Making Sense

I was hesitant about mentioning this here, but I feel like this little blog of mine is a documentation of my life-- and that means every part of it.

Things are a little more serious on the blog today. I had every intention of writing a post about a spontaneous 24 hours in which my dad and I visited with family in West Virginia, but I was sadly given the news of the loss of a dear friend that has altered my plans, thoughts and being. Its in our nature as humans to find answers, to understand, but I find it so terribly difficult to digest and make sense of such a tragedy. I feel like its virtually impossible for a human brain and heart to fully grasp the concept of these recent events, and am now leaning on my family, friends and heavenly Father more than ever for the strength to carry on. Things are eerily quiet in this small little town of ours today, as it is a time of reflection, a time of celebration for one's life, and a time of mourning for it passing. All we can do for now is breathe, just breathe, and take one step at a time. 

love,  

Featured | Wonderfully Made

Hello all! Just wanted to stop by real quick to mention that I'm featured on Kristyn's blog today! She's created a fantastic segment called Wonderfully Made that highlights individual bloggers and what they love about themselves. Its a chance to enjoy, reflect and appreciate the life we are given.

WHAT KRISTYN SAYS:

"I believe that as women, we are often too quick to find fault in ourselves-- sometimes we feel inadequate and unworthy when we shouldn't. I want us to start celebrating who we are as women! Wonderfully Made is based off of Psalm 139:14 because I think we should love who we are-- beautiful, unique and captivating women."

Isn't that just awesome? I think its pretty cool. :) Anyway- check out my post here!

As of Late

Well hey there. I didn't mean to take a five day blogging break-- promise. I knew this morning (ahem, afternoon...its summer, ha) I would have a chance to sit down and write a little. Man does it feel good. Its so easy to realize how much I actually love blogging when I don't post for a few days. 

So yeah, saying that-- I've been SO swamped you guys. A good busy, but a busy nonetheless. I've been taking extra shifts at a winery (helllooo weddings every weekend), and my weekdays are spent cleaning and preparing to leave for the summer, studying my passport curriculum and catching up with a few friends in town. 

//Have you all tried the new Evolution Fresh juices? I think they're my new thing. I used to be a big supporter of the Naked Juice, but I pretty sure I've converted. The Naked juices carry twenty something grams of sugars while that baby up there only has 8. And for being mostly veggies, its pretty yummy too. Not too shabby. (sidenote:: I do think I got a few stares drinking it though-- I may or may not have brought that into the movie theater with me. what's popcorn?)

//As I mentioned earlier, Suzi and I went to DC for the day! I was super fun and I can't wait to share photos soon. I took a disposable camera. Yup. I was determined to bring them back. Keyword was. That thing is costing me $11.00 to get developed. I mean duuuuude. C'mon.

//This photo was taken while driving before I got into the thick of the fog. Yeah yeah, shame on me for taking a picture. But you guys- have you ever driven in fog? Okay probably. What about really dense fog at 2:15am with rain? Like a fog that's so thick you can't even see the reflectors on the road? That's what I dealt with after work for two nights in a row this past weekend. Ahhh never again. 

//My youngest brother Nicholas is the literal cutest. I really just can't take it sometimes.

//Found that quote a little bit ago. Something to hold on to for the not so good days. via

//Have ya heard the soundtrack? Or seen the movie? If not, catch up. I loff it.

//Berries. All the time, berries. They make the best summery snack, don't they?

Happy Monday lovelies!

5 things I'm loving.

-ONE-

^i've always loved the book, the movie was lovely, and i have no problem with all of the recent gatsby apparel.
ahem, a clutch?!^

-TWO-

^health benefits | on sleep^

-THREE-

^+ + + + + + | its timeless.^

-FOUR-

^* * * * * | *right^

-FIVE-

^one of the best things.^

***

Speaking of best things... I'm up bright and early this morning to go on a spontaneous little road trip with my best friend! Suzi is leaving here in a few days for her summer job, so we thought we'd take advantage of the fact that we're both home. The plan is to spend the day/night in DC doing completely marvelous and touristy things. Love our dates. Happy Wednesday, everyone! xo.

and i quote:

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*

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Happy Monday everyone!

Effortlessly Cute: 5 Minute {Weekend} Morning

Catching up with old friends is one of the best parts about being home. This past week I've not only blown threw two seasons of Homeland (fantastic, btw) but I've also had the opportunity to enjoy a long meal with two very dear friends. Don't you just love those breakfasts that turn into lunches, and those lunches that are filled with stories & inside jokes in the corner of a little restaurant? They might just be one of my favorite things ever. 

Saying all that however, doesn't mean that I'm necessarily going to wake up early to spend extra time getting ready. I mean goodness, I'm on break. Love ya, but I love sleep too. So, these two outfits are a little inspiration for those 5 minute mornings on the weekend when you want to go for an 'effortlessly cute' look.

+lip color: In the summer especially, I almost never wear make-up. I just don't see the point. However if I want to avoid the "I just rolled out of bed" feeling, I'll normally add a touch of mascara and a little color to my lips. It takes all of two minutes, and it makes a world of difference.

+t-shirt dress: Again going with the "effortlessly cute" mentality, you can't go wrong with a basic t-shirt dress. Not only is it super comfortable and easy to wear, but you can add a fun necklace, scarf or belt and completely change your entire outfit.

+patterned tank & maxi skirt: I'm loving this look. Its so simple and cute for this time of year, while also looking put together. A maxi skirt is a staple for spring/summer weather in general- it dresses up an outfit & you can wear it with just about anything!

+messy bun: Didn't have time to shower? No biggie. Throw your hair into a top knot and be on your way. Boom diggity. 

+easy jewelry: I might have mentioned this before... but no matter how cute a piece of jewelry is, if it jingles and clanks I can't wear it. I don't know why, I just can't handle noisy accessories. I stick to the basics: simple studs and a watch or bracelet that adds a pop of color.

What's your summer go-to look?

p.s. Other essentials for a 5 minute morning.

Rain Shoes

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8

It has been raining constantly since I've been home. Now I normally love thunderstorms, but when you're expecting to come home from a stressful semester and play outside lay in the sunshine forever and ever, the rain can put a small damper on your mood. 

The only thing thats making it slightly better however is knowing that I can go put on my rain boots and jump in puddles take lots of walks. I'm on the look out for a good pair, and I'm reeeally like the ankle boot/ ballet flat look.

What do you guys think? What is your favorite rain shoe?