I'm 25.....Yes.

I know it has been a HOT MINUTE since I've updated the blog, but I've had so much going on that I feel like I've hardly had time to breathe! Here's just a few updates on life:
1. I had a part time job, quit the part time job, and am now enjoying my summer.
2. I completed my first semester of grad school with straight A's and am already ready to be finished with my degree!
3. I'm in the process of buying a townhouse! It's a short sale....and nothing about a short sale is short. There's nothing official yet, but trust me I will keep everyone posted.
4. My sorority sisters have been getting married left and right and it's been such a great opportunity to visit with everyone!
5. Next year at school is the first year I will not be teaching cp2. It's both exciting, nerve-wracking, and a little sad. CP2 are students who are not tracked to go to college and while I'm thrilled to be working with CP students this year, I'm a little sad to be leaving my sweet, precious cp2 babies. It'll be okay.

I was reading another blog that I follow who had a list of 30 things to do before I'm 30. Now that I'm 25, as of Monday of this week, I think I need to make a bucket list of my own. I don't know that all of this will be accomplished before I'm 30, but here are the top 25 things I want to do in my life, hopefully before I'm 30.

1. Go on a wine tour through Italy.
2. See Chris Young and Luke Bryan in concert. (Half of this will be done this weekend!)
3. Get married.
4. Take a picture next to my last name's sign in Croatia.
5. Attend a Cleveland Browns game in Cleveland.
6. Pay off all my debt, including student loans.
7. Own a home. (:D)
8. Learn how to shoot a gun and go hunting.
9. Attend a Houston Texans game and get a picture with my PHS  c/o 2006 classmate, TJ Yates.
10. Have a cocktail on my birthday with Tory Burch, since we share a birthday.
11. Celebrate a white Christmas with my family.
12. Eat at Tom Collichio's Craft restaurant.
13. Go on a historical, literary based trip to England.
14. Rescue a puppy.
15. Learn how to box.
16. Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
17. Order (and eat) cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes.
18. Ride a mechanical bull.
19. Buy a whole outfit (purse, sunglasses, clothing, shoes) that is Tory Burch.
20. Hike through the jungle in South America.
21. Finish writing my memoir.
22. Tie messages to balloons and let them go.
23. Buy myself a David Yurman ring.
24. Run up the Philadelphia Art Museum steps, just like Rocky.
25. Go fishing, catch a fish, and then cook it for dinner.

Here's hoping that I have lots of fun!

Welcome 2013!

I feel like New Year's Eve is typically when I say I'm going to get back into blogging and then it doesn't always happen. I'm not making any promises, but here are some things I'm hoping/planning/wishing for in 2013.

1. Save my money for a HOUSE!
My newest life endeavor has led me to the realization that as a single, female, and (yes) grown up, I want my own space. I want to be able to decorate/paint/do what I want when I please. And this has led me to the realization that I want a house of my own. I know this is not going to happen tomorrow, as I've been told this is not one of those things that you can make instantaneously happen. But, I'm planning to start saving so that hopefully by the end of the 2013 year, I will have saved enough for a down payment on a house.

2. Succeed in grad school.
I start grad school next week. EEK! It's totally online, I think, and I'm a little nervous, but I cannot wait to get back into the swing of things as a student. I'm so excited to start this program, which will hopefully lead me to a dream job of working in a district office somewhere. I don't want any grade less than a B (because let's be honest, I was never a straight A student and as long as I do not get any C's, I'll be happy!).

3. Find a part time job.
I know I know....when the hell am I going to have the time for a part time job? Between SGA, teaching, grad school, when will I have time to sleep? Well, I can sleep when I'm dead. I am being serious about saving for a house. I figure if I can find a part time job that will work with me since I'm a teacher, I will be golden.

I'm not making promises of going to the gym, eating healthy, and doing all these things that I don't know if I can keep myself accountable. (I plan on doing this anyways, but you know if I say it, that means I actually HAVE to do it. and I don't want to set myself up for failure.)
Happy New Year everyone!

Back to Business

I've gotten away from blogging......or blogging has gotten away from me. I'm not entirely sure which is the accurate statement, but it's been a WHILE since I've blogged. Not too much has happened. Work, football, family visits, you know, the usual. OH! I did get in to grad school! That's exciting. :) I'll be starting in January (pending I hear about financial aid) to work towards my Master's of Education in Educational Leadership. This basically means that I will be able to work in a district office of leadership and evaluation (my dream job is to one day run such an office). I'm pretty excited.

Yesterday, I was working on my Christmas list. It was very strange trying to come up with things that I want because, as I told my parents last weekend, I don't really want anything. Sure, there are things that would be nice to have, like a pair of boots in my size or an affordable Tory Burch pair of shoes in my size, but there's nothing that I am absolutely DYING to have. I used several of my Pinterest boards and other blogs to help me form my list. In this process, I discovered a few things.

1. I LOVE monogrammed things. 
I have always loved monogrammed items, but it was not until I was making my list that I realized just how many monogrammed things are out there that I don't have. Sure, I've got plenty of bags that are monogrammed, several cups that are monogrammed, and even a couple of toiletry cases that are monogrammed. But my wardrobe is lacking some monogrammed items. To quote one of my most favorite actresses, Reese Witherspoon, "If it's not moving, monogram it." SO FREAKING TRUE. Here are a couple of the items that I added to my Christmas list that I would be happy to add to my somewhat monogrammed life.

2. I'm starting to love some plaid. 
Now, I have always prided myself on being a classic type of girl who loves crisp blouses and clean lines, pearls, polos, pumps, etc. But I must admit, my style is starting to become as eclectic as I am as an individual. I have been LOVING some plaid, as of late. My true rugged side is coming out! I think part of this stems from the fact that I have an obsession with vests, and so in a weak moment I bought this JCREW vest in 2 different colors.

And no, it was not pink that I bought! I bought a bright purple color (perfect for a game or trip up to my Alma Mater) and a beautiful olive color. Now, both of these vests join my wardrobe with my Columbia fleece vest and a couple of other puffer vests from NY and Company from a few years back. One of my biggest dilemmas was, what to pair with the beautiful new vest? And then it hit me, a plaid or flannel shirt. 

I don't know why, but I just absolutely love the idea of a plaid shirt underneath one of my new vests. I did add several to my Christmas list from LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, and my newest obsession, Ralph Lauren Rugby. I'm not quite sure how I made it through life without knowing about this line. I am not only obsessed, but I'm in love. And wouldn't you be, too with this adorable dress?

3. Oversized shirts and leggings may become my newest wardrobe staple. 

Now, I have always been one to stray from leggings. One of the biggest reasons is because I'm not entirely comfortable with my not so super skinny legs. Well, I think I have new found motivation to head to the gym, because I'm pretty sure I have become slightly obsessed with this look:

I don't know what it is, but I just absolutely LOVE the idea of a big old shirt with some leggings and either TOMS or boots. (Which, btw, I have riding boots at the TOP of my list). I decided that not only is plaid my new obsession, but oversized T-shirts are, too. 

4. Once you're a sorority girl, you're always a sorority girl.

If you were me, what would appear on your Christmas list?

A. Name brand t-shirts

B. Lilly Pulitzer

C. koozies and monogrammed things

D. all of the above

If you answered D, you'd be correct! I absolutely adore all of the items I just listed above. And you know what? I'm okay with the fact that I will be a sorority girl forever an always. I mean, who wouldn't love all of this?

BFFL

My best friend is in town!!!!! I cannot contain my excitement that LAPS is in my town. She could not believe that where I live is actually a town, not a suburb as she previously thought, but after attending my high school's football game with me last night, I'm pretty sure she understands why I love being where I am so much.

My BFFL and I met on bid day our freshman year and it's been many years since then (yes, we did sit and reminisce for quite some time yesterday). It's so fun how we don't have to talk all the time, but it's always like we just spoke yesterday. Laura is part of my fam and I am SO glad she is in town this weekend for one of our sorority sister's weddings!!!

Sunday morning rain is falling....oh wait, it's Monday.

It's the day before I go back to work. Just teachers, no students until next week...a week from today actually. And of course, I am up early. I actually set my alarm with the hopes of going to the gym this morning, but then I decided that I wanted to sleep some more and will go tomorrow since I want to start the year off on a positive note.

I have been preparing my classroom for the past couple of weeks and I am STILL not finished. Maybe it's because I have become more OCD over the past couple of years, I'm not sure. But I feel like it has taken me a lot longer than years past. Or...maybe it's because I want it to be cute and colorful in addition to being a learning environment. I'll post pictures when I finally finish.

I went shopping this weekend for both items for my classroom and for clothes. Yes, I know, I said I wasn't going to shop for clothes, but shopping is so therapeutic that I decided to just go for it. I bought a couple of cute tops and a necklace. I'm trying to build my wardrobe so that I have multiple options. What I am really in need of now is some bottoms. I have work pants, but I feel like most of them fit sort of funny. I'm on a mission for some new pants, especially a good fitting pair of khakis.

Also on my wishlist for the beginning of the year are the following things:

1. Kate Spade Colored Stone Stud Earrings

I already have these earrings in pink and I love them. Since one of the colors of my school is yellow, I bought a necklace this past weekend with yellow beads. I like it a lot, but then I realized that I have no matching earrings! I'm a big fan of Kate Spade anyways and these earrings are not super expensive. All of the jewelry she has out right now is bright and colorful and I'm slightly obsessed.

2. Sam Edelman Felicia Flat

I need brown closed-toed shoes. Like, seriously need. I have black ballet flats, colorful toms, black and white toms, and neutral toms, but no brown shoes to wear all the time. I think these are real cute, and if they are anything like the sandals that I have in this same brand, I know these will be comfortable. Plus, they're a fall color and super cute!

3. Lilly Pulitzer Treena Dress
I purchased this dress when it was on sale in the Garden by the Sea pattern shown below. This dress is so comfortable and I LOVE a maxi dress.

This dress will be okay for the first month or so of school and definitely next summer. But, I have my eye on another one of the patterns that this dress comes in.

You Gotta Regatta is the name of this pattern. I liked it at the beginning of the summer and I like it even more now. They have taken it off of the website, which means it's now probably on sale. I'm going to go to the store downtown sometime in the next week to see if they've got it on sale. If it's a somewhat reasonable price, I'm going to go on my last splurge before school starts.

That's all for now.

Quarter Life Crisis

So, it's been a while. And a lot has been happening over the past few months that has made me really think about things and reevaluate myself. I have officially started my quarter life crisis.

Now, I know you're not supposed to have one of these until you are 25. Mine has come a year early. And it's sort of hit me like a ton of bricks. So many things are happening and changing that I haven't quite been sure how to handle everything. So what am I doing? I'm writing a book.

Writing is really therapeutic for me. Though this blog has not been kept up to date, it really has served as an outlet for my thoughts over the past couple of years. My book is coming along slowly but surely, and my plan is to have it finished before I actually turn 25 (cross your fingers!). I don't know how much I'll be blogging over the upcoming months, but here are some things that I have decided I'm going to do/change in my life.


 I have always been a people-pleaser. I learned this from my mother, whom I love dearly, though my complete avoidance of confrontation has not exactly been the best thing for me. I'm determined to tell people more of what I think about things. I do like to please people, but not at my own expense. 

Being healthy is something that I have definitely gotten better at over the past 4 years. I slip up every now and then, but I'm determined to make my lifestyle a healthy one. This does not just mean eating right. I have a month left before I return to work. I'm determined to be at least 10 pounds slimmer before that happens. Hello gym. Hello fruit. Hello veggies. Hello happier Me.

I'm working on myself. Now, I know that being healthy is working on myself, but I mean I'm focusing on making myself a happier, better person. I have had the luxury of being spoiled rotten by the two most amazing parents anyone could ever ask for. I love my parents (and I guess my brother) more than anything, but I am slowly starting to realize that I am a grown up and need to act more like one. What exactly do I mean by this?

While my mom and I went to Florida recently, I was talking with my uncle. I was explaining how frustrating it was that my dad, who I know is only concerned about my well-being, continuously gives me a hard time about my job. I want to make something perfectly clear: I absolutely love teaching. I cannot imagine myself in any other profession other than education. With that being said, I knew that I would not be Ms. Moneybags because, let's face it, teachers do not make very much money. I did not go into education thinking about my salary. I went into education thinking about what I really wanted to do with my life and that was to make a difference in kid's lives. I am doing that, and I am so happy.

What I am not happy about is how much work my colleagues and I actually do and the amount of money that we make. Again, I am not going to up and change my career because I am unhappy with my salary. But there are obvious frustrations for a single girl with a mad shopping habit trying to make it work. So, when I say focusing on me and acting more adult, I mean I am going to be more budget conscious. I currently have the luxury of having parents who will spoil me and pay for some of my bills that my other friends roll their eyes at because "I'm 24 and my parents should just cut me off completely." Um, I'm sorry. My parents love me and want to support me while they can. Like I said, my parents are seriously the best, but I can't be dependent forever.

So, what am I doing to work on me?
1. Applying to grad school - hopefully will be starting in January
2. Setting up a meeting with a financial adviser to set up my 403B (the education equivalent to a 401K)
3. STOP shopping. I know. I can't believe I've said this. But really, I have shoes. I have clothes. I have bags. I have most things that I need in life. I am going to stop buying clothing as of August 1 (I mean, it's about to be back to school. I have to buy SOMETHING new for the first day of school!). I am not going to spend money on my credit cards (which are all mostly to stores) in order to get those paid off as soon as possible.
4. I'm only going to eat out one night a week. I know I've said this before, but I'm really going to stick to it this time. I can't afford to continue to eat out so much.

I really feel like by doing these things, I will be a happier, better person. And why am I working on myself? Because I'm getting to the point that I'm ready to find my Mr. Right. But Mr. Right will only come around when I am completely at peace and happy with myself. So, I'm resigned to do better, be better, and feel better, so that Mr. Right will be around sooner rather than later. :)

Nora Roberts' Land

I have decided that if I could live in any sort of fantasy-ideal world, it would be Nora Roberts' Land. Every time I read a Nora Roberts book, I literally feel like I am wrapped in a fairy tale land. Sure, there's a little bit of drama, but there's always a happy ending. I can sit and read one of her books in a day. And, that's what I have done on countless occasions.

This was one of my favorite series of books that I have ever read. The Bride Quartet series followed 4 friends who owned their own bridal business. Each book was about one of the girls finding love. And I absolutely loved how Nora Roberts titled each book after the occupation of each girl within the business (Vision in White for the photographer, Bed of Roses for the florist, Savor the Moment for the baker, and Happily Ever After for the overall planner). I anxiously awaited in anticipation for each of these books to come out after reading the first one. And on the day each one came out, I ventured to Wal-Mart and purchased and then read all in a single day.

Her most recent series, The Inn Boonsboro series, came out a few months ago. There are only 3 books in this series and the second one came out today! (I have yet to go to Wal-mart to buy it because I'm trying to decide if my sun burn can handle actually going outside of my house, but we'll see). The first one was absolutely fantastic. Again, each one of her books is like traveling into a fairy tale land that gives you the slightest inkling and hope that things can actually work out like that in real life.

Like most small girls, my mother always read me fairy tales about a princess being swept off her feet by her prince charming. I realize that the real world is not a fairy tale and that shit does actually happen, but there is someone out there who can sweep me off my feet, right? Someone that I will fall completely head over heels in love with and who will feel exactly the same about me? I'm going to stay in my Nora Roberts' Land and believe that. :)

Draft: NFL AND Beer!

Sorry for the hiatus. I literally have been going nonstop since returning back from Spring break! And although I realize this was over 2 weeks ago, it has been crazy since then!

My school's Relay for Life was last night. This is the last big event that my club is responsible for, and while I know it is important, oh my goodness is it a lot of work! It was a crazy and stressful couple of weeks, but I thought overall it was fun. The sponsor of another club stayed out with the students later than I did, which was nice, considering that I still woke up at 7 this morning to go and make sure everything was cleaned up and put away. Yes, I know, all-star teacher of the year. :)

The DRAFT has begun. Today's the last day, and with the exception of the second pick of the first round, I'm pretty proud of the Browns. I'd say they're stacking up to have a positive season. I CANNOT wait for football season. And I'm pretty pumped the roommate decided to invest in Direct TV so that I will be happier during all of football season. And, can we quickly talk about the fact that my mother is on a mission to get me to Berea, OH for training camp to hook me up with the new lineman they drafted? Reason why she wants to do this? His last name is Schwartz. Oy vey.

Last weekend was our high school prom. Yes, it was weird being on the chaperone side of things, but it was fun to go out and have a few beers after! This weekend is also my dear friend KB's birthday! We're going out to celebrate tonight. Should be lots of fun.

This school year is wrapping up quickly, and I can't say that I'm entirely sad about this. I am so mentally exhausted from this entire year, I'm ready for my summer break! I'm still not entirely sure what I'm doing yet, other than going to the gym more frequently, but I do now that I plan on relaxing, hanging out, and enjoying the time off from being a grown up for a while!

April Showers, Allergies, and Abita

Happy April Fool's Day! While I was planning this great trick on my roommate, I thought the better of it and decided against it (I mean, he's the one who gave me the idea of putting gummi bears in the top of the shower head) simply for the reason that I fear retaliation. I'll do something, I just can't decide what yet.

My allergies have been TERRIBLE this year. I didn't really realize that I had allergies until last year when I moved down to the low country. Well, I do, and they suck. My eyes get so itchy, and then my contacts start irritating me, and then I start rubbing my eyes, and then I have red eyes like crazy and my students ask me if I have been crying or what I have been doing before school. (Precious little gems, right?) Anyways, allergies are definitely NOT one of the things I love most about spring.

One of the things I DO love most about spring is that my favorite beer in the entire world is out! I first had Abita Strawberry when I was in Clemson. My best friend who came for a visit brought some and I have been hooked ever since. After getting on the Abita website and realizing they do not sell this brew ANYWHERE within 50 miles of where I live, I got slightly disheartened. However, because I have the best parents in the world, they went and bought me a case at Total Wine. When I went home for a couple of days, I bought another case and traveled back to my humble abode with about 7 six-packs in tow. :) It's a great beer and I am going to continue to enjoy it while I can!

In other exciting news, I passed my teaching evaluation! It's been a crazy hectic year with all the additional paperwork and stress of being observed for an entire period, I am so relieved and thankful that  I am done with formal evaluation. Now, it's time to celebrate and start working on the Master's degree! And just to drive home the fact that I seriously have the BEST parents in the world, they sent me the most beautiful flowers to school. (And thanks for showing me what my flowers for my wedding will be, because these are GORGEOUS.)

I have been catching up with some of my non-teacher friends recently which has been so sweet and nice to feel like a real person again. One of my sorority sisters and I had dinner recently and we decided we are going to attempt to have a beach weekend sometime over the summer. It will be like a big reunion for everyone! Today, I'm going to lunch/brunch with one of my dearest friends who I graduated from CU with. Josie and I had 3 classes together the spring of our sophomore year and we have been great friends ever since (she is also really the reason that I ended up living where I live right now). I am introducing her to the FABULOUS Charleston Cafe this morning.

My good friend Maria introduced me to this place and I haven't turned back. The food is absolutely delicious and I am so excited to go and catch up with Josie! Happy April everyone!!

Progress, not Perfection

I can't remember if I already posted about this, but this is the Jenny Craig slogan that I had to keep telling myself when I was on this program. While this is totally true, and I try to remind myself of this on a regular basis, this saying does somewhat infuriate me. I'm one who likes perfection. I try to be what, in my mind, is perfect and I have much distaste when I feel like I achieve anything less than that. However, I do feel like I have made some progress over the last two weeks that I'm excited about.

1. Physical Fitness progress - Two weeks ago marks the day I joined a gym! Seriously, this was the best life decision I have made for my life in a while. Last week, I woke up at 5 on Monday and Wednesday to workout before school. And let me tell you, I felt great. This week was a little bit of a disappointment - I only woke up on Tuesday and went to the gym. After traveling on Sunday, I was exhausted on Monday and couldn't make myself get up. Thursday night I went to see the midnight premiere of The Hunger Games (which is a post for another day) and only got a total of 4 hours of sleep. Now, my first thought as I'm reflecting on my working out for the past 2 weeks is "YOU ONLY WENT TO THE GYM 3 TIMES???" Of course this is my first thought. And when I say it like that, it sounds really insignificant. But I'm trying to look at it this way.....Yes, I only went to the gym 3 times. But that's 3 more times than I have worked out in months. So, I have made some progress. Stay tuned, because I'm convinced that this week will be filled with more progress, working toward perfection. Oh, and weight loss goal of the moment - lose 10-15 pounds before Memorial day. (That's approximately 5 pounds per month. Totally doable).

2. Spring clothing progress - Last weekend when I was home to see my momma, I realized that I have an addiction to shopping. I realize that there are plenty of worse things I could be addicted to, but I SERIOUSLY have an addiction to shopping. After dropping a good chunk of change at the Ann Taylor Outlet store, I thought about ways to cool down this addiction. I have literally been thinking about this for quite some time, but the more I think about it, the more I realize something. Yes, I like to shop. I get such a high when I make a purchase that I know is going to be a cute outfit or something that will make my life a little bit happier when I use it. And after I buy something, I always wonder, "Okay, what else can I buy?" But it's not like I'm going out to buy anything illegal or detrimental to my health. I simply like having new clothes to wear, new shoes to show off, new bags to tote things in, and new jewelry to accessorize with. Yes, it's a bit of a problem. But I pay all my bills, so why shouldn't I spend my money on things that I like, right? Side note, I went to Target last night on a mission for workout shorts and I ended up buying the CUTEST navy jersey dress that is actually long enough that I can wear to work. I'm SO excited!

3. Paranoid progress - Okay, so everyone knows that I was robbed in December. Even before that, I would sometimes have a hard time falling asleep because I was convinced that someone was going to break into my apartment/town house/home/whatever. Call my paranoid, but I inherited this from my mother and that's just how I roll. I've been doing better since moving in with a roommate, but when your roommate is a soccer coach who has away games and doesn't get home until usually after 11 and you go to bed at 10 because you're a grandmother at heart, my sleep cycle has been interesting this week to say the least. I swear, every time I try to go to sleep, I hear a car door shut in front of one of the neighbors house and I'm convinced that someone is about to come break in. Paranoid? Yes. But my goal is to try to make some progress with this. How do I plan to do this? Glass of wine before bed. :)

4. Staying in touch progress - Last weekend when I was home, I saw one of my best friends who I figured out I have not seen since my brother's graduation! It was so good to see her and catch up on life. On my drive back home from the A, I caught up with my BFFL who lives in New Orleans. We literally talked from Atlanta to Augusta. 2 1/2 hours on the phone? Yes, I would say I've made significant progress with catching up with my sweet college friends who I miss so much. Now if only I would quit playing phone tag with another friend, would actually see another since we live only a few hours from each other, and make more progress to talk on the phone more often.

I really think life is full of progress, though people do want perfection. I know, personally, I have done some things and made some changes that are for the better. I am looking into so many new things and am so excited about whatever is yet to come! Happy Saturday everyone!

Day 1

I figured if I kept myself more accountable by blogging about my exercise efforts that I will stick with it. Today was day 1! :)

I got up this morning at 5 to go to the gym. I have to admit, I had a big decision to make: go workout or go back to bed. Well, I did not succumb to my usual laziness, and I got my butt to the gym! It may have only been 30 minutes on the eliptical, but that is a start for me. I am trying to decide if I am going to do every other morning and then attempt the afternoons on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We will have to wait and see how that goes tomorrow.

I've also been eating better. For lunch, I've been taking vegetables and pita bread with hummus, greek yogurt, and a fruit bar. It's not much compared to how intense I was 3 years ago. But it's baby steps. And I think the most important thing is that I'm being conscious of my decisions and knowing that I need to get my butt in gear!

A Fresh Start for Spring

I really do love springtime. Despite the fact that I may gripe about the pollen (and as I have come to realize, the intense allergies that I have this time of the year), spring is probably my favorite season. I love getting to wear cute, warm clothes, but that there's still a breeze and it's not as humid as it is in the summer. I have started my spring time off right this year. This morning I got up and joined a gym! I found one that is about 10 minutes up the road from where I live. It's only $20 a month, which is the cheapest that I found of any gyms around me, and it opens at 5 AM in the morning. Since I am paying for it (and no, it's not coming out of Mom and Dad's wallet) I think I will be much more motivated to go and get up in the mornings. I'm super excited and I am definitely going to start this new life venture bright and early on Monday morning.

I also cleaned. Well, my minimal version of cleaning....I dusted my room and cleaned the bathroom. That's a big step for me (especially if you know me). I reorganized my dresser and thought about cleaning out my closet (although that will probably be another day).

Of course, my fresh start for spring involved shopping. I got my tax returns and purchased a couple of things to keep me fresh and happy at the start of this season.

Happy Spring!!!

Window Shopping Saturday

So, this week's window shopping is going to focus on spring and summer items. In case you haven't been following the weather, which has been quite terrifying where Mom and Dad live, it has been in the 80's down here! I busted out the sandals on Wednesday and haven't gone back since. After getting my tax returns, and still trying to decide what my next pair of TOMS is going to be, I've been looking around for some fun, warm clothing to not only look into purchasing, but to also motivate me to get my but in gear and get to the gym! I am planning to join a gym after my next set of tax returns come in. So, here it goes!

1. Michael Kors Sondra Sandal

I was unaware that MK actually made shoes in my size. But now that I have discovered that he does, I have become addicted to his shoes. I bought a similar pair of sandals to these from JCREW last year (see in a previous post), but these are much more versatile than those. I love the color of these shoes (they also come in a light gold and orange) and that I could wear them either with a pair of shorts or capris or with a cute sundress. It's a pleasure to meet you Michael Kors. I look forward to our future together. 

2. Lilly Pulitzer Jia Dress

After finally receiving my Sloane Dress, which I LOVE and cannot wait to wear!, I have become even more obsessed with Lilly Pulitzer. I was obsessed in college, but I never pursued my obsession in buying a dress. I guess it was because her dresses always seemed out of my price range and I couldn't ask my parents to spend so much money when one of them had been out of work for so long. Now that I have my own income, life has changed OH so much. :) I like this dress in that it looks like it's long enough for me to potentially wear to work with a cute cardigan. In addition, it's in my new favorite color combination, coral and turquoise. Be on the lookout for a post exclaiming my excitement when I have finally bought  this as a present to myself. 

3. JCREW 5 inch Chino Shorts

I recently purchased a couple of tops from JCREW (addiction I know) and I had these shorts in the shopping bag up until I actually checked out. I ended up not buying them, but I think once spring break hits I will be changing my mind. I LOVE that these shorts come in all different inseams, meaning now that I'm a grown up I cannot wear the super short shorts that I did when I was in college. I also love that these shorts come in different fun vibrant colors. This green is only one of the fun colors they come in (they come in pink, too!). I'm definitely going to be picking these up in the near future.

4. Talbots Watercolor Rose Full Skirt

I can hear my mother saying, "Ugh, you like that? It looks like a sofa pattern." I am not one who normally likes prints, but this is adorable. I love that this is a full skirt and that it has a springy feel, but it can also be worn in the summer. I just think it's super cute and would be a great addition to my wardrobe. :) 

It is now pouring outside. I'm going to an oyster roast at a bar with my friend today at some point, while my other good friend wants to go out tonight. Now, as most of you know, I am not much of a bar person. I'm okay every now and then, but going out is stressful for me. I think it's a combination of mild social anxiety and because once I start drinking, there's no telling how much money I'll spend. Not to mention, I always feel like a giant when I go out, unless I'm with my college friends. I have this bad tendency of having really good friends who are short. In college, that was not the case. And truthfully, my best friends from school are all tall. However, my friends in Chucktown are not. And it's raining, did I mention that? Going out in the rain is just NOT something that is appealing to me. WE shall see. Happy Saturday everyone! 

Life Update

Sorry for the hiatus.....work and work sort of took back over my life and I have been so exhausted that I have not had time to blog. So here's a quick life update.

Work: I had one of the two observations that I have left before my evaluation is over. My kids were FANTASTIC. I made them cookies because they were so good. I have my last piece of paperwork to turn in on Friday and then one more observation before it's over. THANK GOODNESS. I have been thinking, over the past couple of days, what I want to do next with my life. Grad school is a good option, but I can't decide WHAT I actually want to go to grad school for. And after next year (I am not having any major life changes until May 2013), what do I want to do? Do I want to stay in my little Mayberry town to teach? Do I want to move back and potentially teach at my alma mater? Do I want to move away and pursue a different career, possibly in book editing? I don't know. But I do know I have my unit work sample due Friday and I need to focus on that for now!

Friends: I had lunch with one of my sorority sisters today! It was so good to see Broms and hear all about her upcoming wedding plans! I am so excited for her. It's so much fun to catch up with good college friends. The best thing about it is not only catching up on life, but it's like you pick back up where you left off. No stressing or anything, it's like you have literally talked the day before. I love it and it made me so excited for her wedding. PS.....hoping this summer to rent a beach house for my birthday. If that happens, CU REUNION. Pencil it in your calendars.

Style: Lilly dress was purchased and came in! It's adorable. I have a new obsession. I want EVERY Lilly Pulitzer dress. Floral TOMS? ADORABLE. I have a new Coach bag and wallet to start off the spring, in addition to some fun earrings from Handpicked and Versona. I have been shopping like a crazy girl. But I'm excited for it to finally be warm, and stay warm, to wear all my cute new clothes.

And, finally, dating: As some of you know, nothing ended up working out with guy number 1. Totes fine with me (he was a Yankee and didn't open the door for me. Yeah, I'm serious. Hence, why I'm okay with it). I went on a little pitty party for a couple of days, but I'm back at it. Nothing official to report yet, but if something is meant to be, it will be. I'm remaining optimistic.

That's all for now! Will write again soon.

The Waiting Game

Life is full of games. One of the most typical games that people have is the waiting game. Waiting to hear about a job. Waiting to get a new car. Waiting to move into a new house. Or, as I have come to realize, waiting for someone to call after going on a date.

Up until a couple of weeks ago, I had waited 23 years to go on a date. After waiting for a rather long time, I finally did not have to wait anymore. The dating gods sent me a very nice guy to go on a first date with. And, might I add, it was a great date!

Now, after a casual couple of drinks for date number 2, I sit, waiting. There was no definite plans made for date number 3, and while I thought the conversation flowed pretty nicely and had fun, how the hell am I supposed to know what he is thinking? I mean, overanalyzing is what I do best, but, why do I have to sit around and wait? And, mind you, I am not sitting like a bump on a log and doing nothing, but it just is such a crappy feeling to not hear anything when you've had 2 pretty good dates. Waiting = shitty. I'll keep you all posted.

Super Bowl Sunday

I read my post from last year's super bowl because I don't remember where I was or who I watched the game with last year. It did not give me any indication as to what I did last year, so I guess I can only move forward this  year! I honestly don't care at all about the game. I'm watching it this year simply for the commercials. Quite frankly, if the 49ers had been playing, I may have been more inclined to watch. Or if the Packers were playing again, I would definitely be more inclined to watch.

Yesterday, I did not finish my window shopping, because I went actual shopping! First, I went to one of the suburbs with one of my dear friends and her mom. We perused at Staples, where I bought several much needed things for my classroom, before pit-stopping at McCallister's for lunch. I love that place. It's seriously delicious and I always feel a little bit better when I eat out if I eat there because their salads are so delicious. After lunch, we went to Ulta. Now, I don't usually wear a lot of eye makeup. For one, it usually flakes off into my eyes and then it's a miserable day for me. I'm a put on foundation, brush on some bronzer, blot some lip gloss, and go kind of girl. However, for my date a couple of weeks ago, my friend put just a little bit eye liner on with a little bit of mascara, and I LOVED how my eyes looked. It wasn't a lot, but it definitely went a long way. I bought Almay waterproof mascara, Ulta eyeliner, and this fantastic lip balm that's tinted, scented, and has vitamin B in it. It is the most AMAZING stuff! After Ulta, we ventured to Target, where I bought some Maybeline eyeshadow, eye makeup remover, and, of course, a bottle of wine. :) Very rarely do I leave Target without a bottle of wine.

After leaving Target, I went to meet another friend at the mall to get fitted for our tux jackets. Yes, as in tuxedo jackets. Who knew that being young, vivacious, and excited about things at your job would land you as the leader of the Mardi Gras parade for the entire school? Yes, my co-sponsor and I will be leading the parade to kick off our first "International Week" at our school. Still not really sure how we got roped into this, but we are wearing tuxedo jackets with tails, gold vests, white dress shirts, boas, and lots of beads. It will definitely be an interesting event.

After this little venture, I told Maria that we had to go to NY and Company. I haven't been in the store since I was looking for something to wear for date number 1, but I walked past trying to meet Maria, and saw LOTS of cute things in the window. They have a lot of bright colors out for spring already, which I was glad to see. I bought a couple of simple tops, one black and one pink, earrings and this dress:

I don't know what made me pick this dress up, because it's a little funkier than I usually wear, but it is SO cute on. It comes down to my knees, so I don't feel super skanky wearing it (which is a positive because their dresses are not made for long legs and above average height girls). It is flattering, and while I will probably need to now invest in some Spanx, I fell in love with it. I'm hoping that on my new dating adventures, I'll have an opportunity to wear it soon!

Speaking of dating ventures, I did get something else to wear for date number 2. After the mall, Maria and I ventured to the outlets. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but I did find a great cardigan to go with some super cute shoes that I got for Christmas:

I love these shoes, but I have found that I don't own a lot of pink to wear them with. I wore them with a white shirt and pink scarf, but I didn't have a sweater or top or anything to go with. Yesterday at the LOFT outlet, which I am now in love with, I bought a lightweight long sleeve cardigan that matches this pink to a T. As I was checking out, I stopped by the jewelry counter and found a pink and black necklace that is adorable. New black Tshirt, new pink sweater, and cute new pink and black necklace? Perfect option for date number 2. :) 

Window Shopping Saturday

I decided since renaming the blog, I would devote this entire window shopping Saturday to my favorite store, Nordstrom. :)

1. kate spade new york 'crystal confetti' long necklace

I love the combination of green and gold, almost as much as I love Kate Spade! This necklace is adorable and definitely getting me in that "I'm ready for spring mood!" And the best part? Right now at Nordstrom, it's on sale!

2. kate spade new york 'anchors away' mini stud earrings

I am on a bit of a Kate Spade kick at the moment, I know. But I am also on a bit of an anchor-kick. I feel like the nautical style is coming back. But I also like that these earrings could be paired with any color and a long necklace all at the same time. They aren't super expensive, and I definitely think they would be fun for spring.

I think I'm going to save the rest of the window shopping for Sunday. I've got to go actual shopping to find something cute to wear on my next date!

The Dating Games

I know in my last post, I partially explained why I have not dated in my 23 years of life. But now, I feel that I should further explain why I think the "rules of dating" or the "dating game" is so contrived and silly.

First of all, if you like someone and want to see them/talk to them, there should not be an amount of days you have to wait before contacting them. This whole "Oh, wait 3 days before calling" is such BS! Because as adults, life gets busy and what if in 3 days you end up having to do something for work, or you have a presentation, evaluation, or something else life will throw at you and you can't actually pick up the phone to call/text? And then, what happens if you do in fact want to call/text, but you are literally booked up all weekend, so you can't make plans for the upcoming weekend, but you also don't want to call/text to make plans for 2 weekends away.

Second, I know that this is the 21st century and so it is totally appropriate for the girl to make the first move and call or text the guy first. I mean, hell, if you really are interested, usually, I feel, the girl IS the first person to make the move. But I'm sorry, I'm 23 and have not really dated someone. Is it wrong that I want to be pursued? Is it wrong that I want to continue to believe in chivalry? Chivalry is NOT dead, for those of you who think it is. :) I mean, in my head it is not dead.

Now, I'm sure you all are wondering why I am blogging about this a week later, after I've only had 1 date. Well, folks, I was asked on date number 2 on Wednesday. :) I thought I was going to have a work commitment to help out a friend today, so when he asked to go to lunch today, I had to try to reschedule. After discussing our pretty busy schedules, we are meeting for either a quick bite to eat and/or a drink on Tuesday night. (I have to go downtown for a sorority meeting, so it worked out well). Although, I am a little peeved that my plans for today ended up falling through, so in theory we could have had lunch today, I did not want to seem flaky and be "Hey, my plans ended up not happening, so let's go to lunch today." Whatevs. Date 2 is set.

Again, despite the fact that date 2 is set, all these rules and stipulations are so stupid in my opinion. I was reliving all of my past "dates," that is to say, all the times in college that I was set up for a date function, and I realized how much I have grown since college. Yes, I'm still the same awkward but lovable turtle, but after going on a date where I was NOT completely wasted before meeting the guy, I'd say I was pretty cool, calm, and collected for me. We will just have to wait and see how date number 2 goes!

Window Shopping Saturday

I have been procrastinating on blogging because I had hoped I would have something more exciting to say. However, it's Saturday morning, and I'm sitting in my new residence by myself (I'll get to that in a minute), so I decided to do some window shopping. :) It is, after all, one of the things I do best.

1. Lilly Pulitzer Sloane Dress

I saw this dress when I was perusing Lilly Pulitzer's website to look at the Theta paraphernalia, and I fell in love. I'm a sucker for a maxi dress. I love how comfortable they are and that you can dress them down or dress them up.  This dress is on my LOVE LIST mostly because it's navy and white, which you can pair with a fun colored cardigan for work or fun gold jewelry to go out. Hopefully, I'll be adding this to my closet sometime this spring. 

2. Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket

I have a rain jacket from Costco that I really like. However, it is lined and VERY warm, which in theory is what you want in a rain jacket. However, living in a place where it doesn't really snow or get super cold, this rain coat has caused me much anxiety when it rains in the spring and the summer. I have been looking around trying to find a rain jacket that I like. And, I know I'm a brand name snob, so I have been looking at North Face and Columbia. I didn't even consider Patagonia until I saw a student wearing a cute fleece from them that she had gotten over Christmas. I went online and found this rain jacket and I knew it was the one I had to have. I love that it's said to be light and that it comes in lots of fun colors. I like this purple color (let's remember where I went to school now) or they have a pretty blue color that I love. 

3. Kate Spade Dixon Place Blaine

I am in love. Not with a man. With a bag. This bag is new in Kate Spade's spring collection. I am literally in love. It's the perfect size for me and would be a great counterpart to any outfit for the spring (and would go great with that Lilly dress!). Unfortunately for me, this bag is a bit out of my price range (as in, it's close to the same amount as my car payment), but hey, a girl can dream, right? I'm hoping this bag goes on sale soon. I'm going to start saving now, because this bag is just too cute to not be a part of my closet!

4. Franco Sarto Jesse Flat

Just a small town girl.....living in a Nordstrom world. That's what these shoes make me think of. I peruse Nordstrom online on a daily basis for many reasons. The main reason being that they carry my size in shoes, despite the fact that the store does not usually have them in the store, I love that I can just go online and have them shipped to a store. These shoes are pretty affordable, very cute, in my size, and are in my new favorite color: coral. I'm a big fan of coral and navy, coral and turquoise, coral and gold: you name it, I'm a fan if it goes with coral. I'm hoping these are an addition to my closet very soon. 

5. TOMS Corbel Classic

I have a new obsession. I do not know how I made it through college without buying TOMS in just about every color. They are SO comfortable. I got a pair for Christmas that were lined so I could wear them when it was cold. Due to a mini monsoon that occurred yesterday, my precious TOMS got a little wet. They will be fine, but of course, I am wanting to invest in another pair (in addition to the Houndstooth ones that I ordered last week.:)). These are new for spring and I LOVEEEEEE them. I could wear them with so many different things. I'm obsessed. I know, I know. But there are worse things to be obsessed with! 

Ok....now for the life update. As some of you know, I was robbed in the middle of December before I headed home for winter break. It was extremely traumatic and not something that I'm completely over yet. Because I was NOT wanting to go back to my place of residence (I mean, who would after someone broke in the back door and stole all of your electronics AND cute costume jewelry), I moved in with a friend/co-worker who owns a house. He had a spare room and his roommate had moved out in September. It's a cheaper alternative, safer alternative, and it's fun having a roommate. Even if the roommate is a guy, who is slightly messy. And don't get any ideas all of my lovely sisters who are probably reading this thinking "OMG...Str is living with a guy!" He's 5'8. Enough said. :)

BUT.....on to the next note of business. At the request of my mother, I signed up and paid for an online dating service. Yes, I know, I succumbed to the pressure and did it. Positive? I had a date last week! And I thought it went really well! It ended with him saying "We should do this again sometime." Negative? I was the one who texted him Wednesday after the date saying we should hangout sometime next week. His response "For sure." WTF? Now I know why I have not dated, other than I'm picky because I'm tall. Dating is such bullshit. It's a waiting game for the girl. And, as I have been told, if the guy wants to talk to you, he'll call you. Well, I'm sorry, but if someone says "We should do it again sometime," doesn't that mean he would want to see me again? Because if he didn't, he would have just said "I had a great time, too." And, we sat at a restaurant for 2 hours. If it had sucked, it wouldn't have lasted that long, right? This is why I don't date. I overanalyze everything and get stressed. That's just the way I am. Some day, hopefully, someone will appreciate that. 

That's most of the life update. Work is going strong. I passed my evaluation in the fall, which is exciting! Now I'm gearing up for Powder Puff and Relay for Life in addition to my final semester of evaluation. Cross your fingers for me! 

New Years Resolutions

Well, it's that time of the year....the first day where everyone sets off to make goals and do things that will change them or make them a better person. I told my mom recently that while 2011 was great for my family (dad and mom both got new jobs, Hanky went off to school), for me personally, it was not all that great. You know it's bad when one of the final things to happen to you in the year is being robbed (yeah, came home from work with no TV's or computer.....both of which have since been replaced), but I am optimistic for 2012. One of the BEST Christmas presents I got was the down payment on my new ride, Stella.

She's silver, awesome, and a 2012 model! Not only that, but I have recently moved in with a friend as to not be living on my own in the sketchy neighborhood. So, my new year's resolutions are simple. 

1. Blog more often. (I know I say this every year, but I made such great progress in 2011, that I feel like 2012 could be THE year for the blog.)

2. Keep up with my car maintenance. (oil changes, tire rotations, etc)

3. Eat out only one night during the week. 

4. Read a non-school book a month.

I usually have 5 resolutions, but I also have found that I never keep all 5 of them. I think these 4 things are achievable and easy to fit into my already hectic schedule. Happy 2012 everyone! It's going to be a great year!