Counting down from ten, it's time!

Long time no see, y'all!

I'm finally back to the blogging world, hopefully with little hitches in my life to stop me from being here with everyone! I'm done with work training, I'm starting a new journey in my career soon, and I'm trying to spend all of my time with family, friends, and little projects!

2012 has been a crazy adventure, full of highs and lows. Just some of the highs:
- spent spring break in Georgia with my best friend!!
- graduated college!
- got a dang good job!
- spent the summer with my family
- saw my grandpa and had a wonderful week with him
- went to work training and made great lifelong friends
- haven't forgotten to pay anything important (this is super great for me since I forget EVERYTHING)
- spent Thanksgiving and Christmas at home!!
- paid for a new computer all by myself!!

2013 is looking like it's going to be wonderfully busy, though!
- painting projects
- completely re-vamping the look of my apartment.
- Kentucky in January, Texas in February, Kansas in July, maybe Vegas time somewhere in there?
- being in charge of a new work project that could bring my complex bunches of money!!
- meeting new people, enjoying life, and spending time with all those I love. :)

I don't have any New Year's plans yet, but I'm pretty stoked to ring in this new year! I'm so glad I can bring it in with all of you guys, I've certainly missed my time here. Here's to more blog posts and more friendships being made! :D

How was your 2012? What are you excited for in 2013?

Weekend Update: back in the swing of things

Do you ever have off days? Off weekends? Off weeks?
I've been trying to get out of this slump I'm in and it's proving difficult. I don't feel like writing, socializing, or doing much thinking. It sucks, but I don't know how to get myself out of this slump. I feel so out of touch with myself, it's terrible.

I was thinking a lot this weekend, between sips of beer and the music of Casey Donahew, about a ton of different stuff. I just want to tell every single one of you how thankful I am for you. For your constant presence and support through comments and otherwise. You are all wonderful people!

This is why I love blogging, because I am able to meet people who will make an impact on me. Where would I be if I've never met some of you awesome people? I'd be in an even sadder slump, that's for sure!

What I'm trying to say is thank you to everyone for being yourself. You are beautiful, inside and out. I am so happy to be living my life and sharing it with great people.

:)

How was your weekend?

Social Sunday!

1. What is currently on your wish list?
The ultimate thing on my wish list is Xbox 360 with Kinect. You know, for working out and watching Netflix. :) I'm also really pining for a new pair of Sperry's.

2. Share a new iphone app you have recently discovered that we all need.
This isn't a recent discovery, but I love using Mint.com to keep track of all my bank accounts. I can even set spending limits for myself and it'll warn me if I'm closing to breaking the bank or if I have room to breathe. It's awesome!

3. Share your social media links for us to follow.
Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads

4. What is your favorite social media outlet and why?
I love Pinterest because it gives me a ton of good ideas and some motivation to craft (when I have time)!

Source: wedding-planning-101.com via Megan on Pinterest

5. What is a TV show, movie, or song you could listen to or watch over and over and never get tired of?

Once Upon A Time

The most wonderful addition to the cast!!

A Walk To Remember

Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars

What's on your wish list?

Sunday Social: Halloween edition!

It's the week of Halloween, one of my favorite times out of the whole year! This Sunday Social will have a lack of pictures, so I apologize for that, but I couldn't pass up a chance to talk about Halloween. :)

1. What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?
I wish I was home right now to share pictures, but I had a few great ones... dinosaur, penguin, bag of jellybeans, hobo, Thing 1, and a bright pink cheerleading costume my mom made by hand. I had some great costumes as a kid!

2. If you could go back and dress up as something what would it be?
Probably a Sesame Street character. Preferably Cookie Monster!!

3. Favorite costume as an adult?
Hands down, it's my unicorn costume! I handmade it out of a hoodie and it's been a hit with everyone anytime I wear it! I'm hoping to have a small tutorial up here on how to make the easiest costume ever. ;)

4. What is your favorite Halloween candy?
Besides chocolate, I absolutely loved the caramel green apple lollipops! They seem to only come out around this time, so it's a special treat when I find one in my pumpkin pail. :)

5. What is your favorite Halloween memory?
Man, I have so many... my favorite has to be when I was younger and living in Houston Texas, all the neighborhood kids would get together with our parents and go trick or treating together. We had wagons for the smaller kids and we all just had a ball!

6. What's your favorite scary movie?
I LOVE watching Carrie this time of year! It's not as much scary as it is amazing, but it seems better around Halloween time to watch. :D

What do you love about Halloween?

I've missed you guys!!

Hey y'all!

It's been a long two weeks, hasn't it? I'm excited to get back to blogging and interacting with everyone again. I've missed being around!

I'll be catching up with everyone as the weeks go on. I'm currently training for work out of town, so things will be a little fuzzy until January. Still, besides all the busy stuff going on, I'm excited as the holidays approach!

Have a great weekend!

:(

Hey everyone.

I have some terribly sad news -- my grandpa passed away last night.

I'm still trying to take it all in. It's not something easy to handle, and I was hoping I wouldn't have to hear this kind of news for a long time. This was a man that taught me so much and got me interested in agriculture. We always had a fun time talking; I loved listening to his stories. He was a man who showed me a deep love for family and friends. He will always be one of my heroes.

This week is going to be hard for me, so I'm not going to be around much. I hope you all have wonderful weeks. Hug your family a little bit tighter when you see them, too. ♡

"There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart." -- Gandhi

fashion friday: vampira

Continuing the DIY Halloween fashion! Today, it's vampire style.

I think a simple black dress with classy tights bring the "sophistication" a vampire normally seems to portray (think Interview with the Vampire).

sequin dress / Coat / Sheer tight / shoes / spike jewelry / ASOS / drop earrings / Gold necklace / teeth

Remember to just have fun with accessories!

Will you dress up cute or scary for Halloween?

Happy Birthday, Mommy!!

Momma and me at a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game!

Dear Mom,

Today is a special day; it's 10/11/12!! Just kidding, the best thing about today is that it's your birthday!

You are such an inspiration to me, as a mother and as a woman. You were the one to show me how hard work can get you what you want in life and that when life hands you lemons, you curve ball it right back. You have never taken "no" for an answer, fighting for almost everything you got. Acceptance, a college education (and masters, you smart lady!), a successful business job, a healthy marriage, and all of life's luxuries. I've never met a person who has worked harder than you.

Life was never easy for you, and I appreciate that you confide things about yourself and your feelings with me. You treat me like a person and not a child, which is something you always knew held value to me. You have fought for me and my little brother; your courage and determination has shown me the depth of a mother's love. I can never repay you for the things you have given me, but I know that you would never ask for anything in return.

In short, I love you Mom!! You're the best mom a girl could ask for and you have better advice than me, which is something truly rare! You know I kid, you're just awesome and that's why I love you so much. ;)

Have a great day and I hope you love your gifts!

self-love

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Sometimes, we all have our down days. Coworkers won't stop talking, friends keep comparing, everyone on Facebook seems to be having it better than we do.

Being completely confident and self-assured is easier said than done. I know this, trust me. More people than you know feel the same way you do. It sucks. You feel dejected, ashamed, sad; all of the negativity just seems to weigh you down.

Here are some ways to boost yourself up before or after a long day!

1. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you're drop dead gorgeous!
I'm serious, you need to tell yourself this every single day. Why? Well, obviously because it's true! You are an amazing person inside and out. Some days we don't feel as beautiful on the outside or inside, but you always are! Remember that you always look fabulous!

2. Don't feel guilty for what you eat.
We are surrounded by negative body image. From billboards of computer-edited bodies to snide comments in the lunch room, we are surrounded by body negativity. DO NOT feel guilty of what you eat. If you want to be healthier in eating, then do it. If you feel like eating something savory, do it. If you feel like eating something sweet, do it. DO NOT let anyone make you feel bad for what you enjoy eating. It's not worth the stress.

3. Surround yourself with positive people.
Forced to work with negative Nancies all day? Call up your best friend after a long day and talk about everything under the sun! Talk about what's bothering you, or push it aside altogether, whatever makes you happy. Just fill the rest of your day with happiness instead of negativity. :)

4. Find an activity that makes you happy no matter what.
For me, I love practicing my violin and working on sketches. These activities push my mind into a different place and make me focus on something other than the stressors in my life. Once you work on something, you'll feel a thousand times better!

5. Go play with puppies or kittens!
There are tons of studies that support the idea that furry critters make us feel better. So when you feel down about yourself or a situation, stop by your humane society to take a dog for a walk, pet the kittens, and enjoy the boundless love of another creature. :)

Hope this helps you make a stinky day not so stinky!

What do you like to do to boost your confidence?

tunes for your tuesday: the perks

When I was in high school, I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower like it was no one's business. It was set in Pittsburgh, in a suburb like mine, and I fell in love with the words that Stephen Chbosky put on the paper. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it!

I have to wait a while to see the movie, but I am so excited and I've heard that it's pretty freaking awesome! Plus, it's set in one of my favorite cities and the one I partially grew up in. ;)

Here's part of the soundtrack the movie put out, plus some songs from the book. I hope you enjoy this mixed-up playlist!!

Do you have songs that remind you of your favorite books?

Weekend Update: fair, friends, and fun!

What a wonderful weekend I had!

Friday: Took the 4 hour drive to Tulsa to see one of my besties Lauren and her fiance! It was so much fun -- we went out to eat at this cute pub, shopped around Target for a little bit, then relaxed and watched half of Thor; only half though because we got tired. :P Being old is no fun!

Baker Street!

Saturday: The best day!! Lauren and I went wedding dress shopping; it was such a blast and she looked stunning in everything! We didn't commit since this was just a size/style trip, but she might be making a decision soon!

Then, we went to the Tulsa State Fair! I go every year and it's seriously my favorite thing ever. Last year, I skipped classes to go. This fair is my absolute favorite.

SO. MANY. BUNNIES!!!!!

Vegetable dragon? I don't know, but it looks cool!

We ate grilled corn, deep fried snickers, and LOTS of bacon! There was also bunny showing and lots of Oklahoma-made vendors to walk through. Even though it was cold, we had so much fun! <3

Lauren is such a cutie. <3

Mmmm, fried Snickers bar!

Then, I got a tattoo! No pictures until it's completely healed, but I'm super happy with how it turned out and it only took 15 minutes. It was 15 super painful minutes, but no pain no gain right?!

We ended the evening with vegging out in front of the tv and talking.

Sunday: Slept in, then walked around the mall! I had to get some work pants (which I got some! Yay!) but we also made time to stop by the candy store. ;) I made it back home before nightfall, and I just cleaned/vegged out the whole rest of the evening.

Pure cane sugar cherry cola! <3

This weekend was busy, but I love hanging out with Lauren and we always go on some sort of adventure. :D Best friends for 11 years, what what?!

As always, linking up with these lovely ladies!!

How was your weekend?

fashion friday: bewitching

My all-time favorite holiday is Halloween. I just love dressing up, seeing everyone's costumes, the zombie 5K's, scary movie marathons, and eating all the candy I can handle! It's so wonderful.

Vintage shirt / Yellow tight / high heels / stacking bangle / crystal jewelry / Stacking bangle / Sterling silver ring / Sterling silver ring / diamond earrings / cashmere scarve / Pier One Spider Witch Hat

First up: a witch! I was actually thinking about being a witch this year without having to buy the way-too-expensive-for-the-amount-of-cloth-used typical lady costume. I say just go crazy with accessories and crazy color combinations. It's Halloween, let your inner freak shine!

I'm hoping to keep up the fashionable costume series through the whole month! Let me know if there's anything specific you want to see! I'm so excited to try my hand at fashioning cute Halloween costumes. :)

What is your favorite holiday?

Things I Love Thursday.

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1. I love the feeling of brisk autumn mornings, especially when I drive with my windows down and music turned up. It makes the 6:30 drive not too terrible!

2. My mom's birthday is next week and I'm really excited for her to get her birthday present! I love spending money on my parents. :)

3. Listening to my Fall Out Boy Pandora station is full of some of my favorite music; I could listen to it all day!

4. This website makes me laugh all the time! (NSFW)

5. I love the way packages smell. Is that weird? I don't care!

6. Chicken pot pies for dinner and ice cream for dessert. Yuuuum!

7. Been doing well on my weight loss goal and have lost 15 pounds so far! This was just the motivation I needed after being sick for two weeks, I was so happy when I got on the scale!

8. Having wonderful, caring coworkers. They are the people that make me get up and come to work every single day.

9. Going shopping and being under my budget. I cannot tell you the last time this happened. Having extra money in my pocket after grocery shopping was great. ;)

10. I get to visit one of my best friends in Tulsa this weekend! I haven't seen her since my graduation in May and I haven't been to her apartment in forever! We're going to have so much fun hanging out and planning her April wedding!!

What are you loving this Thursday?

book review: the fault in our stars

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Y'all, John Green is a genius. This book, The Fault In Our Stars, makes me want to read every single book he has ever written. He writes about beautiful characters and makes them interesting; these characters are people you wish were real. I have never read a story that has seemed more like poetry than realistic fiction.

The main character, Hazel Grace, suffers from Stage IV thyroid cancer and has gone through the ringer with this disease. She meets a boy named Augustus Waters, who immediately catches her fancy. Their whirlwind romance is so innocent, it made me blush sometimes. They are just so perfect for each other, but there is always a fault for the star-crossed lovers.

This book definitely made me keep turning the pages and yeah, I cried at some points. If you want a good read (and one that tests your vocabulary skills) I would recommend that you pick this book up. You will not be disappointed!

"I'm in love with you, and I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable, and that we're all doomed and that there will come a day when all our labor has been returned to dust, and I know the sun will swallow the only earth we'll ever have, and I am in love with you."

ALSO -- this week is Banned Book Week! Take a gander at the list and pick up something that has been banned; celebrate the freedom to read!

What are you currently reading?

fall = tv shows galore!

I'm not a huge television watcher, but Fall is the time for new seasons and new shows to pop up on television. Sometimes there's nothing better than relaxing in front of the television after work or school. I just wanted to share a couple of my favorites with all of you! Maybe your favorite will show up, too. ;)

NEW GIRL

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This show always gets me rolling on the floor with tears of laughter running down my face. Jess is hilarious and her roommates are freaking perfect. The new season just started and it's just as golden as the first.

ONCE UPON A TIME

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I could seriously gush about this show for hours. The new season just started and it plays every Sunday evening, which is just perfect for me! It's a beautiful, interesting story and this new season looks intense. Who doesn't love dramatic fairy tales?!

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

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Maybe it's the nerd in me, but I love watching shows about veterinarians. I liked the pilot episode and I feel like this show has a ton of potential! I'm excited to see how the first season goes. :)

DOCTOR WHO

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Yeah, I'm just now getting into this show! It's definitely dramatic and heart-wrenching and truly British, but I LOVE IT! So many awesome characters and the story line is so intriguing. This show has been running for 33 years, so you know they're doing something right!

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

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Am I the only one who is super impressed with how their new season is going?! I feel like SNL went through a small slump but they are definitely picking up steam now!! Frank Ocean and Joseph Gordon-Levitt have already been on, this only means that better things are to come! :D

Can I also just take this time to comment on how awesome Hulu Plus is?! I'm so glad I can watch all these shows whenever I want for just $8 a month!

What shows are you watching this fall season?

weekend update: the time i went to the emergency room

Sorry for the daunting title!!

I debated writing this out and putting it on my blog, since it's a little TMI, but I think there's an important message for everyone to get out of this. Don't worry, there are no gross pictures and I don't go into detail about anything. Promise!

Three weeks ago, I got a cut on the back of my knee. About two weeks after that, I notice it wasn't healing properly, so I went to the doctor to get it checked out. He said it was partially infected and prescribed me 10 days on Bactrim (remember this, it's important) and since I had no known medicine allergies, it seemed perfectly reasonable to take this.

Long story short, my face and feet/ankles broke out into hives between Tuesday and Thursday. I was stupid and pushed it away as my face "having an acne break-out" and my feet got "chigger bites from going outside in flip flops." HOW WRONG I WAS. It took me until Friday to notice little red bumps on my hands and arms, and it took me until Saturday morning to realize something was very wrong.

People, I have never been in such itchy misery. My chin, cheeks, eyebrows, feet, ankles, hands, palms, arms, and upper legs all itched and burned like nothing I have experienced before. I have never had an allergic reaction like this, much less knew what hives looked/felt like.

At the urging of my mother (yeah, I panicked and called her. Smooth, I know.) I went to the emergency room. The people were so nice to me and took me in immediately. I was running a small fever of 100.4 and they knew I was having a bad reaction to the medication. Luckily I got checked out quickly, got my meds quickly, and was on the road to recovery faster than I could have imagined. It was a God-send that I was taken care of so well. I owe those people at the hospital a lot.

Now here's my warning -- many people are actually allergic to the sulfa compound in this medicine. Crazy, right? This is rarely prescribed because of people's reactions, and if someone needs to take it, then they are given small doses that build up to the amount they need.

Take my story as a warning! If you are prescribed anything with a sulfa compound, either ask for something different or ask for building doses. I don't want to hear about anyone else having an allergic reaction like I did! I could have been in way worse shape than I was; luckily it was just hives!

I have super awesome friends though -- two friends from work came to check up on me and made me feel a whole lot better. Through all of this pain, I just feel so blessed for wonderful people in my life! ♥


Now have a happy puppy to brighten this post!

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I hope y'all had a way better weekend than I did! :) Happy first day of October, too!

Don't forget to link-up with these lovely ladies:

fashion friday: what i wish i was wearing

Guys, I don't know how fall is going in your towns, but here I'm still sweating every time I walk outside...

92 degrees is too hot for the end of September!!

I wish I was wearing more fall clothes.

Cotton shirt / Slim fit jeans / black studded boots / Black satchel / Fringe scarve

I know these items have a "too bright" or "too dark" tone to them, but I really just want the big sweaters, jeans, boots, and scarves to come back into my life.

What fall fashions are you excited to wear/already wearing?