Ten on Tuesday :: Fall

My weather app tells me it's 61 outside. THAT, my friends, is a sign of fall.   I'm a summer girl and I would have no problem with it being summer yearround, however I'd be lying if I said I wasn't happy to see some sub-80 temps.   In a few short days it will be officially FALL and I can already smell a Leaves candle burning in the living room...

{one}  Candles. LEAVES in particular, from Bath & Body Works. You really cannot go wrong burning a Leaves candle.   {two} Thick socks. I love wearing socks, 24/7. (Yes, I'm a sleep in socks person.) Especially when they have a fun print!
{three} Going to Sinkland Farms. Our pumpkin patch is a very short drive from my house & they have festivals every weekend starting the 28th of September. You can bet I'll be making more than one trip out there for some pumpkins & kettle corn!
{four} Not being hot & not being cold.  This may be one of my most favorite things about fall. You don't break a sweat just by walking to the car like you do all summer, but you also aren't risking frostbite by sitting on the porch.  I love it.
{five} Fall decor. I love the warm tones of fall and decorating the house makes it feel so much cozier.  Plus, you start getting into real decorating holidays -- so much fun!   {six} Pie. Pumpkin, apple, pecan. You name it. Enough said.   {seven} Family time. There are lots of fun birthdays (Both of my brothers, my Mom, myself and Steven) in these fall/early winter months and also lots of holidays - and even a wedding this year. This means lots of family time! Which means lots of happy time.  I'm okay with that.   {eight} Football is officially in full swing! Which means lazy days on the couch (when I'm not slaving away on homework) are a legit excuse for how to spend the weekend. Now, if I could finally get the channels that the Hokie games are on we'd be all good!
{nine} Marathon season! At least for me. This fall will be extra special as I take on 2 half marathons and 1 full marathon.  Definitely going to hibernate all winter when it's over and done with.
{ten} Breaking out the bean boots.  I've missed those babies since last season.  It will be a happy day when they make their fall 2013 debut!

WILW :: Printable Wisdom

If y'all aren't on the Etsy train yet, which I assume you are, you better get to gettin'!
I was browsing some items yesterday and ran across the most adorable shop: Printable Wisdom
Check out the blog here!   I am just in love with these digital printables! There's everything from monograms to scriptures to fun quotes, all in fun fonts and colors. Everything is customizable & very wallet friendly :) It's seriously hard to narrow it down to a few favorites!
Here are just a couple of the ones I like:

I can't get enough! This weekend I plan on sitting in my room & picking a couple of these prints that would go well with the color to buy and frame!  You can find some printing tips on the PW blog!
Which print is your favorite? What Etsy shops are you loving right now?

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 :)

Current Shabby Apple Favorites & Coupon Code!

Have you checked Shabby Apple recently?   They have some ADORABLE pieces right now that I am dying for. My fall closet is begging for their classic, vintage pieces that will never grow old.   Shabby Apple not only has timeless outfits, jewelry pieces and accessories, but they present them in such a neat way. I love browsing their photos solely for their photographic beauty! They do their photo shoots in an environment that complements the outfit piece.   Here are my current Shabby Apple favorites!

Shabby Apple Favorites by slryan3 featuring a tee dress

I think the Serenade dress is the perfect maxi! It looks so comfortable and can be paired with a statement necklace.
The A+ dress is a new style I'm loving -- the shirtdress. Fun to dress up or down.
The Black Oak dress is the perfect LBD. I love that they paired it with brown riding boots!
Seven Seas in Seersucker makes me want to go back to summer...when you add in the ruffles - I'm sold!

Did you notice the little treat in the corner? With the code favorite10 you can get 10% off!
The code expires on 9/14, so act quick! :)

Girl Crush on Carrie Underwood

Am I alone on this?Not only is she the most successful American Idol winner (at least in my opinion), but she has awesome legs, awesome hair, an awesome voice, and an awesome hockey player husband.Every time she comes on my iPod I bump the volume upppppp!
Here are some faves...in case you need some tunes while you read blogs! Good Girl

  Mama's Song

Remind Me, feat. Brad Paisley (another crush)

 I'll Stand By You(cue tears)

Last Name

Okay, I really want to post them all.Must stop now.
Happy Thursday!

Obs-essie-d

Okay, I know from reading other blogs and from looking at Pinterest boards that I'm not the only one who takes painting my nails seriously.

Let's be honest, it is serious business! I believe your nail color can tell a lot about you. When I'm perusing Target I find it a challenge to try and leave without a new Essie bottle. Recently, I found an Ulta store (something that SWVA is lacking) and spent 30 minutes trying to pick out a color...not because I didn't like any of them, but because I wanted all of them.

So, I admit. I am obsessed. With Essie.

Equals: "Obs-essie-d"

Here are some of my favorite spring colors!

movers and shakers

luscious lips

a crewed interest

haute as hello

looking for love

barbados blue

Later I'll have to do a post on all my favorites pinks!

Such as this one, pink-a-boo, from their new resort collection:

What's your favorite spring Essie color?

Happy Thursday!

xoxo,

Fab 5 Friday!

Today I'm switching things up & joining with Emmalee and Crystal for Fab 5 Friday!

Here are the 5 items that helped me make it through the week & my one W.I.S.H. item!

1. Fleece Blanket

It's been chilly this week! When I'm finished with class I've been curling up on the couch with my fleece blanket!

2. Vaseline Lip Therapy

I love this stuff! It's not quite chapstick, not quite lip gloss. It's sort of a gel. I have the cherry "flavored" one and it has been very helpful in keeping my lips moisturized with these winter winds!

3. Red Bull

I love Red Bull! I know energy drinks aren't very good for you, but sometimes you just need a little kick. I especially like to mix it into my smoothies - strawberries, mangoes, a banana, a can of Red Bull...yummm.

4. Target Monster Mix

This is by far my favorite trail mix! The peanut butter morsels they included put the Target trail mix high above the rest, even Planter's. Mom & I have been running through this stuff like it's our job. On our last Target trip we went ahead and bought the tub instead of the bag!

 

5.  Magic Bullet

This is what we have been using to make some delicious smoothies! It's probably my favorite "As Seen on TV" item thus far...although come to think of it, we don't really have any others. At first we thought it was silly (Mom got it as a gift) but to make a delicious smoothie in seconds is SO NICE!

My W.I.S.H. Item

 

Sweet Tea Paperie "Little Ms. Perfect" Planner

I want one of these SO badly. I am in love with the Erin Condren life planners, but right now $50 is a big chunk of change to spend on one. STP is having a $5 off sale this weekend so that makes it even more tempting to get one now.

However, I'm probably going to wait until after this semester & "start fresh" with one once I'm a senior!

What are your top 5 items/products this week?

I hope everyone has a wonderful start to the weekend!

New countdown: One week until I'll be down in NC to kick off baseball season! :)

xoxo,

Valentine's Challenge: Day 2 & Top 5 Tuesday!

Wow. I just realized my posts are going to be filled with link ups. I hope that doesn't annoy y'all. On the weekends I won't have any link ups. I think they're fun though and I really appreciate everyone's comments on my stories! It means a lot that y'all actually read what I write :)

Today's topic is: Worst Date Ever

I honestly can't remember a horrible date! At least, not one that I went on and something terrible or embarrassing happened.

The one day that sticks out in my mind, though, was a Friday night in December of 2008.  I had just gone over to Steven's house and we were going to go to the mall - going to the mall isn't really a "date", but we were going out together, alone.

We went outside and were playing around in the driveway - laughing and chatting. I was sitting on the back of my old car so that we were the same height. When your boyfriend is almost a foot taller than you it hurts to always be craning your neck to talk to him!

Anyway, long story short I teased him and so he picked me up over his shoulder. Then, since I'm such a scaredy cat, I started fidgeting and squirming.

The next thing I know, I'm laying on the ground and Steven is bending over me saying "Come on, hold my hand, we need to go inside."

Yep...I had squirmed so much that he fell backwards, dropped me and I hit my head on the driveway.

[Sidenote: This was before he had his elbow surgery (tommy john) and he had landed right on his elbow...I didn't know this until later and felt so bad]

Blood started running down my neck, into my shirt and on my pants and shoes. I had no idea what was going on & suddenly thought I was going to throw up.

Long story short, we did not end up spending the evening in the mall, but rather the Emergency Room where I got my very first stitches :) And might I add...they were blue. They had to cut some of my hair to do them so for the longest time I had short hair behind my ear. Hair stylists would always say, "Ummm...do you know you have these short pieces?" "Sigh....yes I do, thanks!"

Steven hates that story because he felt so bad. But I know it was a complete accident (and partly my fault) and I like to joke around about it now...I had never, and still haven't, broken a bone and hadn't had stitches so I saw it as a cross off the bucket list! Sort of...haha. There's a first for everything.

That was probably my worst date ever - mostly because we never made it to the "date"! :(

After getting the stitches and a super attractive gauze headband we did get to snuggle & watch a movie on the couch since I was zonked out. That's just as good to me :)

Now for Top 5 Tuesday with Rachel!
Make sure to check out her special post today - she's having an Emi Jay giveaway! :) If you don't know about Emi Jay...you're probably going to want to.

January Favorites

1. Olay Ultra Moisture Lotion with Shea Butter

Love this stuff. I bought a trial size in the "airport aisle", as I like to call it, in Target and it's amazing! It has a nice Olay smell and has been a life saver during these dry, wintery January days - and let me tell you...my skin gets D-R-Y! It's very uncomfortable. The trial size is perfect to put in my cosmetic bag that I take everywhere.

2. Winter Break

Steven, his brothers and me on Steven's birthday!

The first two weeks of January were spent still on Winter Break making them much more preferred than the last two weeks. I had such a wonderful time with Steven and his family and also my family. I was so happy to have my brothers home. I'm already ready for Spring Break...and Summer Break...ohhhh boy.

3. Beauty and the Beast

January was the month that my favorite Disney Princess movie was re-released in theaters! I know y'all are probably tired of hearing me talk about it, but it definitely is worth a re-mention :)

...barely even frieennnnds, then somebody bennnnds, unexpectedlyyyyy...

4. The Sugar Bowl

{via}

Even though we came out defeated, I was still so proud of my Hokies for going to the Sugar Bowl down in New Orleans. Mom, Steven and I watched at Bull & Bones with nachos & margaritas. It was a tough game to watch but I'm proud of the boys and excited for next season!

5. Instagram

We made cupcakes at work. YUM.

Since receiving my iPhone in December, I have developed a strong love for Instagram. I love documenting little things in my life and making them look neat. It's also helping me in my Project 365 challenge.

I'm also loving seeing all the posts about where to get your Instagram pictures printed! I would love to do a collage or something with them. Or maybe put them in a book. I'm not sure. If you have Instagram - I'm slryan3 :)

What about January stands out to you?

Lastly...who watched The Bachelor last night!? Ben needs to turn things around. I just can't believe he is keeping Courtney who is so rude and sending home Jennifer who actually has a nice personality and good intentions. He needs to be slapped in the face. That is all.

Today is an early release so I get to spend five hours with the kiddos :)

I'm used to working on Mondays, but this semester I have class at 4:00. I miss seeing them on Mondays! Therefore, I am very happy it's an early release. More time to catch up :)

Have a great day!

xoxo,

Sunday Night Thoughts & Giveaway Alert!

It's Sunday night, I just ate a can of pear halves, and this is what's on my mind...

• I never do two posts in one daily, usually, so this is strange.
• I love pear halves.
• I think one of the most exciting things about fall is buying warm, flannel pajamas. The two-piece, button down type...or is it just me that rocks the old school look?
• My shellac is still looking fabulous, but I'm thinking of going to get them re-done this time with french. I'm going to a wedding on Friday so I need to look freshhh.
• The Hokies won an amazing game yesterday against Wake Forest...I soooo wish it had been a home game.
• I have a list of about 20 books (including Nicholas Sparks' new release, The Best of Me) I want to read...where am I supposed to find that sort of time??
• I cannot believe I've reached 75 followers. WOW! Thank y'all so much...I feel like I have the best blogging friends in the world. Maybe I'll try a giveaway? :)
• Speaking of giveaways, Turtles and Pearls is hosting an AWESOME 2PreppyGirls giveaway! If you haven't seen their stuff, you're missing out. They have some of the cutest monogrammed items I've ever seen. Go check out her giveaway before it ends on the 23rd!
• I am dying to have a puppy or a kitten. I just need to move somewhere that allows pets.
• One of the most creative inventions (and the one I will never live without ever again) is the apple wedger. I don't think I'll ever cut an apple myself again... #firstworldproblems
• I seem to struggle when it comes to boyfriend birthday/Christmas gift ideas...anyone have any ideas/suggestions?
• As always, I spent more time on Pinterest than I did on homework this weekend...OOPS!
• Tomorrow, two of my classes are cancelled but the one that isn't...is my earliest one. No sleeping in! Bummer.
• Today I helped with VT's Open House morning session...it made me (sort of) miss being a senior in high school. They all seemed so little and excited!
• I can't wait to be a real teacher so I can have the 25% off teacher discount at LOFT.
• SB and I decided for Halloween we're going to wear Oktoberfest costumes. I'm pretty excited about it.
• I went to the pumpkin patch again this weekend...it's just too much fun!

I hope everyone has a marvelous Monday :)
xoxo,

Tweet Tweet

I used to be allllll about Facebook and thought Twitter was dumb. I figured it was everyone posting what they were doing or where they were constantly. Boy, was I wrong. I signed up and have been hooked ever since. It's more about entertainment, news and being "with it" than I had originally thought.

Here are some of my favorite Twitter accounts (out of many more) that I follow:

Charlie McDowell @charliemcdowell - He writes letters to the girls that live above him. "GAM" stands for Girls Above Me.
For example:

• Dear GAM, “Not to get all sentimental, but I’m really proud of us for getting into bikini shape this summer.” Hold on, I need a Kleenex.
• Dear Girls Above Me, “Shark Week is over!? But it was only on for like a week! Oh, wait a minute--” Nope, you already said it out loud!
  

First World Pains @firstworldpains - Basically, they tweet things that we think of as a "big deal" but when you think about it...there are worse things in the world people have to worry about! They're pretty hilarious.
For example:

• I took a straw for my drink I got to go, but I bent it trying to open it and now it has a tiny hole in it.
• The Chipotle person didn't wrap my burrito well, causing its contents to spill and forcing me to eat them with a fork.
• It's nice outside, but my internet doesn't reach far enough to the back yard for me to watch Netflix on my laptop.

Daily Bible Verse @daily_bible - Plain and simple, posts a verse each day. It's nice to read while I'm rushing to class!
For example:

• As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. - Ephesians 4:1
• For everyone who asks receives; those who seek find; and to those who knock, the door will be opened. - Matthew 7:8

OMGFacts @OMGFacts - They tweet interesting, odd, random "fun facts". This isn't a verified account, so of course we're assuming they're true.
For example:

• Since 1950, Georgia has flown four different state flags. The design was changed in 1956, in 2001, and again in 2003.
• The first baseball team to put numbers on their uniforms was the NY Yankees in 1929.

The Today Show @todayshow - They post their top stories so when I have class & miss the show, I can follow along with what they're covering! Then I usually go home and get online to re-read the segments I missed that looked good.
You can probably imagine what they look like... :)


The Dark Lord @Lord_Voldemort7 - whoever is behind this is genius. They tweet from the perspective of Lord Voldemort. This was half the reason I got an account in the first place, to follow them! A lot of them sound mean, but like I said...it's supposed to be from Voldemort's view.
For example:

• The way you make me feel is similar to what someone under the cry oaths curse might feel like....
• #fightingwords: avada kedavra and expelliarmus.
•  #Thingspeopledothatgetmemad: exist.
• "Bullying is for losers" is a TT. Um, isn't calling bullies 'losers' a form of bullying? Your trend fails more than Neville in Potions.
• Kidz bop? If someone spells 'kids' with a 'z' then the only 'bopping' associated with them should involve them getting smacked in the head.

Some other favorites include: @BradPaisley, @ConanOBrein, @Phillies (play by play during the games, they post the line ups), @dearblankplease, @disney (refreshing quotes!), @omgthatspunny (stupid but makes me laugh), @peoplemag (tweet their stories...I always read this magazine), @PatrickWSLS (weather man)


You can follow me here if you'd like! If I recognize your name, I'll definitely accept and follow back! :) Or leave your names and I'll follow you!
If you follow any that you think I'd like, let me know!


That's all for now. Gotta go rest up for the game tomorrow!

xoxo,

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I cannot believe it's Wednesday already...this week is flying by! This is a late post. There was an early release today. I also went to a Career Fair. Although I plan to go to Grad school, as opposed to straight into a career, it was still nice to go and explore my options. I had to dress up though, and now I have a blister! Grrrrrreat!

Anyhoo, time for WILW with Jamie.

I'm loving...hearing the kids use their manners. It's music to my ears. Today I also saw three acts of "big kid" kindness, helping out the younger ones. Precious.

I'm loving...The Frosty Parrot. A new self-serve frozen yogurt place downtown :) I hope it lasts a while! Those sort of places are my favorite. I'd much rather go there than a DQ or anything. The only other things we have around are Coldstone, Rita's and Ben & Jerry's.

I'm loving...sleep. Recently I've felt a little wimpy and so I've been trying to go to bed earlier. Yes I feel like I'm 80 years old, but I love waking up at 8 and feeling refreshed. Hopefully I can make a habit out of it!

I'm loving...these OPI colors!

William Tell Me About

Parlez-vous

You're A Doll

Suzi Loves Cowboys

{Sorry, those were really random....I'm getting tired!}

I'm loving...these quotes I found on Pinterest (followme)...

I'm loving...these fall outfits...

Cute!

Simple!

Lovely!

I'm loving...that we have a home NIGHT football game on Saturday :) 6:00 pm vs. Clemson! Maroon Effect! H-O-K-I-E-S HOKIES!

That's all folks :) this old lady is going to bed (ha!)...

xoxo,