October 19th, 2010
October Inspiration and Type A-ery
Red Lipstick – I finally tried wearing it, and it’s so much fun! I still feel like I’m playing dress up, but who says there’s anything wrong with that?
Layered Looks – With the weather getting ever cooler I keep adding more layers to my outfits- layered clothes, scarves, necklaces… it all just feels right now.
Sigur Rós – Their music is just kind of perfect for the change of seasons, listening to them while I’m waking up, when my nose is still cold from walking the dogs in the frosty air? Something about it just works.
Spookiness – I *hate* jump scares in movies, and watching Ghosthunters can freak me out – but I love Halloween and watching spooky movies. Our Halloween night movie marathon is one of my favorite traditions, I can’t wait to pick my favourite spooky movies!
Knit, knit, knit! – I have all kinds of new knits swirling around my head, and I’m excited to branch out and try new things. What better excuse for a cozy afternoon?
Work on my anxiety – I’ve struggled with anxiety and panic since I was a teenager, and I’m thankful that it’s been really in check for a very long time. Lately it’s been escalating, and this October I’m going to double my efforts to get it back to a manageable place. There’s so much lovely stuff going on, and I want to be able to enjoy it fully, you know? :)
Take more time for myself – I want to read books, take the dogs on giant walks, and catch up with friends over coffee. The fall is the perfect time for a little nesting, and I want to take advantage wherever I can.
What’s inspiring you this month? Do you have any goals you’re trying to meet by month end?
I have started to wear bold lip colours like red-orange and even hot pink. It really brightens my day. I think everyone should try a bold lipstick for the fall.
I need to start knitting too. I really like the cozy infinity scarves you made last year. I can’t wait to see what you knit this year.
I can NOT get into red lipstick – but I can totally get on board with the rest of these, particularly layering. I’m having a tough time getting out of my jeggings/boots/oversized cardigan obsession…
Oh my heart yearns for some time with my yarn and knitting needles. Perhaps I just need to combine that with my current obsession with hot chocolate (which is closely followed by an obsession for genmaicha). Can I copy Amy and request a Skype date soon as well?
Man, I wish I could pull off red lips. I always feel (and look) silly, at least in my opinion, but I think it’s so lovely when people boldly go for it! As for more time to yourself, yes, please. Me too. Love the list, friend.
P.S. Can we Skype soon? I’m having Kyla withdrawls <3
Yes! A skype date would do my heart good! I’m 100% in – lets scheme!
I keep meaning to try red lipstick – I found an article in a magazine that suggests a really pretty color, but I haven’t gotten out to the mall yet to pick it up.
Good luck with all your goals! :)
Finding the right shade is definitely tricky! The two kinds that I have are super bright- almost a little cartoony. I need to find something slightly more subdued lol :)
Can we get a picture of you in the red lipstick? I would LOVE to wear more of that, it’s so bold and sexy!
I think I can definitely manage that, even if I feel like I’m playing dress up ;)
Hey Kyla!
I just had to leave a comment here! I have adored your blog for a long time and you are just too precious for words. I just wanted to thank you for your honesty about your issues with anxiety and panic. I’ve had anxiety my whole life but a few months ago I hit an all time low. After being in the hospital several times, I was finally diagnosed with a severe anxiety disorder as well as a panic disorder. It’s been a really hard time for me and as Im sure you understand, it can be a very scary and lonely experience to go through. At times I felt like it would just never change and Id never be able to go out in public again. Ive been on medication for a little while now and I slowly feel like my life is being restored. It was comforting to read that you struggle with it too… because I struggle lately feeling like Ill never be able to run a successful business or own my own shop one day. Im so encouraged to know that this all doesn’t have to control the path of my future. Anyways… I don’t know the extent of your own problems with anxiety…. but regardless, thanks for sharing. It’s one of my goals too this month… and Its always nice to know youre not in it alone.
: )
Amanda thank you so much for saying hello and sharing your struggle, I’m so glad that things are finally on the mend for you! Remember that going through scary times is something that everyone encounters- and that you aren’t alone in any way, shape, or form :)
If you ever need someone to chat with please drop me a line. <3
Red lipstick is SO fun. I have several & enjoy playing with them… I always feel a little too done-up, but maybe one of these days I’ll get the hang of it. ;)
I think the trick has to be not emphasizing your eyes at the same time… but I know exactly what you mean! I keep feeling like a real grown up is going to all me out when I’m wearing it lol Luckily that hasn’t happened yet ;)
Oh, lovely. You always have such great goals! :) he he. I’m crocheting up a storm & preparing new goodies for upcoming craft shows, and am also hoping to make a cute little fax halloween outfit & ‘fall clean’ my house…to name a few. lol. Lovely!
I love Halloween.
And October in general.
The Fall weather, fashions, MY BIRTHDAY and the start of the holiday season.
It’s all so magical.
Again, if you have a knit that you would like to just give me, I would not be opposed.
:)
Love the post and your inspiration!!!
:)
I just started teaching myself to knit using youtube videos and I’m already obsessed. That and visiting home this weekend are my two big plans for the month.
I love red lipstick! I haven’t quite found the right shade though. Any suggestions?
These are great goals! I put on lipstick today…usually I wear lipgloss. I am also trying to be more social. Life has thrown us some hard times and friends have been on the back burner.
I have been working hard on becoming a little more active and losing weight. I eat more healthily and started working out again. Just on Sunday I added running to my workout routine again (which currently consists of line dance every other week and swimming and Zumba every week).
I will also keep looking for a job and want to write a few more applications before the month is up.
I am knitting like crazy, trying to finish that blanket. Do you remember when I showed you the yarn is August? It’s super thin and I am knitting on a size 3 needle I think? It’s taking forever! But it’s beautiful! I am just kind of getting crunched for time as the baby could come as early as Thanksgiving and I still have some baby hats that I need to knit… Yikes!
I’ve always thought you’d look awesome w/ red lipstick! :)
I recently started wearing lipstick (more of a natural color, than red. So not brave enough for red yet.). I’ve been scared to try because I worry it’ll look weird or, as you mentioned, playing dress-up. But it doesn’t and I kind of love it! Red maybe? One day. :)
looooove sigur ros. we actually woke up really early yesterday morning to watch jonsi in a live concert via NPR. he’s so weird, but so incredibly talented! lovin’ your blog, lady :)
ps i totally want to rock red lipstick! one of these days when i’m more courageous haha
I love goals!! I’m currently trying to lose some weight before my parents’ surprise birthday party next month and of course plan & get ready for the party!
I thrive for goals. I have to have lists of goals or goals floating around in my head at all times. Mine for this month (and probably november) would be to make enough knit products to open my etsy shop in November. and now to wear red lipstick more often! that’s fantastic! ;-)
I love the layout and design of this post! So pretty!
I’ve also attempted lipstick recently, and you know what’s weird? My boyfriend HATES when I wear it! He thinks it’s only for very special events, like black-tie affairs. I can’t figure boys out! I wear it anyway :)
I am really interested in hearing how your anxiety goes, as I am dealing with this for the first time in my life! I do wish you the best with your recovery (is that even the right word?) with this! from my little experience I can definitely sympathize with you that it’s simply NOT enjoyable in any way.
My anxiety is usually a result of my own procrastination, so this week I promised myself a worry-free and productive week.
Ohhh! I love scary movies and Me and my husband watch them the whole month of October, and we’ve been watching Ghost Hunters on Netflix. They are so funny.
I’m so excited for my first Jonsi, the lead singer from Sigur Rose, concert that I’m going to next month. There music is just so incredible!
I too have also struggled with anxiety for a long time, and recently it has been escalating, what with midterms, being busy at my internship, birthdays and my boyfriends and I’s anniversary coming up. I really try and do it all, but sometimes it just gets to me. This October I would really love to get it under control, and be able to fully enjoy Scott’s birthday, our four year anniversary, Halloween, and fall itself!
LOVE your goals, btw.
With marathon training being over I am really trying to embrace all the extra time I have for ME. It’s a work in progress since I’m so used to (and kind of thrive on) being busy and go-go-going, but I’m starting to really enjoy laying in bed in the mornings until 7 and curling up on the couch with a good book in the evenings :)
Love your inspirations :)
I want to knit more….a lot more lol. I also want to regain my sense of self, as well as balance.
I mostly layer out of necessity, but slowly learning how to make it aesthtically pleasing as well!
This Oct — I’m knitting as well! I plan to make all my Christmas presents this year so my house is full of pretty pretty yarn just waiting to be used!
Fall WOULD be a great time for “nesting” for me, but with it getting dark so dang early my body just wants to hibernate — maybe a caffeine addiction is in store for October as well :)
http://roderk.blogspot.com/
I love the layered looks! I can’t wait for fall to be fully here (in California), so I can get out my cardigans and sweaters! :) Oh, and boots! I love me some boots in the fall!
I love all of what you called “nesting”… I wanna do all those things in the coming weeks.
I can’t handle scary things. Definitely walked out of Paranormal Activity because I was close to a panic attack… that was fun.
Let’s see, October. I want to nest a bit in my new place and regain balance. My balance was thrown off the past few weeks.
You’re brave for trying!! I think I would have lost it during the Paranormal Activity trailer- that movie looked so scary! I love “cult” horror & sci-fi, super dated effects and hilarious plots, totally entertaining in a campy way but not in a nightmares kind of way.
Although some of the acting is really, really bad. It might haunt you in different ways ;)
Kyla! I’m glad you blogged about music – I really needed some new fall music!
If you’re looking for more I’m also really loving Freelance Whales right now, they’re poppier but really fun :)
I think I’d look funny with red lipstick but maybe i’ll try it sometime anyway, send you a picture, and we can have a good laugh over it!? ;)
What I”m working towards this month: getting back into a better health routine. I’ve started by cutting out unnecessary snacks, clipping a pedometer to my belt so that I force myself to walk more during the day (and thusly I want to run more at night, too), and choosing health over laziness. (As in, rather than watching 30 minutes of TV when I get home, doing 30 minutes of yard work or something.)
Share with us the movies you watch on Halloween?
The best thing about red lipstick is everyone looks funny in it- you just have to leave it on long enough for your attitude to dial it up a few notches. And the first time that happened for me? Is when the lipstick has stained my lips to the point that I had to go to work with it on because I couldn’t get it off! lol
Thankfully my attitude showed up about 10 minutes after my shift started. ;)
I will definitely share my Halloween movies with you next week, I’m excited for them!
Oooh, I haven’t been brave enough to try red lipstick yet! (I have this thing about it because I’m a redhead). The weather has been inspiring me lately – and although my weekends are packed I want to make sure I leave myself enough time to cozy up with a good book. As far as goals go, I want to keep chugging away at the four simple ones I set for myself – the only one I haven’t really been doing is writing so I want to change that.
“the only one I haven’t really been doing is writing so I want to change that.” ….says Ms. Amazing Blogger? That made me smile- I think you have writing down pat, for the record ;)
I also love kois and I love the idea of tatooing one.
I swear, if I will pass the next two month in a good way, I want to get my first tattoo. Perhaps a koi, perhaps anything else, but I really wanna have one :)
Taking more time for yourself sounds like a great plan…and by the way…I love the candle holder.
xo, Mel
http://mel-lifesalabyrinth.blogspot.com/
Oh a first tattoo, fun! I hope you blog it if you do get one, Koi are beautiful and serene- I love my tattoo of one… I bet I would like a koi pond even better though! lol ;)
((These are my favorite posts!))
There is something so sophisticated about red lipstick done right. I loved the snapshot of you for your C is for Cardigan picture. That lip color really suited you.
This October I am working on making small changes toward my dream life. So many times I spend hours dreaming and planning, but this October I am actually doing something about those little dreams. I am rereading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and working on formulating my own happiness plans. :)
I love that idea! Every now and then Jesse and I sit down and talk about what our dream life looks like, and then figure out little steps we can take towards making that happen. It’s such a small, manageable and empowering thing to do! I hope you dream big <3
I feel you on the anxiety thing. As much as I LOVE autumn, there is so much stuff happening between now and the end of the year that without fail, every autumn I start to feel anxious again. I keep telling myself to calm down and enjoy the season!
It seems like such a restful time… or like it at least should be such a restful time somewhere, doesn’t it? lol I hope that you can find a little pocket of time where you can be fully swept away with fall- with no guilt or worry at all :)
I have yet to find just the right shade of red lipstick for myself. I usually gravitate toward darker shades or just stick with lipglosses. Your plans for the fall sound lovely and very similar to my plans. I really need to take time for myself right now.
I’m also a big fan of lip gloss- especially if I’m working and can’t check my makeup! I still don’t trust red lipstick to stay looking like it should lol
I hope you can find some time for yourself soon! <3
I’m going to try and take more time for myself as well. Things have been busy for me and I often feel overwhelmed. I think taking a little break every now and then could really help.
Taking a break is so important! I always try to take Sundays completely off from work, and it never fails to energize me- especially if I go to a farmers market or spend the afternoon watching movies :)
I’ve been wearing red for over a year now. It feels a little weird to start with but then you get used to it and it is much fun!
Good luck with your anxiety too. I’ve been dealing with the same thing for a decade. It’s the worst it has ever been right now. How do you manage it?
That’s such a big question it’s hard to know how to start with it! :)
I think I do the ‘normal’ things- working out, working hard to stay calm and eliminate stress, and kind of relentlessly working to stay positive and keep in a good state of mind. I bake and cook good food a lot because it’s one of my favourite things, I stick with routines that make me happy and try to avoid things that trigger me (being late is a big anxiety causer for me).
Some days it’s effortless (I could make out with those days!) and a lot of days it’s a big effort. Mostly I just try to know myself and be kind- and now that that’s not working, I’m adding “speak to a doctor” to that list, just so I have an outside opinion. We’ll see what happens from there :)
October is my favorite month; there’s just something about it–I love the sound of it; I love the way it introduces fall weather and layers and scarves and crisp leaves; I love the colors; I love that it’s not quite holiday season, but that it’s just around the corner; I love that it allows me to sit on my porch in the evenings without freezing. I find October to be the most inspiring month. I just cannot believe it’s almost over already! This year has just flown by.
I absolutely ADORE Sigur Rós. They have been an inspiration to me on many occasions. Have you listened to Jonsi’s solo album?
The way you put this is just kind of perfect :)
And no, I haven’t heard the solo album, but evidently I need to find it! Thanks for the suggestion!
Hehe how funny, I just bought my first red lipstick at the weekend! I’m still getting used to it but am loving wearing it so far!
I have heaps of uni work to get through this month but am hoping to sneak in some snuggly warm times with lots of delicious autumn-themed hot drinks! I hope your nesting goes to plan, it’s very important! :)
Yes, red lipstick twins! :)
I hope your studying goes well, I always found that having some apple cider on hand to sip made me learn faster ;)
fun. i just bought a red lipgloss and started wearing it. not every day but more. it is fun :) this fall i will actually take my first photography class, which i’m excited about and start a spanish class (if all goes well – i’m on the waiting list for now). other than that, i wanna burn scented candles, snuggle up at home and enjoy the “nesting time” as you so perfectly call it :)
Oh wow, photography and Spanish classes? That sounds amazing! Partnered with nesting time, that sounds like a perfect way to spend the end of October :)
Well your plans have inspired me ! I haven’t really given a thought about making goals to be accomplished before the end of this month. I think the only goal I have in mind is to be happy , no matter what goes wrong I should remind myself that I’ve to be happy . A happy person spreads happiness.
Here’s a fun test !
How do you Achieve your Goals?
http://www.3smartcubes.com/pages/tests/achieve_goals/achieve_goals_instructions.asp