2013 in Review

Whoa, how in the world is it almost 2014?! I blinked and 2013 is almost over. Needless to say, time does fly when you're having fun. This past year was quite the learning experience. As a recent college graduate I was forced into reality of transitioning from college to real-world life. It was a little bumpy at first, but by the grace of God, I have ended the year in a new and thrilling environment and place in my life. I managed to check off a few of my goals from the start of the year and can't wait to start tackling my goals for 2014. Cheers to a happy, healthy new year!

 

 

I want to start this new year as a fresh start. And to do so, I don’t want to harp on the negatives of unrealistic goals that most people make for new year resolutions. Instead I want to eat locally and read more. Light candles for dinner. Say yes to another glass of wine. Be adventurous and travel on a whim. Climb back into bed on a rainy Sunday. Host a monthly game night. Text less and call more. Write often. Spend more time outdoors and wear heels to brunch. I can feel it already, 2014 is going to be a good one!

pretty musings

Hello there! Did you have a good weekend? You all know my love for Nashville and I got to spend some time visiting little cousins, aunts and uncles, and my grandmother. It was so good for the soul. Now I'm back in Birmingham for the week visiting my parents and their dog Rilee - who seriously thinks she's human, plus a few gatherings with friends.

 

As for the pretty musings this week, I can't help but be smitten by romantic cabin logs, luscious white snow, a hint of neutrals and nature, and classics fit for every occasion.

happy traveling weekend!

It's a good day ladies and gents. I'm heading to the south {first stop, Nashville!} for the next week and a half. I can't wait to hug some necks of best friends and family! I have a laundry list of things I want to do and places I want to go. Let's hope I can arrange it all to happen. It's time to enjoy these last few days of the year cookie baking, cocktail making, last minute gift shopping {oops!}, and wrapping up all the gifts. Have a great weekend and enjoy these fun posts from around the web . . .

 

My favorite Christmas song for your weekend - because I love Christmas music. I love Michael Buble. And I love Kelly Rowland.

 

A hilarious Christmas card video.

 

33 GIFs from 2013 that will make you laugh - my favorite is #6 

 

My dad loves wedding cookies - I think I'll have to whip up a batch when I'm home!

 

Holiday décor feels rich with a mix of emerald green and gold

 

Need a last minute dress for this weekend's holiday party? Here are three picks: 1   2   3

 

A little reminder about life right now.

 

DIY gold mug

 

How to: a  messy French twist

 

I would love to skip out on ice and snow covered sidewalks for a vacation to Ibiza, Spain





a spontaneous trip to DC

leaving the snow behind for the weekend

Remember how this weekend was suppose to be spent building a bookcase and snuggling up with hot tea and Netflix? Yeah, that didn't happen. My friend Kelsey had plans to surprise our friend Sullivan in Washington DC and I decided to tag along. We were there for a mere 24 hours and got a little taste of the nations capitol. The best part - showing up and finding out we were going to a tacky Christmas party that night. Off we went to good ole Walgreen's and I must say, they did us good. Good enough that I think my Christmas tree themed shirt won the prize for most hideous and tackiest outfit. It was my first time in DC and I can't wait to go back! Thanks Sullivan for your hospitality!

the tackiest outfits go to  . . .

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday! Any fun plans for the weekend? I plan on reorganizing my room and building a bookshelf - are you jealous? Haha. It's going to be a brutally cold weekend and I just can't decide if I should embrace it or snuggle up with Netflix and hot tea . . . we shall see! Have a cozy weekend and enjoy these fun links until Monday . . .

 

 

A song for your weekend

 

A little inspiration never hurt nobody. 

 

How fun is this Christmas sweater?!

 

Small space design tips

 

Hacks to make life simpler.

DIY sequin elbow patches 

Clever kids made me laugh

Last minute wreath decorating ideas

Weekend Roundup

Chelsea Market is so pretty during the holiday season.

 

This weekend was a good one. Not only did I get to sleep in a little (woohoo!), I did some Christmas shopping, caught up with some friends, and . . . wait for it . . . caught a glimpse of my teeny-bopper crush, Harry Styles! So this past weekend goes down in the books as a real good one.

Friday night Chinese fortune cookie. Next day I spot Harry Styles. Coincidence or fate?

Sunday was a cold one in the city. I'm talking down-to-my-bones cold. It even snowed! So of course we had to take pictures after dinner . . .

Everyone, say hello to my roommate Michelle.

And to Ashley and Karlee. They are finishing up their internship here in the city in a couple weeks.

Happy Weekend!

Another week closer to Christmas y'all! This weekend I intend to lie low and shake off this cold that has been lingering since before Thanksgiving. I plan on sneaking out for a bit to catch a glimpse of the tree at Rockefeller. Hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy these fun posts from around the web . . .

A song for your weekend.

Wise words from Nelson Mandela. 1   2   3

DIY Christmas stockings

The psychology of color

The 10 best books of 2013

2nd grader's solution to playground loneliness

31 ways of holiday dressing

A 60 second up-do - I think I manage this one!

A little weekend inspiration.

a list of things

Making : a mess and cleaning it up . . . for such a small apartment, my floor quickly becomes my closet.
Cooking : leftover turkey for days and days
Drinking : hot tea . . . and lots of it
Reading: THE BEST letters from home. thank you thank you thank you sweet friends for sending me love from Alabama!
Wanting: a big hug from this guy right now.
Looking: forward to going home in a couple weeks!
Playing: this album unashamedly and loudly (Michelle loves it, ha). And also Christmas music!
Wishing: for a fun, successful, beautiful, exciting 2014
Enjoying: a night of cleaning and quiet time for thoughts and reflection
Waiting: for Friday
Loving: thoughtful conversations, witty remarks, and a good laugh tonight
Hoping: that I'm doing alright in this whole grown up world
Needing: a haircut
Smelling: an apple cinnamon candle
Wearing: plaid pajamas and glasses
Following: God's blurry path right now, but I know it's going to lead me to something great
Noticing: all the pretty lights. Christmas time in the city is magical!
Knowing: how you make others feel about themselves is a very strong trait that goes a very long way.
Feeling: refreshed! 6am wake up calls aren't that bad.
Thinking: 6am . . . are you crazy?! Hit the snooze button a few times.
Bookmarking: this and these for Christmas gifts
Opening: snail mail

weekend round up + monday muse

Happy December!

Can you believe that? Seriously, I'm going to need 2014 to be a bit slower! It's getting a bit frigid here in the north east and time to start bundling up. When some friends and I were at the Macy's parade the wind cut right through us - but we did get to see some pretty floats and people! Here are some glimpses from the past week + a daily dose of inspiration.

the meatball shop (aka the best meatballs in the city) // bloomberg Christmas tree // all bundled up for the parade // cast of duck dynasty // fall out boy // jimmy fallon // gavin degraw // rolf's - the most magical restaurant decked out for Christmas // strolling around central park

 

Happy Weekend!

Today marks the start of my most favorite time of year - Christmas season! Lucky me for spending the start of it with best friends from back home. Enjoy your weekend and these fun links from around the web . . .

A song for your weekend.

Kid President's 20 things people should say more often

Ten ways to do adulthood well

How to spend 5 minutes being productive

An easy wall DIY using pallets

A movie marathon to get you through a weekend.

giving thanks

Have a wonderful day with friends, family, or whomever you are with. Take some time and think about what and who you're thankful for and tell them. 

wednesday wishlist

A few indulgences make for the perfect gift . . .

 

1. Ankle boots are essential for lots of walking around the city.

2. The Kinfolk Table for the entertainer.

3. The best hair ties!

4. Cozy socks for when it's a book reading - hot cocoa - and Netflix bingeing kind of day.

5. Oversized sunglasses that are just as much glamorous as they are feminine.

6. A sleek water bottle that would entice oneself to drink more water (am I the only one that thinks that?!)

7. Pick your shade in these fun Tarte LipSurgence gift set.

8. Keep warm in a knit hat.

9. An elephant for good luck - and Roll Tide!

Happy Friday!

These weeks are passing right along - too quickly in my opinion. How is it already the end of November? This weekend is jam packed. Yesterday was my roommate Michelle's birthday and Sunday is Kelsey's birthday. Needless to say, it's going to be a good weekend . . . I can feel it in my bones, ha! Enjoy the next few days and if you're in the reading mood, have a look at these posts from around the web . . .

 

A song for your weekend

 

DIY Christmas trees

 

7 hair mistakes you're probably making (guilty of numbers 3 and 7)

 

Cinnamon roll pancakes - yes and yes.

 

This girly LBD would be cute for New Years.

 

This just made my apartment-must-have list

 

Anthropologie has the prettiest glassware. Take these and these for example.

 

Easy as pie . . . decorative tops that will wow your Thanksgiving guests

 

A tasteful tiny space with lots of  character

 

Made me laugh

Weekend Wear

It's beginning to feel like the holidays around here - how could I not with all the stores in transition mode and all the holiday décor out in full force?! Which means I may or may not have been listening to Christmas music all day - oops!

Happy Weekend!

Tuesday night I went to a HES alumni/intern party (can't believe I was the intern last year!). It was so fun seeing old friends that live in the city and meeting this years intern group. Pictured above are some of the alumni that came and below are some current interns. It was a great turn out and I can't wait to see them all again soon!

 

 

This is the first weekend that I don't have any set plans (except watch the Alabama game, of course). I am looking forward to organizing my room and watching missed episodes of Hart Of Dixie and Nashville. In the meantime, enjoy these fun links from around the web . . .

 

A song for your weekend

 

This made me chuckle

 

The cutest little Christmas tree and skirt

 

How cool is this trunk bar?!

 

Tiny home inspirations for entertaining

 

This made me laugh out loud

 

Wild mushroom risotto looks delicious

 

At home spa treatments for a soothing weekend

 

Stars who went to high school together

 

Find the perfect fall hat by hair length

 

If you're able, please donate to the Red Cross in support of Philippines recent disasters

Wednesday Wishlist

Pretty accessories and a sweater must-have to make this winter season a little more comfortable. 

Weekend Roundup

Of course Alicia's hotel had houndstooth chairs. Roll Tide!

This weekend I . . .

 

+ Spent some great quality time with my cousin Alicia and her husband Casey. They made the trip from Alabama and we had such a fun time watching the Alabama game and walking around the city.

 

+ Went to The Ainsworth with family and friends to watch Alabama beat LS-who.  

 

+ Went on a walk through rainy Central Park. It was a little wet, but just as beautiful!

 



Michelle and I enjoying our pizza sans table. Our apartment will be furnished in the near future, ha!

Friends watching the game!

 

A little rain never hurt nobody, right?!

 

Happy Weekend!

After a stressful market week - I'm ready to have a fun weekend. I have some family coming into town (our first visitors!) and I can't wait to find new places in the city with them.  Speaking of which, we have Internet and a couch - woohoo! Thank you couch movers for taking our front door off so it would fit, ha! Have a good one and enjoy these fun links from around the web . . .

A song for your weekend

Jimmy Kimmel's prank makes me laugh every year

Excited to see The Moaklers adventures - they are following His calling and leaving a wonderful

trail

A pretty Thanksgiving centerpiece . . .  that you can eat later

10 ways to get the best hair of your life

Why it's smart to court your friends.

A fun gift: s'more kit

The coziest sweater for a chilly weekend

A brilliant reminder

Weekend Roundup

Well, that was a good weekend. Sometimes it's good for the soul to see old friends and check things off my city-living bucket list. 

This weekend I . . . 

+ Caught up with my old friend Cromwell visiting from Boston and also got to see John David before he leaves the city

+ Walked along The High Line Park

+ Had drinks at The Biergarten

+ Made new friends and established a family dinner night

+ Strolled around Central Park

+ Went ice skating in Bryant Park (read: held on to the side and an arm for dear life, ha!) 

+ Cheered on the NYC Marathon runners - which has to be one of the coolest experiences I've been apart

Happy Weekend!

 Happy November!
It's been a little too quiet around here - it has been quite the process of moving in and getting things in place. We still have a ways to go, but I have a bed, clothes in my tiny closet, and we have a couch  (scratch that, the couch people never came - darn you!) - you know, the basic essentials! Have I said HAPPY FRIDAY?! Thank goodness, right? At work we are gearing up for market next week - hence the lack of social media lately. Don't fret - I'll be back in full swing shortly. On a high note, there have been some good things out there in the web world. Pour yourself a cup of (my favorite, pumpkin) coffee and enjoy these fun links from around the web . . .

A song for your weekend - yes, this is yet another One Direction song - and it has been on repeat for the past week

Texts from mittens 

With the days getting a bit chilly, this butternut squash soup would be comforting

Oh, snap!

I'm finding way too many things I want from Anthro| 1  2  3  4  5 

I've got to make a stop by Twisted Lily this weekend

Rachel McAdams guide to life and love 

Woody Allen writes an open letter to Hollywood

Nine crazy things about NYC 

Loved reading about the Olsen's new fragrance

Would you wear violet lipstick?

The best time of day to drink coffee 

Happy Weekend!

photo credit

Hey friends, how was your week? Mine presumably never wanted it to be Friday -  which made for the longest. week. ever. The bright side? We're finishing up moving and going to be in the new apartment for good by the end of the weekend - woohoo! My arms have gotten a good work out this past week and in need of a little rest come Sunday. Enjoy your weekend, grab a cup of coffee, and visit these fun links from around the web . . .

 

A song for your weekend

 

Indulging in pumpkin everything: pumpkin bread pudding

 

Seven ways to max out your make-up

 

What state are you? (I got Georgia.)

 

Take me too . . . Tangier

 

Emerson Fry makes the best knit sweaters - perfect for this cold Manhattan air.

Taking notes on these eight habits of well-rested people 

Twenty hidden gems in NYC

w i s h l i s t

A collective wishlist that can be equal parts lust-worthy and excellent Christmas gifts - Mom, are you still reading my blog??? - I promise I forgive you for breaking my crock pot : ). Which is why this weeks current cravings are mixed of fall goodies and fun accessories for the new apartment!