Current Obsessions

1. Tracking my Erin Condren Life Planner

 First of all, I SERIOUSLY hope you've taken advantage of the SUPER nice coupon Erin Condren has given her fans! Until the 28th you can use the code XOXO20 for $20 off ANY order!! You can only use the code once, unless you're me and you buy something and then have your mom buy you something else on her account ;) I am twiddling my thumbs waiting for my life planner to arrive - it has been shipped! It was shipped on Friday. I also got some notepads -- the ones that are $20...aka I only had to pay for shipping. BOOM.
2. Infinity Scarves

 I know these aren't a "new" fad by any means, but I am just loving on them recently.  Old Navy and Target have some really cute ones right now! I am trying to limit the number of days I wear them because if it were up to me, they'd be on EVERYday.   3. Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Pullover

 Another deal I scored this month was on a pullover from Patagonia! I scored this during their end of winter sale and it was down to $71 - normally $120. Still a little pricey for my college student budget, but I had just received my tax return in the mail and thought - heck - Happy Valentine's Day to me! Still fighting with how to wash it though...I washed it on it's own, then tumble dried...it was sopping wet!    4. Cadbury Mini Eggs

 Now that Valentine's Day is over and St. Patrick's Day isn't a big "candy" day, Target has their aisles coated in pastel pink, green and yellow all ready for Easter! Which I can' believe is almost only one month away - March 31st. I just can't help myself when I see these little eggs on sale. They are definitely in my Top 5 candies & worth an extra 20 minutes at the gym.   5. Baseball Season is HERE!

 Steven traveled to UNC Wilmington this past weekend for opening weekend. I cannot believe it's already time to get into baseball mode! I was really bummed they didn't open at Davidson like they usually do, because I wasn't able to see the games. Hopefully come March I can make it to some games! And, at least he still has one more year so I'm not thinking "This is the last time....." quite yet. :)     What are you obsessing over this week?   I have an Influenster Box review coming up! Woohoo! Happy Tuesday :)

Big fiddy, obsessions and a little bit of SUGAR!

Hey y'all! Happy Monday. I am, indeed, trying to make it a happy Monday. This weekend was sort of crazy, but I'm hoping for a better week! (Even though I'm getting stressed out about some things..) I'm trying to sort out my shadow tours and scheduling and trips and workouts and still making it class and work...yikes.

Now back to the fun stuff. First of all, I hit 50 followers! All I want to say is, please don't unfollow me...it would stink to go backwards and have to celebrate going back under 50. (awkwarddd) I can't believe I made it to 50. Just like everyone else, I don't blog to gain followers, but it definitely does motivate me to keep at it when I see I've gained another! So, thank you for reading :)

Second, here are my two obsessions of this very moment:

1. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Holy moly, why didn't I watch this show before?! My older brother recommended that I start watching the seasons on Netflix, so I did, and I am now obsessed. I'm only 7 episodes in, but AHH! Love it. It's what I have been filling my free time with.

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose

2. MYLO XYLOTO

This is Coldplay's new album that will be released on October 24. Check out "Paradise" and you'll know why I'm pumped. Accidentally ran across it this morning and I'm already in love. I'm definitely a girl that likes allllllll sorts of music. Coldplay has been a favorite for a while.


Lastly, La Dolce Vita is doing a giveaway to celebrate having 100 followers! I am proudly one of those followers and I absolutely love her blog, especially following her preparations for her first baby boy! She owns Sugar Boutique in Greenwood, SC and she is giving away 2 $50 gift cards to shop!

Here are some of my favorite finds at Sugar:

Karlie Orange Ruffle Crochet Back Top

This would be so cute for Hokie football games!

Peach Boho Embroidered Turq Top

I love the Boho look, especially paired with 3/4 length sleeves.

VT Hot Tamale One Shoulder Dress

This one is my favorite! The one shoulder look is growing on me, and the color of this dress is amazing. It would look great with some heels out on a date!


Y'all go check out her blog and enter her giveaway. She is allowing up to 5 entries :)


xoxo,

Fall Must Haves & 10 day You Challenge

I fell off the challenge train (that sounds bad) when I got to my anniversary post/WILW. I need to finish it though! I'll go crazy if not.

I'm at Six Places. I think I'm going to do six places that hold significance to myself/my life!

(1) McLean, VA

This is where my Momma and her siblings grew up and where my grandparents lived for many, many years! As in decades. I spent all major holidays in McLean for many years and even lived there for a bit and attended a pre-school. I can't tell you how many times I've had to stick my head out the window and help Momma merge onto the beltway.  Or how many times I've browsed through Tysons. As crazy as NOVA is, I always looked forward to going to McLean and, since my grandparents have passed away, I have missed being there. Now, my Uncle and Aunt live there, as well as my cousin. Also many friends from the area!

(2) Charleston, SC

This is where my big brother was first stationed when he got out of boot camp. He did his schooling here. We had the privilege to visit him a couple of times and lemme tell ya, if you haven't been there, you need to go!! It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. The architecture is gorgeous, the food is delicious, there is plenty to do, lots of shopping, tons of culture...I could go on. It's unlike the other coastal cities I've been to (VA Beach, Wilmington, Hilton Head, etc.) It's not so beach centered. Love it. Wouldn't mind sticking out a couple years there :)

(3) Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA

This is where I was born and where my family lived until I was about 8 years old (and then we moved to Blacksburg). Like McLean, I have many fond memories of this area including our two houses we lived in, birthday parties, our church, our school (Tallwood), our family friends, pets, adventures and more! Currently my brothers live in Norfolk, so I fortunately still get to visit the area :)

(4) Angels of Assisi Animal Shelter, Roanoke, VA

This is where we adopted Sadie from :) We spent months looking at dogs online and saying "okay, one day we'll go look at one..." I think Momma still wasn't fully convinced we needed a dog, but the moment I saw "Jolene" (her shelter name) on the AoA website we were IN LOVE.

Her website picture

We went to the shelter on a Saturday and she was in the isolation room because she had kennel cough. The lady said for us to look at other dogs, just in case. We looked at the other ones (including Sadie's mom - wahh) and saw some potentials. Then, we asked to see her. The lady gave her to Momma to hold so she could keep the other dog (her sister) back in the cage and you could see it in her face...she was the one :) We took her home right then and there!

(5) Allentown, PA

This is where SB's family is from and where I have had the opportunity to visit several times. His family is so warm welcoming and always treats me as if I were family too. Whenever I hear of kids at Tech coming from Allentown I smile :) When I used to think of PA, I would think of Philly but since I've seen the "amish country" I suppose it's called, I have a whole new outlook! While I don't think I could handle their snow (ehhh) the part of town his family lives in is beautiful! Makes me feel like I'm out in the country/VA :)

(6) Blacksburg High School (the one on Patrick Henry)

For those of you bloggers who don't know (which is 99% of you I'm sure), during my freshman year of college, our high school gym collapsed. I want to say it was on Valentine's Day, actually. Right around there. It was on a Saturday morning when no one was inside, but just happened to occur the morning after a basketball game when the gym was COMPLETELY full of families, fans, etc. What could have been a tragedy turned out to be a huge inconvenience for all. Anyway, to make a long story short, our middle school (brand new when I entered 6th grade) turned into the high school and our middle school students now go to school in an old building in the neighboring Christiansburg. TO MY POINT: I will be quite sad to see my high school torn down. The building has been deemed unsafe, unusable, etc. They will tear it down in the near future. I'm one of those people, though, that loved high school. I loved all the different classes and teachers and having 45 minute classes and seeing all my friends all day. I spent many afternoons watching baseball games and running around the track. I started a wonderful relationship that I am so blessed to be in. I found new friendships that have lasted throughout college. Eventually all I will have are my memories, and that's okay. But I'll have to go snap a picture or two just in case I get old one day ;)


Whew! There ya go!
I feel exhausted. Still, on my mind, is that it is the first day of September. Which means it will be FALL soon! Yikes? I don't know, I absolutely love summer but I keep seeing cute fall clothes and I want some crisp weather to wear it in.

Here are my Top 5 Fall Must Haves :)

1. Scarves

I love scarves not only because they look cute, but they can take a "plain" outfit of jeans and a white tee and bring it together and make it cute! I have several different scarves, most of them are patterned but I have a few solid colors. I can't wait to wear them!

2. Vera Bradley Stadium Blanket

I ran out and picked this baby up before the store even had them out! I had to ask where they were and she brought me one from the back. These are fleece-lined and super cute - bursting with color. I got the blanket in Mocha Rouge (shown) because it has some brown in it - Lehigh's color :) Since I assume I'll be using it at those freeeeezing cold PA spring games!

3. The North Face Denali Jacket

You can't go wrong with a North Face fleece. The Denali jacket is warm, comfortable and looks cute with almost any outfit! It has zippered pockets which is perfect to keep your phone/wallet from falling out, or to keep your hands warm too :) 

4. Cardigans

I think it's safe to say you can't ever have too many cardigans. Am I right? I absolutely love them and plan to 'revamp' my cardigan collection this Fall. I have a couple that I don't like the material, so I plan to take them to Plato's Closet and then get some new ones! I love that they can be dressed down or up. You can wear them with shorts, jeans, a skirt, a dress...anything!! Kind of obsessed.

5. O.P.I. Malaga Wine

I am partial to pinks and corals for my nails, but when it turns to Fall, I sometimes like to switch it up. A dark red, brown or neutral color are always my first thoughts! Malaga Wine isn't too bright, but it still makes me feel girly. I don't own this one (saw it on the O.P.I. site - which is so fun to play around on!) but I might need to go find it!

That's all! For real!

Happy September :)

xoxo,

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

It's Wednesssdddaaayyy!

Linking up with This Kind of Love

Here's what I'm loving :)

I'm loving being off of work this week. I love my little kiddos but I am enjoying having a break! I'll start back up when they start school next Wednesday!

No - I'm not at the beach, but I wish I was :)

I'm loving that our Jazzercise Flash Mob last Saturday at our town's annual street festival, Steppin' Out, was a success! I'm in the back-ish in the black!

Song 1 - Show Me How You Burlesque by Christina Aguilera

Song 2 - On the Floor by J. Lo ft. Pitbull

It was so much fun!!

I'm loving that Vera Bradley put their Bookbag on sale for $75 - normally $92....quite possibly another school "tote" option for me!

Bookbag in Safari Sunset

I'm loving that today I'll get to go to the Cascades with SB and some old friends. It's good to catch up every once in a while with people that we used to be so close with in high school, but now never see! Plus SB has never been to Cascades...I need to change that :)

I'm loving some of my newest Pintrest finds!

LOVE this.

Great idea for the classroom.

I am obsessed with my agenda/lists...this is so perfect. I especially like the "hydrate" part!

FACT. I died laughing when I saw this. Although I might prefer caramel delites (samoas) :)

Oh man I love the summer more than anything, but I might be a little bit excited for cardigan time!

That's all folks :)

Ten on Tuesday

Alright, I'm starting to link up now. Earlier I was borrowing questions from another post but I am now starting...

...with the blogger at Food, Love and Life!

This week's theme is 10 Items on Your Wishlist

1. Travel outside the U.S. I hopefully know this is going to happen one day...I would love to go to Ireland or Portugal!

2. Fatten my Vera Bradley collection. I do have several pieces, but I want to have a cute collection to pass down one day :)

3. Own a big, beautiful beach house that I can return to every summer! I absolutely love being at the beach.

4. Get a Maltipoo :) They are just too cute for words and such lil cuddly bugs.

5. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee...yes, please.

6. I would love to get a watch! I am turning into one of those "I'm naked without my cell phone" type of people...it's bad. I'm think gold & silver would be good because I am always mixing up my earrings, while I usually always wear a silver necklace and a silver ring.

7. Run a Marathon. Call me crazy, but I wanna be able to say that I did it! I got the half down...now I just need to get the other half done.

8. Go scuba diving! Seriously, don't know what could be better...and preferably somewhere tropical :)

9. Wear a wedding dress with pockets. Dresses with pockets are my favorite! Is that weird? I just love them. It's sometimes the deciding factor if I'm buying a dress.

10. Lastly, I'm going with Food, Love and Life on this one...I would love to have a Longchamp Le Pliage tote but that's quite a chunk of change. They are so cute though, and you can use them anywhere/anytime. One day I'll find $100 on the ground and splurge on one! Or ask really nicely for my birthday? Haha

Well, there ya go folks. Link up if you want and let me know so I can read yours :)

We just got back from the lake - it was so much fun! I'm wiped though, so I'm off watch some Shark Week :) Have y'all been watching? There have been some good ones on recently - kinda scary, but so interesting!! It's on Discovery all week!

Recent Obsessions: Pintrest Edition.

Call me crazy, but I could spend days browsing through pictures and ideas and boards on Pintrest. Enough that I have found pins of all my favorite things (as of today):

Getting Back Into Shape

I wouldn't say I'm totally out of shape, but I'm not in half-marathon shape. Which is where I would like to be. The next 1/2 that I want to run is in April, but I would like to find some long distance races in between to keep me goal-oriented!

SB

He is always on my favorite things list, but this week especially. It's been a summer of unexpected situations, but he has always found a way to reassure me that everything will be okay. Whether it be something he said or did, at times when I thought I was 'doomed', he turned my frown upside down :)

And last night, he got the win against Gastonia!

*The picture is because he is originally from Austin and whenever I see/hear Texas I naturally think of him.

Navy Stripes

I love Navy Stripes! I wish I had this exact outfit to wear to the pier on Friday, but I don't. I'm hoping I can find something in Short Pump on Wednesday that is similar! I'm not a huge stripes person normally, but I love them if they're red or navy. Very nautical. You can pair it with gold or silver jewelry which is nice since I'm always switching it up.

Everything About This Pin

I am so excited to go to Norfolk later this week, partly because I get to go to the beach! I haven't been to the beach since last summer (unless you count January...I don't!) I'm so ready to lay on the sand with my new Vera Bradley towel...and then run and jump in the water & never get out.

I also love the colors & fonts in this pin. I wish I could blow it up on a canvas for my new beach-themed yellow room. It would be perfect! I'll work on that.

Angel Food Cake + Strawberries + Cool Whip

This is one of my favorite desserts, especially in the summertime! Today it hit me (random craving) that I really wanted to have some. Mom & I were already headed to the Verizon Store so we headed over to Kroger and got the ingredients, along with some dinner from the Bistro! After The Bachelorette is over (it's on in the background!) I'm going to serve some up :)

Well, like I said, The Bachelorette is on & I have an assignment for my online class to get finished by midnight, so I better scoot.

If y'all are in the mood for some happy tears, don't miss Surprise Homecoming on tonight at 10:00 (eastern time) on TLC!! Right after T.B. It's going to get me in the mood for Friday. so. pumped.

:)

Simply Saturday: Things I'm Loving

Happy Saturday!

• I'm loving that I motivated myself to get up at 7:30 this morning and went to Jazzercise! It was a great workout.
• I'm loving that my mom and I found an awesome chest/dresser piece at the thrift store (oh yeah!) for only $80 that looks like new!
• I'm loving that July 4th is only two days away. Besides Thanksgiving and Christmas (which I feel like everyone loves, because there isn't much not to love about it), Independence Day is one of my favorites! I used to be deathly afraid of the fireworks but now I love them.
• I'm loving the new dress I got from Target on Thursday. I have it on right now!
• I'm loving the Sweetened Iced Passion Tea from Starbucks. Yum.
• I'm loving that I finally get to go watch a ball game tonight :) It's been a week -- crazy, right?! ;) I miss that kid.
• I'm loving Skype and texting and appreciating the fact that I live in a world of such modern technology. Thank the Lord.
• I'm loving angel food cake + strawberries + a dab of cool whip. Can you say delicious? Can you say summertime?
• I'm loving my sweet pup Sadie who brought me the newspaper this morning after me only asking her once! She is so smart.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday weekend :)

Simply Saturday: Obsessions

It's Saturday & I'm patiently waiting for my laundry to be finished. Later I'm going to the Summer Solstice Festival downtown with Sadiebaby.

To pass the time, I was contemplating the recent obsessions of mine:

• PINTREST. This can be considered more of an addiction than obsession.
• Jason Aldean...'nuff said.
• Luke Bryan...'nuff said.
• 5" shorts from Old Navy. Time to be classy, "short shorts" are in the past...
• Finding the perfect summer haircut. I hate to get my hair cut, but I want something fresh for summer...I have been stalking people to find the perfect do!
• Paint colors. I want to repaint my room at home...I just can't decide between Kansas Grain (light yellow), Bridal Rose (subtle pinkish redish), Rose Linen (more pinkish but still soft) and Lavender Lace (light purple)
• Themed Rooms. I am dying to get some themes going...my room at home I had wanted to do beach theme, but turned that into my bathroom which was a success! My townhouse is harder to incorporate a theme because I'm not allowed to paint the walls. I suppose I will have to rely on wall hangings and fabrics. So far I have dark wood furniture and a blue quilt (but with pink paisley sheets...hehe). I will need to work on that before I move! I think I'll either go beach themed again, because I have two cute beach things for the wall, or keep it blue/neutral. Decisions, decisions...I just need my own house so I can pick and choose for more than one room!
• Fresh fruit. I bought a humongo watermelon (my favorite) the other day & it's delicious! Made a fruit cocktail with that, grapes and cantaloupe. Yum :)
• The new Death Cab CD...I want that!
• Father's Day. I am going to see my Dad tomorrow! In addition to FD, it's his birthday on Tuesday. Knowing he doesn't look at my blog, I can share his gift with y'all. I got him a grilling set, some retro Budweiser pint glasses and a print of Mabry Mill. The print was made not by sketches or anything, but lots and lots and lots of little dots that made up the picture! It is SO cool.
• Lastly, my job. I have realized that I have such a great job. I work with great people, my director works around my schedule and the kids, well, they can pretty much turn any day into a great day :)

 There ya go. Hope y'all have lovely weekends! Put on your SPF!
<3

 

 

pintrest <3

Recent Obsessions

I am laying in bed sick today (great way to spend a sunny summer day huh?) and I am thinking about some recent obsessions of mine, and I thought I would share :)

1. DIY Projects

I am on the "college student budget" which means although I'd love to go crazy at Pottery Barn & Ikea, it ain't gonna happen. I was browsing blogs & I found some perfect DIY projects for my new room that I can complete this summer! Check out these three projects (and the blog that gave me the inspiration/directions: Honey We're Home) that I WILL have done by August!

Starburst Mirror

Fabric Covered Canvas

Inspiration Board

Check back later to see if I actually do them - and yell at me if I don't!

2. Arnold Palmer Iced Tea/Lemonade
This is actually a constant obsession of mine. I went into a Sheetz a couple weeks ago & found two more versions - one with pink lemonade and one that was Peach flavored...sweet! Here is one of my favorite commercials though, that compliments my obsession:

3. Market Totes
You can ask anyone (especially my girl BPatt) that I am a regular in the "big Krogs" on South Main Street. I just love to go grocery shopping & it seems that I find a reason to go to Kroger daily! These shopping bags are soooo cute & they help cut down on all the annoying plastic bags that are really only good for trash bags or doggy bags.

Lilly Pulitzer Market Tote

Vera Bradley Shopping Tote

I personally have the VB bag. It's beautiful summer colors are perfect to take to Kroger, or even to a picnic or baseball game! It has an inside pocket & it's super durable so I don't think I'll have to worry about this baby ripping like you have to sometimes with the plastic ones. Love them! (Other styles/colors available)

4. Planning Travel
I love to travel! On my bucket list is to make it to a "major city/town/attraction" in every state.  There are so many places I want to see, but a few are sticking out in my mind right now.

I would love to go to Maine because it's where my Grandmother was from. We have somewhat extended family still living there (we don't keep in touch, really) but I'm sure they'd give us a fantastic travel guide :) They live in Kennebunkport which is probably where I would want to head! I'm not much for cold weather, but I love the ocean and all the lighthouses! Plus I'm sure I could score some awesome seafood :)

SB is from Austin and I think if it were up to him, they would have never left! He only has great things to say about this city, but I'm not surprised! It's appears to be bursting with things to do, places to go, music to listen to and lots and lots of delicious food to eat! Being from a small town, I would really love to go to a big city like Austin & have the experience of hardly ever being bored. Plus, as they say, everything is bigger in Texas & my motto on life is Go Big or Go Home, so it's perfect! And again, I'd have a pretty sweet tour guide :)

Nashville. Country Music Hall of Fame. Need I say more?

Well, of course with it being summer, I have the beach on my mind :) Key West is one of those places where the pictures are gorgeous, but I don't feel like it's real until I see it for myself! I've been to Florida multiple times & I lovvvve it. I am always tempted to just keep on going South til I get to the Keys! Along with Hawaii, Key West is one of my top Beach Vacation spots to hit up asap!

5. Summer Movies
Last night, or rather this morning, I went to the premiere of The Hangover Part II.

If you saw the first one and liked it, you are sure to like the sequel. It's more or less the same plot but thankfully they used all the same characters so it was just as funny. It definitely has some crude humor in it (probably shouldn't go with your mom or young children) but that's part of what makes it what it is. Definitely worth seeing if you liked the first one! The theater was packed! One showing was sold out, but there was one following 1 minute later so no worries. There were some good previews too. (I love the previews!) Horrible Bosses and Bad Teacher both look good!
Here is the next one on my list:

Hehe :)


That's all for now! It's time to face the day! Hopefully this cold kicks the curb soon so I can get back into my groove.

I hope yall have a lovely Thursday :)