Life lately

It's only been eight days, but I feel like I haven't blogged in forever. My apologies!

Last weekend, Aimee and I went to NYC to visit our friend Elizabeth, and it was literally one of the most fun trips I've ever had. 

We drove, which actually wasn't that bad at all because Aimee is a fantastic driver and stayed super calm during NYC traffic. We got there Friday night and had some Mexican food and margaritas, which were fantastic. 

Saturday we were all excited to participate in Santacon, which is where basically everyone in New York dresses up as Santa or something similar and goes to various bars all through the city. 

We. Had. So. Much. Fun. 

We dressed as reindeer, and we were so glad we got to see our friend Rachel for a little while, too! 

Elizabeth and I: 

On Sunday, it was raining and freezing, but that didn't stop us from going to see the Rockefeller Tree, which was so beautiful. It was my first time seeing it in person. 

Aimee was also able to catch up with some of her family who she hasn't seen in awhile, and I was able to see my cousin Jayme, too! 

We left the city Monday, so I've been spending this week trying to catch up on life. I can't even believe Christmas is so soon! I have so much wrapping left to do, so wish me luck!

One of those songs

Every now and then, I hear a song that makes me stop whatever I'm doing and just listen. 

Gary Allan's "Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)" is one of those songs. The first time I heard it, I literally sat in my car until it was over, and then I immediately ran inside to download it. 

And the best part? You can download a free acoustic version of the song on his website as an incentive to donate to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief. 

The best medicine

Need a few laughs to brighten your day? I'll share my Buzzfeed obsession with you.

You can thank me later. 

First, watch these 19 people who are having a way worse day than you. 

Next, see the 43 people you won't believe actually exist. 

The next time you need a few laughs, try googling "worst Twilight tattoos" or watch YouTube episodes of Ellen when she scares people.

You're welcome, friends. 

Keurig rant

Dear Keurig, 

Does that coffee mug look full to you? 

Because it certainly does not look full to me. It's actually about a quarter full, to be exact. And this is after I've hit the button for a large cup. 

I thought one of the benefits of using a Keurig was that it brews the perfect size of coffee every time. Recently, however, our Keurig has decided it wants to play games with how much coffee it's going to brew on any given occasion. 

I don't play games with my coffee. 

I want a full cup — I don't want to have to hit the brew button twice and get watered-down coffee the second time around, and I surely do not feel like filling the container with coffee grounds two separate times. And worst of all, I don't want to clean up the hot water spewing from every direction as my coffee brews. 

I follow the instructions and make sure everything is lined up and fitting correctly, and this catastrophe still happens every morning. 

Keurig, if you're reading this, I'll take a replacement as soon as you can send me one. 

Wishful Wednesday

I wouldn't mind one bit if I found any of these pretty pieces in my stocking come Christmas morning. 

Kate Spade Know the Ropes Knot Stud earrings // Michael Kors Darci Glitz watch // Jacquie Aiche Diamond Waif Bezel Ring

Friday's Fancies #3: Black Friday

Accordion pleat top // Classic link necklace  // Minnie pant in stretch twill // Baby Brompton bag // Cece Cap Toe Ballet Flats 

If I was venturing out today, this is the kind of outfit I'd need. Must haves include: an easy top and bottom to slide in and out of while trying on clothes, and comfortable shoes. A crossbody bag solves the problem of the achy shoulder/arm/whole left side of your body when you're carrying a heavy purse all day. And I'm always glad when I have a piece of jewelry on while trying on clothes to see what certain outfits would look like accessorized.

Wishful Wednesday

1) Gold sequined dress 2) NARS glitter pencil 3) Tory Burch Glitter Reva Ballet Flats (similar) 4) Essie nail polish in Golden Nuggets 5) Betsey Johnson Glitter Box clutch

I don't know about all of you, but I'm so ready to throw on something super sparkly this New Year's Eve! Regardless of our plans (which are yet to be made), I know I will be wearing something glittery! 

Hair help

I've been wanting to do something different with my hair (in terms of styling it) for awhile, especially now that it's getting long enough to actually do something with it. (Thank goodness.) I have thin, fine hair and I either wear it straight or use some sea salt spray and let it dry naturally and wavy. What I really want to do though is learn how to curl it with either a wand or a curling iron. I can't even remember the last time I curled my hair—just because it never lasts. I could never find the right product to keep the curls from falling out. So here's where I need your help, pretty please!

When you curl your hair, do you use a wand or a curling iron? And what hair spray, root lifter, etc. is the best to use?

I spent my Sunday doing productive things like googling how to curl my hair with a wand and stumbled across The Small Things Blog and totally fell in love with all of Kate's hair tutorials and makeup tips. She uses a product called Acquage Uplifting Foam, and after watching her video on how to use it, I can see that it works, but I'm still a little intimidated to try it. Have any of you tried it?

Also, I am probably the last one on the planet who hasn't tried the sock bun yet either. Does anyone know how long hair has to be for a successful sock bun?

I'm grateful for any and all advice! Tell me your secrets to pretty curled hair!

Wishful Wednesday

J.Crew sequined chevron sweater // Diptyque Amber Oud holiday candle // Betsey Johnson vintage leopard watch // Butter London glitter lacquer trio  // Tory Burch Jess riding boot  // Pim + Larkin square stud earrings

I'll take any or all of the above. Please and thanks. 

Also, you should go check out the awesome monogram necklace giveaway going on over at Beauty & The Beard. Because seriously, who wouldn't love winning a monogram necklace?

Color crush: Oxblood

Shop these pieces 1) Berry Full Skirted Coat // 2) Michael Kors Astrid textured-leather tote  // 3) Essie nail polish in Berry Hard  // 4) Dorothy Perkins Oxblood skinny jeans // 5) ASOS Punch Mary Jane heels

I love, love, love the oxblood color trend right now, and it's my goal to incorporate something of this color into my wardrobe ASAP, although I may have to start with the nail polish. 

What fall colors are you loving?

Friday's Fancies #2

In this week's Friday's Fancies, we're gathering around the bonfire. In my perfect bonfire world, however, I would be able to leave without my hair or clothes smelling like smoke.

Especially these pretty clothes:

J. Crew painter boatneck tee

J. Crew wool angora snood 

J. Crew excursion quilted vest

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Jac denim jeggings

J. Crew wool-angora gloves

Michael Kors Hamilton boot

I actually scooped up this painter tee and vest last weekend during some birthday shopping. I can't rave about this vest enough—I would wear it every day if it was socially acceptable.

And to top off the bonfire-themed Friday's Fancies, here's a yummy recipe for some spiked apple cider.
There's nothing better to sip on while sitting around the fire. 

Happy weekend, everyone!

Thursday randoms

First things first, I bought the new Jason Aldean CD last weekend, and I cannot stop listening to it. For those of you who haven't bought it yet, I highly, highly recommend it. 

One of my favorite songs is "Staring at the Sun." Take a listen. 

Next, have you heard that Pinterest is allowing users to make boards private now? I'm so excited about this in terms of planning for Christmas. I always think of things I want to buy people, but then I never remember to write it down. Now I can make boards for each person I'm buying for and I'll never forget a thing. 

Here's a link that teaches you how to make boards private. 

Happy holiday planning! 

Wishful Wednesday

1) Paula Bianco Chunky Knit Wrap Scarf

2) Gap Mixed Stich Cardigan

How comfy do the wrap scarf and the cardigan look? I want to snuggle up in both. 

3) AllSaints Restrain Skirt

The skirt is just so fabulous I don't know what to do with myself. 

4) Michael Kors Slim Double Wrap Watch

5) Gorjana Alphabet Stackable Ring

The Michael Kors watch is such a classic piece, and the ring reminds me of the beautiful initial bracelet Elizabeth got me for my birthday. 

{What are you wishing for today?}

Gimme those shoes

{gimme those shoes}

{one}

These cognac-colored riding boots from Target are a dead ringer for the more expensive Frye version and are a fraction of the cost. You know there's room in your closet for a pair.

Women's Merona Manette Double Buckle Boot 

{two}

 How much fun are these flats? I'd pair 'em with skinny jeans, a black blazer and a chunky statement necklace.

Belle By Sigerson Morrison Vamante

{three}

These Jack Rogers rain boots are both adorable and a nice change from Hunter rain boots. I love the fun zipper.

Jack Rogers Whirlaway Rain Boots

{four}
These Tory Burch flats are droolworthy. I need a pair ASAP — end of story.

Tory Burch Aaden Ballet Flats


{five}
Finally, how about these beauties? They're Sperry Top-Siders so you know they have to be super comfortable. I am obsessed with the glittery gold toe. 

Sperry Top-Sider - Annabelle (Leopard Pony/Gold Glitter)

Which is your favorite pair?

Friday's fancies #1

My first-ever Friday's fancies is devoted to sweaters, particularly the drool-worthy sweaters at J. Crew right now. 

Here are the top four sweaters on my wish list (and hey, tomorrow is my birthday — hint, hint!)

1) COLLECTION CASHMERE TIPPI SWEATER in Bright butternut

2) NILI LOTAN® OPEN CABLE SWEATER

3) DREAM COLORBLOCK ELBOW-PATCH SWEATER 4) TIPPI SWEATER IN MULTICOLOR STRIPE

While I am in LOVE with all of these sweaters, I seriously need something the color of first one. Cashmere and a lovely butternut color? I'm sold. 

Visit {av}'s blog to link up and see her Friday's fancies, and while you're at it, check out Laura's top sweater picks, too!

Forever 21 love

{Forever faves}

1) Layered Pearlescent Necklace 2) Bias Sheath Dress 3) Pleated Satchel 4) 20 Denier Floral Tights 5) Tasseled Wedge Booties

Monday motivation

Source: instagr.am via Megan on Pinterest

Gangnam-style study break

A Gangnam-style break from all of my work: 

Behold the official JMU version of Gangnam style. 

The video below is PSY explaining the dance to my favorite Today Show hosts. I still crack up at David Gregory's dancing skills. 

(And if you still don't get it, here's PSY's original music video.)

Enjoy!

My life lately

via

And by work, I mean school. 

Be back to posting when I can get a grip on these assignments. 

Happy Friday!

I saw this post on Emily's blog this week and I just had to share it. I had never heard of Cat Facts before and I died laughing when I saw this. 

Happy Friday!!

Monday motivation

Source: colie-was-here.tumblr.com via Megan on Pinterest

Happy, happy Friday

I'm so ready for the weekend! 

I know most of you probably already know this, but J. Crew has had a sale going on all week, and today is the last day for it. Use the code LOVEIT to get an extra 30% off of all final sale items. 

Happy shopping!

.........

Tomorrow, I'm excited to see my wonderful parents for the day, and then Michael and I are going to the Melting Pot (my first time!) for dinner! 

What are your weekend plans?

Underwear drawer organization

I have this theory that you can tell how organized someone is by looking at their underwear drawer. Lucky for you, I'm here to tell you how to get that messy drawer into tip-top shape.

I'm a new subscriber to Real Simple magazine, and I'm already obsessed. I've found so many useful tips for better organization. One of my favorite parts of the magazine is the "New Uses for Old Things" section. 

And that is exactly where I found out how to organize my underwear drawer.

via Real Simple 

For the ultimate underwear-drawer experience, use shoe boxes as dividers and voila, you will instantly be organized. Depending on the size of your drawers, you can either cut the shoe boxes or use whole ones.

What's your go-to organization secret?

J.Crew cashmere shop

But really...

Can I have one of each in every color?

Drool.

Shabby Apple chic

In search of that perfect dress to help your wardrobe transition into fall?

Shop Shabby Apple's best-selling dresses—I promise you will find something you love!

Here are their top five best-selling dresses: 

Alice

The Red Queen

I'm Late! I'm Late!

Ingrid

 El Capitan

 Elizabeth Islands

From now until Friday, use the discount code favorite10 to get 10% your purchase from Shabby Apple! 

Happy shopping!!

Wishful Wednesday

{pretty, dainty neutrals}

J. Crew Factory Brilliant Stone Necklace

Anthropologie Toecap Treasure Flats 

This ring by Cat Bird

Ted Baker London Bow iPad sleeve

Bullseye bracelet

Vera Wang Lavender Lara Couture Round Toe Flats

Today I managed to...

...get blisters on both heels. Thanks new shoes. 

...staple my finger while trying to kill a fly in my office. 

And to top it off, yesterday I sliced my finger wide open cutting an apple while making lunch for Michael and I. (Don't worry Mom and Dad, I didn't need stitches.)

...

So here I am many Band Aids later, limping around and awkwardly typing with a tightly bandaged left ring finger. Sigh. Tomorrow can only be better, right? 

iPhone alarm labels

After getting to sleep in all summer, waking up early this week for class has been a little bit of a reality check. I am so not a morning person—I need a hot shower and coffee before my brain starts working. 

And what better to help me wake up than a funny iPhone alarm label like this one? 

via

I had seen these on Pinterest and Tumblr before, but I never took the time to actually figure out how to set one on my own phone. Ready to learn how to make one?

First, go to the clock app, then the alarm tab. 

Next, click the "+" in the top corner to create a new alarm (or just edit an existing alarm).

Finally, go to "label"and write your future sleepy self a nice little message to wake up to.


For example, something like this would apply to me:

Source: theyuniversity.tumblr.com via Megan on Pinterest

So now when I have to wake up at 6:30 every morning, I can feel a little bit better about my situation. At least I'm not Britney Spears circa 2007. 

via

Friends, things could always be worse. 

Tumblr obsessed

I admit, I'm late on joining the Tumblr bandwagon. I've always enjoyed looking at other people's Tumblr pages, but I never thought/wanted to make one for myself. 

Well, I caved. And there goes my productivity for the semester.

It's still in its early stages, but here it is. Ta da!

I'd love hearing suggestions about any interesting or funny pages I should follow. 

Tuesday funnies

I literally laughed out loud at my desk when I saw this...

via

via

But really...

What was she thinking???

See ya later summer

Today is the last Friday of summer vacation for me (maybe even forever if/when I get a job after graduation). Yikes. 

In order to cheer myself up, I went to Target and bought shoes. Yes, I'm one of those people who thinks buying things makes them feel better. Let's not kid around — it does make me feel better. 

Here are the two new pairs of shoes that are currently cheering me up: 

{Mossimo Vianca Tuxedo Flat}

via 

First of all, I love an animal print. Second of all, I love shoes that only cost $20. So naturally, I was sold. I'm jumping on the loafers-are-hot-for-fall bandwagon, and I can't wait to wear these bad boys. 

(Side note: They are a little stiff and probably need to be broken in before they're worn for a full day. Otherwise, you'll probably end up with a heel full of blisters, and no one wants that. Right now, I'm wearing them in my house with a thick pair of socks to break them in (which is quite a sight to see). I may even use my Dr. Scholl's For Her Rub Relief Strips for these. I'm a huge fan of these strips — just stick 'em on the part of the shoe that's rubbing your foot and voila, no more blisters.)

{Mossimo Vira Shootie}

via

These may be the most comfortable heels/"shooties" I've ever owned. I could walk for miles in these, no Dr. Scholl's required. I have a pair of black heels that are similar to these, and they're a staple in my winter wardrobe. This taupe pair is the perfect partner to those heels and I'm so excited to wear them this fall. 

WIshful Wednesday

I'm not sure about you guys, but I'm so ready for fall. Not necessarily for classes to begin and for my social life to vanish, but for the crisp, cool weather, reinstating and updating my fall wardrobe, and most of all, Starbucks' pumpkin spice lattes.

In that spirit, here's what I'm loving this week:

{mustard yellow} everything...

Source: jcrew.com via Megan on Pinterest

{to transition into fall}

Source: fashionsmashionblog.wordpress.com via Megan on Pinterest

{to spice up an LBD}

Source: modcloth.com via Megan on Pinterest

{to wear instead of an LBD}

Source: blogs4fun355.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

{to pair with a red lip}

Source: topshop.com via Megan on Pinterest

{to wear with tights, boots and a cardigan}

Source: rachskalla.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

{or stripes and a neutral scarf}

Source: jcrew.com via Megan on Pinterest

{to wear with loafers, preferably an animal print}