Instagram Recap

1. New addition to the family 2. Opal being studious
3. Low-carbing it 4. Still not summer in Corvallis

5. Farmer's Market 6. I graduated!

I am a graduate

So, as I mentioned in my previous post, I finally graduated college. It only took me four years but it seemed like it took forever!On the other hand though, it feels like my parents just dropped me off at my dorm freshman year. 

A lot has happened these past four years and I definitely have grown a lot, but unlike a lot of people I have encountered, I am still the same person I have always been...just improved in some ways. For example, my style has evolved but I still wear a lot of the same clothes from 4+ years ago, and I have started my family.

The day before commencement ceremony I had a bit of a panic attack, still not knowing what I will be doing the rest of my life. There is a lot of pressure to have a career lined up right after you graduate, but the truth is it doesn't always work that way. I am slowly learning to live up to my own standards, not everyone else's. Like Michelle Obama said, who spoke at our graduation, "define success on your own terms" and while I still have big plans for myself, I can take it at my own pace, and be happy!

 I am not pregnant, my gown is just super unflattering! 

 Me and my sisters.

last image via opb 

GO BEAVS!

Peace <3 & (A)-

Chey

Revamp & Hike

Hello all!

I am back in action. Not only is it summer time, but I have graduated from college! School was getting so hectic that I completely abandoned my blog in favor of research papers. Well, not in favor, but I had to get it done. It feels great to be back now that I am done with school, and now I can focus on things I love again! Adventures, crafting and blogging!

You may also notice the blog's face-lift and new name! The original title of the blog (the oBitchuaries) was a reflection of the blog in that I bitched a lot; it was more like a newspaper column. However, now that I've really got a hold of this whole blog thing I decided that the name Lefties are Lovers is a better representation of not only the content but where I am at in my life.

SO. Here we go! (again) And I promise, I vow, that I am here to stay. I have time on my hands and I am going to use it to my fullest.

Yesterday Sean, Opal and I went on a a little (long) hike up Bald Hill in the Philomath area. Hiking is one of my favorite summer activities. Here are some pictures I took on the hike::

Heading to the main path.

 Getting on the main trail.

 Have you ever wondered what these things are? I learned that they are a reaction the leaf creates when wasps lay their eggs on them!

 View from the top.

 This is where we stopped for a little snack.

 Sean munching on a vegan burrito.

 Yummy!

One of the best signs I have ever seen!

Hikes are amazing. But don't forget your sunscreen and water bottle! I am so excited to be blogging again you guys! Also, I'm looking for some new blogs to read so please leave a link to yours so I can check it out. Spread the love!

Peace <3 & (A)-

Chey

A winter day in an itchy sweater!

This day my boy and I went out with our baby Opal for some fun in the winter sun! It hasn't been sunny in Corvallis in weeks and this day we needed to get out and take advantage of that vitamin D. This wasn't really supposed to be an "outfit post" (Im not a fan of those) but I kind of posed like it was one!

I don't know if you've ever heard the phrase "put a bird on it" but that basically is the running motto of my life. haha Portlandia. I feel like mother nature when there's a bird in my hair! All I did was take a bird and nest decoration from the craft store and hot-glue them to a piece of felt, and then glue that to an over-sized bobby-pin, and VOILA! you look like a crazy lady!

Peace <3 & (A)-
Chey

Blowfish Giveaway at the Dainty Squid!

Hello all. Dont forget to go enter the  Blowfish giveaway going on over at the Dainty Squid! It ends Monday the 26th so hurry up and get your entries in! I love my Horton Shearings I bought a while back. So comfy- the perfect winter shoe!

Do you own a pair of shoes from Blowfish ? Dont you love them?!

Peace <3  & (A)-
Chey

You Should Listen to...

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. In my opinion, CYHSY is the OG indie band of our time. This east-coast based band has been a prominent figure in indie music, at least in my mind, since 2005, and their latest album Hysterical puts emphasis on their ability to maintain a true DIY independent  foundation. Their third album was self-released in September of this year, ending the long-awaited gap since CYHSY's last release in 2007.

 Earlier this fall I had the opportunity to edit an interview my boss conducted with Sean Greenhalgh, reinforcing the band's humble demeanor and artistic drive.  So, I decided this album would be the prefect one to be my first album review on the oBitchuaries!

It is really a turn-on for me when bands open up their album with a tremendous first track, laying down the law for the rest of the set, and Clap Your Hands does just that. Same Mistake is not so much representative of a new Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, but rather a rejuvenation or revitalized one, after a four year wait, and is a great way to kick off Hysterical. The energizing dance beat continues with the next track Hyesterical, which given its name, seems to be the most developed and memorable song out of the 12 tracks.

 In all honesty, I used to have a hard time listening to some CYHSY because of the wild and often nonsensical vocals, but on this album, which seems to be slightly refined (in a good way!) is a easy and quite enjoyable listen. Sometimes I think "damn, this band is too good to be American" This is one of those bands.

Hysterical is dynamic, full, and vibrant. With bright tracks such as Misspent Youth, I suggest a nice pair of headphones for ultimate listening. Go. Listen. Now!

Peace <3 & (A)-
Chey

In the Frosty Air

The other day was the prefect day for a nature walk. It was freaking cold but just moist enough for mushrooms! I used to photograph mushrooms a lot and did some spore prints, but because of the summer weather I  lost touch with it. This day I only photographed some ( my puppy was making things a bit difficult) but I plan to pick a few next time there is ideal weather.

Everything had a frosty glaze over it, even the spider webs looked like strings of glitter. I love how beautiful winter is, I just wish it wasn't so damned cold!


I do not condone randomly picking up any mushroom, unless you have some experience with them. Always wash your hands thoroughly after and never ever eat them!

Peace <3 & (A)-
Chey