1. I’m currently taking a linguistics class on endangered languages, and have found myself becoming more and more fascinated by languages. I found an article from The New York Times recently that really peaked my interest. Called, “Does Your Language Shape How You Think?” it details the findings of various studies exploring this question. With some languages focusing on gender in words, others understanding time in different ways, it’s a very interesting look at how we can be fashioned by what we say.

2. I am in love with this article from NPR. Called, “Learning Who You Are Through What You Eat“, it chronicles how your ethnic foods may have a relation to who you are as a person. As fascinating as the article above, it just uses a different medium as a way of finding out how our cultures can shape us.

Green Owls Nest Photo Birth Announcement from Cardstore.com

Owl Cupcakes from Flickr photographer jdesmeules

Owl Ring from Rachel Roy

Owl Invasion Apron from Anthropologie

Sleepy Owls Pillow from Etsy vendor OutonaLimbDesign

I’ve been on a real letters kick lately. I’ve been obsessing over letters on rings, necklaces, bracelets, stationery, walls, and everywhere possible! When I found this Vintage Typewriter Necklace from Etsy vendor Buster and Boo I knew it was the one I had to have. What’s cooler that wearing the keys from the machine that types the letters? I love the black against the white, and the vintage feel of it. I really love the X O, but I may need to do a V for Vanessa… such a tough decision!

Cardstore.com Fall Leaves Photo Card

Maple Leaf Earrings from etsy shop alibalijewellery

Oak Leaf Necklace from etsy shop freshyfig

Leaf Bag from etsy shop sineminugur

Leaf Appetizer Plates from etsy shop marywibis

Boyscout patches are pretty cute on their own, but I’m dying over these handmade patches from etsy shop leemeszaros. Wouldn’t these make the sweetest touch on an otherwise simple jacket?  I love all of her patches. Go take a look!

Cardstore.com Thanks a Latte Card by Paper Loop

Vintage Coffee Sign from For the Love of Coffee

Latte Bowls from Anthropologie

Dish Towel from Anthropologie

Latte Art from here

Red French Press by Bodum at Sur La Table

Lately I’ve found myself drawn to pops of color. A simple button down white shirt or a little black dress with a pop of color accessory is all I want. Instead of sticking with shoes, earrings, or a bag for the accessory, I love this skinny belt from Etsy vendor By The Belt. The color would spice any outfit up, and that belt buckle is beyond cute! I think it provides just the right color before we enter the more subdued shades of fall. What would you wear it with?

1. Helping a Toddler Grieve: This article from the NYT blog, Motherlode, was instantly touching. After losing her husband unexpectedly, writer Julia began tracing her grief–and how the death affected her toddler–on her blog Dear Miss Audrey. If you have some time, and some kleenex, be sure to head on over to the blog. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop reading.

2. What Is It About 20-Somethings?: A thorough, interesting article that takes a look at the increasing lack of maturity of emerging adults. It explores the issue, dictating, “The 20s are when most people accumulate almost all of their formal education; when most people meet their future spouses and the friends they will keep; when most people start on the careers that they will stay with for many years. This is when adventures, experiments, travels, relationships are embarked on with an abandon that probably will not happen again.” With this all in mind, it questions, “Does that mean it’s a good thing to let 20-somethings meander — or even to encourage them to meander — before they settle down?”

Vanessa:

1. Digital Overload: Your Brain On Gadgets - Like most people today, I sometimes wonder if there’s any chance for escape anymore. Constantly surrounded by social networking sites where you can know where everyone is, phones that let you contact each other at any time, and computers that can keep you updated, it seems as if there’s never a chance to breathe! This article from NPR (which I found after listening to the amazing interview), really tackles the question of how our brains are changing from all of this technology. Along with many points, I found it fascinating that, “heavy video game playing may release dopamine, which is thought to be involved with addictive behaviors”. You have to check this article out; it has prompted me to try to scale back on my digital overload.

2. Students, Welcome to College; Parents, Go Home - In this age of often hyper-involved parents, it seems that the time to say goodbye to freshmen when they head to college is becoming more and more difficult. Parents are making an effort to skype children, text and call them, pick them up for lunch and weekend dates, and are making it harder for some students to break out on their own. Some schools are even going so far as to having “Parting Ceremonies” in which the parents must formally leave their children behind. What do you think? Are parents too involved or is this a great way for families to stay in touch?

I seem to be drawn to clocks of all shapes and sizes lately–probably out of my desperate need for some organization in my life right now!  I love this delicate scalloped blue clock from Etsy shop uncommon. All of the details are just right! Plus, it’s versatile; I can see it placed anywhere from a baby nursery to my own bedroom!

Cardstore.com Boys Birth Announcement by Carrot & Stick Press

Anchor Cupcakes from Flickr User WhippedBakeshop

Anchor Charm Bracelet from Nordstrom.com by Betsey Johnson

Embroidered Anchor Home Accent from Etsy Shop PinkTigerTextiles

Anchor Earrings from Etsy Shop FallorFly

Anchor Charm from Etsy Shop LoriCitay