something like, "Oh well, let's make it guuuud." I mean, that's just what I will be thinking. But, assuming Brad is thinking the same thing, I want to send him out of his 20's with the a unique, fun, unexpected surprise(s) birthday road trip. That's all he will know...and obviously I can't type about ALL the details on here either but, this is all the information he (& the blog world) will be receiving:

1. Bring or wear your cowboy boots. They are essential.
2. Pack a rain coat, just incase.
3. Pack for 2 days and 1 night.
4. Bring your tennis shoes and a warm jacket.
5. Bring your birthday party attituuude because you WILL use it.
6. Just relax dude, we aren't going to Dollywood.

I think that's all he needs to know... If I forget something it's ok. We are in for a pretty low key but, beyond exciting weekend. Love that boy and I came along some things tonight that reminded me why...he loves me for ME, weirdo ME!

Lyddie

date night

just waiting on brad to get to the train station... meeting him for a date night! we're going to a new place near home called, "jacob's pickles"- Word is that the menu has a Southern bent - think biscuits and gravy or fried pickles(natch)- think "Pickles, Bisquits, and Beer". Not sure what i will have but, you better believe a pickle platter and a beer is on my miiiind.

homemade pickles....AHHH!!

cappuccino friday!

Sitting at a coffee shop on the Upper West Side, taking in this Friday afternoon the best I know how. Sipping on a cappuccino-yumm, planning my trip to New Zealand, and trying to figure out what the heck I will do this weekend...(as taylor swift plays in the background--whyyy?? I mean, I love her and all but, cliche a bit? What happened to coffee house music? You know, that unique stuff, with the never heard before weird lyrics?) oh well... Onto more planning & searching for inspiration & stumbling across pinterest and Facebook every now and again.

By the way, last night with Amanda was perfect. Joyful, filled with laughter, red wine, a new restaurant downtown, long talks about everything from guys to work to hair color & Brazilian waxes (too much? Sorry). Re-kindling at its finest, just as I had wished for. We both left with huge smiles on our faces & boy am I thankful for that!

Happy Friday!
Lyddie

Ohhhh! A good, strange song just came on! I don't know it & I like it! Feeling a little better about this...

an old friend

tonight, i am having dinner with an old friend. a friend who i met as a measly freshman in college who shared the same annoyance with the same sorority we had both joined. as we were in the midst of discovering so much about life, ourselves, and each other, we formed a beautiful friendship that i cherish so much. she was my first friend away from home and the first person in which i felt i shared the same strange but, unique quirkiness. we had a lot of the same values and desires from this crazy life. we lived together for 2 years in college. then, went our separate ways as most do post graduation. BUT, life brought us back together again. after her living in chicago for 3 years and me in los angeles, our paths crossed again in this great big city of ny. as fate would have it, we lived together again upon my arrival (in the grungy but fabulous east village). then, the unfamiliar twists and turns of situations in life set in for the two of us. as impossible as it had once seemed, we had reached different places. my desires were different than hers, in a sense. my idea of adventure had become different than it had ever been before, and i was somewhat overwhelmed-new job, new boyfriend, new city. story goes, we lost that sweet friendship we had for such a long time before. we had, in fact, changed. which is a good thing, indeed!...if handled the right way. we both shut off and lost touch for a year or so. it always seemed too difficult & nerve racking to just dig up those feelings and make things right. me and my travels, her and her busy work schedule meant neglect to the one thing that should be so important. re-kindling our lost friendship.

so, tonight, we have that chance! by accident, or maybe not, we ran into each other in knoxville over Christmas. she is from Atlanta and shouldn't have been there, but she was! so, it gave us a chance to hug, talk, and share our urge to get together when we made it back to the city. we kept our promises and are meeting tonight for dinner! i'm excited and anxious to get back to the root of our friendship. i love her dearly and am so thankful that God allows us to keep the bridge stable (i don't like burning bridges). friendship is a dear and fragile aspect of life. hold on to it. do whatever you can to maintain it.

out and about to run my errands and be ''productive'' on this Thursday. LOVE!

lyddie