I'm aud.

A compilation of inspirations, style, dreams, rantings, musings, and the occasional picture of my dog.

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My favorite reminders in these little artworks.

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Last week I started a project that I named Twisted Lily Headbands. I incorporate different materials--like fabric, leather cording, silk flowers and more--to handmake braided, floral-themed headbands and crowns. I haven't ever been the crafty type, except for this brief jewelry-making stint when I was 13 that turned into a bad costume jewelry investment for my thankfully patient mom. However, my admiration for those who can create something beautiful out of a simple idea has always been prevalent.

With my bit of free time during these summer months, I decided to give my crafting side another go 'round. After all, I'm left handed and they do say lefties tend to be more creative than righties. (But we also die first, apparently, so I suppose it all comes out even.) After some extensive research on Pinterest (the best kind of research there is), I decided handmade headbands was to route to go. Running errands, a dinner at your favorite restaurant, jogging through the neighborhood, these pretty hair pieces are simple enough for everyday use but fun enough to wear out and about. These babies can be used for everything! 

So as I continue embarking on my round two creativity venture, please feel free to send any questions my way! And I would love it if you liked Twisted Lily's Facebook page, while you're at it.

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Help my sister and I run our second half marathon together to benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals!

Most people who know me know that I LOVE to run. Last year I ran in my first two half marathons, which only made my obsession grow. I trained and ran the first one with my sister and best friend Kelsey, and we had a blast encouraging and pushing each other through the 13.1 miles of pain to the finish line. Together we proved to ourselves that our mental and physical capabilities were far greater than we had ever imagined. It was an incredible experience that I'll never forget, and we are hoping to run our second half marathon together this September in Sioux Falls! That's where this handy little gadget comes in! As a lot of you may know, this summer I have a full-time internship in Nashville. What you might not know is that it is unpaid, so I picked up a part-time job that helps with my living expenses. Because of that, I don't quite have the extra pennies to rub together to purchase my ticket to South Dakota, nor my entry fee for the race. Any and all help would be so, so appreciated, plus the run benefits Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. This may seem like a silly reason for a fundraiser, but it would mean more than you know for me and my sister. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for considering helping me out!

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2 days till this lady comes to drive with me to Nashville for the summer! Weee😄🎸🎉🌃🍻

[sevenknotwind]

JERRY SALTZ advice for artists (quote found via:toddahh)

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Rise & shine.

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To-Do List: 2013 Edition

Go to more concerts.

Intern in Nashville.

Learn to play guitar.

Write more.

Worry less about what other people think.

Start a savings plan.

Get all As/Bs in school.

Impart more random acts of kindness.

Start journaling again.

Go to church at least twice per month.

Keep in touch with my family better.

Plus lots and lots more, I’m sure. To be continued…

What’s on your 2013 to-do list?

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I asked my mom if she liked my new boots and she said no, because she "doesn't like fabric on shoes." Like, what?! Who comes up with such a specific topic of dislike for shoes? Confusing, but I am obsessed with them nonetheless. Bravo, Target, for stepping up your game in recent years in the shoe department. They remind me of a midwestern cowgirl who met a hippie and decided to create a magical pair of booties for me to stomp my way around town in. You do this too, yes?... Make random scenario-stories to describe your clothes? Good. Thought so.

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Currently

in Albuquerque for the night. Driving home to Vegas from school. Ten hours on the road today, complete with Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Mumford & Sons and my best friend. Nine hours tomorrow, followed by seeing Chippendales with my grandma and mom (great story to come with that, hopefully). Eating Mexican take-out (not as scary as it may sound). Watching The OC in bed (such a classic). Cannot wait to see family and bake them low-cal, Pinterest-found treats. And the first semester of junior year is OVER. Life is pretty damn good right now.

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Two things to keep in mind during finals week:

and...

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Yes.

(Source)

[leycasso]

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So what if I kind of want this as a tattoo? 

(Don't tell my mom.)

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Remember how

I'm always like, "Oh, yeah, hey guys! Gonna start blogging again! TTY soon!"

And then I'm always like, oh, shoot... homework... work... babysitting... sleep... pinterest... running... socializing... food. See ya never, blog.

I think I'm going to try to work on that. NO REALLY. No seriously. I miss it and I mean it this time (as usual).

I think about blogging/writing a lot! A LOT. It kind of happens as a journalism major, English minor. But then I get all caught up in the journalism/English writing and give myself some sort of writing quota for the week... I think it's time to admit to myself that those. don't. exist. 

There, that should help. Good session today. Short but sweet. See you again soon. For real, this time. (But really... someone should hold me to this; if you're reading this, I hold you accountable. You have been chosen.)

Bye!

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Coming home.

I'm coming back to Tumblr. I know it's a place that people like to repost pictures, quotes, etc., but for me it's like my first writing home! Plus Blogspot (where I moved my blog a few months ago) frustrated me too much. The layout, the setup, the confusing page organization... I'm surprised my minimal patience lasted as long as it did. Although, I haven't even been posting consistently over there, like, ever... so I think I'll take that sign as a push to come back to my first and favorite. 

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It's been awhile, don'tcha agree? Come on and visit me over at my new place!

[artist-problems]

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I get this.

[highheelsandmoccasins-blog-blog]

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Okay.