Life is precious.

I will preface this post by stating what a week it has been.

Crazy how in a split second, life can just throw you for a loop. Tonight, on my way home from work, I got into a car accident. I first should add it was raining, the first part of this week has not been the easiest, and I was feeling dehydrated and drained from the sun. Okay so. I got into the wrong lane to exit on the highway and while attempting to merge into the other turn lane to make a u-turn so I wouldn't have to backtrack a car behind me came up fast and smashed into my driver's side mirror and front fender. Awesome luck, right? I hate changing lanes in the first place, but I honestly did not see him whip up that fast. And as we continued to block traffic for the next twenty minutes to wait on the dreadfully slow police to get there, I of course was a nervous wreck. That feeling you get when you hear another car crush yours, in the pit of your stomach, man I do not ever want to experience that again. Oh and the best part of standing outside in the dripping rain with a dead phone and smelling like camp lake water? It was just a little past rush hour on one of the busiest roads in Raleigh. I'm sure it was a sight.

As much as I can complain about what happened and feel sorry for myself, the accident was in a way a reminder. Perfection is something I can never attain. Just when I feel like my life is going the way I want it to and everything is lining up in a neat little fashion, I get knocked down a few notches. Which is probably the best thing for me at the moment. I don't believe for a second that some purpose is behind it either. I have to be thankful for the man behind the other wheel, for him keeping calm throughout the whole ordeal, and that neither of us were hurt. For all I know, if I turned my steering wheel a couple more inches to the left, I could have become paralyzed, or worse. My sweet little Honda did teach me a life lesson or two tonight. I'm not invincible, and life is precious.

Front Row Challenge

I had the privilege of taking photos and helping style this lovely girl for an internship position I'm applying for next summer with Marie Claire. I am in no way a photographer, but I gave it my best shot. Here were my top picks.

Work/job interview.

Everyday attire.

Saturday night date night.

And last but not least my favorite outfit, brunch with friends.

She's the best.

oh hey, July

It's July 2nd, and I'm convinced that this summer is flying by, more so than any other year. Anyone else feel this way?

Home again, home again. I think the worst part about coming home from a vacation is the whole unpacking part. No, I don't want to wash out the salty smell of my beach cover-ups nor do I want to shake the sand out of my shoes. My duffel bag might just sit on my floor for a couple days before I see it fitting to pull all my stuff out.

So as I reminisce, here's my list of the wonderful things I'll miss about my past week in the Outer Banks...

The fresh seafood. The miles and miles of docks around our condo. Feeding the ducks. The smell of coconut tanning oil. The long walks on the beach. The boat rides. The feeling of sunshine on my skin. Reading novels in a day. Climbing Jockey's Ridge. Fishing with my family. Singing knee deep in the water somewhere when I'm actually knee deep in the water somewhere. Wine on the deck. Reading the sixth edition of matchbook on that cozy light blue couch, coffee in hand. Getting out of the shower feeling rejuvinated after hours on the beach. Watching dolphins swim by the shore. Drooling over the yachts in our backyard.

Oh, to be back on vacation. It was sad leaving, especially on this holiday weekend when everyone is packing up and going to the coast for time in the sand and sun, and to watch the fireworks over the ocean. For me, it's going to be a week of road tripping to Charlotte to see my Carolina girls, essay writing, working closing shifts at Loft, and planning another fun-filled weekend. I'm crossing my fingers that this week doesn't pass by as fast as the last.

My favorite photo during our stay is this one of my Dad and I relaxing at the marina's precious little tiki hut. I'm already missing that place...

"I still find each day to short

for all the thoughts I want to think,

all the walks I want to take,

all the books I want to read,

and all the friends I want to see."

John Burroughs.