I am so excited for this week’s Happy Hour feature! I’ve been reading Emily’s blog for a while now, and I just love everything about it. I emailed her immediately once I came up with the idea of Happy Hour, and she agreed! So, here’s a new blog for you to check out and keep you busy this Friday afternoon.
Hi everyone! I'm Emily from Recently, and I'm so very thrilled to be enjoying happy hour with all of you!
I know I say it every week, but thank goodness it’s Friday. I was completely out of commission these past twenty four hours, due to a migraine, and I’m actually surprised I even got this blog post up today. But, I did, and I‘m happy I did. I always hate missing my Friday’s Fancies posts.
This weekend will be filled with lots of fun and friends. We’re going to see 21 Jump Street with good friends tonight, celebrating their new home tomorrow night, and then going up to Los Olivos {again} with my aunt and her boyfriend on Sunday. So, wine tasting was my inspiration for this week’s Friday’s Fancies. It’s supposed to be sunny, so I’m excited to not have to bundle up on Sunday.
{necklace, shoes, pants, shirt, bag}
What are you all up to this weekend? Anything exciting?
Oh, and don’t forget to go link up your own Friday’s Fancies today at Long Distance Loving!
So, a few developments since my last post about our future home: it isn’t happening for a while. Unfortunately, rent is going way, way, up right now. Like, $300 higher since the end of the year. And since we aren’t entirely sure what Robert will be doing over the summer, it seems really irresponsible to try and move right now when we don’t know what our income will be like in a few months. So, we’re going to wait. We haven’t yet decided if we will sign a 6 month lease or go month to month, but we won’t be moving at the end of April like we’d hoped.
Looks like my washer and dryer are going to have to wait…
But, just because we aren’t moving doesn’t mean I can’t dream about my future home. Out top picks for apartments for next month are the same picks even if we wait until October to move. Which means that I can still plan and design my new home.
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Before I get to the heart of this post, I feel the need to tell you a little about my background. You see, my family did not have a lot of money when I was growing up. My mom raised my brother and I on her own, so most of my clothes were hand me downs or came from Walmart. I don't resent this; my mom was, and still is, an amazing and resilient person who did what she needed to do to give my brother and I the best life that she could. I will say, however, that being a teenager and not having the hippest clothes or trendiest accessories was difficult. I was trying to figure out who I was, but was held back by something so inconsequential; I see that now. But it was still difficult at the time.
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I got a question a few months ago from Sarah about ideas for a vow renewal/second wedding. She’s already married to someone in army, but they want to reaffirm their vows to one another. I was actually in my best friend’s “celebration of marriage” last year, so I do know have a little experience with this.
I guess you could say that I’m somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to my makeup. Like most teenage girls, I went way overboard with the foundation and the glitter and the eyeliner when I was in high school, so I pretty stick with the basics now: tinted moisturizer {or foundation when it’s necessary}, powder, blush, mascara, and lipgloss.
I do have to say that however much I complain, my life is pretty darn good. I have an amazing husband, adorable little dog girl, a roof over my head, a successful blog, a good job, and my own company. But we all have bad days sometimes. We all have days where we just want to stay in bed and read a good book, forgetting about everything going wrong in our lives. It's so easy to focus on the bad things and forget about the good things, isn't it? But even if the bad things are so overwhelming, there are still the little things. And sometimes it's the little things that keep us going.
Can you believe that March is almost over? Seriously, April first is one week from today. Craziness, I tell you!
Do you have any big plans for April? I mean, blog goals or business goals or personal goals? I have quite a few, and I just know that this next month is going to be just as crazy.
I’m having a little bit of trouble with this one lately. I just need to remember that I’m doing my best. And that I have a lot to love.
What’s your mantra this week?
So, we meet again Sunday night…
This weekend was great, and I don’t want it to be over, of course. I saw the Hunger Games. Twice. I saw my mom. I was lazy. I interviewed potential assistants. I drank way too much Starbucks {and, surprisingly, no wine…}. I ate BBQ. Typical weekend {minus the wine part}.
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So, about a year ago I started doing a weekly Happy Hour link up. I ended it eventually, but always thought that the concept of happy hour was a great theme for a blog series. So, here I am today, reviving it. But this time it’s going to be a little bit different.
Every week I plan on featuring a blogger so that we can have a drink with. Since I recently hit 500 followers, I realized that there might be some of you who don’t know too much about me. I thought that maybe for my first week, I’d do a little bit of a reintroduction and answer my own questions for Happy Hour.
Can you believe that it’s already Friday! Thank goodness too. I never really got a chance to rest from my trip, so I’m definitely looking forward to sleeping. a lot.
So, I’m sure you all know what I’m planning on doing this weekend {since it’s probably the same thing that a lot of you are doing…}.
{bag, bracelet, dress, sunglasses, shoes}
My husband was supposed to take me Saturday morning, and I bought our tickets, but then realized that he double booked and has a conference. So, my mom is driving up to see it with me! It’s always nice seeing my mom, so I’m really excited that I get to share this with her. She hasn’t read the books though, so we’ll see what she thinks!
What are your plans for the weekend? How many of you are planning on seeing the Hunger Games?
Oh, and don’t forget to go link up with {av} over at Long Distance Loving with your own Friday’s Fancies!
Okay, I’m definitely jumping on the bandwagon with this one. I have a liquor hutch, but it isn’t all that pretty. What I’m really swooning over these days are real home bars {and more specifically, the bar cart}…
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I can't lie; I am one of those people who will wake up fifteen minutes before I have to leave for work, throw on a sweatshirt and a pair of jeans, and leave without even taking a shower. This is not something I'm proud of. In fact, it's something that I hate about myself. I attribute it {partially} to my perpetual exhaustion, but I know that isn't always the reason. Even if I've gotten a full ten hours of sleep, there are days when I'm still too lazy to get ready.
Happy Wedding Wednesday friends! This week’s post is dedicated to all things Spring, since yesterday was the first day of the season, of course. I don’t mind winter so much {probably because we don’t have much of a winter here}, but I do love Spring. There is just something about the flowers and the bright evenings and the cold mornings that make me so…happy.
Spring is a perfect time for a wedding, too. You can finally let your bridesmaids wear those strapless dresses without them freezing to death, and you can even have an outdoor wedding {if you’re brave enough}. But my favorite part about Spring weddings are the colors…
We had the best time in Chicago this past weekend, full of food and drinks and fun. Our vacation was way too short, but it made me realize that we can do things like this more often.
{I apologize, but I’m terrible at remembering to take pictures…}
This week’s mantra has been around for a while now, but I still love it.
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I will be working on my habits this week. Getting up earlier, sticking to a cleaning schedule, planning my meals, hugging my husband…
What is your mantra this week?
Okay, so this is weird, but I’m writing tonight’s post to you from 35,000 feet in the air. It’s been a few years since I’ve flown anywhere, and I don’t know that in-flight internet was widely available back then. Anyway, I’m a little disappointed because I was really excited to fly Virgin America, since it’s the coolest airline and all, but half the channels on the mini TV in front of me don’t work and I can’t stream Netflix {even though I paid a whole $14 for it…}. Maybe I shouldn’t be complaining? But I did pay for all of this…
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Anyway, we had an absolutely blast in Chicago, and I will definitely be sharing some pictures and stories soon. But for the time being, here are a few links for some posts and articles I’ve found recently that I wanted to share with all of you.
Some inspiration on kindness. Love this.
I’m always looking for ways to simplify my life and live more efficiently.
Fabulous, amazing article about how to truly be more inspired {without being jealous}.
How to get where you want to be…
I really need to remember this.
Some really great blogging tips
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Here is a look at the past week on this little blog ::
Last week’s mantra
The essentials for a lady’s closet
Virtual coffee.
We had a guest for Wedding Wednesday
My dream living room
Some St. Patrick’s Day Friday’s Fancies
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And finally, a look at the week ahead ::
Make :: crispy {not fried} chicken
Clean :: the entire dirty apartment. It’s been neglected.
Love :: my baby girl! I’ve missed her.
Read :: Paris to the Moon
Look :: for a new apartment. Cross your fingers.
Appreciate :: the little things.
As much as I loved being on vacation, I’m honestly excited to get back into my routine. I feel rejuvenated {even if my feet are killing me} and refreshed.
Happy Sunday friends.
Happy {almost} St. Patrick’s day friends! In California, we don’t really celebrate the holiday too much, but this year I’m in Chicago and hopefully things might be a little different! I’m looking forward to seeing river dyed green, and maybe drink a green beer or two.
{coat, dress, necklace, purse, shoes}
To be honest, I’m not really the biggest fan of the color green, for clothes at least, and I almost didn’t even do a St. Patrick’s day inspired outfit. But then I saw those shoes and changed my mind. Aren’t they fabulous?! Kate Spade can do no wrong, I say.
What are you doing for St. Patrick’s Day?
{I’m currently out of town right now, so I won’t be able to answer comments for a while. But, if you’d like, feel free to follow me on Twitter or Instagram while I’m gone!}
Last week, I showed you what I would do to our new bedroom if we had unlimited resources and unlimited freedom to do with our rental space what we wanted. You probably already knew that I am a fan of white furniture, simple décor, and comfortable living spaces, so the style of our my dream living room should be no surprise.
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Hi friends! Are you excited for Wedding Wednesday today? I hope so, because I have the fabulous and amazing Tamra from Ever Swoon here to share with you her Wedding Wednesday picks! Enjoy.
Happy Tuesday friends. It might be only Tuesday, but that’s alright. Because Tuesday means that tomorrow is Wednesday, and Wednesday is my Friday! In less than twenty-four hours, I’ll be on my way to the rain and cold of Chicago. And I don’t know that I could be any more excited!
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There are just some pieces of clothing that will always be considered sophisticated and classic. Audrey Hepburn wore some of them, brought them into style, and it’s up to us to make sure that they stay that way. What are your wardrobe essentials?
The weekend is over, and I’m okay with that. Because in T-minus four days, I will be on a jet plane on vaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy-ccccaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy-tttttiiiiiooooooooonnn. Yeah, I definitely just sang that in my head. The last time I was on a plane was over three years ago, when I went to Boston for Model United Nations {if you didn’t know, I was into that kind of thing at one time…}. I’m ready to stuff my face full of delicious Italian food, visit lots of museums, and get my history fix. Seriously, so excited.
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Here are a few links for the end of your week ::
If you live in a rental, like I do…
Battling writer’s block is a problem for me these days.
Chicago will be nice, but I’d much rather be on my way to Paris.
Let’s think of the important things, please.
This post has ruined my weekend.
A great post on Kony. The other side of the Kony story…
So, you’d think it would be obvious. But didn’t you hear?
How to make email more manageable {another problem these days}.
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A look at posts from this past week ::
It’s almost vacation time!
What being a lady means to me
Wedding Wednesday: Favors
A look at a wedding I did recently
I’m looking toward the future. My future bedroom, that is…
Photoshoot chic for Friday’s Fancies
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And, of course, a look ahead ::
Work :: on blog designs
Pack :: for Chicago!
Eat :: deep dish pizza
Meet :: Jillian {finally}
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So, thank God it’s Friday. Seriously. This had to have been the worst week at my job in the two years that I’ve been there. I cried at my desk multiple times this week, so I’m so thankful that the week is almost to a close.
This weekend will be pretty laid back, with a client meeting this afternoon and a photoshoot tomorrow. Amanda from This Wonderful Life has graciously agreed to take some pictures for my website, and I’m so excited! She’s driving up tomorrow, and I’m looking forward to pictures and drinks. Should be a good time!
This week’s Friday’s Fancies is based on my photoshoot tomorrow. I already have my outfit planned, though this isn’t it, exactly. You’ll just have to wait and see what it’s going to be!
{blazer, dress, nail polish, shoes}
Any big plans for the weekend?
Robert and I have lived in our apartment for almost two years now, and a lot has happened in that time. It’s our first home, and always will be, but it’s time for us to move on. Mainly because I need a washer and dryer.
We don’t live in a bad area, but we don’t live in a nice apartment. We live near the train tracks, our pipes are so loud they wake us up in the middle of the night, and a little balcony for our baby girl would be nice. So, we’ve officially begun the search for a new home.
I am so excited about Wedding Wednesday part two today!
For the past few months, I’ve been emailing back and forth with the blogger behind the adorable blog Walks with Bella. Let’s just say that today is a big day for Tamra Sanford {and Bella, of course}…
I’m really excited for my first Wedding Wednesday in two weeks!
Today’s post might seem a little off-putting to some, but we need to get real here. We need to get real about wedding favors. Because honestly, how many of us have thrown a favor they’ve received from a wedding? I can’t lie, I know I have. So, before you choose your perfect favor, here are a few guidelines.
I’ve done a lot of thinking lately, about what it means to be ladylike. It’s a subjective term, one that’s most definitely up for interpretation. It’s ever evolving, but there are some things that will always be. But, in the end, being ladylike is so much more than the pearls your wearing, or how straight you’re sitting. It is who you are, as a person, the entire package.
I am just so excited, and this week cannot go by fast enough. I’ve been saying since January that I wanted March to get here, and it finally is! Not only did I have my photoshoot yesterday, but in exactly ten days, husband and I will be taking a desperately needed vacation! Robert has a conference in the windy city, and we’re using it as an excuse to get out of town for a few days, especially since he only really has to be at the conference for one day.
I know it will still be cold in Chicago while we’re there, but it’s also going to be St. Patrick’s Day! Los Angeles doesn’t do much to celebrate the holiday, so it will be fun to do things a bit differently. Our hotel is even only a few blocks from the Chicago river, so you best believe that I’ll be seeing it green that day!
As women, we all know what the hardest thing about going on vacation is. It isn’t booking a hotel, or planning the things to do. Of course, it’s the clothes. And of course, I already have an idea of what I’m bringing.
I don’t know that you’ve ever seen me talk about religion on this blog, mainly because I don’t think that I ever have. But it seemed only fitting that this week’s mantra was the quote that I’ve been turning to this past week. And it just so happens that this quote is a bible verse.
So, after the success of my photoshoot, I just found out I got another client. I guess that solidifies my day as amazing.
That’s all.
As always, a few links to inspire you for the week ::
“I didn’t really want to be someone else, I really wanted to be the “me” that was dormant inside of myself all along.”
And if I didn’t need another reason to love Joy the Baker.
An excellent round up of some great fonts.
Oh, what I’d give to go…
I really, really love this.
Have you seen Rue’s newest edition?
Interesting.
Well, I’m back. Did you miss me?
I missed all of you, but this week definitely flew by. It’s a good thing I told you in advance that I wouldn’t be able to post, because I was up to my ears in things to do.
What, might you ask? Well, if you insist…
