Look Up

I love this.

I am not anti-technology, and I see the convenience of facebook, instagram, twitter, and linked in-- especially since it gives us the option to stay close to friends and family all over the world.

I don't think that having an active life on social media necessarily means that you have sacrificed real, face-to-face community, but I do see a tendency in my generation to replace "real" lives with social media lives.

After all, it's a whole lot easier to connect with people when your "connection" is limited to a comment here and a post there. It's a whole lot easier to deal with conflict when all you have to do with someone who irritates you is unfollow them. Dealing with people face-to-face is... messier.

And while I think that would be great if the conversations that were had on social media were comparable to conversations people have in real life-- they aren't. At least I haven't experienced many that are. So I think we miss out, and I think that that's a real shame.

Props to Gary Turk for seeing something that bothers him and sharing his opinion in such a lovely way.

Ted Baker

As I prepare over the next two months to leave the great state of Texas for the even greater state of Hawaii for my Discipleship Training School at University of the Nations, I find my wardrobe a bit.... lacking.

For instance, though I have a plethora of high heels, sparkly dresses and leather pants (seriously. three pairs), I am shockingly low on more practical pieces of clothing like shorts and T-shirts (and socks?) 

What is more, I now find myself on the market for a one piece bathing suit. Honestly, while I have a hard time feeling excited about shopping for T-shirts and shorts, I'm thrilled about the swimsuit search! 

Although I have always been a big fan of the high-waisted swimsuits-- I mean come on, they're so flattering-- ever since watching Jessica Rey's presentation on The Evolution of the Swimsuit, I began to see the issue in a different light. Less emphasis on fashion, and a little more on the modesty factor. 

Seriously, if you've never really thought of the effect that bikini's have on the male brain (not mind, brain), watch Jessica's presentation. To call it "interesting" is a huge understatement. I've never been one to really harp on modesty, and honestly I'm still not. I think that men are responsible for their eyes, minds and thoughts, and that what women choose to wear cannot be a scapegoat.

That being said, I also have no desire to be seen as (literally) an object, and if that's what wearing a bikini gains, then I'm happy to cut the boys some slack and go for a more modest swimsuit.

Anyways, the search for a fashionable one piece swimsuit led me straight into the arms of Ted Baker, and you guys, Ted Bakers arms are a good place to be.

He is my new favorite. 

Here are some pictures of my favorite Ted Baker pieces. Granted, they cost you a pretty penny, but I'm thinking they may be worth it.

I love how much inspiration he draws from floral designs and oil painting. After all, what better place for art that on our bodies?