Paris: Part Three

Sunday, September 29, 2013

I realize I went to Paris like two months ago, but I am still going through all of my pictures! Here are a couple photos from when we went to the Sacre-Cœur. This was my favorite day spent in Paris. A lot of it was spent wandering through the twisting streets of Paris, and gorging on crepes for dinner. That was the night I fell in love with Paris.
It's kind of funny. While in Europe, I thought I hated Paris. I thought it was too crowded, and I though it was my least favorite city. After coming home, however, I find myself wishing I could go back there the most. I don't think I got a good enough taste of it. I have really been longing for travel this week, and going through the pictures I took transport me back to those moments. The moments spent being on top of Paris, seeing it all around me, walking up the steps to the Sacre-Coeur, and stepping foot inside. Walking slowly through it, examining and taking in everything around me. My favorite was the people, kneeling in worship, and lighting candles. The quiet atmosphere as everyone took in the beauty that surrounded them, and found peace in the still air. 

Afterwards, walking through the streets with a bunch of strangers I know call my friends, looking for someplace to eat, but enjoying the buzz of a Paris weekend taking place all around us. Walking to the Moulin Rouge, and stopping at the corner to get a banana and Nutella crepe, each bite oozing hazelnut greatness onto your fingers. Taking a moment to look up and around, and realizing you were home in a city you had just become acquainted with.

Of course my first home will always be wherever my family is, and the people that mean most to me, but being in a place that just seems to get who and what I am... that is a whole different kind of home to me. Traveling to new and familiar places will always be a second home. 

I am so glad I had the opportunity to travel to such lovely places this summer. It has forever changed me, and the way I view things. I will never forget the people I met, and the experiences I had. And I will never forget the day I fell in love with Paris.

Kiddo Conversations

Saturday, September 21, 2013

I don't know why I didn't start something like this earlier. I am just realizing that my kids (the ones I work with) say the funniest things in all the land, and that I should probably document them somewhere. I have chosen here, so you can all enjoy them with me. Haha

Here are some of my most recent kiddo conversations. Please enjoy..

Kiddo: How old are you?
Me: 20
Kiddo: Ok, so you are an adult! So you don't have kidneys anymore. You have adultneys!

Kiddo: Ooo you mean if a pencil breaks you can sharpen it, and it will come back?!
Me: Yes, sir!
Kiddo: Wow! It's like magic!

Kiddo: Can I take my shirt off?
Me: Uh... No.
~Five minutes later~
Kiddo: Shelby, can I PLEASE take my shirt off?
Me: No!!
Kiddo: But I'm so hot... In both ways! 



~After child takes out a wand looking thing that he has made using tinfoil and a pencil~
Me:What is that?
Kiddo: Just something I like to keep.
Me: Is it a wand?
Kiddo: No.
Me: Umm.. is it a lightsaber?
Kiddo: No.
Me:......... Is it a sonic screwdriver?
Kiddo: Yes...
Me: ~high five~!


My kiddos are the coolest kids around!

9.20.13

Friday, September 20, 2013

Alright ladies (and possibly some gents), it is time to answer some more questions. First question...

(If you want to to get married) what kind of bouquet would you want?

I guess I should start by saying that, yes, I do want to get married someday. I have always wanted to get married. I think marriage is a wonderful thing, and I plan on waiting as long as it takes to be with someone I know I will be married to always. 

As for the bouquet... my word, I have never really put much thought into that. When I think of a "dream" wedding, I kind of fog over the whole bouquet thing. I am glad you asked this, because it made me actually think about it. Of course, I went on over to my trusty side-kick Pinterest for some advice. Here is what I came up with..
Let me start off by saying that I am OBSESSED with sunflowers. They are my absolute favorite, so of course this bouquet caught my eye. Although if I am being honest, this is a little big for my taste. I would definitely want something a little smaller. I like simple. 
Here is another one I am just in love with. I am very indecisive when it comes to basically everything, so I think as long as my bouquet has a pop of yellow in it I will be fine. I just love the yellow in this. It is quite lovely. 

Alright, now for possibly the most important question I was asked....

Who is your favorite 1D member?

Oh my goodness, without a doubt in my mind it is this beautiful human right here..
I mean lets be real here you guys. His style, his hair, his voice, his tattoos... my word his tattoos. He is just my favorite, and his style is seriously unreal. He just needs to stop it. So yeah, I love Harry Styles. Don't judge.

9.17.13

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Alright, so a few of you came up with some lovely questions, and I can't even wait to answer them all!! Here is the first question I chose.

What is a day in the life of you, really?
 
I honestly live a very typical and unoriginal life. I hope that this post doesn't bore you to tears. Haha I don't know the best way to do this... probably just a little schedule. Here goes nothing...

7:30-9:30- Sometime in between there I decided to wake up. Usually depends on how late I am up the night prior.. obviously. 

9:30-9:40- Force myself to get out of bed. I usually check my email, instagram, and respond to any texts (I am pro at falling asleep on people while texting). 
 
9:40- 10:00- Go downstairs, and pour myself a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats. I like to wait for everyone to be gone in my house before I venture downstairs. I enjoy the quiet. I also don't turn on any lights throughout my morning routine. I love the natural light in the morning. It is the perfect start to the day.

10:00- 10:30- I get back into bed, grab my computer, and read all my daily blogs. There are a lot of them, so it takes a little while. This is my absolute favorite part of my day hands down. It allows me to connect with all you lovely bloggers, and it is always a source of inspiration for the day. It gives me ideas for what I want to do each day, or keeps me thinking throughout the day. I am so grateful to follow along with so many inspiring ladies. 

10:30- 11:30- By now I usually decide to shower, and what not. Get ready for the day I guess. My second favorite part of the day is choosing what I am going to wear that day. I love putting together outfits. I usually don't wear the outfits I put together though. Unless I am going somewhere in the morning, I usually just put on some gym shorts and a band tee after I shower. I pick out an outfit every day though, just in case I do something fun in the evening, and because it is a way to keep my creative juices flowing. 

11:30- 12:00- This is complete free time. Sometimes I clean. Sometimes I read. Sometimes I edit pictures. It all depends on what I feel like doing that day. 

12:00- 12:30- This is when I decide to eat lunch. A typical Shelby lunch consists of a pb&j sandwich, and a Go-Go Applesauce (at least lately). Have you guys ever had those applesauce things?! I am seriously obsessed! After I make a delicious pb&j on multi-grain bread, I sit down in my favorite chair, turn on the TV, and watch the latest episode of Ellen. You guys, I am OBSESSED with Ellen. She can make any bad day good, I promise. 

12:30- 2:30- This is more free time. It seriously changes every day, soo it all depends. A lot of the time I will use this time to update my blog. That usually takes me a little while. 

2:30- 6:00- This is when I go to work. I work every single weekday, so my schedule is very consistent. I work for and after school program in an elementary school. It is literally the best job in the entire world. This is my third year working there, and these kids have complete hold of my heart. I don't know what I would do without them. It is the one part of my day where I can check everything that is going on in my life at the door, and just hang out with these awesome kids. Today we made this stuff called Moon Dough, and my kids DIED over it. I felt pretty good about myself. Haha

6:00- 9:00- MORE free time. Man, I didn't realize how much free time I have. I am usually starving by the time I get home, so that is definitely a must. The majority of the night is spent hanging out with my family. We usually are watching some kind of TV show together. Other than that I am usually reading, or in an intense conversation with my bestie Emma. For reals, it is part of the routine. I usually am checking social media and what not. It is just great. 

9:00- whatever time of the night or early morning- This is when I venture back to my room, and back to my lovely bed. I usually spend the night listening to music, checking social media, and reading. Just something nice and relaxing before bed. It's whatever. I quite enjoy this quiet time at the end of the night. I get to start of my days quiet, and end the same way. 

So as you all can see, my life is in no way glamorous. Obviously, somedays things are spiced up a little bit. I will go out with friends in the evening, explore the mountains in the morning, or plan a photo shoot or two. I am not boring all the time. I applaud any of you who made it through that entire thing. As a reward here is a video of One Direction singing with puppies...
 


9.16.13

Monday, September 16, 2013


So I have decided I need to keep myself distracted. This is why I am coming to all of you lovely ladies (and a few gentlemen). I have decided I want to dedicate the next week (or maybe two) to creating posts based on your questions for me! Anything from my beliefs, what I find most important in life, to the more serious questions like what is a daily outfit for Shelby look like, and who is my favorite member of One Direction and why?! Like seriously, anything! So please get asking. It would be absolutely wonderful.

*image via pinterest

9.15.13

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Sometimes you just have to force yourself to believe in this. I know that things will get better one day, but until then all I want to do is sit around, eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and watch Like Crazy on a loop. Not even kidding. I am going to attempt to be extremely honest on this here blog, because this is my blog and I can do whatever the heck I want. Sorry for being feisty. It has been a weird day.

What I have been forced to learn today is that some things just aren't meant to work out. For a time, it can be the greatest blessing in your life, but sometimes it just can't work out. Although I knew in the beginning it was something that could never last forever, I am glad I took the risk of going for it anyway. However, taking risks comes with consequences. Consequences you don't even realize until it is all over... too late. Things like realizing you had fallen in love, and didn't even know it. Or maybe you did, but were to scared too accept it. Too scared because you knew one day it was going to end, and falling in love just didn't seem worth it. Well, it happened anyway.

You may be asking why would I even start something I knew couldn't work out in the first place. I started it, because I believed in it. I don't know why all this happened the way it did, but I know that during these last few months I have had someone that could make me understand things about myself that no other human could. Someone who made me believe in myself, and made me realize that my dreams were worth fighting for. And you know what, if that was the role they were meant to play in my life, I am ok with that. I finally have figured out what I want to do with my life, and I am not scared to go full force towards my goals. I am not letting anything hold me back anymore.

Although my time with this remarkable human was far too short, I don't regret taking that chance. That chance of forgetting the odds, and trying anyway. Things may not be so great right now, but I know one day I will be able to look back and see exactly what their purpose was in my life. Until then, I am just going to be sad for a little bit, because I already miss them and I think that is ok.

*image via pinterest

9.11.13

Wednesday, September 11, 2013


This week has been so different. Last week I felt like things were finally coming together, but this week... this week has made me realize that things are still just slowly falling apart. It has made me realize I am still as lost as ever.

I feel like I am doing everything I am supposed to do. I feel like I am doing everything I have been told to do, but things just won't come together. Today was the day that my whole life was supposed to change... but here I am, sitting at home, just wondering what things would have been like if today happened the way it was supposed to. People make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes change everything. I still don't know if it is for the better. All I can do at this point is have faith that it was for the better.

I realize that the only thing I can do now is have patience, and trust in the Lord that he will guide me through this. I have complete faith in that. It is all I really have at this point.

I see all these people around me making these huge changes in there life. They have said a "see ya later" to the things that didn't make them happy, and have just gone for it. These people are such an inspiration to me. They have taken their lives into their own hands, and are doing what they love. I know that sounds completely selfish, but I don't know if it is such a bad thing. What is more worth it? Living your life in fear of displeasing others, or having the courage to stand up for yourself, and take control of your own life. When it comes down to it, it is our life to live. I believe there is a balance. I don't think you are ever too young or too old to take chances. If it doesn't work out the first time, try it again. Your life is never something to give up on.

I think I am slowly getting to the point of taking control of my life. To pushing out every one's opinions of what I should be doing with my life right now, and relying on myself instead. I am so ready to take MY life back, and take the time to figure out what I think is best for me. The only person I am choosing to rely on through this is the Lord, and I think with Him I can finally get through this. I can finally figure out where exactly I am meant to be.

*image via pinterest

9.10.13

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Do you ever have phases where all you want to do is get all dressed up, and go out somewhere?! Maybe it's just me... I just want so badly to dress up all fancy like (preferably in something sparkly, or whatever) and go out for a night on the town. It just sounds wonderful. I hope I am not crazy, and am the only person who thinks about that... but probably. Whatever. Life.

I probably need a night like this though considering I just spent my night devouring a bowl of popcorn while crying over all the spectacular dances performed on the So You Think You Can Dance finale. Whatever. Not even sorry. And Travis Wall, please marry me, because you are a stunning human, and you choreographed one of the most incredible dance performances I have ever seen in my entire life. CAN'T EVEN HANDLE YOU! If you don't believe me, feast your eyes on this..

I mean, are you serious?! That just isn't even real!!! Can't get over it, so I will just watch it 84 times, and sob.

Also, my car broke down yesterday.... so that is good.

The Great Salt Lake

Monday, September 9, 2013

So I think I mentioned in my last post that I went to the Great Salt Lake for a photo shoot about a month ago. These aren't the "photo shoot" pictures, but just a couple of random snapshots I took while my friend and I were out there. There are always the most interesting things laying around, and you find yourself looking around for hours.

I was extremely lazy while editing these pictures, aka I either didn't, or barely touched them. Don't judge me.
Any of you guys have some favorite places you like to take pictures?! Especially those of you who live in Utah?

Life Lately

Friday, September 6, 2013

It has been approximately a billion years since I did my last "life lately" post, so here it is. I know some of you follow me on Instagram, so these will just be some repeats of what you have already seen. Although, I will try to give a more detailed explanation of each photo, yeah? Alright.
My best friend Bianca and I decided to go for a hike one day. It was a long time ago.. like probably a month at least. Yeah.. anyways, she is that little person at the bottom of the picture! I have a fascination regarding waterfalls, and seeing how far up I can climb them. That is exactly what I was doing here. I didn't make it very far. I was out of practice.
 Also a while ago, my friend Anna (from Anna Apricot) and I decided to haul this 500 pound chair across the desert, basically. It seriously was the heaviest thing of my entire life, and I won't even tell you how many breaks we were required to have carrying it to the ideal location. All I have to say is the pictures that resulted because of it are absolutely WONDERFUL, and I hopefully will be sharing those soon. 
If you ever have the opportunity to be Nataly's pen pal, take it!!! Seriously, the best pen pal EVER! She always makes sure everything is super wonderful, and colorful. Seriously can't take this girl. She is the greatest, and I stinking love her. So yeah, be her pen pal... or be my pen pal. Email me. Or her. Whatever. 
That one time Bianca and I went to the London market, and found the Tube stop that we frequented so much while in London. Seriously, having London withdrawals. My word I love London. We originally went in there to see if they had our new favorite candy bar (Mint Big Chunk Kit Kat) that we discovered while in London, but we had no luck. Has anyone seen these anywhere? Serious question! I need to buy them all. 
The great Zachary taking me on a Zacventure this Labor Day weekend. I am convinced everyone needs to experience a Zacventure. Apparently, this wasn't even a real one! It was just a test. I am still calling it one though, because it sounds cooler. 
Seriously, Utah? Stop it. Just stop it! 
Look at this handsome guy, and the face he decides to pull anytime I turn the camera towards him. Haha just kidding, but this picture makes me laugh. 
UTAH!! STOP IT!

*Instagram: shelbyrichins

9.5.13

Thursday, September 5, 2013

I am not really sure what made me take these photos. All I know is that I was itching to take some black and whites, so I looked through my b&w pinterest board, and found some inspiration. Right away, I knew that I wanted the amazing Emma of Tightrope to the Sun to help me out with this. You will soon see why. Emma is STUNNING, and I am so grateful we have become friends. I seriously love this girl. She is a gorgeous human, and her writing is insane. Definitely check out her blog! It is incredible.

But yeah, I'm not really sure why I took these. I guess this is just the mood I was in. Kind of random, but I am very happy with them.


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