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