tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209791590336474452024-03-14T00:19:58.830-04:00Internal Sequin IssuesKayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.comBlogger699125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-9961699896980725052013-12-05T15:15:00.001-05:002013-12-05T15:15:11.273-05:00I've moved!For all recent things in my life, check out my new blog <a href="http://www.kaylarochellephotography.wordpress.com">Kayla Rochelle Photography</a>. Over there it's all about life and pretty photos! Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-73994616064478566802012-03-07T12:32:00.002-05:002012-03-07T12:32:35.748-05:00Home sweet Home...<div style="text-align: center;">
Johnny and I are moving into an exciting time in our lives. The time when we stop writing a monthly check to our landlord, and instead start writing a check to the mortgage company. We've spent the last few months searching for our perfect first home. Our weekends are full of house hunting, and floor plan discussing and our weeknights have been taken over by phone call making and getting tips on HGTV. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, " I've been cheating on fashion with furniture". We may not have a house just yet, but that doesn't mean that I haven't been dreaming and pinning as though we do! The downside to renting for the past 8 years, is that I've never been able to pick out paint colors or make modifications to a home. Suddenly, we'll be in a place where I can do whatever I want ( <i>as long as Johnny okay's it of course!</i>). To help stream line my thoughts I've been <a href="http://pinterest.com/sequinissue/" target="_blank">pinning</a> every image that I think could work in a future home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6815935862/" title="Home Decor Collage by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Home Decor Collage" height="471" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6815935862_095ce41725.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've also been spending lots of time searching through Etsy, looking at pretty pillow covers and artwork. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6815935804/" title="No Whinning by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="No Whinning" height="431" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6815935804_08f96cc3eb.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
( <i>Hopefully!</i> ) Soon we'll have a home and I can put some of these ideas into action. Until then, keep up with my pintrest to see just where my head is at! Check out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/sequinissue/" target="_blank">pintrest</a> to see the original sources to the above images, and what else I've been pinning lately!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-70476452674096459682012-03-05T15:02:00.000-05:002012-03-05T15:02:04.513-05:00Make-up in the age of technology<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6909962583/" title="No Pants, Pants by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="No Pants, Pants" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6909962583_425386146d.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have been seriously lacking in the 'making myself look pretty before I leave the house' department as of late. I have a train case full of pretty make-up, and a drawer full of great hair products but each morning I feel bothered to do little more then lather my face with lotion before heading out for work.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6909966727/" title="No Pants, Pants by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="No Pants, Pants" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6909966727_8176d3db77.jpg" width="188" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
With no good reason as to my sudden lack of desire to improve my appearance, I knew that I needed a good swift kick in my pants. I spent some time last week watching Youtube videos full of product reviews, makeup tutorials and style inspiration. It was somewhere around hour 4 of video watching that it hit me that I had learned more about make-up application in the last few hours then I have in my entire 25 years of life. Most of what I knew had come from hours of trial and error and from a book by Bobbi Brown I checked out of the library when I was 14 and spent most of my summer pouring over.<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6909978269/" title="No Pants, Pants by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="No Pants, Pants" height="257" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6909978269_4e98cc974e.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>I couldn't help noting that most of the Youtube videos I watched were hosted by teenage girls. Apparently they learned the art of make-up application with the help of technology, and not from their local library. I cleaned out my train case last week, and placed an order with my favorite make-up company <a href="http://www.eyeslipsface.com/" target="_blank">E.L.F</a>. for some new products. It's time I broke out of my slump and joined the teenage girls of america!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</center></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6909972029/" title="No Pants, Pants by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="No Pants, Pants" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6909972029_4434045377.jpg" width="223" /></a><br />
<br />
Do you have any great make-up tips or tricks I can give a try? </div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-58799689544283412922012-02-23T09:11:00.001-05:002012-02-23T09:11:27.946-05:00If you stopped by for tea<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6884505763/" title="Trees in the Middle of the City by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Trees in the Middle of the City" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6884505763_e68bc49149.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you stopped by for tea, I'd have the kettle steaming and the mugs ready upon your arrival. As soon as your coat was hung up and we had taken a few minutes to hug and say hello, we'd make tea to our preferences and head for the living room. Tea with friends is best enjoyed on the comfort of cushions. We'd snuggle close, take a few sips and get into the sharing of it all. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We would chat a bit about the crazy weather, and I would tell you that it's been really hard on me. I've been uncomfortable in my skin, literally. A side effect of my migraine medication is that it makes it hard for me to process changes in body temperature. Since Mother Nature has given us a winter with temperatures all over the map, I'm having an even harder time keeping things stable. I itch everywhere, and I tingle when I'm not itching. Showers have become unbearable and I spend most nights tossing and turning. All I can do is count down the days until Spring weather arrives, and hopefully with it some relief.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would let you know that I've been feeling overwhelmed lately. Not with all bad things, or with good just overwhelmed. Even when you are prepared for everything life throws at you, some days it just feels like a lot. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would let you know that I've finally decided to joint the craze and read the Hunger Games. A friend told me the premise behind the story, and I saw the trailer this week and I knew it would be a story I would love. I'm off this week to buy a copy of the first book. I hope I can finish it before the movie comes out in March, but first I need to finish the book I'm halfway through. Have you read the Hunger Games yet? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would ask you how you've been feeling? How this weather has been treating you and what you've been reading? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't wait until we get together for some chat and tea again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-85735878132102006942012-02-21T15:58:00.002-05:002012-02-21T15:58:40.519-05:00Making Moves<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6909924921/" title="Making Moves by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Making Moves" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6909924921_ed21f67127.jpg" width="216" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The winter blue have definitely gotten me. While I can't say that they've gotten me down, they have gotten a hold of me. Recently I've been feeling unmotivated, sluggish and like hiding under the covers and watching trashy television is the best way to tackle my to-do list. It's not by the way. In fact not one thing on my to-do list has been touched in quite some time.</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6909929507/" title="Making Moves by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Making Moves" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6909929507_11639c8bdd.jpg" width="170" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Of course nothing on my list is urgent of course, and instead mostly DIY projects I had hope to accomplish by now. I'm not lacking in inspiration, just motivation. My <a href="http://pinterest.com/sequinissue/" target="_blank">pintrest</a> board has been filling up, and I have ideas jotted down in every empty book I can find. Another book that's filling up faster then we expected is our calendar. Between May and November we'll be attending 5 weddings, and all of the events that go along with them. We've got some big changes coming starting early spring, and some changes coming for our friends and families as well it seems. With so much 'about to happen', it seems my mind went into temporary lazy mode. Well I hope it's temporary anyways. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6909942827/" title="Making Moves by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Making Moves" height="285" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6909942827_2c521133c2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
To help shake my mood I've got a few plans in place. I've made Johnny promise not to let me go another week without mopping the bathroom floors ( <i>that's been the easiest to-do list item to ignore!</i>) , I planned a craft night with my girlfriends to get some DIY projects started and get some gabbing in, and I'm hoping with the deadline looming for the big stuff to start I'll have to choice but to get my butt in gear. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6909934363/" title="Making Moves by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Making Moves" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6909934363_f54fffa2e5.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-4194328983025883842012-02-09T15:58:00.000-05:002012-02-09T15:58:23.858-05:00Why I cut my hair short, and why I never plan on going back<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
A few months ago when asked for my id at a local bar, the bartender at first refused me service. I assured them that I am 25 years old, and I rattled my address and birth date without blinking before they finally agreed to let me buy my very adult glass of wine. As I walked away, the manager suggested that I try ' not changing my hair so much' to help prevent any future confusion. What the manager didn't know was just how incorrect his statement was. I cut my hair into a chin length style in 2008, and I haven't looked back since. When my license photo was taken on my 21st birthday however I had shoulder length, brown hair. </div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6837638975/" title="Great Hair- oldie by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Great Hair- oldie" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6837638975_578d2231ff.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>* Photo taken circa 2007 * </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Like most girls I know, I always wanted what I couldn't have. As a young girl I had pin straight blonde hair, so I admired girls with thick curly brown hair. I would take photo after photo of every celebrity I could find with me to the salon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> ' My request is simple hair dresser. I just want to look exactly like this famous person who doesn't look like me, whose hair is nothing like mine, and who pays people to style their hair each morning. Got it? '</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
No matter how many different celebrity looks I tried, I still wasn't happy. I would always leave the salon with the same pin straight hair, and always with different layers put in. I still looked like me, and nothing like the picture. About the time I moved out of my parents house, I thought I had finally figured out the trick. I would grow my hair out, pledge not to cut it until it reached the length I wanted and instead I would dye it. My hair is notoriously slow at growing. I've read that each person's hair is genetically disposed to reach it's prime point at a particular length, and won't grow much beyond that. After 3 years without hair cuts, my hair was still just grazing my shoulders. During that time, I had explored various shades of brown. I didn't look any more like me, but I did look an awful lot like my brunette siblings. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6837642753/" title="Great Hair2 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Great Hair2" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6837642753_8986b22c59.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>* My blonde self next to my naturally brown haired siblings *</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was reading a book by Tim Gunn in 2008 in which he had written something that would change my opinion of my hair forever. I can't remember his exact quote, but he said something along the lines of,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> ' Ponytails are the worst thing to ever happen to your hair. Consider your hair your best built in accessory. You wouldn't buy an accessory you'd want to hide everyday would you?'. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That was all I needed to hear. The fabulous Mr. Gunn was right. I finally had longer hair, and it was spending more time up and out of the way then it was long and flowing. If I was going to keep it up all the time, I mind as well keep it that way permanently. I cut it short in 2008, but spent the next few years bouncing between stylists before I finally found my amazing hairdresser <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stiletto-Salon/159377050285" target="_blank">Hannah</a> last year. I already had the short hair, but I wanted to add some oomph to it. I sat down in her chair for the first time and gave her specific directions.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>" I'm sick of trying to look like everyone else. I like my hair short. I just want to find a style that can make me look like the best me." </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6837642673/" title="Great Hair- Updo by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Great Hair- Updo" height="460" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6837642673_0b6e4c462f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>* My fancy hair at a recent wedding * </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are some downsides to having shorter hair. When we get dressed up for weddings and fancy events I have only two options, half up or all down. ( <i>Of course this also makes things incredibly easy !</i> )</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I can't pull my hair back at all which is only a hassle when it comes to A. working out B. driving with the windows down and C. having the flu. The solution is simple. A. I go to workout class looking fancy but leaving looking extra sweaty, B I keep a comb handy to tame to extra volume once we stop and C I keep headbands near the toilet. You can never predict when a sudden stomach bug will hit. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The last downside was something I had never expected. It seems that short hair is something that attracts a special kind of man. Johnny has made no secret of his desire for me to cut my hair even shorter, but the truth is he loves any hair style that makes me happy. ( <i>Cheesy but true</i>) I have gotten a lot of feedback in the last few years however that makes me think that I got lucky with Johnny. One of his friends on a drunken night declared that I 'would almost be his type, except for the hair. I would never date a girl with short hair'. My response? ' Well I'm not single, but if I was if my hair was listed on your Top 5 concerns, you wouldn't have stood a chance anyways.' </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6837642569/" title="Great Hair by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Great Hair" height="433" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6837642569_027c75b0e3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>* I may never stray from this hair style * </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hannah and I were gabbing (<i> like hairdressers and clients do!</i>) during my last appointment, and she asked if when the time came for our wedding, I would be buying extensions to put in my hair. I didn't hold back from laughing at her questions. Why would I do a thing like that? Not only would Johnny have no clue who was walking down the aisle, but long hair just isn't me. I've tried darker, longer, and curlier, but none of those styles made me look like me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Having shorter hair does mean up keep appointments about every 6 weeks. I'm always amazed when even at 5 weeks since my last appointment, I will still get questions ( <i>Did you just get your hair done?</i>) and compliments ( <i>Your hair always looks so good!</i>). My roots can be showing, and my hair can be off length but people don't seem to notice. What they do notice is the fantastic accessory I'm wearing on top of my head. The fantastic accessory that finally has me looking like me. </div>
</div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-40302309774413897032012-02-07T15:16:00.000-05:002012-02-07T15:18:44.522-05:00Miskko Hair Dryer Review<div style="text-align: left;">
When the sweet people at Miskko contacted me about reviewing one of their <a href="http://www.misikko.com/hair-dryers.html" target="_blank">Hana Hair Dryers</a>, I must admit I did a little happy dance. Who me? Little ol' me with the short hair? I've read so many rave reviews about all of the Miskko products, so I was eager to let one of these items get to work on my head! <span style="text-align: left;">Since I do have shorter hair, I only blow dry my hair when necessary, or when I want to help add style. Typically blow dryers leave my hair feeling stringy and puffy so I prefer to air dry as often as possible. I was so excited to wash my hair right away and get to work blowing drying my hair! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6836081247/" title="Hana Hair Dryer by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Hana Hair Dryer" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6836081247_93e9c4a995.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Imagine my surprise when I opened the box and found not only the hair dryer, but also some other treats to help my hair stay healthy and shiny. This has to be the prettiest box I have ever received in the mail! You can really tell that the folks at Misikko care about their products and about customer service. This blow dryer was amazing. The thing I noticed right away was the temperature. This dryer never got to hot. (<i>Something that really matters with my thin hair!</i>) Typically, with my cheaper hair dryer I couldn't keep it in one spot of my head for too long or it would burn my scalp. This dryer however was warm, but never hot. I was able to use my round brush and comb, and spend my time really working my hair dry, instead of hurrying the drying process for fear of the heat. Even with the cooler temperature, my hair dried in half the time it normally takes, and it was immediately smooth and shiny( <i>without the help of any added products!</i>) . I didn't even have to use my straightener to style afterwords, because the dryer had done it all for me! This <a href="http://www.misikko.com/hair-dryers.html" target="_blank">Hana blow dryer</a> is on the higher side of the pricing scale, but spending the money now means you'll have healthier, happier hair for longer. By the end of my first use, this dryer became my favorite tool in my cabinet. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6836088301/" title="Hana Hair Dryer by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Hana Hair Dryer" height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6836088301_d8a9d3f671.jpg" width="500" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Missiko is proving that using the right tools for your hair, helps to keep your hair healthy. They also carry <a href="http://www.misikko.com/flat-irons.html" target="_blank">flat irons</a> and <a href="http://www.misikko.com/curling-irons.html" target="_blank">curling irons</a> that are as reviewed as highly as the blow dryer. If my experience with the dryer is any indication, these products are ones that will be added to my wishlist for my birthday's to come! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>* I was compensated for this post with a hair dryer for Misikko. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone* </i></span></div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-8818932449712987782012-02-05T11:28:00.000-05:002012-02-07T09:55:32.351-05:00Superbowl: Red&Blue vs Red&Blue<div style="height: 600px; position: relative; width: 600px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Football is a pretty big deal around our parts. And by pretty big deal, I mean a huge deal. Starting in September our Sunday's are consumed by football, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Despite living in the hometown of Giants training camp, we are Steeler's proud in our house. Each year my collection of black and yellow clothing items grows and grows.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6802796817/" title="Superbowl by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Superbowl" height="251" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6802796817_3f6cc041d1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Sadly the Steeler's will not be playing in this year's big game, but the Giants and the Patriots will. We'll be hosting a party for all of our Giant's friends ( and there are a lot of them!) so I will be rooting along with the crowd for the Giants to pull out a big win, but hoping that Tom Brady gets more screen time. See, I'm a girl who likes her cake and wants to eat it to. Luckily for us non Giants and Patriot fans, this year, both teams are the same colors. Which means we can show up to the party supporting both teams, without supporting either. ( <i>Get it?</i>) Also, I will most likely be wearing my yellow underwear to show my support for Troy Polamalu even though he will not be playing, and no-one will be the wiser. (<i>Well except for you all now</i>)</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-20257500728373401512012-02-01T13:50:00.002-05:002012-02-01T13:51:08.962-05:00Instagram: January photo a day<div style="text-align: center;">
When I decided at the beginning of the year that I wanted to <a href="http://www.sequinissues.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-photographic-goal.html" target="_blank">spend more time</a> focusing on photography, I wasn't just deciding on a resolution for the New Year, but actually setting some goals for myself. I wanted to continue developing my skills with my Nikon DSLR, and I also wanted to start seeing the world from a more 'photographic view'. While I brushed up on my manual for part 1 of my goals, I decided to join the January photo a day challenge on <a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/sequinissues" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to help me get started on part 2. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6802228523/" title="Jan Photo a Day by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Jan Photo a Day" height="496" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6802228523_338542ecfb.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Some of my images from the month: </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>[1] day 5- something you wore [2] day 4- letterbox [3] day 8- your sky [4] day 9- daily routine [5] day 10- childhood [11] day 14- something you're reading [12] day 16- morning [13] day 17- water [14] day 18- something you bought [15] day 19- sweet [16] day 20- someone you love [17] day 21- reflection [18] day 22- your shoes [18] day 23- something old [19] day 26- colors [20] day 27- lunch</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While I don't own an iPhone which boasts an impressive 8 megapixels, my 0.63 megapixel iPod touch gets the job done just fine. I like having an intended image to capture each day. Thirty days later, I'm already seeing a difference in the way I look at everyday items. Instead of seeing fruit in a basket while I grocery shop, I'm seeing a future cropped, lightly focused imaged. Seems my 0.63 megapixel challenge is just the tool for helping me reach my goal! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Follow me on <a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/sequinissues" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to see my February photo a day challenge! </div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-61426406732515866792012-01-26T16:13:00.000-05:002012-01-26T16:25:48.195-05:00Memory Making<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6760542949/" title="Memory Making by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Memory Making" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6760542949_75ff0c1a58.jpg" width="164" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last year I was seated on a jury in a higher profile case for our area. Unless you've been on a jury, it's hard to explain just what the deliberation process is like. ( <i>Though <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWNTyXq3XIQ" target="_blank">this commercial</a> is a pretty close representation!</i>) Whenever my family and friends bring it up, I find myself saying over and over that it is not an experience that I will soon forget. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6760551881/" title="Memory Making by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Memory Making" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6760551881_32eeb82be1.jpg" width="199" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
In fact during the trial I would come home each night and could say nothing else ( <i>legally of course</i>) except, "well I've got more to add to the story I'll tell our grandchildren years from now". If the news cameras and the live twitter updates from the courtroom weren't enough to tip me off, I was in the middle of making a life memory. My courtroom memories were obvious though. It was a once in a lifetime experience, and I knew while I was in the moment that I would tell stories about this, and re-live these conversations for the next 30+ years. </div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6760567497/" title="Memory Making by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Memory Making" height="308" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6760567497_e4367ba4ff.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lately I've been thinking a lot about the memories we'll hold on to, that we don't realize we're making. When I'm teaching my granddaughter the secret to the perfect cookies ( <i>assuming I've discovered it by then</i>), what moments from my life now as a 25 year old will be deemed moments worth telling her about? Who knows what simple tasks each day, are becoming memories ingrained in our minds. There won't always be news cameras and twitter updates to make things quite so obvious. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6760556487/" title="Memory Making by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Memory Making" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6760556487_00a814fd2b.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-75436627694805766122012-01-24T10:55:00.000-05:002012-01-24T10:55:12.584-05:00Favorite of Days<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6730726697/" title="Getting back on the bandwagong by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Getting back on the bandwagong" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6730726697_70c154a901.jpg" width="173" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sunday's have become my favorite day of the week. In September I would have said that Sunday's rocked because of football. Now that the season is coming to an end, Sunday's take on a more productive role. As an obsessive list maker, Sunday's have become the perfect day to get it all done. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6730733145/" title="Getting back on the band wagon by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Getting back on the band wagon" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6730733145_a43a38d5eb.jpg" width="159" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Most weeknights, after dinner I have just enough time to decide between enjoying the evening relaxing, or checking something off of my ever growing To-Do list around the house. Even if I'm feeling motivated and opt to check something off the list, it's likely that I'll only get one thing done before bed time will creep up on me. Sunday's though are a different story. With the whole day to take advantage of I can accomplish a few different projects, take a nap and have time to relax on the couch with Johnny all before bed. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6730737251/" title="Getting back on the band wagon by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Getting back on the band wagon" height="308" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6730737251_918d1a4c6e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
By the time I climbed into bed last Sunday, 2 loads of laundry had been completed, the dishes had been done, the DVD cabinet had been organized, I had edited over 600 photos, taken a nap, taken out the garbage, watched both football games and organized my nail polish and hair product boxes. The house was clean, my list was shorter and I was ready to face the new week. Oh the sweet feeling of productivity. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6730730381/" title="Getting back on the band wagon by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Getting back on the band wagon" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6730730381_beefaefefd.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-70320353031343311812012-01-19T10:46:00.000-05:002012-01-19T10:46:46.162-05:00100 Day Detox Final Thoughts<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here I am almost a month after my 100 days Shopping Free ended, and I'm finally feeling ready to talk about it. It may be dramatic to say that this challenge changed my life, so instead I'll say that it changed the way that I view shopping for what I hope to be ever. I've always had what I deemed an appropriate relationship with shopping, though I have gone through many phases. At times I shopped to fill a need, at times for fun, sometimes I made purchases for the retail therapy, and other times I liked the thrill of adding to my closet. I have always been a bargain shopper and have never made a purchase instead of paying a bill, so in my mind my relationship was still an appropriate one. A few years ago, shopping had become a past time for me. Each night after work I would stop by a different store and I would never walk out empty handed. I didn't have another pass time to occupy myself with, and so I let shopping fill that need. I quickly recognized that I was headed down a dark road, and cut back to trips once a week to my local thrift stores. I set strict rules for my purchases ( <i>only if it will work with 3 other things in my closet</i> ) and I decided to start re-mixing more and purchasing less. I was settled into a new, even more appropriate relationship with shopping. Naturally during the last year or so, I have begun to shop less frequently. I simply don't find the desire to as strong as I once did. That isn't to say though that after a particularly hard day at work I don't hear the voice in the back of my head saying loud, ' You deserve to spend some time unwinding by sorting through racks. Maybe they still have that sweater you want. You have a coupon anyways, why not go? '. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When I first heard about the 100 day detox hosted by the <a href="http://www.unpretentiousteacher.com/" target="_blank">Unpretentious Teacher</a>, my first thought was ' Wow that's a long time. I would do that if I had a problem but I don't.' About 15 minutes later I realized my mistake. I had dismissed the idea, clearly showing my problem. If there is no problem, then why not do it? I had challenged myself in that moment, went right to my blog and posted my participation for the world to see. There was no backing out now. I did a quick count, Christmas Day would mark the end to my challenge and in my way stood holiday shopping, Black Friday and my birthday. What exactly was I thinking?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My biggest surprise? This challenge wasn't so hard. On approximately 5 occasions I sat at my desk and thought, ' Man I would really like to go shopping after work today. Guess I'll have to do something else', and all of those times happened during the first 2 months. After that I just didn't give it much thought. Suddenly, instead of thinking about shopping I was filling my time with my passions, reading and photography. I went with my girlfriends and sisters to the mall and some of my favorite stores and purchased nothing. I even tried some items on to simply leave them on the rack when we were done. I simply didn't need those items. Even more importantly? I was saving money. That extra $20 each week I may have used to pick up a few great thrifted items, was now going right to the bank. I did make <a href="http://www.sequinissues.blogspot.com/2011/12/shopping-detox-update.html" target="_blank">one purchase</a> during the challenge, a watch which I blogged about and consider my exception, something I had denoted at the beginning. My family kept joking about the impending shopping spree that would occur once Christmas Day would come, and I hadn't thought they were wrong. Instead however, the holiday's came and went with no purchases. I had started this project with the intention of going 100 days without shopping, and about 75 days in I realized, that I just don't need to be shopping like I had once thought. Eventually of course I would make a purchase. I bought 3 button downs and a Mustard Sweater from an off-price store near my house about 2 1/2 weeks after the challenge lifted. Just this week I also bought a Christian Siriano purse and a Red Leather Jacket from the Goodwill that I found while shopping for a costume. Mostly though, I've been saving my money to make some purchases for my camera. The relationships I had before with shopping may have been appropriate, but the relationship I have now is healthy, and that is a much better place to be. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6673060555/" title="IMG_0463 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0463" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6673060555_b5c3fc343e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-88334252357905437372012-01-17T13:40:00.001-05:002012-01-17T13:40:45.535-05:00Stylish in the City<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6712338495/" title="Stylish in the City by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Stylish in the City" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6712338495_ef765fc724.jpg" width="178" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last Saturday, Johnny and I headed with some friends to New York City for the day. I know how to look chic for a day spent walking in 70 degree weather, but in 10 degree weather the situation changes. It's about form over function. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6712350677/" title="Stylish in the City by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Stylish in the City" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6712350677_67e84eda7b.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I live the life of a suburban girl, which means that upon leaving the house each morning I bundle up to brave the elements before reaching my warmed up car, and then face them again before entering my warm office. I change out of winter boots and hang up my thick jacket and I have my stylish layers underneath, untainted by the weather. A trip we took to the city last December taught me the hard way, there is a time to be cute and a time to be practical, and the snowy season in NY is no time to be cute. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6712368987/" title="Stylish in the City by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Stylish in the City" height="308" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6712368987_9014d45738.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Johnny's family in Long Island often mentions that the temperatures are colder in Albany. A true fact. What they lack in temperature they make up for in wind. I wore my fleece lined leggings ( <i>have you discovered these things yet?!</i>) under a pair of jeans, and layered a knit sweater under my ski jacket. I was feeling a bit puffy, but I stayed warm all day. My first day back to the office I was greeted by a broken heating system. I froze all day and couldn't help wishing I had kept my 'city walking' outfit handy for my 'suburban job'. Maybe in 10 degree weather it is never about function over form. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6712359297/" title="Stylish in the City by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Stylish in the City" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6712359297_64a8d00f75.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-2833162206168082002012-01-13T13:47:00.000-05:002012-01-13T13:47:02.253-05:00Rocky Horror Picture Show<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6664104447/" title="Rocky Horror Picture Show by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Rocky Horror Picture Show" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6664104447_e82f6fa9b0.jpg" width="164" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are a number of 'classic' movies that I have not yet seen. Up until a few nights ago, Rocky Horror Picture Show was on that list. A few months ago I told Johnny that since I had until now gone 25 years without seeing the cult classic movie, I felt like my first time should involve the full experience. I wanted a showing with all the dressed up fans and the screen shout-outs. I wanted the Rocky Horror works. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6664116033/" title="Rocky Horror Picture Show by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Rocky Horror Picture Show" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6664116033_92b9f1ed8b.jpg" width="182" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>* CAUTION: Spoiler Alerts Ahead * </i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
It took a few months of keeping my eyes out before I was finally able to find a theater in the Capital area who was showing the movie. Johnny's sister is a fan of the movie and I knew she would love to join me, and we convinced a friend ( <i>a fellow ' virgin'</i> ) to join us for the evening. Being that I knew very little going in my expectations were pretty low, but they were more then exceeded. Our experience included the movie and actors on stage right below, who acted out the movie while it played. At first I was freaked out by the birdseed being thrown around me, but was completely on board by the time we had to duck and cover our heads with newsprint. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6664140793/" title="Rocky Horror Picture Show by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Rocky Horror Picture Show" height="281" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6664140793_892244699a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We had so much fun. Not only was it great to experience the classic that is Rocky Horror, but it was nice to have a fun casual evening out with my friends. We jumped up and did the Time Warp, and we giggled our way through the make-out sessions. The only thing missing was glasses of wine and prop bags of our very own. ( <i>Things we now know for next time!</i>) At $8 a ticket, we all agreed we got more then our money's worth. For less then a movie ticket we each had a great time, saw a movie and had an entertaining evening. I plan to keep checking out the theater troop's website and head over for some future shows. I won't be showing up in my corset, but I will come prepared with some high heels and handfuls of glitter. Who doesn't love a performance that includes showers of glitter? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6664126485/" title="Rocky Horror Picture Show by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Rocky Horror Picture Show" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6664126485_febdc6c406.jpg" width="212" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Consider me a Rocky Horror Convert. ( <i>but not that kind </i>;) )</div>
</div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-69030959527258011322012-01-10T08:58:00.002-05:002012-01-10T08:58:46.452-05:00Arm Party: My place, anytime<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6499228181/" title="Instagram Arm Party by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Instagram Arm Party" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6499228181_5020dfe355.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The<a href="http://www.manrepeller.com/"> Man Repeller</a> coined the phrase, and I have been taking full advantage of it's meaning. There has been an Arm Party at the end of my appendage each day! It seems my family is taking notice to with a beautiful bracelet from my mother as a birthday gift and an amazing silver cuff from my sister in law as a Christmas gift. Move over necklaces, it seems bracelets are taking over as the most worn accessory in my collection. </div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-53396602370042654502012-01-09T10:41:00.000-05:002012-01-09T10:41:12.363-05:00Simple Warmth<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6600898773/" title="Simple Warmth by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Simple Warmth" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6600898773_3f0a0a546e.jpg" width="193" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
During the middle of last week, temperatures here in New York took a dive. Apparently Mother Nature suddenly realized that it's actually winter. We still haven't seen any snow, but I don't think that it's far behind. With our mild conditions up till now, I had gotten used to dressing for a weak winter. When I woke up to find it 8 degrees outside, I realized that I had forgotten just what warm weather dressing was all about. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6443235351/" title="stripesbeige3 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="stripesbeige3" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6443235351_7b02e49f7d.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>( via Jill from <a href="http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Good Life for Less</a> )</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
An 8 degree day called for inspiration, and luckily I had this photo of the lovely Jill from The Good Life for Less, sitting in my online inspiration folder. I often get caught in the trap of thinking that when it comes to layers, more is more. With her outfit combination, Jill reminded me that that isn't always the case. </div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6600914747/" title="Simple Warmth by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Simple Warmth" height="308" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6600914747_e6b6500851.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A simple long sleeve shirt, and a Zara sweater ( <i>an amazing Goodwill find</i>) were the perfect layering pieces for a cold day. I didn't spend my day fussing with buttons or extra items. Instead I hovered close to my space heater and enjoyed the warmth from my simple layers. Lesson learned, less really can be more. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6600904085/" title="Simple Warmth by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Simple Warmth" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6600904085_7efc43d71f.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-58141642745422658002012-01-06T14:04:00.000-05:002012-01-06T14:04:20.118-05:002012 Photographic Goal<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6648328511/" title="2011 Photo Wrap Up 6 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="2011 Photo Wrap Up 6" height="374" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6648328511_f35f846997.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
My second goal for 2012, is to continue to improve my photography. When Johnny got me my Nikon D5000 for Christmas in 2010, I'm not sure even he knew what an extension of my arms that camera would become. </div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6648193459/" title="2011 Photo Wrap Up 1 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="2011 Photo Wrap Up 1" height="208" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6648193459_81b96c631d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I loved having my camera with me this year. It was great to be able to ease myself into seeing the world through the viewfinder. I spent time finding new ways of looking at life's moments, and capturing them all on 'film'. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6648210631/" title="2011 Photo Wrap Up 3 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img <="" a="" alt="2011 Photo Wrap Up 3" height="260" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6648210631_3109639c69.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6648210631/" title="2011 Photo Wrap Up 3 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr">
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6648210631/" title="2011 Photo Wrap Up 3 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6648210631/" title="2011 Photo Wrap Up 3 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr">
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6648210631/" title="2011 Photo Wrap Up 3 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr">N</a>ow after a year of trial and error I'm ready to jump into the photographic waters cannon ball style. I've studied my SLR books cover to cover, I've downloaded some new E-books and I've got my <a href="http://www.digital-photography-school.com/" target="_blank">Digital Photography School</a> articles coming each week. Using my camera's automatic mode just isn't going to cut it for 2012.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6648210631/" title="2011 Photo Wrap Up 3 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr">
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6648210631/" title="2011 Photo Wrap Up 3 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr">
</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6648197859/" title="2011 Photo Wrap Up 2 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="2011 Photo Wrap Up 2" height="251" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6648197859_cc47181e8d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
To start the year off right I joined in two photo challenges, the first using my Nikon DSLR hosted by a local photographer in my area. Each week through-out 2012 she'll post a challenge and I'll share my photographic results on my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/sets/72157628725494157/" target="_blank">flickr page</a>. I also joined a less formal photo a day challenge on <a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/sequinissues" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. My itouch may not have the same megapixels as my SLR, but I'm excited to push my ideas for each day's challenge through-out January. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6648231593/" title="2011 Photo Wrap Up 4 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="2011 Photo Wrap Up 4" height="461" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6648231593_fee8d8d9d2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm not sure where my images will take me, or how long this 'hobby' will last. What I do know is that me and my camera are ready to take on the world in 2012, one photo at a time. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6648236577/" title="2011 Photo Wrap Up 5 by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="2011 Photo Wrap Up 5" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6648236577_02d8ba7635.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">* All photos taken in 2011 except for the first *</span></i></div>
Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-88270318927394824062012-01-03T13:34:00.001-05:002012-01-03T13:34:30.660-05:00New Years Goals<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6628783151/" title="New Years Goals by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="New Years Goals" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6628783151_a0e1c345a6.jpg" width="196" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm not usually one who get's behind making 'New Years resolutions', but do stand behind setting long term goals through out the year. I am constantly setting and re-evaluating my goals and plans, and the start of January allows for a great opportunity to establish some new goals for the upcoming months. I've set two goals for the new year. The first of the two, is to work on my listening. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6628798669/" title="New Years Goals by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="New Years Goals" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6628798669_cd50f07588.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At times my listening skills are not as strong as I my speaking skills. I'm thinking about what I'm going to say next and not always paying close attention to what is being said to me. I know that there are even occasions where sometimes the to-do lists and ever running thoughts in my head tend to speak louder then the people I am with. Allowing myself to listen to the thoughts in my head instead of the voices of others in the room with me, can make me feel not present in situations, and a bit lost in conversation. I have got to work on my listen to people. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6628804799/" title="New Years Goal by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="New Years Goal" height="308" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6628804799_b3be585e64.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In 2012 I also want to spend some time learning to listen to me. Last year was a medically <a href="http://www.sequinissues.blogspot.com/search/label/Heels%20Nude%20Patent%20Leather" target="_blank">exhausting year</a> for me. I know that this one won't be any calmer. I am slowly learning what life with chronic migraines means, what things effect me and how I can manage them. I need to learn who this new me is, and the best way to do that will be to stop and listen. I want to integrate yoga and meditation into my life, and experience listening to what my body is saying on the inside. I need to pay attention for little cues my body gives off letting me know we have reached our physical max. I have got to also work on listening to me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6628789209/" title="New Years Goals by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="New Years Goals" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6628789209_dc7b975c66.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's to a happier, healthier New Year and keeping all of our goals! </div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-65085702901050360262012-01-01T10:30:00.000-05:002012-01-01T10:30:03.035-05:00New Years Wish<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6600711657/" title="New Years Wish by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="New Years Wish" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6600711657_cc0ab1d3ea.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-19554984567108201422011-12-31T15:00:00.000-05:002011-12-31T15:00:04.921-05:00Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you have a safe and fun New Years! See you in 2012!</span></center><center><br /></center><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aSq1cez_flQ" width="520"></iframe></center>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-66781686403799155802011-12-31T11:00:00.000-05:002011-12-31T11:00:12.508-05:002011 Wrap Up<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 is quickly approaching. I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. I started a journal a few years ago, where on the last day of the year I right down some key things about the year thats ending. It's a great way to reflect on the past year, and some of the changes in our lives. Instead of 'journaling' down key moments like I do in our year end notebook here, I thought a photographic representation of the year would be better. </span><br />
<br />
<center><br /></center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6601378627/" title="2011 Wrap Up- Jan-March by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="2011 Wrap Up- Jan-March" height="358" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6601378627_e3b1f37f9a.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6601400259/" title="2011 Wrap Up April- June by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="2011 Wrap Up April- June" height="368" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6601400259_566347cc0a.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6601424197/" title="2011 Wrap Up July- Sep by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="2011 Wrap Up July- Sep" height="368" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6601424197_d167d5e8b4.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6601445741/" title="2011 Wrap Up- Oct- Dec by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="2011 Wrap Up- Oct- Dec" height="368" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6601445741_827c94e46c.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">One of my resolutions last year was to dedicate more time to blogging, and I think I achieved my goal. It was a style filled year for me as I learned to work with a new body, and a new attitude towards daily fashion. The biggest thing gained during 2011 may have been my amazing hair stylist I met last Spring. ( <i>Can you even remember when I had dark brown hair? What was I thinking?!</i> ) I'm still working on some goals for 2012, and figuring out just where I want my priorities to be in the New Year. I do know that my blonde hair, and those black skinnies will be sticking around.</span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></center><center style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for sticking with me for 2011! I can't wait to see what 2012 has for us all! </span></center></center></center></center>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-56334454081119196362011-12-30T10:49:00.002-05:002011-12-30T10:49:46.133-05:00Post Holiday Mayhem<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6600619505/" title="Post Holiday Mayhem by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Post Holiday Mayhem" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6600619505_ca646c35eb.jpg" width="246" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope your holidays were as peaceful as mine! Unfortunately Johnny had to take off to Florida to be with family so I packed up my comfiest pajamas and headed to the country to spend a quiet Christmas with my family. We celebrated together for 2 days enjoying Black and White movies, conversations and the warmth of the fire. It was one of the calmest holiday's I've had in quite awhile. Not to worry though, as soon as I picked Johnny up from the airport and we settled in back at home, chaos moved right back in.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6600653901/" title="Post Holiday Mayhem by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Post Holiday Mayhem" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6600653901_92f64bb2e2.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had one day off before my return to work, in which we originally intended to cook for my family. I called them early to get a rain check. The house was in disarray, and I knew I had a mountain of cleaning a head. What I didn't know was that by lunchtime instead of cleaning I'd be hiding under the covers trying to ward off a headache. Even in our quiet house and with the best nurse anyone could ask for, it was no use. I had a migraine approaching and there was no stopping it. I made it to work the next day, but not without tears. Medication wasn't working and I could barely see out of my left eye. It only really hurt when I moved, or blinked, or coughed. An hour after leaving the house, I arrived back at home as what I'm sure resembled a blubbering mess. Johnny tucked me into bed, brought me water and a sandwich and about 24 hours after it began, the haze lifted. Forget cleaning supplies though. We can live in dirt for a few more days, I'm just glad to be blinking again. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6600659809/" title="Post Holiday Mayhem by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Post Holiday Mayhem" height="308" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6600659809_330f471746.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can see no reason for what brought on my sudden migraine attack. Johnny mentioned that maybe my body was reacting to all of the holiday stress after the fact. I was inclined to agree. Until I made it to work the following day. A few meetings later and it seems my job tasks would be changing. In our small business, many of us wear a few different hats, and it seems they need me to bring back a hat I haven't worn in quite some time. I'm starting to think my body wasn't recuperating from past stress but preparing for the impending. Maybe next time my body knows something I don't it can give me some other sort of warning signal? I'd prefer a fruit basket with a nicely worded card. What can I say, I'm a planner and there is never a good time to plan for post holiday mayhem. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6600643001/" title="Post Holiday Mayhem by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Post Holiday Mayhem" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6600643001_f8df0609f7.jpg" width="236" /></a>
</div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-60414670556774119292011-12-25T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-25T08:00:11.911-05:00Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6545968031/" title="Merry Chrismtas by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Merry Chrismtas" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6545968031_692b004fba.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you all enjoy your holidays! </span></div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-47528093374563953782011-12-23T12:13:00.000-05:002011-12-23T12:13:45.355-05:00Holiday Tradition: Ornaments as a Gift<div style="text-align: left;">
For our first Christmas together, one of his gifts I gave Johnny was an ornament that was representative of our past year together. It's become something we do every year. I look forward to finding one thing that will mark the past year, and he looks forward to seeing just what moment I've chosen to hang on our tree. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6545812953/" title="Ornaments by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Ornaments" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6545812953_86167c9d53.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This year as we hung each ornament we realized that 2010 seems to have gone missing. What's worse is I can't even remember what ornament I had gotten. I'm holding out hope that it'll show up when we bring all the boxes back out to pack all of our decorations back up. If not I may need to do some post-holiday ornament purchasing. Is it wrong to replace the 2010 ornament? Will it even matter 20 years from now if one in our collection happens to be a replacement year? </div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320979159033647445.post-1973298113644746672011-12-22T11:14:00.002-05:002011-12-22T11:14:46.170-05:00Wrapping Wars<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6546002247/" title="Wrapping Wars by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Wrapping Wars" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6546002247_d9383ae638.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I happen to love wrapping gifts, until I've been at it for about hours that is. It's almost as if I forget about the exhaustion that is gift wrapping each year. I excitedly pick out the perfect wrapping paper at the start of the season, I gather all of our gifts, lay out boxes and gift tags and let the gift wrapping begin. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6546008373/" title="Wrapping Wars by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Wrapping Wars" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6546008373_a43cde43de.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It isn't all bad of course:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Enjoying delicious cups of Hot Chocolate while I wrap</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Thinking about all of our friends and families faces as they unwrap their gifts</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- The feeling of accomplishment as each wrapped gift gets tucked under the tree</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- The sweet sounds of Christmas tunes playing in the background</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few hours in though, and I can't remember any of those good things:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- The back ache from bending over all the gifts</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Running out of tape always when you need just one more strip</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- My manicure, which is no match for wrapping paper apparently</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Realizing that you spelled a family members name wrong on your very last gift tag, what's worse? Realizing that you spelled your own name wrong in your haze</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- The inevitable insomnia that will follow after spending 4 hours downing Hot chocolate to keep up the pace</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6546029727/" title="Wrapping Wars by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Wrapping Wars" height="285" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6546029727_099e64816d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It's somewhere around 10pm that I realize just why it makes sense to donate money to the gift wrapping tables in the mall and have them take care of some of the wrapping for me. Around 10:15pm though I dragged myself back out of the slump and finished up my wrapping. I would have felt weird letting someone else wrap my gifts even if it was for charity. Seeing everything under the tree and ready made me feel accomplished and proud. It isn't always smooth sailing, but it's still a tradition. Besides who ever said all holiday traditions had to be fun? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55119734@N08/6546015329/" title="Wrapping Wars by internalsequinissues, on Flickr"><img alt="Wrapping Wars" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6546015329_bbfe1130e3.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>Kayla Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526740665208500150noreply@blogger.com2