Locked Out

I'll be laughing with everyone I see

2012-02-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

Dress, Lauren Conrad for Kohl's // Jacket, H&M // Belt, Kohl's // Necklace, Multnomah Falls // Boots, Candie's.

I have some amazing news!!! I got a job! A real one, that I would wear real people clothes to. Not a hat. Not a uniform. Not a smock. I'm so excited. I really don't have words to explain how much joy is just welling inside of me. It's all thanks to my friend Cassi, who deserves all the love and cookies and affection in the world. She's my new hero.

Because I'm starting my new job today, this post was scheduled out. I was originally going to wear this outfit to the bridal show my mom and I went to yesterday, but I ended up changing at the last minute for the interview that got me hired. However, I do love this outfit -- I love this dress, my favorite blazer, my brown boots. I'm just full of love though, so I might be biased.

Right now, I feel so wonderful and confident. I don't know what else to say!! I just feel great about the world and life and everything in it. It's weird how something traumatic and devastating has lead to such a great change in my life. I quit a job that made me miserable and got a job that is ten thousand times better and probably so much more fun!! I'll be making more money, gaining more experience, and generally just doing something I'll actually feel good about.

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful Friday. Wish me luck at my first day at my new job! I love you all, thank you for taking this journey with me. Today marks a new chapter in my life and I'm SO excited.

Announcing your place in the family of things

2012-02-23T08:46:00.000-08:00

Top, Forever 21 // Shorts, American Eagle // Belt, Tights, and Boots, Target

Not to keep harping on my thumb or anything, but you know what's hard to do without using your thumb? Buttons. Not even kidding. I was originally going to wear my plaid button up and I spent about ten minutes undoing the buttons on it. My thumb is getting closer and closer to "useable," however. You guys have no idea how excited I am for that. I can bend it and everything!

You know what else I'm excited for? A bridal show. Yep! My mom and I are going to a bridal show tonight and I couldn't be more pumped for it!! Ok, maybe I'm not that excited, but I do think it will be fun, even if I don't go with anything that is actually displayed there. I just want to get some ideas, mostly.

I feel really good lately. I've been getting enough sleep, figuring out what I need to start a photography business, and generally just doing things that will make me happy, rather than explicitly miserable. I really do think I will be happiest just working for myself, but I don't really have the know how to really get it started or figure out what to do. We'll see what happens, but I really want this to be a new part of my life. I'm just ready to be what I want to be -- and I do think I would be most successful working just for myself. No need to impress anyone (who doesn't want to be impressed), except customers!

This outfit came to me out of nowhere. I was standing in my closet, trying to decide what to put on, when I realized I'd never worn these shorts with tights. They're probably my favorite shorts, so I'm shocked with myself that I'd never worn them in a really obvious way! I know navy blue with black is kind of a taboo, but I feel like the shorts are a bright enough blue that it doesn't look awkward. I'm also wearing my current favorite nail polish -- "Jem" by Zoya, my favorite Peter Pan top, my favorite colored tights... this is another outfit of favorites!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday! You're the best. :]

Being a human is exhausting

2012-02-22T10:38:00.000-08:00

Jacket, Target // Top, Skirt, and Oxfords, Forever 21 // Glasses, unknown brand

These pictures turned out a little blurry, as it was raining and some droplets got on my lens. However, I mostly just wanted to show off my thumb -- I'm down to just a band-aid today. So brave. I'm kind of a total wimp when it comes to dealing with injuries and this one is especially gruesome, especially for me. I've never broken a bone or been seriously hurt before, so this is my first serious injury, um, ever. However, I've now rebandaged it a few times, washed it, showered with a glove on, and can now use the pad of my thumb for basic activities. I've also learned how to put in my contacts without my thumb, wash dishes while keeping my thumb out of the mix, and wash my hair and face with only one hand. I'm kind of impressed with myself.

I threw this outfit together really quickly. This was one of my favorite tops from the summer, combined with my favorite patterned bodycon skirt from this winter. I really just wanted something comfy and I'm really feeling bare legs right now. I haven't been much for getting dressed lately -- I've been wearing a lot of leggings and tee shirts. And slippers.

I'm not up to much today. Just internshippin' and hanging out with my mom and nephews. I'm also going to clean my house later -- very exciting, I know!

Hope you all have a good Wednesday.

I'm letting go

2012-02-20T17:11:00.000-08:00

Dress, homemade! // Flower hairpiece, Target // Cardigan, Target // Flats, Hot Topic

Meet my dress! And my thumb! I need to wash the dress really bad, but I wanted to show it off before doing so. I love it -- the pattern, the fabric, everything. My mom gets most of the credit, because she's very good at sewing. I couldn't have made it through the pattern without her! It's definitely more of a summer dress, so I can't wait for warm weather to wear it.

My thumb is doing fine. Thank you all for your sweet comments. It doesn't hurt much (unless I bump it) and tomorrow I'm downgrading to a less bulky bandage, so I'll be able to wear a glove and shower with it soon. Thank goodness!

These pictures turned out really grainy -- but only on blogger! I'm not sure what happened. They look normal in iPhoto and Photoshop, but now that they've uploaded, they're grainy. But only my face. Sometimes, I think blogger just likes to mess with me.

I spent today running errands. I also turned in my resignation at my job, which felt good, if a bit sad. Part of me wishes it didn't have to happen -- that's the part of me that has trouble typing without a thumb, wants to take a nice shower, and misses using a fork properly! But another part of me knew it was time. If something consistently makes me feel miserable, then I probably shouldn't be doing it. Afterwards, I went grocery shopping, tried to find a special antibiotic my friend told me about, and forgot to buy a curtain rod (oops).

I hope you all had a decent Monday. I'm taking it easy tonight. But tomorrow I have some more errands, but then things will calm down for a while.

The Last 24 Hours

2012-02-19T17:47:00.000-08:00

So, a lot has happened in the last 24 hours that I should probably fill you all in on. I intend to do an outfit post tomorrow, but I didn't want to shock anybody.

This happened. It's common knowledge (I think) that I work(ed) at a deli. Well, Saturday night, tragedy struck, as it tends to, because I'm both clumsy and unlucky. I cut the tip of my thumb off on one of the meat slicers. So yeah, that happened. I was mostly in shock until anger struck right as I was leaving. The part I cut was a diagonal slice across my thumbnail -- it bleeds a lot, but it could have been worse. And the medic assured me it would grow back, but I have my doubts. It's a lot of skin gone. Sizable chunk.

Tears were shed. I made a few frantic, not-very-coherent phone calls to my mom and dad, sister, and brother, and I don't remember a lot of it. I do remember my thumb clotting to the towel I was applying pressure with and standing in the bathroom sobbing, trying to get it off with water, but not wanting to look at it. I also remember the medic asking me if I liked working there and replying, "Not really," which made my sister laugh.

I'm still kind of in shock that it happened. However, it pushed me to something I really needed to do: quit. I wasn't happy there and it wasn't the stores fault. It's just me. I can't torture myself over it. I still have to work out the details, but I can't work with my bandage -- it can't get wet, it doesn't fit under gloves, I'm not sure how to shower with it, I can't wash my hands, etc -- and to be honest, I never want to be near a meat slicer ever again.

I rebandaged it this morning and while it's pretty raw, it's not as bad as it looks, if that makes sense. The bandage is smaller, but it's still bright blue, so now you hopefully see why an outfit post, with no explanation, would be shocking.

Do feel free to call me Thumbelina.

On the plus side, my mom and I finished my dress today! So many ruffles. It also has pockets.

Hope you all had a good Sunday. Stay away from moving blades (really).

Keep it Clean

2012-02-17T09:34:00.000-08:00

Sweater, Forever 21 // Scarf, unknown // Jeans, American Eagle // Flats, Kohl's

I'm slightly out of focus in just some of my full-body shots and some of my portraits. I don't know why I couldn't stand in the same spot every time, but I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles.

This outfit is really simple, mainly because I'm feeling like a cranky pants. I won't go into details, but I put my cranky pants on yesterday afternoon and they are firmly in place for a little while.

I got this scarf my freshman year of college. Apparently two guys thought it'd be really funny to prank my hall (it was the all girls honors hall) and tore down a bunch of our stuff. Unfortunately, I was awake and when I opened my door, they ran for it, leaving behind a scarf. I kept it because they did not deserve it back, frankly.

These flats are new. I bought them yesterday because my interview shoes at my feet. Actually, I bought two pairs because they were only $7.99 a piece. That's right, 80% off. When my cashier circled what I saved at the bottom, she paused and said, "Um, yeah, you saved $65." It was oddly joyous.

The weather is really mild today! I thought I would freeze without a jacket while taking these pictures, but I felt completely comfortable. C'mon, Spring, I'm ready for you. So ready.

I like that my butt is in focus in some pictures, but not my face. How does that work?

Hope you all have a wonderful Friday!

The Sunshine List

2012-02-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

We all have bad days. Days where you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and stay on it. Nothing seems to go right -- the coffee maker breaks; the car smells or is out of gas; traffic is bad; work is exhausting. Things just start to pile up.

There is no magic way to make things go well. But when I'm having a bad day, I've found that the number one way to derail the bad luck train is to head it off with treating myself. If I have a little happiness, the bad doesn't seem as bad; in fact, it begins to fade into what it actually is. Inconvenience. Here's my sunshine list: 10 little things I do on bad days to make the bad seem a little brighter.

1. Take a bubble bath. Lately, my one big indulgence on my days off has been taking a bubble bath. I read magazines, or whatever book I'm working on at the moment, and just relax. There is nothing like that engulfing warmth to make me forget about everything unfortunate that's happened all day... or all week.

2. Make, or buy, your favorite meal. Personally, I love having a BLT on bad days. It's not the most unhealthy thing in the world, but it's definitely a little indulgence. A little comfort food never hurt anybody.

3. Treat yourself to a little retail indulgence. Even if it's just buying your favorite drink at Starbucks, or a snack to have while you watch a movie. A little something-something to remind yourself that you're special is really great.

4. Listen to your favorite album. Currently, I love Gotye's "Making Mirrors." When I have a bad day, I listen to it on repeat as I work.

5. Clean and organize. Nothing takes my mind off of my problems like bustling around cleaning. For example, yesterday, I reorganized my office, moved a bed, cleaned the living room, did laundry, folded laundry, reorganized my closet, and cleaned the kitchen. And in that time, I completely forgot what was making me feel upset.

6. Craft. Or do whatever hobby you love. Whether it's writing poetry, scrapbooking, or sewing a new dress, stop putting it off. Procrastinate on whatever work you have to do and let yourself have a little fun. Even if it's just for an hour!

7. Go for a walk. Or a long drive. I find long walks -- or long drives, if it's raining! -- are a great way to clear my head. I just get in my car and drive, or I just walk until I feel like going home. It's a great place to think without the pressure of having to actually do anything. Plus, walking is great exercise!

8. Write. Write it out. Or write a list of your 10 favorite things. 10 good things that happened today. 10 things you can't live without. Your top 10 memories from when you were a kid. Anything positive that gets out all those negative feelings and replaces them with happy ones!

9. Go thrift shopping. You don't even have to buy anything. But I love sifting through stuff for possible treasures. For a while, you can forget about what's bothering you, and focus on taking pictures of funny dresses to send to your friends.

10. Go crazy on Pinterest. Or Tumblr. Whatever floats your boat! Just start searching tags and pin or reblog to your heart's content!

Do you have a Sunshine List? What are some things you like to do on bad days to make yourself feel better or more positive?

Iron & Wine

2012-02-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

Top, Macy's // Belt, Kohl's // Skirt, Forever 21 // Kitten heels, Kohl's.

Things I need: an iron.

I have an ironing board. But no iron. That doesn't make sense, but this is what happens when you live in your own apartment, then at home, then alone again. Your possessions start to get very confusing. However, the iron issue is now especially pressing because this skirt needs to be ironed so badly. It is literally screaming out for a good pressing.

This outfit was inspired by the "Oh the Places You'll Go!" editorial in Glamour March 2012. When I saw this photo, I immediately thought of my two favorite midi skirts. I have so many new outfits written down, featuring them, thanks to Glamour! I had, for whatever reason, never thought to pair my mustard skirt with a plain, white button up -- but I'm so glad I did! I love this outfit, wrinkled skirt and all, and I can't wait to wear it somewhere business-y.

As a related side note, you should all head over to Sian's blog to check out her newest outfit post, inspired by one of my recent outfits! Funny enough, her outfit gave me another idea for an outfit. This is one of the reasons why I love fashion blogging: inspiration begets inspiration.

Yesterday, I started sewing my first homemade dress! With lots of help from my mom, of course. My mom sewed dresses for me all the time when I was little and she was always very good at it. I'm already excited for it to be done -- it's going to be so cute! I still have to buy a zipper for it. That's kind of a big part! I just can't wait to wear it and photograph it -- it's definitely more of a summer dress, but I'll make it work for February.

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!

To me, you are perfect

2012-02-14T09:25:00.000-08:00

Outfit details

Valentine's Day. I've mentioned this before (too many times, probably), but February is my least favorite month. It's the month where winter weather loses in charm and starts to drag just a little too much. There are no fun holidays -- no Halloween, no Christmas, no New Year's -- to redeem it. There's just Valentine's Day, a day mostly sponsored by companies that make chocolates that come in heart-shaped boxes. It's mostly a holiday where people feel pressured to "have someone" -- personally, I don't believe in pushing co-dependence, so I've always had a slight distate for Valentine's Day. Except for making sweet mailboxes in elementary school and back when everyone got a Valentine.

When I think of romantic days, I think of the Christmas season -- not necessarily the holiday itself, but just Christmas. And "Love Actually," of course.

I was originally going to wear something a little more ... Valentine's Day themed, but I just wasn't feeling it this morning! I wish I had been, but I just couldn't make any decisions regarding any of my heart print items. This outfit is very similar to pretty much all the outfits I've been wearing lately -- dress, belt, scarf, bomber jacket. I've hit a formula and now I can't get out! I swear I will soon. However, I do love this silhouette ... and this outfit. My pink lace dress and I are basically Valentine's, but only because Danny isn't here!

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day! I appreciate each and every one of you for following my blog, commenting, and cheering me up when I'm being a mopey-pants. I hope you know how special you are!

Picture Perfect: February 12

2012-02-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

Another week, another batch of photos! This week, I decided to switch up the order and do something a little different. Let me know what you think!

Last Saturday, the 4th, I went to Portland with my mom. The weather was beautiful on the drive up. Even though I was sick (really sick!!), I had a great time. I wasn't really in the mood to buy anything, but I still had a fun time.

This Saturday was more relaxed. I took these last two pictures while driving home (don't worry, I pulled over) from grocery shopping and getting my oil changed. The weather was beautiful and I felt a lot better than I had in days.

I think my nephew just need his own website, really. Baby model! He's just so cute and so happy all the time. On Wednesday, I wore my hat to my mom's house, so I put it on him -- he was very interested in it anyway.

I made peanut butter balls (homemade Reese's) on Tuesday with my mom to send to Danny. (Okay, she made them. I mostly sat and coughed and blew my nose.) I have tons of extra so they're sitting in my fridge and I eat them, one by one.

My parents and I have a tradition of going out to our favorite Mexican place every Thursday. I decided to branch out and try the tacos this week. They were delicious. (Although I wish they had had avocado!)

Multiple manicures (including Essie "Meet Me At Sunset" tips and Peter Pan Collar thumbs) later, my nails are now bare and looking better than they have in months. I'm not sure what I changed, but I hope it's for good!

My mom got me a massive collage frame for Danny and I's photos. I love it!

Yesterday, I finally got the oil changed in my car -- this is one errand I hate doing because I always get talked into something else. This time? A new cabin air filter. Then I bought a new wallet at Target -- this $13 impulse buy made my day. It's so pretty!

I hope you all had a good week! I'm almost done with this flu/cold, so I'm hoping next week will include a lot less Dayquil!

DIY: How to Make Your Own Customizable Wall Calendar

2012-02-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

I love scrapbooking. Being crafty has always been one of my favorite hobbies and while I'm not a perfectionist about it -- I have some really rough looking scrapbooks! -- I absolutely love it. I've recently started branching out to make more than just scrapbook pages. My new thing is making cards and calendars. Today, I'm going to show you guys a tutorial for making your own sweet wall calendar, one page at a time!

You'll need: One sheet of decorated paper (I used polka dots!) // One sheet of plain, light-colored paper // a pen // a ruler // something to cut with (either scissors or a scrapbooking paper cutter) // stamps and stamp pad // glue and/or mounting squares // embellishments.

1. Cut your plain piece of paper down about two-inches from the original size. I decided to keep my main sheet it's full size (all scrapbooking paper is 12x12), so I cute my yellow sheet to 10x10 inches.

2. Draw your calendar squares. This is trial and error. It took me a few tries to get it to look okay and the last two days are still smaller and squished. That's okay though. It's homey looking. Make sure to keep a spot at the top of the days.

3. Glue to the main sheet. I glued mine further down to leave a space at the top for the month and embellishments.

4. Use stamps or stickers to stamp the month onto a scrap of your solid-colored paper. Feel free to use a different color, but I like the cohesiveness of keeping it the same.

5. Glue to the sheet. I did, however, give mine a second backing to create a burgundy border. I then glued it to the right side over the calendar. I don't like everything to be perfect and centered.

6. For embellishments, I picked a journaling square to add to the top. I'll be writing my monthly goal here!

7. Add days & dates. I used stamps to add the days across the top. I used number stickers for dates -- I've been trying to use up these number stickers for eight years, I'm not even kidding. I never use numbers when scrapbooking, so I'm looking for alternatives! I then added some more embellishments to particular days -- for example, the 15th is Danny & I's anniversary, and I have a friend visiting on the 22nd!

The finished product pinned above my whiteboard and next to my corkboard. The best part is that it's scrapbook sized, so when the month is over, I can put it in my scrapbook!

Happy scrapbooking!

DIY: Peter Pan collar nails

2012-02-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

I read a tutorial a few days ago for Peter Pan collar nails. You can check out the original here, but I made a few tweaks I thought I'd share - I think they just make things easier.

These are the colors I used -- NYC top coat (which I also use as a base coat to protect my nail from staining), Sephora by OPI in Keep me on my Mistletoes, and Rimmel London Black Peal. I did start with a base coat, which the original tutorial suggested not to. But I don't like stained nails!!

Firstly, I used tape, not binder rings. I just cut a piece of tape into a half circle shape and then kept the sides flat and long so it would wrap around my finger, but still be easy to unwrap. I also used gold for the collar instead of white. I do own white, but I like sparkly things.

I also did two coats of black to make sure it was nice and dark

The hardest part really was doing the collar, of course! I put two dots like the tutorial suggested, but found that dried too quickly and things got goopy. The easiest way to get the collar, for me, was to just draw a big fat McDonald's M on my nail!! This is my left thumbnail and it looks the best -- my right nail is a bit skinnier and wonky, so I'm just ignoring it. I only did my thumbnails because, honestly, it does take a while!

I also just used a toothpick dipped in polish to make the buttons.

I removed the tape after the gold had dried and then topped it off with some top coat, so my entire nail would be shiny, not just the decorated part. I'm really proud of them -- they look really nice and are just a cute little accent nail.

The finished manicure -- I painted the rest of my nails gold. I think all five nails with complicated manis just looks a little too busy sometimes. Plus, I like that just one nail on each hand stands out.

I'm going to be trying more interesting manicures soon, because I have the time, so keep an eye out for those!

We set the world on fire

2012-02-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

Dress, Brass Razoo // Jacket, Target // Scarf, Open Hand // Tights, Target // Boots, Target.

Well, look at that! Two outfit posts in a row! I'm kind of impressed with myself right now. I've been terribly sick since last Thursday (and I mean, miserable sick) and today I seem to be on the mend. Unfortunately, I can only whisper, so I suppose that is a major downside, since I can't call anyone or speak to anyone in general. I mean, I guess I could call people, but I could only whisper, and that's a little creepy, you know...

However, I'm on the mend and no longer feverish, although I have a really bad cough and am still incredibly tired all the time. Earlier today, I thought I was going to fall asleep sitting up! And I've fallen asleep at my parents' house, while visiting my mom, two days in a row. Hopefully today, there will be no spontaneous naps.

As I was coming inside from taking these pictures, I felt really disappointed -- I thought they hadn't come out well. The sun was too bright and I had trouble getting zoom and focus and everything right. But when I uploaded them to my computer, they looked much better than they had on my camera. It's weird how off my perception can be sometimes.

I love this outfit though. I really love this dress -- I bought it just before Danny and I started dating and then wore it to our school's Spring Fling, so it has a lot of great memories. I love that it is a shiny grey, and the blue floral and lace is so pretty. I realize I've covered that part up with a scarf, but if today's weather is any indication, I'll be wearing spring dresses sooner rather than later!

I don't have much else to talk about today! I've been pretty boring, sitting at home, working on internships, napping. I have been doing a lot of crafting lately, and I have some really cool tutorial posts coming up tomorrow and Saturday. I'm very excited for them and I hope you like them. Otherwise, I've been watching Lord of the Rings and eating a lot of chips and salsa lately.

Tonight my parents and I are going out to dinner -- it's become a Thursday night tradition! I have to say, sometimes it's the only thing I look forward to all week. That and sleeping in on Fridays.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!

Want to learn how to make Valentine's Day cards on your own?

2012-02-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

Hallmark, you are no longer needed. Check out my step-by-step post on Lovelyish for details.

Let's get lost

2012-02-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

Dress (worn as top), H&M // Skirt w/ belt, Forever 21 // Jacket, H&M // Boots, Kohl's

If I look particularly pale and cranky in these pictures, it's because I'm battling a cold with multiple phases right now. That or the swine flu, and I increasingly suspect I have the swine flu. Two years later, I finally get it and damn, does it suck. I did drag myself out of the house to take some outfit pictures though -- of an outfit I've been envisioning for a while.

I love my little yellow dress from H&M -- I got it for my engagement party in Idaho and so, it has a lot of good memories. Unfortunately, we've suffered some trials and tribulations (the shrinking incident), but I still love it, even if it is a bit short. (It's good for summer, okay!) I've wanted to wear it as a top for a while, but I didn't know how. Over jeans? Too long! Under a dress? What? With skirts? Possible, but which one? This one is perfect because it's high-waisted and not yellow! Plus, I love mixing similar patterns -- the little hearts on top and the larger polka dots on bottom is very interesting visually.

I hadn't worn these boots in ages (and they're my favorites!) and of course, i love my denim jacket. I won't be wearing this outfit anywhere today (my bed is calling), but I can't wait for when I do.

I do have to do some baking today, so I won't be straight into bed. I know, I have to bake. It's a requirement...

I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday!!

Can't replace you with a million dreams

2012-02-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

Top, Old Navy // Shorts, American Eagle // Socks, H&M // Oxfords, Forever 21.

To be honest, I don't have a lot to say today. I'm really sick and feel pretty terrible. I have the worst muscle aches. Normally when I have a cold, I have muscle aches for the first day and then they go away. But these ones are hanging around and making it impossible to get anything done. I mostly just want to curl up in the fetal position all day and not move, but unfortunately, I still have to go to work.

I did drag myself outside for these pictures, although only two turned out and I really thought I was going to collapse from the cold. I ran inside to my tea as fast as I could and now I'm parked in front of the heater.

In conclusion, I am a big baby.

I did get a haircut though and that feels good.

I hope you all have a good friday. I'm going to Portland with my mom tomorrow, so I hope I start feeling better by then.

Graphic Prints

2012-02-01T16:34:00.000-08:00

I've recently been working on some prints. I started doing them as personal entertainment -- just something to do when I was bored between internships, but still wanted to feel productive. The more I look at them though, the more I begin to think I could sell them or do something with them besides, you know, just letting them sit on my computer.

For now, I'm holding off on the for-sale aspect, but I just wanted to share with you two of them. I love them, I love making them, and I'm going to do some physical prints of them soon to see how they look. If they're nice enough, I might start doing some handmade ones to see how that goes.

Hope you all had a wonderful Wednesday!

On Feeling Off

2012-01-31T13:56:00.000-08:00

Sweater, American Eagle // Tank Top, American Eagle // Skirt, Target // Tights, Target // Oxfords (not pictured), Forever 21.

Today was one of those "off" days where instead of saying how I really felt (tired, anxious), I felt myself thinking "I feel fat!" I almost didn't post these pictures because I thought I looked fat in them. Now that I look at them again, I have no idea what I was thinking except that I just wasn't feeling good.

I'm a little concerned that I look like Punky Brewster in these photos. From the vaguely middle school hairstyle (I really tried, I'm just not good at doing hair) to the myriad of colors, I don't know if what made sense in my head makes sense in real life.

That being said, the longer I look at these photos, the more I like them and the better the outfit looks. The one thing I would change is my shoes -- I couldn't stand my full-length shots and now I realize it was because of my shoes. I think my legs look best in boots and flats with a small heel (or heels outright!). I love my little gray oxfords, but I'm beginning to feel like they are not great paired with colored tights.

I think my only solution for just feeling off - unsure of myself, anxious, tired, sad, fat, whatever - is a nap, eating something healthy, and working out. Then I'm going to top the night off with my stress yoga (which I haven't done in ages but clearly need), some scrapbooking, and a movie. Sometimes I think I let my feelings get the best of me - I tend to work at extreme emotions, either really happy or really sad. I'm never really at a neutral. I don't know what that says about me - I suppose I've always described myself as either passionate or sensitive depending on the situation - but I know I often let everything get the best of me. I really need to train myself not to let it happen and to therefore have it change how I feel about everything.

This has been two posts in one day! Exciting? I think so - it makes up for a few days of silence form me! Hope you all had a good Tuesday and you're not having an off day. ;]

Five Lessons for New Fashion Bloggers

2012-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

Not that I'm by any means an expert at fashion blogging (three years in and I'm still fledgling!), I can say I've learned some things along the way. My journey as a fashion blogger has been sometimes boring, sometimes dramatic, sometimes exhausting, sometimes exhilarating. But there are some things I wish I had known from the beginning to save myself a few headaches.

1. Learn how to crop photos. This has been a recent lesson for me. I started cropping photos to a 4x6 ratio and it is a major improvement in terms of how my photos look. It means they're always the same width and height when oriented a specific way. It's cleaner looking. Almost every photo editing program has a way to crop using a restriction. The tighter you can crop as well, the better.

2. Keep your layout and design simple. Seriously. Resist the urge for bright or obnoxiously patterned backgrounds, outrageous colors, anything black background. Keep your photos the same width, if possible, and keep all buttons in your side tabs the same width too. (I'm currently working on this one.)

3. Make blog friends. Developing a group of bloggers who you identify with will help your blog to expand. Don't worry if one ends up more popular than the other -- that's not the point. It's just nice to have people to reach out to when you want to start a new project, or if you need guest posts!

4. Keep one foot in reality. Don't let your blog take over your life -- unless it becomes your job. But still, remember that it's just a website. Don't let statistics, comments, and a schedule control your life. You're a person outside of the internet, really, you are.

5. Don't take it too seriously. You really don't need to buckle down and keep your nose to the grindstone when it comes to your blog. Ultimately, you should be doing it for fun -- if you get tons of readers, potential sponsors, and eventually start to be able to profit off your blog, props! But trying to start a blog with that intention will drive you crazy. Just be yourself and have fun.

What words of advice do you have for new bloggers?

Picture Perfect: January 29

2012-01-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I've stayed on top of doing Picture Perfect for a little while now! The past few weeks have been crazy though, so I might have repeated some pictures (especially of the snow -- but who doesn't love snowy pictures?)

1-4. Walkin' in a winter wonderland. I miss the snow and I wish it was like this a majority of our winter. I prefer it to the rain, even if it's colder.

5. My favorite color of nail polish, while organizing my notes and writing.

6. I've been decorating Danny & I's office. Instead of covering cork boards with fabric, I opted for some scrapbooking paper. For this one, I did blue wood print, plus bird print, and a strip of brown.

7. My interview outfit for last week. It makes me a bit say to look at now... :\

8. My bedside table, complete with Danny & I.

9. My face!!

10. The second corkboard in Danny & I's office. This one has my necklaces on it now, plus photos of my friends and Danny & I. It's my "memory" corkboard, rather than "business."

11. The view from my desk, complete with a letter from Sian from back in July! Oh and stamps.

12. A milkshake from Dickie Joe's. I stopped there to get dinner after a mid-shift. It was a good way to spoil myself.

13. My mom and I visited King Estate Winery to see the wedding venues and to have lunch. I had the smoked cheddar mac & cheese and it was wonderful, but the atmosphere was way too stuffy for both of us! It's a beautiful property but not our personality at all!

14. My mom got me a new Essie nail polish! It's orange and lovely.

15. I broke my shopping ban and got a new tank top. I did get it for $7 though, so I'm okay with it.

16. I finally got my free Zoya nail polish in the mail! This is Gem and it's a lovely dark plum (although it stained my nails really bad, even with clear polish as a base coat). I also got a metallic teal called Noel.

17. Mason & I. He'd just woken up from a nap and was still tired. I love his pudgy legs!

18. Friday was a gorgeous day in Oregon!

19. I found this in the newspaper at work. It seemed really funny, especially because he was arrested where I used to live!!

20. I did some scrapbooking yesterday. I had missed it!! I want to get back into it soon, now that I have lots of pictures to scrapbook.

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

What I've Learned from 2012 (So Far!)

2012-01-28T11:33:00.000-08:00

So far, 2012 has not been the year I wanted it to be. I've cried as much as I did in 2011; I haven't magically stumbled upon the answers to my questions; and Danny definitely isn't here yet. But I think with hardship we all learn lessons and when I'm not having the best time, it's easiest for me to cheer up by distilling what I can learn from a situation.

1. Nothing happens overnight. Nothing good will ever just happen suddenly without warning. As people have told me, many people go years struggling to make things work! I just need to be patient, keep working hard, and build my portfolio. Eventually, I will find my place.

2. Just like good relationships, good jobs don't materialize when you're desperate. I've often told people that Danny and I got together because neither of us had been looking. Sometimes, when you're looking for something you feel like you need, you can never find it -- but you do find a lot of junk you don't need. Ultimately, the same is true for a good job and I have to remember that. The harder I look, the more I'm going to find junk.

3. Sometimes, there isn't a benefit to being too hard on yourself. I've always believed that there is benefit in sacrifice. But someone recently told me that if something makes you infinitely more miserable, you probably shouldn't be doing it. There is no benefit to driving yourself crazy.

4. Ambition isn't a replacement for self-esteem. Unfortunately, I've been this way for a long time, but hadn't realized it until recently. I'm not really sure what to do to change it, but just realizing that I've allowed my ambition -- and by extension, my resume -- become a replacement for actually feeling good about myself is enough to make me want to change it.

5. I will probably be okay. I come from a good family. I have a place to live (even if I'm not sure I can cover the power bill). I have a fiance and will be getting married in a year and a half.

What have you learned from 2012 so far?

Disappointment & all its friends

2012-01-27T10:54:00.000-08:00

Romper, Forever 21 // Cardigan, Target // Tights, Charlotte Russe // Boots, Macy's

I should probably start by apologizing for my lack of posts lately. I've been trying to stay on top of things, but Wednesday I took a serious blow to my job ego and spent most of Wednesday and Thursday alternating between crying and desperately applying for every job I could find. I'll admit that I've been pretty unhappy for the past few weeks (really, since November) and I try to stay cheerful, but it's really hard.

I know I've said it before and people always say things will change -- and I appreciate the confidence in me, I really do -- but things aren't changing and I don't know if people really understand what it's like to work so hard for something from the age of 12 on only for it to crumble away when it's finally time for me to realize my dream... and to suddenly have to ask, "Is it because I'm not very good?" Saying "things will get better" isn't going to make my feelings of failure magically disappear. No amount of positivity is going to change the damages to my self-esteem at this point. I will cheer up, eventually, and return to my normal self. It just takes time after disappointment.

On the plus side, I do have some non-outfit posts lined up and prepared for the next few days. I just have to finish writing them and get them scheduled.

That was kind of a downer way to start a post! But unfortunately, it's something I had to express -- again -- or else it's just going to stew inside of me. And honestly, it's the reason I don't post as often.

This outfit was just something I put on quickly this morning. I really miss spring and summer and being able to wear my romper without tights. I hope rompers are in again this summer -- I really want another one!! This one I somehow shrank, so the shorts are much tighter than they were originally. I'd been wanting to pair it with mustard tights for ages, but never had any -- and now that I do, I've done it, but I'm not sure I love it. I think I prefer it with darker or brighter tights. The mustard is almost too similar in tone to the yellowish nude.

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday! I seriously will try to cheer up, I promise.

Engagement Photos

2012-01-24T18:43:00.000-08:00

I received a CD of Danny & I's engagement photos today! I've been able to see sneak peaks on Facebook since they were taken in December, but now I have copies of my own... and they are wonderful! They captured as a couple -- from laughing to me giving Danny my serious face -- perfectly. I'm so excited to get prints done, to make collages, to scrapbook for days on end!

I also spent the day visiting wedding venues with my mom, buying Valentine's Day supplies (secrets), and generally having fun. I should have been working -- really -- but it felt good to do something fun for once!

I hope you all had a wonderful day!

Baking Bombshell: the Easiest Valentine's Day Candy Ever

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

I'm one of those people. I'm preparing for Valentine's Day early. Why? Because I don't want to be the person panicking at the last minute about what to do. I suppose this might only apply to those with significant others, but I disagree: I think Valentine's Day is a good opportunity to show your friends and family you love them too. And to show yourself a little love too. And what better way than with some yummy, homemade, super easy peppermint bark?

You'll need: 1 bag of white chocolate chips / 1 bag of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (your choice) / about 10 red & white peppermint candies (I buy them in bulk sections -- way cheaper) / peppermint extract / a double boiler OR a sauce pot and a bowl that sits comfortably on top / a hammer or rolling pin / a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil or wax paper

1. Unwrap your peppermint candies and put into a plastic bag. Break up with a hammer or rolling pin (I am missing a kitchen essential -- a rolling pin, so I went with a hammer). Make sure to do this on a cutting board, so you don't damage your counters!

2. While you're unwrapping and crushing the peppermints, start your water boiling with the bowl on top. It won't take long to start boiling. Add your chocolate to the bowl and start melting. Stir occasionally. Add about 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract after it gets started. If you add it too late, it might seize up on you - so add it earlier if you're unsure.

3. Once the chocolate is melted, spread evenly onto your cookie sheet. I don't get too concerned about how smooth this is. You'll see why later. At this point, I like to stick this in the freezer, if there is room (there wasn't in my case) -- the fridge works too.

4. Start melting your white chocolate now. (Obviously, wash the bowl and spatula in between.) Add the peppermint extract, etc. etc. You know the deal now.

5. Variation! Add your peppermint pieces after the white chocolate is all melted. You can reserve some for decoration, but for this version of peppermint bark, I just add them all in one go.

6. Get your cookie sheet out of the fridge or freezer... and spread the white chocolate on top! Some people try not to get any marbling or the chocolate mixing together. I don't really care. It's chocolate. Make it as pretty as you want. I think it looks kind of nice and homey when it gets a little streaky, personally.

7. Add sprinkles if you didn't save some peppermint pieces for the top. I got some adorable Valentine's sprinkles at Target on clearance, so I used some white jimmies with red hearts. Adorable.

8. And... into the fridge! Yes, that's my messy fridge -- tons of cut up apple, potato pieces, leftovers from work, avocado, and pear butter from a girl at work. Anyway... refrigerate for a few hours or overnight if you have the time. Once it's set up, you can break it into pieces, package, and present to your loved ones... or yourself.

Have a wonderful Monday everyone!

After the Snow

2012-01-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

Sweater, H&M // Skirt, Target // Tights, American Eagle // Boots, Target

Indoor pictures, guys. And that aren't too shabby. Do you like my Ikea table? This is the kind of outfit I put on when I'm just hanging around the house and my pajamas are perhaps in the wash. However, lately, all I've worn is pajamas or my work uniform and this was a nice little change from the usual. This sweater is just as comfy as a sweatshirt and you know I love me a bodycon skirt. I hadn't worn these sweater tights in ages, but this morning I spotted them... and fell in love all over again. They are pilled and worn in a lot of places, but gosh, I love them. They're so warm!

I've been in a bit of a tough spot recently where I feel like I have to make up my mind about what I want to do. Since I don't know anymore, I guess I'm just confused. I hate not being able to make a decision though and not being able to do, well, anything is starting to get to me. I just want to be a normal adult now. I don't think it's too much to ask. For most of my life, I've equated my ambition with self-esteem and my success - and I've always been successful at most things I've done - with how good of a person I am. Having to realizing that I'm still a good person, even if I'm not "succeeding" on my own terms right now is really, really difficult. All I can say is that I'm really ready to move out of this weird, extended adolescence. It's kind of a bummer.

I hope you all have a fantastic Sunday!

The Devil Wears Petite

2012-01-17T16:05:00.000-08:00

Dress, Forever 21 // Belt, Forever 21 // Coat, Target // Tights, Target // Scarf, Forever 21 // Boots, Target // Hat, Forever 21.

It has snowed for the past two days here in Oregon. Today, the snow stopped and now some freezing rain is pouring from the sky. I'm not even going to pretend to have an understanding of this weather: this really, truly never happens in Western Oregon. I had to call into work yesterday because I knew the roads would be awful by 10pm at night. Even if my parents drove me, it would still be dangerous. Why endanger everyone? I cooked dinner with my mom instead and watched my nephews.

This outfit is really a favorite of mine. The minute I put it on, I felt good. I felt great. I love berry tights. I love my green dress. I love my aviator jacket. I love everything. Everything is wonderful. I just love the variety of colors, the contrast with the snow, the trees, the freezing rain. It's a good day, is what I'm saying, really.

Lately, I've been thinking about size. The size of people, the size of clothes, the size of debts and love and dreams. I think sometimes we get caught up in size, and the way sizes can be compared. Your big toe to a friend's. The amount you pay for rent to the guy next door. The way that cardigans fits on you and the way it fits on a nameless, faceless perfect woman. It's really easy to invent scenarios where something is bigger than another without context. Thinking, I have the biggest thighs ever seems perfectly legitimate when you're standing in your room by yourself. There's no one there to prove you wrong so you can tell yourself it's true.

It took me a long time to accept the reality that I'm petite. Not because I didn't want to be, but because I had spent so much time comparing myself to sizes that didn't actually exist that I couldn't see that I am legitimately not a big person. I think lots of girls fall into that cycle. You start to not just believe the things you tell yourself, but you see them. You can't shake the mental picture that you have when you look in the mirror. And that's hard to get rid of.

These days, I'm happy to accept that I'm petite, from my size 3 feet to my size 4 engagement ring, I love being petite. It's not bragging to be proud to accept myself for the size I actually am. Realizing I don't have to struggle anymore - that's it really is okay to have that cookie - is a special kind of freedom. And I hope everyone can have this feeling. The freedom to love yourself without a lie, without something untrue looking back at you. We all exaggerate our own bodies. And it's time to see the truth.

When it's cold, it is so easy to just put on a few pairs of sweatpants and curl up in a ball. I think I prefer this though. I feel so good. I read Charlotte's reasons why she loves winter post right before I got dressed and it really inspired me. I do love autumn and winter, but in general, I tend to get tired of seasons after a little while -- I can't stand monotony, the same thing everyday. Rain everyday is just as bad as snow every day, as 100 degrees F everyday. It's not that I prefer any weather over another... I just like things to stay interesting. Since it doesn't snow very much in Oregon, right now, I love my winter clothes, and my snowy outfit photos.

I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday. Stay safe and stay warm!

Picture Perfect: January 16

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

It's been so long since I've shared my instagram photos -- I'm kind of obsessed with them! Here's the last few weeks highlights.

1 & 2. Salmon! I love salmon and rice pilaf. I'm going to start adding spinach and other veggies to rice to make it a little healther.

3. My dog, Chloe, had some teeth removed, so here's a picture of her looking sad about it.

4. My new motto.

5. A big glass of water after work is always on the agenda. Constant recycled air and climate control always makes me super thirsty!

6. My new kitchen. Complete with halfway moved in pillows, bedding, and office supplies.

7. A screenshot of one of my favorite outfits.

8. The view from my sunroof before work. Oregon's been gorgeous lately. Has this been a weird winter everywhere, or what?

9. Probably my favorite nails ever. I love my OPI for Sephora colors!

10. Eye make up. A rarity for me, really.

11. Just another outfit shot. I take these a lot but almost never post them!

12. Yogurt, strawberries, and cereal. My go-to break, lunch, or dinner.

13 & 14. I've been cooking a lot of bacon lately for BLTAs -- I absolutely love them! I can't get enough avocado in my diet.

15. My new bed!! I absolutely love it. Thanks, mom!

16. Mini chocolate cheesecakes. So delicious.

17. Another BLTA -- clearly I love them!

18. And a cheesecake for dessert!

19. Some flats I rediscovered while moving and reorganizing my closet. Totally love them all over again! One of the only pairs of shoes I've kept since high school (besides my converse!)

20. I took this while driving up to dinner and a movie with my mom. Oregon weather... absolutely perfect (at least until a few days ago...)

21. My nephew, Mason and I. He's the cutest baby ever. He has such big blue eyes and a sweet smile -- he's always happy!

22. A painting I bought at Goodwill for Danny & I's living room -- only $3 and pretty! It matches the woodsy theme of our living room.

23. The average text exchange between Danny & I. Luckiest girl in the world? I think so.

24. My lunch break at work -- Anthony Doerr's Four Seasons in Rome and yogurt, berries, and cereal.

25. Snow!! These are some gas tanks outside my house -- where I take outfit photos. Can you believe the snow? Me neither! It never snows this much!

26. All bundled up for work! My parents ended up driving me because the roads weren't looking too swell. I also ended up being sent home from work early because of the roads!

Snow bird

2012-01-15T09:35:00.000-08:00

Dress, Kohl's // Sweater, American Eagle // Tights, Target // Boots, Target // Hat, Forever 21.

SNOW! I wasn't originally planning on taking outfit photos today, but when I woke up to snow outside, I couldn't resist. I always love snow on the first day... but then when it gets slushy and ugly, I start to really hate it!

I almost always wear this sweater when it snows. It is a weird tradition for me. It's fair isle, a bit lumpy, and kind of itchy, but I love it -- it keeps me warm, even without a coat! I've missed wearing this red striped dress - it's just so comfortable. I think it looks better without tights and just on it's own, like I often wore it during the summer, but I really like it with fair isle print too.

The one thing I'm not excited for with the snow? Driving in it to work. I'm not great at driving in snow -- mainly because, in the Pacific Northwest, it doesn't ever snow enough to get good at it! The last time I had to drive in the snow, I was driving home from Idaho for spring break! It was white out conditions and I spent most of the time crying, convinced I was about to drive off a cliff. My panicky nature combined with rather formidable driving conditions does not a good combination make! I'll make it, of course, I just might be a little, well, frazzled by the time I get there!

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

How to feel pretty... always

2012-01-14T11:33:00.000-08:00

It's not always easy to feel like the prettiest girl in the room. I will be the first to admit that I have many days where I want to shave my head and start wearing wigs only; or apply a variety of mud masks and live in a cave for a few days. Despite all of the forces that seem to be acting against you, it is possible to feel pretty everyday.

Get active.

And I don't mean work out. Do something that isn't strenuous and gives you the chance to think, reflect, and experience something other than your living room or your bedroom mirror. Your world will seems a lot less harsh in the great outdoors. A few suggestions: go hiking at a local park; go on a bike ride through your hometown; go on a walk with a friend; or visit a local animal shelter to photograph, or just play with, some cute animals.

Eat something yummy & healthy.

Comfort food can be healthy. I promise. My new favorite? Spanish rice. In a skillet, saute tomatoes, peppers, onions, and jalapenos; add salsa and adobo sauce; and mix with cooked brown rice. Serve with chicken or fish or whatever. Delicious, comforting, and totally healthy. Something about eating healthy food always makes me feel better about myself, even when I've been cramming down donuts and cookies all day.

Try out some new make up tutorials.

Nothing crazy -- nothing makes me feel uglier than trying out a new look, that looked amazing on one of my favorite bloggers, and realizing it looks like clown make up on me. Try something subtle, but still new.

Dance it out.

May I recommend Countdown by Beyonce? Nothing cures a case of the uglies quite like shaking your thing in your bedroom (or, if you're lucky enough to live alone, your living room). Feel free to implement furniture to leap and bound around the room.

Whatever it is that makes you feel pretty, go for it -- a confident you is a pretty you, and vice versa. Get it, girls!

You can learn a lot from a Southern lady

2012-01-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

Jacket, H&M // Dress, Forever 21 // Belt, Kohl's // Flats, Hot Topic // Scarf, Open Hands.

I wrote an article today about Dolly Parton -- and it really got me thinking about something. Sometimes we idolize people because we want to emulate their style. But sometimes, or I guess at least I do, I idolize some people because their personalities are just... amazing. Dolly Parton is one of those people. I really don't want to dress like her; it doesn't really appeal to me, for obvious reasons. But I wish I could emulate Dolly's personalty: her self-deprecating humor, her constant smile and optimistic attitude, and her ability to let criticism roll off of her. Everything she does she does for herself and she's honest about it. She isn't trying to trick anybody. She is what she is and that's all there is to it!

I think we can all use a bit of that in our sense of a style: a sense of fun, of honesty, of only doing it for yourself. Sometimes, in fashion blogging, clothes can become more about comments and less about functionality, less about what you actually wear. I hope I never seem like that: everything I post, I really do wear! Out and about, around the house, on walks, to school, to play with my nephews. It's not fake or unreal. I guess I just believe in always portraying an honest, real image of myself. This is my face and my body, these are my clothes, and this is where I live. It has to be real... or else, I would turn every part of my life into a life. And that doesn't sound very fun!

I rediscovered these flats when I moved into my house -- I bought them to wear to my grandpa's 70th birthday party in high school! I can't believe it's been that long. I used to wear them all the time and feel very professional in them -- they click when I walk and are pointed toe. The fanciest shoe I wore in high school! I wanted to pair them with something simple. I really love this pink lace dress and it just felt right with my denim coat and a teal scarf. This outfit seems very country-chic to me -- it's girly, but a little tough, a little bit "ready to work," you know?

I'm going to go hit up the thrift store now and then find something yummy for dinner. After that, it's zumba and TV time (Grey's Anatomy is on tonight!). Hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!

Just another housewife

2012-01-10T14:23:00.000-08:00

Skirt, Top, and Belt, Forever 21 // Heels, vintage

Sometimes, it's so easy to dive into vintage fashion. It's so easy to become a caricature. But it's also so hard. There are so many things about life today that make no sense in the context of the past. From my iPhone to my engagement ring to my skirt... some things just don't fit. The style of something might fit - again, like my skirt - but would it have existed in the 1940s? Well, it's made out of a synthetic fiber first produced in the 1980s, so probably not!

I don't think I would want to live in the 1940s. Sometimes people throw around remarks about being born in the wrong era, or yadda yadda. But I don't think it's possible for people who weren't alive in those eras to actually have an understanding of what it was like to be alive in the 1940s or 50s or 60s. Visual mediums don't convey social strife or the everyday difficulties of life faced in the past.

I guess what I'm saying is: even though this outfit is inspired by housewives of the 1940s, I wouldn't want to be one.

Aren't these shoes beautiful!? I got them at a retro shop two summers ago - they were tagged as circa 1940. I've never worn them because one is a bit (okay, a lot) smaller than the other! I think they were worn by someone with varying sizes of feet, so they stretched out differently! Weird, right? I'm glad I took the opportunity to wear them -- they're actually surprisingly comfortable despite being a little tight.

I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday!

All this, and heaven too

2012-01-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

Shirt, Kohl's // Dress, Belt, Cardigan, and Oxfords, Forever 21 // Knee socks, H&M.

So I'm trying out this new thing of making sure all my photos are the same width -- and the width of the text column of my blog at that. I just think it will make my blog look cleaner and a little more tidy. (I'm in the process of spring cleaning the blog layout!!) However, if you find the pictures too overwhelmingly large, please let me know. I know this first one is kind of a beast.

It's a beautiful day today!! I have some writing to do, but then I'm going to go out and take some pictures. I took some while outside today and loved them. I miss summer and how easy it was to go outside and take beautiful photographs of the world!! The sky is just so blue, which is so weird for Oregon this time of year. Not that I'm complaining... it did rain through July last summer, so we're probably okay.

Let's talk about this outfit: I thought of it last night at work. I've really been loving seeing bloggers (like Charlotte!) wearing a lot of plaid, and also layering dresses over shirts. I used to do this a lot when I first started my blog, but then stopped in favor of cardigans-over-dresses. I love my mustard cardigan with this shirt and it just seemed like a natural choice when I needed an extra bit of warmth for this outfit. And obviously, I love my oxfords with rust knee socks -- I wear this combo a lot! I feel like this outfit combines some of my favorite "comfy" things.

As a random aside, but still related to style, I've decided to not buy anything new for the next month or two. I have a lot of clothes and a lot of ideas written down in my outfit notebook!! It will give me the chance to save a bit of money, as well as to remix some of the clothes that I already have. Basically, I'm on a shopping ban (except for basic necessities) for the next month. Wish me luck.

Well, I guess that's all I have to say for today! Check my photography blog later for some more pictures! Hope you have a wonderful Sunday.

Girl, put on that party dress

2012-01-05T12:07:00.000-08:00

Dress, American Eagle // Necklace, Matalan // Jacket, H&M // Shoes, Target

Gosh, I love this dress!! I'll admit that I didn't actually wear this out anywhere, although I want to!! I didn't get a chance to wear in on New Years, but I'm hoping to wear it to a future fancy event. So... one of those needs to happen. I just love the polka dot lace detail!! I'm so, so glad I got this dress. It was super cheap on clearance (which is good because it's really thin and not super high quality), plus an additional discount. At first I didn't know what to pair it with, but I really like it with my H&M jacket. I think it keeps it from looking a little too nightie, you know?

I picked out a bed yesterday and, hilariously, the mattress salesman thought my nephews were my kids!! He kept asking questions about whether the "little ones" slept in bed with me. I eventually said, "No, they don't, because they're not mine!!" I think he was really embarrassed, but I guess it's an easy mistake to make. I suppose I'm old enough to have a two-year-old and an almost one-year-old, although that's kind of terrifying! It's weird to know that when I'm out-and-about with them, people probably think they are my kids.

I realized this morning just how much I'm signed up for for the next few months!! I have my internship with Lovelyish, my internship with CollegeCandy, plus my column for them, and I have an internship with a local literary magazine. Plus, I'm working to pay bills and writing this blog and planning my wedding and and and... I had sort of expected things to work themselves out, but I'm getting this feeling that I'm just going to be knocked out by how busy I'll be!

I'm really excited though because I hope everything I'm doing will get me a few steps closer to, you know, a real job. Where I'm not covered in raw chicken and deli turkey at the end of the night. And where I don't have to a wear a hat. You know, little things.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!! I have the rest of today off and then tomorrow off. Hopefully I can get lots of sleep between now and then, because after that, my crazy schedule starts. I'm going to have to be really strict with myself!!

Let the only sound be the over flow

2012-01-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

Top, Kohls // Cardigan, Target // Skirt, Forever 21 // Oxfords, Forever 21.

I look really angry in this picture! I swear I'm not. I had a harder time taking outfit photos in this spot, but it's partially because there were some landscapers hanging around and I felt weird. I also forgot my camera was in mono when I started taking these pictures, so I was shocked to see them in black and white! In other news, I still need a camera remote!

I wore this outfit to go mattress shopping with my mom. There are lots of mattress sales right now, so it didn't take long for me to pick one. Especially because I know what I like when it comes to mattresses: anything but firm. I hate firm mattresses. I really love this outfit - it sort of got slapped together this morning, I was originally going to wear jeans - but it wasn't very good for wrangling my nephew in the mattress store!

I don't have much else to write about! Yesterday was supposed to be my first of three days off, but I traded shifts with a guy I work with (he needed Tuesday off!) so I have Friday off as well now. It's a good trade, I have to say! I have some internship hours this afternoon and then I'm going to try to finish unpacking and arranging my things in the new house. No matter where I moved, it feels like I always end up having some stuff that doesn't have a "home"!!

I thought I'd add another photo of this outfit, one I took with instagram this morning! That's my guest bedroom (I know!!) which has my closet in it. I really love this mustard skirt -- one of my first ideas of how to wear it was with this top, but I just wasn't sure at the time. I think it looks really cute though.

Sometimes I feel like outfits are just so very plain. But at the same time, I think my style is very relatable - I'm not wearing Chanel or Dior or $1,000+ outfits. Sometimes I wonder if I should amp it up, but then, I figure if you read my blog, you're reading it because I don't go crazy with my clothes. I wear outfits that most people would feel comfortable wearing out of the house!! There are a lot of bloggers I really love, but in the back of my mind, I feel like their style is irrelevant to the average person - there are just some things 99.9% of the population would never wear out of the house! And if I have a style blog, it's because I want people to relate to and appreciate my sense of style. Not feel alienated by it! This has been my style Public Service Announcement for the day!

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday! I'm starting a Lord of the Rings marathon... because I can!

Turning dreams into plans

2012-01-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

Top, American Eagle // Skirt, Charlotte Russe // Tights, Target // Boots, Candie's via Kohl's

First outfit post of 2012! When will 2012 stop looking weird!?

I wrote down this outfit last night right before I fell asleep. I don't know if I absolutely love it... Neither of these pieces translate on camera how they look in person!! The skirt is metallic and the top has sparkly silver stripes. So it was supposed to look glitzy, but it just looks like I'm wearing a nude skirt with a gray top. Hm.

On the plus side, I'm falling back in love with these boots! I haven't worn them in ages, because I'd forgotten how comfortable they are. Expect to see them a bit more in the next few months.

I finished moving into Danny and I's house on Friday!! I am so excited to be back on my own. I love my parents, but I really enjoy being independent and having my own space... including my own kitchen!! The one thing about moving though was finding a new outfit photo spot!! My favorite place is still at my parents' house and I'll have to be sneaky sometimes to take pictures there! But I think I found a good substitute for now.

I don't have much else to write about. I've still been feeling sick lately - my stomach is just unhappy after having the stomach flu last Friday!! I work today and tomorrow though and then I have three days off, including Friday. I'm going to use those days to finish organizing my house, get lots of writing done, work out (really), and get a new bed for Danny and I.

Have a fantastic Monday!! Oh and a good New Year as well. Hopefully 2012 will be better for all of us!

Hello there, 2012

2011-12-30T14:11:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting in Danny and I's house (so grown up) -- I've been moving for the past three days and last night, I got really ill. Don't know if it was a bug, something I ate, or just my body being angry that I've been killing my muscles the past few days! Since I've been neglecting outfit posts lately, I thought I'd take on a very typical blog feature: my favorite outfits from the past year. I decided to really limit myself and only do a few. I decided to pick 15 just to make things easier!! Most of them are from this summer, which is when I was happiest, because of course the weather was beautiful.

So sit back, enjoy, and let's relive some outfits, shall we?

February 4

I love this outfit - obviously, as it was the photo in my blog header for a really long time!! I wore this to a little party with and friend and, while I was more dressed up than anyone else, I felt really cute. I love this gray sweater and I need to wear it more! I wore it a lot for a few months and then stopped as spring and summer approached.

March 3

This outfit really started a trend for me! I absolutely love the style of this outfit and have worn many iterations of it. This is the first time I really thought of it though and I just love it - super colorful, flattering, and fun. It was really comfortable too... except for the high heeled boots. They were a little troublesome!

April 7

I love this outfit! This leather jacket and I have a love-hate relationship - it looks good over some things, but otherwise, it is really comfortable and way too big. I'm glad I got a new aviator jacket to replace it... I'll have to see how this outfit looks with it. I felt very 80s and sexy in this outfit. ... I actually can't believe this was back in April, it feels like just a few weeks ago! This was right before Danny and I started dating too, so ... sigh...

May 5

This is the Lovely Ones dress! I had worn it twice before this and wanted something a little more... interesting. In a last minute decision, I layered my white floral skirt over it so I could show off the back -- and it looked so good! I wish I owned it so I could wear this all the time. I felt so good in it.

May 23

It's not so much that this outfit is very impressive - it's that I love this photo! I really miss May of this year - I was basically living at Danny's house, having the time of my life. I felt really connected to the world and happy. The weather was beautiful and I had no idea about what kind of world awaited me. This photo is just beautiful and evokes a lot of feelings for me. I miss Danny's house (it was condemned after he moved out!!) and I miss college.

June 16

These were some of the first outfit photos I took with my Canon!! They aren't the best, but gosh, I loved these ones! This is one of my favorite dresses paired with some of my favorite shoes. It was really warm that day, but rainy. Everything was still so green and beautiful!

July 3

This was my Fourth of July outfit! This dress is so cute and was such an impulse buy - I'm so glad I bought it though, as it was perfect for the summer and I wore is so many different ways. This outfit was so simple and cute. Plus, I loved taking photos with this truck - I can't wait for summer so I can do that again!

July 18

Gosh, this dress! I bought it at an antique shop and it's really one of my best vintage purchases ever. It's so cute ... and it was only $10! This outfit was really just a chance to show it off and brag about what a great find it is. Gosh, I love this dress. I can't wait for summer so I can wear it again.

July 20

This was the day my outfit photo taking technique really clicked.

July 22

This outfit still looks so professional! Gosh, I absolutely love it. This jacket was such a good find at H&M and I got the shorts on clearance at American Eagle... and I've worn them a ton, even during the winter. I think everything about this outfit is just perfect.

August 2

Gosh, I love this outfit! Danny had just left after his visit (where we got engaged!) and I was getting ready to go to Idaho for a bit. This outfit, and the photos that go along with it, really remind me so much of how I felt at that time! I just love this striped skirt, it was really a great purchase. I've worn it a lot since I got it!

September 28

This skirt! It's probably one of my favorite purchases of the past few months. It's just absolutely perfect for late Fall and Winter. This outfit was such a mishmash when I first put it on, but it's one of my absolute favorites. It's very me, in that it's sort of cuddly and classic. Plus, one of the photos from this shoot is my header now! Obviously, I dig it!

October 22

This is one of my birthday outfits! Gosh, I still love this sweater. It's so wintery to me! Plus, I fell in love with knee socks and I still absolutely love them. I wish I owned more - I wear the two pairs I have a lot!! Like I said, these shorts from American Eagle get a LOT of wear - they are just so versatile!

October 29

This was my birthday dress! I was so excited to get it in the mail after ordering. It's just SO lovely. I really love it paired with knee socks and a leopard belt, and I'm looking for new ways to wear it. I just love the combination of elements. I'm really just enamored with this dress!

November 12

I posted this outfit just after my grandpa died. I remember just feeling weird that life was... continuing. It felt like everything should stop, but obviously, that's not how the world works. I loved this outfit though and it felt like a shame not to take pictures and not share it. It felt very important at the time to post it. This is probably one of my favorites - I wore it in my engagement photos, so it has some happy memories too!

Well that's it! My favorite outfits from 2011. Do you have any favorite outfits, of mine or your own?

Ready for a new year

2011-12-28T10:52:00.000-08:00

Jacket, Target // Dress, Kohl's (Lauren Conrad) // Belt, Forever 21 // Knee socks, H&M // Oxfords, Forever 21.

I decided not to do resolutions this year. I always do and then forget about them. Instead, I decided to write a list of 21 things I want to accomplish in 2012 - from visiting certain places to other little goals. They're more fun and less intimidating than resolutions. You can view my list by clicking the page above called "21 in 2012."

I'm so ready for a new year. 2011 was very good and also very bad - a lot of terrible things happened to my family and I'm just ready for us to move on and have some good! Plus, 2012 is the year Danny moves here, which means he'll be here in only six months or so!

Lately, I have been trying to think of ways to wear my spring dresses during the winter. I get a little tired of drab colors and sometimes, you just need some pink. I got this jacket yesterday - after quite the debacle, which I described yesterday! My sister ended up buying me the small, so I returned a large that I'd bought of it. I love this jacket! I've wanted an aviator jacket for ages and now I can get rid of my leather jacket that I have, but never wear because it's uncomfortable!

This one is really dark brown, which means I can wear it with everything. It looks black in these photos, I know! I've been looking for a new winter jacket for ages - this one is super warm, waterproof, and perfect for the wet-but-mild Oregon winters. I really like it paired with this sundress too!

I added some rust knee socks just to sort of bring in some fall colors. All in all, I really love this outfit.

I got a box in the mail from Danny today!! I was so excited. He bought me lots of presents while I was in Idaho, but then realized I couldn't bring any of them home - because they were from Bath and Body Works!! And obviously, TSA would not appreciate several gallons of lotion going through security. He got me some of my favorite scents - anything with coconut I love and he got me a lot of coconut stuff! He is the sweetest, really.

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday! I'm going to move some more stuff into Danny and I's house. It's so nice to be able to move things over slowly, rather than all at once. It's so overwhelming to have tons of stuff waiting to be unpacked!!

Picture Perfect: December 27

2011-12-27T10:16:00.000-08:00

It's been so long since I posted one of these!! My life has been dominated by work until this week, where I finally have three days off! I will from now on, which means more time for blogging, writing, and applying for jobs.

1: My mom got me a pink silicone cover for my MacBook! I love it. :]

2: So, Happy Meal fries now come in a teeny tiny little box. It's exactly the same as the large box, but just... miniature. It's kind of adorable... although I feel nostalgic for the little packets!

3: My mom made turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy on a random day. Nothing special - just turkey and potatoes! It was really good.

4: Later, I had to force myself to eat some fruit to counteract the potato madness.

5: I love little girls dresses!! I can't wait to buy these for my kids.

6: My family has a tradition of going driving at night to look at Christmas lights. This is one house that went over-the-top, for sure.

7: Picture frames!! I'm kind of obsessed lately. I've never had the occasion to frame lots of pictures before and now I just love it. The one of the right is new!

8: Cleio, looking suspicious.

9: We had many beautiful days in December! Just completely blue skies!!

10: Cleio, wishing I would get back in bed! She loves to steal my spot though.

11: A peppermint mocha, some yogurt, and my vitamin. Mm!

12: I wasn't feeling the holiday spirit, so I painted my nails red. It seemed to do the trick!

13: My mom made "Peanut butter balls" - aka my family's secret weakness. These usually don't last a week in our house! She put them in silver cups and put gold sprinkles on top - so pretty.

14: I ran into a meat drawer at work. It was about as graceful as it sounds.

15: My outfit last Monday. I love my flannel top!!

16: I bought two bras at the American Eagle sale, both on clearance, with an extra 40% off, for $20 total. That's a sweet deal!

17: I made more cookies for Christmas while my parents were on vacation. These ones were oatmeal and M&M's. I made another oatmeal mint chocolate chip.

18: This is my New Years Eve dress! I can't wait to write a post about it!

19: Cleio, looking sad on my bed! Sometimes she almost makes me feel bad. Almost.

20: My Christmas outfit! I posted two options and this one ended up being my favorite.

21: The other Christmas option - it just seemed not... family worthy, you know?

22: Mason on Christmas!! Too cute!

23: Yesterday, I bought Danny and I stockings for next year, since they were on clearance. They're so cute! I can't wait to hang them up next year.

24: So for Christmas, my sister got me a gift card to go towards the jacket I wanted from Target. It was all sold out online, so I was worried about it being sold out in the store. They only had a large at the Target I went too, so I went ahead and bought it. Across town, my sister found a small, texted me, and bought it for me so I can pay her back and return the large I bought! Thanks, Missy! :]]

I hope you all are having a great week! I also have a new post up over at Maple Fire Photography.

So this is Christmas...

2011-12-25T10:10:00.000-08:00

Dress, Belt, and Kitten Heels, Kohl's // Sweater, American Eagle

Merry Christmas!

I've been saving this dress for Christmas - I got it on my birthday, so that's a lot of restraint! It is the exactly same shape and cut as my floral graduation dress, if you remember that, except this one has polka dots and is actually the right size!! I always have a hard time deciding what to pair my fancy dresses with - cardigans just seem to plain, but I can't wear a big coat in the house during Christmas. I almost always settle for this little gray cardigan I got on clearance at American Eagle about, oh, four years ago. It's short enough to go over dresses and not overwhelm them, but it's also still plenty warm.

I almost wore my new satin dress from American Eagle, but it definitely seems like more of a New Year's Eve/Day dress, so I'm saving it for them! I have to steam it first because it still has fold lines from when it was shipped to me.

I decided to curl my hair this morning - by curl, I mean scrunch it up with my hands. My hair is still too short for curling irons to do much except make the ends flippy. I can't wait to start putting in rollers again, though. I love curly hair, although my hair is so straight, it tends to resist curling unless I use tons of mousse and hairspray.

What else have I done today? I ate a biscuit for breakfast; I finished decorating cookies that I made the dough for Tuesday and baked Thursday, making them the cookies that took a week to finish!; and I took outfit photos. Otherwise, I'm just waiting for the festivities to start.

I really miss Danny today. I can't wait until next year when we can have our own tree and Christmas morning together. In general, I'm just excited for 2012. It's going to be a much better year - I hope so, at least. Actually, I know so. Next year is going to be better!!

Have a merry Christmas everyone!

On the Eve of Christmas Eve

2011-12-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

Top, American Eagle // Jacket, H&M // Skirt, Forever 21 // Tights, Target // Flats, Old Navy // Necklace, American Eagle.

Well, hello there!! Today is my day off and then tomorrow I work. Yes, Christmas Eve. I'll survive, even if I'm a bit cranky. So today I am: cutting out and baking sugar cookies; taking my mom out to lunch for her birthday (which was yesterday, but I worked); and going to a Christmas party. Also: buying last minute stocking stuffers, going grocery shopping, and maybe doing laundry.

Having sporadic days off, and never two in a row, makes my life very strange for 24 hours where I don't work!

Let's talk about this outfit - since I'm going to a Christmas party, I wanted to be ~festive~. I originally started taking pictures with boots, but then I thought to myself: Michelle, girl, you are going to a party. Go put on your party shoes. And so, glittery flats it was.

This is one of my favorite winter skirts - the fair isle print is just so cute. Add to a sparkly purple top and it's pretty much the best Christmas outfit I can think of. And that's not saying a whole lot... I added my denim jacket and my new necklace from American Eagle - it's a little bronze envelope with a jewel in it. Very cute! I have a new dress to show off as well, but it is, so far, my Christmas dress.

It's really cold here today!! The ground is covered in frost. I'm going to go outside in a few minutes (when I'm doing writing this) and take some more pictures, just for photography. It's so pretty out!! I love when it's really cold, but sunny outside - I think that's my favorite weather, because it reminds me of spring, but while still being able to pile on clothes (which I also love).

I don't have much else to write about - my life has been pretty boring. I read a really good book Tuesday and ordered another one from Amazon. That's pretty much it, ha ha. Besides work, I read, write articles, take outfit photos, and text Danny. That is literally it. I'm so excited to start having days off again and learn a bit more of what I can do for my family's company. I'm excited to have that life.

Really.

As I random bit, I didn't know if I'm going to post on Christmas (we'll see!) so I just wanted to say Merry Christmas, as well as Happy Hanukkah and whatever other holiday you might celebrate. (I firmly support celebrating You Day instead of any religious holidays!) In general, Happy Holidays and here are some pictures of me with a giant candy cane lawn ornament. Yes, I did spontaneously pull it out of the lawn (I put it back, Mom, really!)

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and an even BETTER Christmas Eve. Don't drink too much cider... :]

Revelation in the Light of Day

2011-12-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

Sweater, Old Navy (from my sister) // shorts, Kohl's // over the knee socks, Target // Oxfords, Forever 21.

Right now, I'm sitting at the island in my kitchen baking cookies. Writing articles. Doing the usual. I'm going to make more sugar cookie dough today so I can make some more for Christmas because my family has eaten almost all the cookies my mom and I made just a little bit ago. That's how we roll! I think I'm going to try to do some sugar cookie tree things - where you stack cookies on top of each other. I'll let you know how it goes. It could be interesting!

I've been itching to wear my OTK socks for a little while. I'm not sure why - I just wanted to wear them. This outfit was put together simply so I could wear these socks and over all, I'm happy with it. It's kind of plain, I suppose, but sometimes, plain outfits are nice. I've been really craving more simplicity in my life, so I guess I just want a bit more simplicity in my clothes too.

I don't have much else to write about! I have two more days of work and then my second day off for the week, then I work Christmas Eve. :S But then it's Christmas! So it's okay, I suppose. Okay, that was fake optimism. I'm really disappointed about working Christmas Eve - my family always did Christmas on the Eve and then on Christmas, we usually went somewhere for vacation or just lazed around the house. I don't know. I feel like it just is disrupting my view of Christmas. I'm not unhappy about it - it's just... ugh. I don't know. Disappointment is hard to describe sometimes.

Anyway, I have a lot more baking to do by then. I might be making my mom a birthday cake, since her birthday is tomorrow. Plus, I have more cookies to make. I want to contribute to Christmas, even if I can't be there on Christmas Eve!!

Well, I hope you all have a great Wednesday!! So far, this week has gone by quickly, which is nice. Hopefully, it's been the same for you too!

I will always be with you

2011-12-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

Dress, Forever 21 // Shirt, Macy's // Belt, Kohl's // Tights, JCPenny // Oxfords, Forever 21.

Right as I started writing this post, I started having a sneezing attack that literally would not stop. I think I sneezed about 20 times. It was ridiculous.

First things first, I was inspired for this outfit by Charlotte from GirlNextDoorFashion.

She posted this outfit almost a week ago and I just loved it. I used to layer my dresses over tops all the time and for whatever reason, I stopped. However, now that I'm back in weather that's not ridiculously cold all the time during the winter, I can layer shirts and just add a cardigan for going outside.

If you can't tell, I have a ridiculous cold right now. Last night, I had a pretty decent fever and some serious muscle aches, but sleeping seems to have helped. (I did, however, sleep through my alarms and woke up late for my internship hours. Oops.) I hate being sick and I seem to just be constantly ill in some way lately. I think I need to rest a bit more, but unfortunately, I work so much this week that I really can't. I have another day off on Friday it turns out, which will be nice. I'm so excited to sleep. Maybe after the holidays, I'll have a real weekend...

As I was taking pictures this morning, the cat my family has been taking care of was hanging out underneath my car, just about 15 feet from the other side of my camera and tripod!! It used to not let us get near it at all, but since we've been feeding it through the summer and winter, it's gotten a bit more friendly. It's still scared, but it's gotten a lot friendlier. It looks much fatter than it used to, probably because of how much we've been feeding it! I was worried about it when it started getting cold, but I think it's been sleeping against our house at night, near the furnace.

Here's a picture I took of it.

She's much rounder than she used to be!! I think she really wants inside, which makes me think that, at one point, she was someone's pet and they probably just abandoned her. Which is quite sad!! She's a really pretty cat - I love her yellow eyes. I guess I assume it's a female cat - it just strikes me as being a girl!

I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday. It's back to work for me after a not-very-restful day off yesterday! (I went shopping and had a meeting about another internship!) Tonight I'm really going to try to go to bed early.

Enough pressure to crystallize

2011-12-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

Skirt, Charlotte Ruse // Tights, Target // Oxfords, Forever 21 // Top, Forever 21.

This is seriously the last day with the skirt, I promise. The past few days have basically turned into a test to see how many different outfits I can think up with this little beauty. I just love it, okay, and I have so many ideas. Since I work pretty much constantly these days, it's easier to just go with the outfit I have firmly in my head rather than trying to think up something else!!

I don't wear this top as much as I should - I love it and it's one of my absolute favorites. For whatever dumb reason, I kept telling myself not to wear it with this outfit. I finally just put it on and it felt like the outfit just made a lot more sense. It's a simple top-and-skirt combo, but I just love the white on top and the dark burgundy tights. My oxfords were the only logical conclusion.

I don't have much to write about these days!! I'm so busy with work and everything else that I've had no free time to do anything else -- this blog is pretty much the only "free time" I take everyday!! That sounds so horrible. I miss being able to watch movies, make dinner, and read. But every evening for the next two weeks is going to be taken up by work, so I suppose that will just have to wait!! I've been able to sleep in the past few days, however, which is quite nice.

Hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!!

Like glitter's raining on me

2011-12-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

Top, American Eagle // Jacket, H&M // Skirt, Charlotte Russe // Tights, Target // Shoes, Gottschalks (no longer exists!)

Yep, same skirt as yesterday. I might just do a few days of outfits using this skirt, because I keep randomly (and I mean randomly) thinking up ideas for it. I thought this one up as I was driving home from work last night and, since I was driving and couldn't write it down or text it to myself, memorized it into my brain by thinking of this outfit and only this outfit.

Unfortunately, my photography skills deteriorated outside in the cold; I was in a rush to get them done. Plus, I'd only put on concealer before going outside and I look exhausted. These things happen, I suppose.

I think this would be a good "wear to a holiday party" outfit, but also just kind of a good day outfit (maybe with different shoes). I'm clearly becoming obsessed with this skirt and I'm okay with that.

Yesterday, I got several comments about how well I pull off bodycon. Ladies: it is all about the tights and undergarments underneath. I'm serious. If all else fails, I put on tights underneath and bam, perfection. I happen to have been blessed in the posterior area (blessed) so I guess bodycon skirts were kind of invented for me and my larger-rumped ladies. I'm not kidding thought when I say tights make all the difference, especially tights with a control top.

This top is old (two years? three years?). I actually remember buying it and loving it, but I wore it out a few times and then it promptly slipped into my tank top drawer never to be seen again. But I think of it sometimes, because it is my only sequined top. And it's purple. I really don't wear a lot of purple, so when I have a purple item, I remember it. I really love this top though and I'm glad I remembered it for this outfit. I can now think of several other things it would look cute with!

Have a great Wednesday! I have a few posts to write and some things to do and Christmas cards to mail. (!!) Can you believe it's only 10 days till New Years Eve? I can't!! Although I work eight of those days, so I guess it's not too exciting...

Braving the frost

2011-12-13T09:29:00.000-08:00

Skirt, Charlotte Russe // Lace top, Old Navy // tights, Target // Motorcycle boots, Target.

I went Christmas shopping yesterday for my parents and Danny, but I somehow also left the mall with a skirt for myself. I saw it on a mannequin in the front window of Charlotte Russe and thought, what the hell. I went in, browsed their bodycon skirts for probably 15 minutes, and then settled on this one: a nude, sparkly number that had caught my eye from the window.

I'd been thinking, "I need to get a neutral, non-patterned bodycon skirt" for ages. All my skirts have patterns right now and so, it will be nice to have something I can pair with other patterned things without it being busy. Also, it's not black, so I feel like I can comfortably pair it with navy! (A benefit for me!)

Also, it's metallic/glittery/sparkly and gorgeous! Best impulse purchase ever. (I also successfully left the mall with presents for everyone else, just so you know!) I'm trying to think up a list of other ways to wear it, because I think it's a great holiday skirt. This lace top was the first thing I grabbed out of my closet to pair it with, but I already have a pretty massive list of outfit ideas.

This morning was really beautiful out, but so cold. I love when everything is covered with frost and it's cold, but also sunny. I think those are the prettiest winter mornings... however, making myself stand outside without a coat on for 30 minutes is probably not the way I prefer to experience them! It's actually icy outside right now; I was going to drive to the store to get some breakfast, but it's so icy on the roads that it probably wouldn't be safe just for some biscuits!

Not much else to write about today! I hope you all have a great Tuesday. Only 12 days to Christmas - can you believe it? I feel like my life is being swallowed by internships and work, so I hope those days don't go by too fast!

Turn your scars into stars

2011-12-10T19:52:00.001-08:00

Dress, and Cardigan - Forever 21 // Boots, Kohl's // Belt, Target // Necklace, gift // Ring, Danny :]

A few weeks ago, I posted a Weekend Remix about this dress - a few of you suggested that I should try pairing this dress with yellow. At first, I was really unsure - sometimes I'm really nervous about pairing bright colors together. However, after I put this outfit on (instead of just thinking about it in my head), I realized I really like it! I think it is the right mix of saturated color with bright color. And you know how much I love my mustard cardigan! I know yellow is one of my best colors (I've been told this since childhood!)

I intended to have this outfit post up yesterday, but the photos were taking so long to upload, that I had to leave for work before they were done! I ended up leaving work early though, because my stomach started to hurt really bad (like, throw up bad!) and I didn't want to get sick at work/on deli meat. While walking to my car, I actually thought I was going to be sick, but I made it home. I feel better this morning, but still just kind of off - I might have eaten something that my stomach just didn't agree with yesterday! My stomach has never hurt that bad though, not since I had appendicitis when I was 4!!

I really need to cut my hair! Once I get the back cut, I'll have just a short, chin length bob, which will be really cute. And then my hair will finally grow out evenly!! More than anything, I need to start straightening it in the morning. My hair has what's called a "relaxed" texture - it's really fine, but has sort of natural "bends" in it, such as it flips out at the ends, and I have a lot of hair. It might not be curly or frizzy, but it's still got some little issues. I'm really excited about my hair growing out, now that it's actually starting to look decen!!

Today, my mom, sister, and I are having a Christmas baking day!! I'm very excited. I'm going to bake some extra things to send to Danny in a cute little care package (shhh, don't tell!) and tomorrow I'm going Christmas shopping, so I'm going to get some cute packing stuff for it as well.

I'm going to try to take some photos of us baking for a post on here! It's been a long time since I've done a Baking Bombshell pst, so I think it's about time. Plus, who doesn't love Christmas cookies and candies!?

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

Look into the stars & you're gone.

2011-12-07T09:27:00.001-08:00

Top, Kohl's // Skirt, Target // Tights, Target & Hot Topic // Flats, Old Navy

Well, it is cold here today. Abnormally cold. As in, it never gets this cold here in Oregon! I was shaking after about two minutes outside taking pictures. I tried to think of another layer to add to this outfit... but I couldn't think of anything. Ideas? Aside from a parka.

Someone got an engagement ring when she was in Idaho!!! Danny really surprised me, right before we got out engagement photos taken, we went to the amphitheater where we went to college (where we were getting the photos done). It was in the amphitheater where Danny told me he liked me. We sat on the same steps and he asked me to marry him again. I was so happy and excited - and of course, the ring is beautiful! He did such a wonderful job!

It's white gold, with a small, suspended diamond. He got the right size and everything. And the diamond is certified cruelty-free, which is awesome! I was so happy to put it on and I couldn't stop staring at it. Danny knows me so well.

This picture represents how cold it was outside.

I had a great time in Idaho and, as usual, I didn't want to leave and cried for about 12 hours straight. Every time I visit, or Danny visits me, I just fall in love with him all over again and it is so hard to walk away from that. It feels like I'm peeling off my skin.

However, I feel really refreshed now that I'm back and like I can do anything. I'm excited for Christmas and I wrote up a list of checkpoints to accomplish before Danny gets here. Oh and now I can make some awesome engagement announcements because look at these engagement photos:

My friend, MaryAnne, took them, along with her husband, Brian. They are so talented and wonderful and it was so much fun to work with them. These are exactly the pictures I wanted, from the location to how Danny and I look together. Classy, kind of quirky, and romantic, all while being very classy.

I'll talk about this outfit for a minute. I love this top - I'm so glad I got it. It was a complete impulse purchase, but it's one of my favorites now. I wanted to pair it with something more bodycon, as I've tended to pair it with jeans or my floaty, midi skirts. I love it with this polka dot skirt - and I can't wait to wear this outfit again (when it is warmer than 30 degrees out)!

My flats are new as well - I got them in Idaho at Old Navy. I thought I was splurging, but then they rang up on sale and I was really excited!! I wanted something glittery in my closet, but nothing that was too "bling-y." I feel like even if the sparkly trend dies, I will still wear glittery shoes.

Hope you all have a fantastic Wednesday. It's back to work for me again and more articles and catching up and etc. You know the drill!

(PS I have no idea what happened, but Blogger apparently had a serious problem with that last picture, because it posted it, huge size, about six times. It's been fixed! Sorry!)

Picture Perfect: December 6

2011-12-06T17:31:00.001-08:00

Whew! I actually just got back from Idaho this afternoon. It was nice to exit my world and have a few days completely off for a few days - although I had originally planned for some scheduled posts, I just didn't have time. I thought I'd start by catching up on pictures I hadn't posted. Some of these are from pre-Thanksgiving (yikes!), but there are surprisingly not a ton of them.

1. I love EOS lip balm! This is my newest one - it's cool mint flavor and I LOVE it. It has the prize seat, right next to my laptop.

2-3. On Thanksgiving Morning, I had to be to work by 9am and was starving. So I stopped at Starbucks for some much needed caffeine and a cinnamon scone.

4. My to do list, as well as schedule. I like to write out my timeline for the day when I feel particularly stressed.

5. Another pre-work Starbucks. Sometimes, they are just necessary.

6. I hope all my hawk-eyed readers caught the serious grammatical mistake on this t-shirt from Wal Mart. If not... it's a lot.

7. I live in an area ruled by the Oregon Ducks. This means, I can wear these shirts to work. I didn't want to - I haven't owned a Ducks shirt since... 5th grade? But I relented.

8. I bought new skinny jeans! Worth it.

9. I'm kind of a terrible packer. The morning I actually flew to Idaho, I decided to switch suitcases & somehow forgot my contact lens case.

10. My flying outfit. Forever 21 scarf, Kohl's button up, American Eagle skinny jeans.

11. Fish! I love black fish and these ones were really cute.

12. Danny got me an engagement ring!!! It's so pretty. It's white gold (although it does look gold in this picture!) and has a suspended diamond. It's so gorgeous - he picked the perfect ring. Seriously, I couldn't stop staring at it, smiling, and kissing him. He's perfect. Seriously.

13. Speaking of perfect! This is one of our engagement photos, taken by my friend, MaryAnne. I'm SO excited to see the rest, because this one is beautiful. This is exactly the image I want to present to everyone about Danny & I.

14-15. Silly pictures!

16. This is a quote from Adele, from Cosmopolitan. I bought it at the airport and when I read this quote, I just lost it! Most people know I have serious issues with Adele (seriously, girl, move on and write songs about something else), but this quote seriously undermined everything she has ever presented in her music. She's never told any guy she loved him? Then what the heck are all her songs about!?

17. This is the Oregon I returned to. Foggy. Cold. Blech.

Hope you all had a great weekend! I'm going to try to squeeze in an outfit post tomorrow, but I have my internship, other blog duties, and work for the next few days straight. Don't know if I'll get to it, but I sure will try!!

Who's laughing now?

2011-11-30T09:42:00.001-08:00

Cardigans, Belt, Oxfords, and Romper - Forever 21 // Knee socks - H&M // Necklace - Kohls.

Sometimes, I think I should talk about what it's like to have a long torso. Because, let's be honest, my torso is ridiculous in terms of it being proportionate to my height. Sometimes, it just feels like I have two little pencil nubs for legs and then I'm all torso.

There are so many articles written about how to dress when you are tall and have a long torso (and therefore, shirts are often too short). But no one really writes about being short and having a long torso, so shirts are still an okay length, but you just look ridiculous because of these short little legs. Shirts can still be too long on me, but if they cover too much of the top of my legs, then I just look even stumpier.

I have found that the number one way to deal with my torso is to just wear what I want to wear - and try to wear shorter skirts, shorts, dresses, everything so people can at least see more of my leg. So therefore, they'll look longer, right? Right? This means problems when, say, it's time for a professional gig or any kind of formal event. There are many reasons why I wore a knee length prom dress. Mainly because I didn't want to look like a gigantic, shiny cupcake.

High heels help. I love my oxfords especially because they're comfortable - I'm actually planning to wear them on my flight this Friday.

Having a long torso is somewhat of a blessing: my top half will almost always remain slender because... it's just designed to be that way. I mean, really, in terms of blessings, I can't ask for much better than that.

I really love this outfit, although it is probably time to retire this romper until the summer! It's just getting too cold to wear out and about. Today I had a doctor's appointment that I cancelled; it was at 9am and I was just too tired to go, plus I have my internship and work and just too much. I scheduled it two months ago when I didn't have a job or an internship I had to clock into, so I really should have cancelled it earlier... but I actually forgot about it!

I'm not even going to mention my hair. It's like I have a very lazy cat on my head these days.

Hope you're all having a wonderful Wednesday! I just have to make it through today and tomorrow and then I'm off to Idaho... ahhh! :]]]

Life choices

2011-11-28T09:23:00.001-08:00

Jacket - H&M // Top - Forever 21 // Jeans - American Eagle // Oxfords - Forever 21 // Hat - Forever 21 // Necklace - Matalan.

Meet my new jeans! I really love them. However, and I expect to get a few oh boo hoo for you comments about this, they stretch out really bad at the waist and are almost too big? Next time I buy jeans, I'll have to try on smaller sizes. It's kind of weird to me that in any juniors brand I would be smaller than a size 6, but I guess that's the way vanity sizing goes!

This outfit came together really quickly this morning and I just love it! I know my midriff is showing most of the time in these pictures - I know! But I still think it's cute. I just love this jacket - it looks good over everything, it's just the perfect fitted shape. It looks good paired with jeans, dresses, skirts, you name it, it looks good with it. Best purchase ever!

Today is one of my "work literally ALL DAY" days. I have Lovelyish work this morning, plus I have to write all my CollegeCandy pieces, and then I go to my job until 10:00. Sometimes I wonder why I do this to myself, but I actually really enjoy the feeling of being busy.

I should probably share with you all a decision I made over the past few days. I started to think about it and ... I don't think I'm going to go to grad school. I took the GRE, so I have my scores if I do decide to go within the next five years. But the more I thought about it, the more I was unsure a masters in Journalism would make any difference if the economy doesn't improve at all - I would just have student loans and another lost two years.

I decided instead to take some classes in accounting at the local community college and start learning to do the bookkeeping for my family's logging company. When I thought about it, that felt like the more reliable, steady profession that I could immediately put to use on something that matters to me very personally. Plus, I could then do my writing (freelance) and photography in my spare time.

I don't want people to think this is me giving up on my dreams. It's really not. Over the past few months, I've been really unsure of what to do. I know dreams are hard to achieve and my dream is to be a magazine editor, but sometimes we have to move on from those dreams into what will support us. At this point in my life, I am engaged and I will eventually have to help support two people and eventually children. Journalism is a career that you have to drive into, hard, sometimes for years to achieve anything - and I'm just in the position where I have the freedom to do that.

My dreams slowly slipped away from me in the last few months and it was really hard to accept, but I have to move on. I still love fashion; I still love writing; and if a job in journalism ever presents itself, I will apply for it and take it. Right now, I'm content to add to my resume with internships, work my deli job, and go to school for accounting to take on the profession that is presenting itself to me right now.

Wow, that was a lot longer of an explanation than I ever planned on giving! But I guess it's just the long conclusion to what's been going on in my life for the past few months. It was really hard to admit to myself that the dream I had wasn't suited to the life I ultimately wanted to leave. I want to get married and be a mom and live in Oregon - things that don't really lend themselves to the New York City based, single life oriented fashion & journalism worlds! At this point, I just want some kind of stability in my life - which I haven't felt like I've had since May.

I hope you all have a good Monday! Like I said, I'm literally working all day. I'm headed to Idaho Friday and I'm so so so excited! I'm going to try to do a few posts before then and have some planned, but no guarantees!

PS - what do you all think of my new header? And my new about me to the left? Let me know!

Deck the Halls: 11.27.11

2011-11-27T08:31:00.001-08:00

I love the Christmas season! Once Thanksgiving is over, I am ready to get out the tree and started decorating. I thought I'd show off some of the decorating I've been doing for the past few days.

I have one small tree in my room that I always decorate with brighter ornaments. You might wonder why I need a tree in my own bedroom, but I think it makes the entire room really cozy and lovely. Nothing beats the happy coziness of the holidays, absolutely nothing!

My mom and I decorated the main Christmas tree last night, in a white and red theme, of course! We're theme people, what can I say? It ended up looking really great. I love the Holidays!

I hope you're having a fantastic Sunday! You can always see more of my photography on my photography blog!

Part Earth, Part Moon, Part Daughter, Part Son

2011-11-26T10:00:00.001-08:00

Sweater, American Eagle // Skirt, Target // Tights, Target // Kitten heels, Kohls // Necklace, Danny.

Today has been a really good day, even thought it started a bit rough. Sometimes, I'm just too hard on myself.

I went shopping with my mom today! We didn't want to fight crowds on Black Friday, so we went today. Everything was still on sale, so we got some good deals. I got a pair of jeans and some socks at American Eagle for 40% off (!!) - the jeans and socks added up to over $60 before the discount, then to $37 after! Since I hadn't bought jeans in almost 2 years, it was a pretty good deal.

I also got an Oregon Ducks shirt so I can wear it to work - we can wear Ducks shirts the day before and the day of games, instead of our chef's coats. I also got some free lotion at Bath & Body Works because my mom had a coupon.

I love this sweater. I've had it for ages and I didn't wear it for a long time - but it's so comfortable and warm. I wasn't sure at first about pairing it with the striped skirt, but I really like it now. I ended up wearing my boots out because just walking back and forth in these kitten heels made my feet hurt. I really just need to toughen up and wear them out and about to get them broken in. I know I could wear them around the house with big socks, but I hate wearing shoes around the house.

I'm also wearing the necklace Danny gave me today!! I love this necklace and wear it a lot - it's very small and dainty, but very pretty and sweet. I hooked it onto one of the candy canes my mom put in the front yard - I love Christmas decorations!! Red is one of my favorite colors, especially paired with white-white and I just love our yard candy canes. I'll have to take some pictures of them.

I decorated my little mini-Christmas tree in my room last night! I've had this tree since my Freshman year of college and I absolutely love having my own little tree. It just makes my room feel a lot more cozy and lively. Christmas is my favorite time of the year, even though I love Fall and Summer and everything. Nothing beats the cozy happiness of Christmas.

I hope you all had - and are having! - a great Saturday. My family & I are going out to dinner and then we'll probably decorate the Christmas tree. I really want to watch Love Actually tonight, so that's my evening activity. :]

PS - I almost forgot to mention I have a new post up over at my photography blog! Check it out here!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T18:17:00.001-08:00

To all my American readers, Happy Thanksgiving!

Today was not as hard of a day as I expected, but there were some random difficulties. The dinner table felt very empty without my grandfather. At work this morning, I saw a customer wearing a novelty hat (randomly, never seen anyone wearing one ever) that my grandpa owned (and loved, because it was funny) and I got a little teared up. Little things, really, that seem very big.

I think it's good, sometimes, to just take a moment to appreciate all the things I have to be thankful for.

... Danny. Sometimes I worry that people think I'm rubbing my relationship in their face. Like, here's me and my fantastic fiance, let me tell you how fantastic he is, oh some guy broke your heart? WELL MY BOYFRIEND IS AMAZING. I'm really not, but seriously, guys, he's amazing. All I'm saying is, the harder you look for what you need, the more you'll find a bunch of random stuff you don't (like when you're looking for a glue stick and all you can find is rolls of tape with pounds of debris stuck to them). I wasn't looking for Danny, but he found me.

... my family. Okay, this is just Chase and Mason, but look how cute they are! (This is one of the photos I took for my sister. Mason's so cute!) I love my family and I'm so glad I have them.

... my friends. They're really great.

... you! My blog would not be what it is without you. By you, I mean, everyone who is reading this blog post, right now, on Bloglovin', Google Reader, whatever. I appreciate every single one of you and I wish I interacted with all of you more! Don't ever be afraid to tweet me, leave a link to your blog, send me an e-mail, whatever. I love you guys and I'm so thankful that you've helped me make my blog what it is. :]

Let's get lost

2011-11-23T09:05:00.001-08:00

Flannel top - Kohl's. // Midi skirt - Forever 21. // Kitten heels - Goodwill (thrifted).

1. I tried a new spot for taking photos today. It was pouring rain out when I started to get dressed for outfit photos. I decided to continue and try this spot. I'm still not 100% happy with these pictures (might be because I didn't put on make up or do my hair to take them), but they're better than the other "rainy day" spot.

2. I've had this outfit in my head since I bought this top (two weeks ago). It's a bit plain because I didn't feel like doing much styling this morning. But I like it. I really love this top, I guess I should say, it's really comfortable. The first flannel I've owned in ages and I love it.

3. I'm starting to feel more and more cranky about working on Thanksgiving. It feels the same as last week, when I felt like I only got 6 days to effectively grieve; I felt like I was being told my grief was less important than work... which, I'm sorry, store-which-I-love-a-bit, my grandfather matters a bit more than that.

Right now, I feel like I'm being told, "You only get six hours with your family on a holiday because that's all you really need." Like, again, my family is less important than a store. My grandfather just died two weeks ago!! Two weeks later, we get a holiday about being with family. Does anyone think that's going to be easy? Um, no, because it isn't. And I'll need more than six hours to effectively deal with everything I feel about that day, just like I still need time to grieve that I don't have. I'm burying a lot of feelings right now and it's going to come back to bite me, I know it.

I had a dream that I got home from work on Thanksgiving and laid on my bedroom floor and cried.

4. I need to steam press this skirt. It is wrinkled.

5. I started my new internship. It is lovely.

6. I can't wait to go to Idaho (mainly because it means at least five days off). Although I had a dream Danny forgot me in the airport? When I told him, he said, "Yeah, I thought about how bad that would be." It's good that he knows how angry I would be.

7. I feel a bit crazy lately with my schedule. 7am-12:30pm, plugged into my new internship. 12:30pm, leave for work. 1:30pm-10:00pm, work. 10:45pm, get home, have a snack, read, play a game or two of Mahjong. 12:30am, bed. Repeat.

8. I need a haircut before I go to Idaho.

Have a good Wednesday!

Stomp stomp I've arrived

2011-11-20T18:02:00.001-08:00

Sweater - H&M // Shorts - Forever 21 // Tights - Target // Boots - Old Navy.

Today went by much to fast! It's my last day off before a FULL five days in a row at work!! I don't know how I'm going to handle it... it's a holiday week and while I appreciate having a job, I really enjoy Thanksgiving and I love being able to spend the morning baking and cooking with my mom. Unfortunately, this year, that won't be happening, since I work Thanksgiving morning until 3pm. Then I'll have to get home (in traffic!!), shower, get dressed, redo my make up, and help my mom with anything that's left. Let's not even talk about what kind of mess Thanksgiving is going to be like at work. I also work Friday, so I don't even get to go shopping for more than 2-3 hours on Black Friday!!

This concludes the whining portion of the post. I'll really try to hold back the "but whyyyy meeeeee?" whininess through the rest, promise!

I really love this outfit. I had gone shopping with my mom (more on this later!) and wore something else, which I'd thrown on really quick with no intention of photographing. When I got home, my mom told me we were going to dinner at my sister's, so I went to put on something warmer than what I'd worn earlier.

I put on my fair isle sweater and then picked out teal tights - but what to wear with them!? I tried on skirt after skirt - I own so many black skirts, so it makes it hard with a navy top!! I ended up finding these denim cut offs at the bottom of my skirt drawer. I bought them back in May, but only wore them around the houes a few times. I thought they'd be too short for wearing with tights, but that aren't and I love how they look!

It's weird how sometimes things just click together, like a puzzle.

I went shopping today for Giving Tree gifts. My mom and I like to do them every year. I'm going to write more about this later, but I love shopping for presents!! While I was out and about, I couldn't help but get excited about decorating from Christmas. It will be so fun to decorate with Danny next year!

Well I hope you had a wonderful Sunday! I keep thinking it's Saturday, but unfortunately, it's not! I have to go to work tomorrow (okay, seriously, last time I mention it) and I wish I could stay home and bake pumpkin bread!

Picture Perfect: November 19

2011-11-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

(Is this a better format for all my Instagram pictures? I thought it was nice to kind of compress them into one or two collages, rather than have so many images to load.)

Some of things pictures are a bit old! It doesn't seem like much time has passed, but it's been almost two weeks since I posted my weekly photos! Oops!

1. My dog Cleio got a haircut! She always looks so tiny afterwards.

2. What is about Starbucks red cups that just make me happy? They just look like winter!

3. I love my crackle nail polish from Sephora! Obsessed.

4. My nephew, Mason's, foot! He's such a tiny little boy, which such cute feet! He started crawling (instead of pulling himself around) this week.

5. Another Starbucks red cup. I love the Salted Caramel Mochas... I know a lot of people don't like them, but I love them. They just taste... like Christmas, really!

6. A nice Mike's Hard after a long day! Yum.

7. This is what I wore last Wednesday, the day my grandfather died. I had planned on just going shopping, but ended up going to the hospital after one store. I'm glad I did.

8. I tried on these skinny navy blue cords in Kohl's. I really liked them, but I don't know. I'm so indecisive about jeans, but I want to start wearing them more! (I went back to look at these cords again and they are all out of my size! I suppose it wasn't meant to be then...)

9. I did buy the checked flannel shirt!

10. Obviously, I'm a bit obsessed with it.

11 & 12. pictures of me as a baby! When I started crawling, my mom would put me in that intertube to keep my contained. I am the youngest of three, so she had her hands full.

13. My other dog, Chloe, as a puppy! She was so tiny and cute, I had forgotten.

14. I got a letter from my friend Hanne on Thursday. It was SUCH good timing - what I needed!

15. I bought a new ring to serve as my stand-in engagement ring for a bit. I needed a bit flatter one to wear to work, since I had a really awkward run-in at the end of my shift the other night! It's really pretty, though - I almost want to tell Danny I'm fine with this one!

16. My family went to Olive Garden Friday night as a bit of a treat. It's been a really emotionally exhausting week for all of us.

17. These are some of the flowers my family was sent after my grandpa passed. He had a lot of people who loved him. These were beautiful flowers!

18-20. I finally got a Forever 21 order I placed AGES ago! Not sure what took so long. I got a cream colored beret with a bow! A fair isle headwrap to keep my ears warm and my hair out of my face. And another, smaller fair isle headwrap with a knot in the front. I'm so excited to wear them!

I'm also participating in One Week to Better Blogging over at Amber Rose's blog! Click the button below to check out the schedule.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Fill your eyes with love

2011-11-18T00:46:00.001-08:00

Sweater, Belt, and Dress - Forever 21 // Leg warmers - Kohls // Boots - Candie's.

If I look exhausted in these photos, it is because I am. I have been working till 11 instead of 10 the past few nights and that hours makes a surprisingly large difference. When I get home, I'm so wound up I can't sleep. Wednesday night I tossed and turned until 5am! I'm so excited to have a day off, although I work again Saturday, have another day off, and then work through the holiday week pretty much straight.

I'm still in the processing stage of dealing with my grandpa's death. I wrote on Tumblr the other night that I wondered when I would ever stop feeling sad about losing him and start feeling happy over the memories I have of him. I suppose it takes longer than I ever expected. At the same time, it seems strange that everyone else - including my work - expects me to be back to normal, like there is a time limit on how long I can grieve. I think for me part of working through my grief is returning to the things I did before he passed away - although, at the moment, I feel clunky and disorganized when it comes to doing anything, even picking out outfits.

I need to find a better spot to take outfit photos when it rains! It has been snowing off and on this morning, in between rain showers. It isn't sticking, because the ground is too warm and wet. My usual spot is just so perfect! I've gotten so good at taking pictures there, but I need a different spot, otherwise I won't take photos all through Winter.

I bought these leg warmers on Wednesday before I went to work. I met my mom, grandma, and aunt (cousin, actually, but aunt) for lunch and then we went on a little shopping before they took my aunt to the airport. I also bought a pair of socks, which I wore to work last night (comfy socks are sometimes just necessary).

I will say I almost froze to death in the few minutes I was outside taking these pictures, so this isn't the warmest outfit I've ever put together. I love this sweater and it itself is very warm, but mostly bare legs and a synthetic fabric dress do not warm make. I've just been looking for other ways to wear this dress - any ideas, anyone? I think I want to pair it with my navy blue fair isle sweater, but other than that, I have no ideas!

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday! I think I'm going to revert to my "lie in bed and watch movies on days off" routine. I might take a few minutes to make some tea and breakfast first, however.

Goodbye, Grandpa

2011-11-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

Age 3

age 4 - this expression is one I have seen on my nephew Chase's face many times!

I love this picture. Bikes used to be so cool looking!

with my older sister, Melissa

With my brother, Michael. (This chair is a recurring theme in most pictures of my grandpa!)

Another picture with Michael

Helping Michael unwrap a Christmas present

Family photos when I was 14.

With Chase on his first Halloween (he didn't like his costume!)

With my Grandma (Grami!) & their dog, Buffy.

With their Model A, which they took in a Fourth of July parade three years ago. He was so proud of that car!

My grandfather, Donald, passed away last Wednesday.

There's not much I can write to really convey everything I feel. The last six months of Grandpa's life were an unfair end to such a wonderful man. He loved nature & he inspired me to love the outdoors as well. My nature poems almost always, inevitably, want to talk about him. He was kind and generous, but he wasn't perfect. He was stubborn, hard-headed, and once he had an opinion, it was done. When I was little, he scared me, because he was so tall, such a tough looking man. But he loved little kids.

I have lived next door to my grandparents since I was born. I am so used to looking over at their house and knowing that they are there. It is a strange feeling to look out that side of the half and have to tell myself, again, that he won't be there anymore. His comfy recliner chair will be empty.

For the first few days, part of me had not really accepted that he's gone. I found myself forgetting and looking forward to Thanksgiving. Then I had to tell myself... Grandpa won't be there to talk cars with my dad. But when I helped my mom clean out the little trailer where he had lived after his accident, it really hit me when I saw his empty power chair. And, of all things, his shoes. Something about seeing these two objects empty - never to be filled again - caused all the pieces of click inside my brain. He's gone. It's terrible. And I don't really know where to go from here. He's been a part of my life for so long. How do I accept that I will never hear his voice again?

There are many reasons why I will miss my grandfather. I wanted him to meet, and approve of, Danny. I wanted him to be here for my wedding. I wanted him to meet and hold my children. But those are selfish reasons. Like I said, my grandpa was stubborn and the life he was dealt after his surgery was not the life he wanted. He made a decision and his life was his, fully and completely his, to the very end.

He was a great man. He was loved very much, by a lot of people. My family depended on him for so many things. And now we have to relearn how to live without him. Perhaps that is the greatest part of his legacy: he created a family that is so full of love and pride that we don't know how to move on without him.

There is not a day that goes by that I won't think of him and love him. He was my Grandpa. I know he was proud of me. And I am so proud of him.