Sweet Disposition

 jersey cardigan: F21 $13.80 //tank: Silence + Noise via Urban Outfitters $20 //scarf: gift from roommate //jeggings: Jalate via Norstrom Rack $20 //boots: UGG via Nordstrom //nail polish: F21 'Coral' $2.80

This week's list for MUSIC MONDAY:
1.. 'Sweet Child O Mine' Taken By Trees
2. 'She's Got You High' Mumm-Ra
3. 'Yellow' Coldplay, Sara Bareilles cover (see previous post for link)
4. 'Sweet Disposition' The Temper Trap

Lovely

OK-- so, I lied. I realized that a week and a half away from the Blogger community sounded way less than what it actually felt like. When it all comes down to it, I really missed you guys!

I'm not as busy anymore because I'm FINALLY done with working on where I'll be next year... for the most part. I swear, being a senior in college is one of the worst positions to be in. I guess you could say that it's bittersweet because a degree you've been working on for 4 or so years is almost complete. But at the same time, you need to worry about what you're going to do next. I don't want to grow up.

On a lighter note, I decided to be semi-productive today. I cleaned, painted my nails, and thought about ways to improve my life.

One of my BFFs, E, got me this lamp for my birthday last year and I finally got a chance to put it up. Isn't it pretty?

Coral nail polish. Enough said.

I was feeling creative, and decided to write a message to you all.

I've been getting back into friendship bracelets lately. They're a great way to be reminded of how great your friends are.

Something really great has been happening lately. My skin has been clearing up. I don't know if it's because I'm growing out of "that stage", or because I switched my skin routine. I'll be making a post about it later! That said... one of my goals is to wear less makeup from now on. 

One last thing, you guys should check out Sara Bareilles' cover of Coldplay's 'Yellow'. All I can say is that it is absolutely amazing.

Break

image via WeHeartIt

Hi Everyone!

As of late, I've been extremely busy with school work and planning for the future. I decide to take a short break from blogging and will be posting exciting things once again by the end of next week.

Thanks for your support. Talk to you all soon!

XO

Banana Bread

Over the weekend, my mom made the most delicious banana bread. The best part? The preparation time took less than 8 minutes minus baking time. The mix is from WinCo Foods and was incredibly cheap.

As a non-baker, I don't think I could ask for more.

Love Is In The Hair

Since the beginning of the new year, I've been trying to branch out from my typical side-poof-hairstyle. Here is what I've been experimenting with:

1. Fish tail braid 
tutorial found here or here (the first one is better for layered hair because she shows you how to braid inwards rather than outwards... but I like the looseness of the second one)
2. The side twist
3. Air-dried hair

all images via WeHeartIt

This week's list for MUSIC MONDAY:
1. 'The First Single' The Format
2. 'I Never Told You' Colbie Calliat
3. 'What The Hell' Avril Lavigne
4. 'Life In Technicolor II' Coldplay
5. 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' The Beatles

Affirmation Girl

I think I need to be more like her.

Sparkle N' Shine

In the past, I always coordinated my nail polish color with the current season. I decided to change things up the other day by wearing a few of my favorite summer colors... in the winter! After all, who said that bright pastels and blinding neons had to be reserved for warm weather?

nail polish: F21 'Lavender' and 'Glitter'

One last note, I wanted to share with you guys three websites that I am currently loving:

1. Probably one of the most well-done tumblr's I've ever seen: sarabelle93 tumblr

2. This is absolutely hilarious: When Parents Text

3. Just for laughs and giggles: Dear Blank

Material Girl

I hope everyone had a wonderful MLK day, especially those of you who were lucky enough to have the day off! I've been trying to catch up on a lot of your guys' new posts as well as school work. Life has been busy lately, but oh so good. I know I say this often, but I wanted to let everyone know that I am so grateful to have met all of you and that I think about you guys often. I'm planning on doing a giveaway soon as a "thank you". More details to come. Here is today's post:

In life, sometimes you need to let yourself enjoy materialistic things. I am always hearing this-and-that about the insignificance of possessions. But let's face it. Possessions can make life easier, and overall, more enjoyable, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

A few of my current favorite things:

1. Lauren Conrad's Style book

2. My bed at my parent's house

3. Television

4. Dr. Scholl's For Her high heel inserts: these have changed my life.

5. Conair Infiniti You Curl curling iron (watch this video to see what this iron can do).

*I bought every single one of these things with my own money and am not being compensated for my opinions. This post is solely for inspiration and entertainment. :)

And for something a little less "matieralistic" (because these types of things are important too), here is a list of songs I didn't get a chance to post for yesterday's MUSIC MONDAY:

1. 'Light A Way' He Is We

2. 'Maybe' Ingrid Michaelson

3. 'Pollen and Salt' Daphne Loves Derby

4. 'Beautiful' Trading Yesterday

5. 'Assassin' John Mayer

This week's music selection was inspired by iloveyouvalentine. Be sure to check her out!

11 Things

Literally seconds ago, I was browsing through some old posts of one of my favorite bloggers, Cupcakes and Cashmere, and found this questionnaire. I haven't been able to post anything this week because my schedule has been jam-packed with school/future-related things. So, with my lack of time, I thought it would be most appropriate to share something short and sweet such as this favorites list.


1. Clothes Shop: Norstrom B.P.
2. Furniture Shop: IKEA
3. Sweet: Andes Mints
4. City: Seattle
5. Drink: Homemade smoothies
6. Music: Taylor Swift
7. TV-Series: Teen Mom season 1
8. Film: Stepbrothers
9. Workout: A gym? What's that?
10. Pastries: Anything made by B! (as seen here, here, and here).
11. Coffee: Vanilla Latte with soy


I tag anyone who wants to do this! :)

Nail Polish

I thought I would change things up a bit on here and post about one of my favorite things ever: nail polish! Initially, my plan was to write about just a few of my favorites but went a little over-board after pulling my stash out. Without further adieu, here are my all-time favorite nail polishes:

F21 'Red' //Revlon 'Valentine' //F21 'Red' //F21 'Coral' //China Glaze 'Peachy Keen'

F21 'Coral' //Revlon 'Bubblegum' (scented when dry)

F21 'Lavender' //China Glaze 'For Audrey' //F21 'Blue' //F21 'Navy'

Sephora by OPI 'Only Gold For Me'

"The important thing is to not to be bitter over life's disappointments. Learn to let go of the past, and recognize that everyday won't be sunny. And when you find yourself lost in the darkness of despair, remember, it's only in the black of night that you see the stars, and those stars lead you back home." -One Tree Hill

quote via a vintage kiss quotes

And I'll Wear My Pearls

This coming weekend, I'll be going to my second, ever, wedding ceremony! I don't get many opportunities to dress up, so I was beyond excited to put together this outfit. Please excuse the fact that I am holding my shoes rather than wearing them. My foot is still recovering, but it feels a LOT better thanks to you guys! Once again, thank you so much for all of your advice.

dress: Fire La via Nordstrom B.P. //necklace: Nordstrom B.P. //shoes: Predictions via Payless Shoes

Here is the list for this week's MUSIC MONDAY. My BFF, B came up with the first three songs:

1. 'Crystalised' The xx
2. 'New Slang' The Shins
3. 'The Cave' Mumford and Sons
4. 'If I Die Young' The Band Perry, Sam Tsui version<-- check this guy out. He is absolutely amazing!
5. 'Drops of Jupiter' Train

Less Is More

As poor college students, my roommate R and I had to resort to sharing a room this year. I went to bed around midnight last night, but woke up in response to R trying to get me to listen to 'Just Want You To Know' by The Backstreet Boys (it's a long story that I just might share later on). When I didn't respond to her efforts, she decided to pull all the blankets off my bed, causing me to slide on to the floor. To retaliate, I pulled her mattress cover and memory foam from her bed and threw them across the room. I would have gone further but as soon as I saw her dragging my mattress out towards the living room, I had no choice but to stop her. We were both laughing uncontrollably throughout this entire ordeal.

She lost her bus pass today and as blackmail for last night, I let her use mine in exchange for some outfit photos.

t-shirt: Urban Outfitters //cardigan: Old Navy //Jeggings: unknown //Boots: Steve Madden 'Troopa' //headband: Anthropologie

I really admire the simplicity of this outfit. Without being in-your-face-obnoxious, the rhinestones of the headband give her a little glamour and the t-shirt adds color. Let's face it. Sometimes, less is more.

Oh, and I think I sprained my foot from trying to look cute on New Years eve (that's a long story too). Do any of you have any recommendations on what to do? I'm trying not to go to the doctor because 1. I have no way of getting there, and 2. My injury doesn't seem that bad. I looked online and found a funny acronym going by the name of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate), which is what I've been doing for the past 24 hours. I feel like it's getting better, but would still like some input since this has never happened to me. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. :) Thank you!

XO,

SWEATshirt DRESSshirt

Deviled Eggs

As many of you know, I spent new years with my two best friends. I've mentioned one of them on here before. You know, the guy with the pastry arts degree who made this fabulous cake. Yeah, that one! :)

For New Years party we were invited to, he decided to make deviled eggs. Jeez B, gotta show off your skills everywhere you go. Just kidding! Not surprisingly, the deviled eggs were a big hit. Here is how he made them:

1. Hard boil as many eggs as you want!

2. Peel and rinse them all, and put them in a clean bowl.

3. Cut each one in half (the long way).

4. Remove the yolks and stick them in a separate bowl. As you are doing this, lay the whites out on a plate.

5. Crush all of the yolks together while adding even amounts of mustard and mayonnaise until the texture is creamy.

6. Use a spoon or a cake decorating bag & tip to put the yolk back on to the whites.

7. Optional: add paprika.

Teenagers

I went to the store last week with the intention of getting some face wash. Cetaphil to be exact. While searching for it in the cosmetics aisle and minding my own business, I turn around in response to someone calling my name. At first, I thought my eyes were playing a trick on me because all I saw was D, a guy I went on a date with in 11^th grade. Yes, I said "a" date, meaning "one". I'll explain later.

The date went like this: I didn't have my license at the time, so I convinced my parents into dropping me off at the mall to hang out with my "BFF" (oh, the things I did in high school). We ended up seeing The Benchwarmers. It was the most awkward movie-watching experience I had ever endured. Luckily, I had two trusty friends sitting five rows back from us (without D's knowledge), cheering me on. :)

After the movie, he saw a friend of his outside the theatre. If I tell you right now that I used to think D was a douche, you can probably guess what happened next. He ditched me. It was OK though, because I met up with my two friends, who were already waiting for me in an undisclosed location. D and I never spoke again after that day.

Back to our encounter at the store: I was going to pull one of those "I don't remember you" acts, but decided to do the right thing: act grown up. We ended up having one of those "what have you been up to?" conversations that only lasted a few seconds. I thought about our run-in for a while after it happened and came to realize the importance of forgiveness. Plato said, Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

I realized that it was important for me to forgive D because I too, did stupid things as a teenager.