The Little Things

I think that it is always good to recognize the little things that light up your day.
 I know that I tend to get caught up on the little things that are stressful or that annoy me and the good things get pushed aside. 

For me, there are afternoon walks with my dog (teasing him to get a good photo), winter days that are slowly coming to an end, fresh flowers, and most importantly seeing old friends that you have not seen in a few years. I am headed back to Washington D.C. in a few weeks to see my dad and I could not be more excited. One of the highlights of my trip will be visiting good ol' Solomons, MD, where I grew up and where I left some very good friends behind. I am so looking forward to tears of joy, lots of hugs, and catching up over some of the best crab cakes Maryland has to offer.
What are some things that get you through your day?
Just something to ponder on this wonderful Monday. February is almost over, can you believe it?

Thanks for reading!

Color

Coat: J.Crew (old) Shirt: Volcom (so comfy!) Pants: J.Crew (old, similar) Boots: Enzo Angiolini (old, similar) Bag: Kate Spade Necklace: Forever 21

Nothing like some bold colors and my go-to boots to make this winter weather a little brighter. I hope you had a nice long weekend. Mine could have been better, I got in a little fender bender on Sunday but no one was hurt so all is well. Also went to a Utah Grizzlies game Saturday night (it's our local minor league ? hockey team) for the first time I have to admit it was an experience. This was my first hockey game and the fights seemed a little staged to me but it was a lot of fun! Did you do anything fun this weekend?

Thanks for reading!

Target Love - Spring '13

Shop the post:

I seriously have an unhealthy relationship with Target that I think many of you can relate to. It goes something like this: 

(sorry for the language, there was just no better way to say it) 

Luckily, all of these picks are under $40 and perfect for spring. I am loving that lavender/lilac color right now and can't wait to wear it. Maybe after the snowstorm we are supposed to be getting on Wednesday. Happy Shopping and I hope you have a great Presidents Day!

Thanks for reading!

Bundled

Coat: J.Crew (old, similar) Pants: J.Crew (great price!) Boots: Enzo Angiolini Gloves, Hat, Scarf: J.Crew (all old) Bag: Longchamp (gifted) Sunglasses: Nordstrom 

Lately it has been so cold that every day for school I have to bring the essentials: Scarf, Hat, Gloves, Coffee. I guess the last one isn't that 'essential' but it's always nice to have. Also, my new Longchamp bag is amazing. I have wanted one for a very long time and it is perfect for taking everything I need and then some. I love that it folds up and I can't wait to travel with it. 

I hope you have a great Friday! I am looking for some books to start reading and I would love suggestions. I was thinking about Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Have you read it? I would love opinions/suggestions. Thanks for reading!

Casual Valentines Day

Sweater: Forever 21 Jeans: Aeropostale (really old) Shoes: Sole Society Bag: Steven By Steve Madden (old) Watch: Skagen Necklace: BaubleBar

First of all, Happy Valentines Day! We decided to celebrate Valentines a few days early this year because Brady works today and it's my sisters birthday. Happy Birthday Sarah!

 I am sorry for my unplanned hiatus, I had a few tests and that in combination with no one being able to take photos for me = no blog posts. I have decided to give up watching TV for lent, I have a really bad habit of saying "I'll only watch one episode" and then it turns into half of the season. No TV for a while will be good for me, more time for the blog! Speaking of TV, have you seen American Horror Story? We are halfway through the first season and it's SO good. Don't watch it by yourself though (I tried and failed miserably). Sorry for my rambling. Happy Valentines Day and thanks for reading!

I Heart DIY

This weekend, I decided to do a little DIY for Valentines Day. I am always so tempted to buy more mugs for my house, especially these cute ones, but just can't justify it since I have so many already! I have been seeing a lot of different posts on Pinterest about using Sharpies to decorate the mugs you already have, so I decided to try it and here's how it turned out!

I practiced what I was going to write beforehand, because I don't trust myself with permanent markers. 

 For my boyfriend, Brady. 

 

My mug for my friend Katie, who lives in MD. We have kept in touch over the years by sending boxes back and forth filled with trinkets. I'm adding this mug into our February/Valentines box. 

The finished product. 

 What I learned: 

The darker markers work better, unfortunately. The lighter pinks did not work as well as I had hoped they would, so keep that in mind when designing your mug. They look exactly the same after you bake them as they do when you put them in the oven. I have not had any trouble washing them (I washed them after just to make sure) but I have not been putting them in the dishwasher. Also, the instructions for time and temperature to bake the mugs at I got from A Beautiful Mess.  

I hope I have inspired you to do a little something for your Valentine this weekend!

Personally, I think homemade gifts are the best and this is a simple and inexpensive gift. 

Happy Crafting!

Hots for Dots

set created on polyvore

Shirt $58 /Sweater $18/ Pants $18/ Dress $25 /Rain Boots $78/ Phone Case $40/ Sneakers $75/ Handbag $98

There is something about polka dots that just screams spring to me, and that is what kind of mood I am in today. Even though it is supposed to snow tomorrow. I am trying to plan to get some snowboarding and sledding in before the weather warms up! Do you have any more cold weather plans?

Happy Thursday!

Liebster

image via
Hello there! Jordan from Opal & Violet was kind enough to nominate me for a Liebster award, and I thought it would be a fun way for my readers to get to know me a little better. 

So, here's how it works:

1. List 11 facts about yourself. 

2. Answer the 11 questions given to you. 

3. Create 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominate for the award. 

4. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.  

5. Choose 11 bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate. 

6. Go to each bloggers page and let them know about the award. 

11 Random facts about me:

1. I had a huge crush on Leonardo DiCaprio when Titanic came out.

2. I love really bad T.V. shows.. I am a sucker for Real Housewives NJ, so good, so bad. 

3. I grew up on the East Coast, Maryland to be exact.
4. I have never dyed my hair.
5. I graduated High School Early.
6. I love tequila
7.  I'm really bad at going to bed early, even when I have to get up early..
8. My Grandparents retired in the South of France and I am lucky enough to get to visit them often.
9. I did not have a smart phone until the end of 2012.
10.I was on the Sailing team at my high school in Maryland, a group of my friends did it as a joke but it was probably my favorite part of school. So many good memories.
11. I love dessert, it's my favorite part of any meal.

Questions from Jordan:

1. Who is your favorite famous duo?

  Harold and Maude  It's kind of an inside joke with my boyfriend. The old ladies love him! If you have not seen the movie, watch it! It's so good and I think it's on Netflix streaming. 

2. Where is your favorite place to eat breakfast?

Park Cafe. Best breakfast place in SLC.

3. Do you prefer wedges or stilettos?.
I guess wedges but I don't even wear those very often..

4. Would you rather wear a statement necklace or statement earrings?
Statement necklace!

5. Going old school here: Backstreet Boys or NSYNC?
NSYNC for sure. I just love Justin Timberlake, still do.

6. What book would you recommend me to read?
I don't even know. I have not read a non-school book in forever.

7. Who is your favorite character on FRIENDS?
I actually have only seen like one episode of Friends so I don't think I could answer this fairly. I hate the 'canned' laughter, so I can barely get through an episode.

8. What is one hair product you can't live without?

Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide Serum, it's semi-pricey but it lasts forever and does wonders for your hair

9. Do you speak any other languages?
 A little French.

10. What is your favorite dish to cook?
Chili, I know that seems kind of boring but there is just so much you can do with it!

11. If I were to visit the city you live, where should I go?
Hmm, there are so many places! I would recommend going to see the Salt Lake Temple, since that is a landmark of UT. I have lists of restaurants that I would recommend and I would definitely say to go to Park City. 

My 11 Questions:

1. Have you ever been out of the country?
2. What is your favorite movie and why?
3. What are the 3 things you could not live without?
4. Have you ever had any pets?
5. What was the last thing you ate?
6. Where is the place you have lived the longest?
7. Have you ever won anything off of the radio?
8. Is your room usually messy or clean?
9. Do you keep a journal?
10. What is your favorite nail polish color?
11. Are you a procrastinator?

However, I am breaking ALL the rules and I am not tagging any bloggers, but I would love for my readers to answer the questions above, if you choose to!

Have a great Tuesday!

Winter Blues

Sweater: Bloomingdales (gifted) Jeans: Aeropostale (old) Boots:Enzo Angiolini Coat: Burberry (borrowed) Watch: Skagen Earrings: Kate Hines (gifted) Sunglasses: Nordstrom Belt: Target

I have got to say, I really hope that Punxsutawney Phil was right about spring being just around the corner. Even though it will probably still snow here until May, I am looking forward to it warming up just a bit. I hope you had a fabulous weekend! I went out for my gorgeous friend, Jenn's, birthday on Saturday night and we had so much fun. Sometimes all you need is a night out to help get rid of the winter blues. You should also check out the beauty line she founded here (the girl is a makeup master and such a sweetheart). Also, huge thanks to my best friend Devin for letting me borrow her coat (lucky girl lives in FL). 

Hope you have such a happy Monday! (if that is even possible)