{my monday with: i like / want / need}

Happy Monday everyone, and boy do I have treat for you! It was hot and steamy in these parts over the weekend, so I'm happy to be spending a refreshing Monday with…I Like / Want / Need. I asked Erin to stop by today to share her favorite things; Aren't they great? As I told Erin, I bet you can successfully associate a specific blog post to each item - an always heartfelt, sometimes side splitting tale behind each of her favorite things - which makes me smile as I recollect. Now, it's you're turn…

1. {Pen} I've been in love with writing since I first learned how to put a pen to paper. I wrote short stories as a kid, plays in high school (I even won a statewide playwriting competition!), novellas in between, and now a blog (and maybe a book one day?). I am at my happiest when I'm writing.

2. {Thumb Drive} Almost every layout and photo I've ever posted on my blog lives on this little (easily losable) thumb drive. Before you freak out, I have 3 different computers that I blog on (2 at home and 1 at work, shh) and it's hard to keep everything centralized. I lovelovelove blogging and had to represent it somehow.

3. {Ladurée} Duh. I could easily subsist on macarons alone for the rest of my life and live happily ever after. They are the most delicious and delicate treats. I've had macarons elsewhere and they just don't compare to Ladurée. And yes, I know this makes me a snob.

4. {Gary Oldman} Oh, Gary. If you don't know why he's on here by now, you need to check yo self. And yeah, I framed the picture of us. I keep it on my night table.

5. {Eiffel Tower} My dad went to Paris in the mid-90s, and when he asked me what I wanted him to bring back for me, my 8 year old self went as stereotypical as I could and requested a beret and a mini Eiffel Tower statue. I still have both. I keep the Eiffel tower on my desk for inspiration and to keep a little piece of my dad with me. Among the many traits my daddy passed along to me, our mutual love of Paris is my favorite.

6. {Midnight in Paris} Are you sensing a Parisian theme yet? ;) I took myself on a date to see Midnight in Paris in the theater last year and watched with a huge smile plastered on my face and my hand at my heart. It is the most charming and sweet film I've ever seen, and combines my favorite artists and writers with my favorite city and my favorite era. In a totally fitting turn of events, it was released on DVD on my birthday, and I've seriously lost count how many times I've seen it since. The soundtrack is pretty incredible, too.

7. {Necklace} Boyfriend got me this beautiful necklace for my birthday and I wear it almost daily. It's blue topaz, my birthstone. I'm a very lucky lady.

8. {Film} Photography is one of my life's biggest passions. I've been shooting on film for 13 years (!!). My degree is in Photojournalism, and I spent what felt like an entire year holed up in the darkroom. Kodak Portra VC film is my favorite.

9. {Candle} I am a crazy candle lady. You're likely to find as many as 3 burning in my house at any time. Favorites include Diptyque, Voluspa, and, of course, Ladurée.

10. {Fitz!} Many many treats were consumed in the taking of this photo. I am not above bribery :) I adopted this little bugger one year ago and, even at his craziest, I've never regretted it. He brings so much joy and laughter to my days, even when he's misbehaving.

Erin, thank you so much for stopping by today. I think you now officially hold the record for most guest appearances on this blog [wink]. Ok, everyone, let's have a wonderful week!