My picks for this Spring trend...

I'm so excited that we are entering such a colorful Spring!

 

I'm loving the pops of color... like orange, fuchsia, turquoise and yellow!

 

 

Here are some of my favorite pieces:

Diane von Furstenberg Sliced Shirtdress

$325, Saks

Kate Spade New York Gold Coast Bright Robin

$295, Zappos

Linea Pelle Dylan Medium Tote Coral

$435, Zappos

 Shoshanna Pleated One Shoulder Dress

$350

Alice + Olivia Patti Pleated Dress

$298

 

Kenneth Jay Lane Three Drop Earrings

 $80

 

Kenneth Jay lane Coral Link Necklace

$80

Tory Burch Reva Flats

$195

 

& last but certainly not least...

not exactly a bright color, but I'm obsessed with this bag for Spring/Summer...

Tory Burch Crescent Tote

$395

XO

This should brighten your day....

Happy Saturday, beauties! 

I thought I'd post a video for your viewing pleasure.

Talk about a girl who knows what she wants!

XO

I swear I'm not a quitter, but....

I'm calling the 30 Day Photo Challenge "kaput."

I started this blog as a way of documenting my random musings, and the challenge was just too much structure for me.  I found myself thinking too hard about the challenge, which caused all of my creativity to be lost for other blog posts.  I also feel that a lot of the daily assignments were a bit repetitive or useless information.

So sorry, senoritas.

Let's talk about my day instead.

As you know, I've been working out a lot more than usual in attempts to train for the Miss Charleston USA pageant.  My body isn't Miss USA material, but I've definitely noticed big improvements.  I haven't lost any weight (and haven't been trying to), but I've toned a good bit.  

I haven't changed what I eat.  Yes, I've made smarter choices, but I wasn't an unhealthy eater to begin with.  My average day starts out very healthy and gets a bit more "less-nutritious" come dinner time.  I start off with overnight-oats for breakfast with blueberries or strawberries.  For lunch, I have a turkey sandwich with avocado and spinach on whole grain. Those are my first two meals every weekday, like clockwork.  These are easy meals I can take on the go.  I eat my lunch in the car every day as I travel from my work to class.  Yes, I know I need to switch it up every now and then to give my body more variety.  

But that's where dinner comes in.  Talk about variety! I eat most every dinner with Brandon and his taste buds are quite different than mine.  I usually try to make his ideal meal of pizza a bit healthier by adding a salad and and maybe a veggie.  Many of you know my love for chocolate.  I'd be just fine eating strawberries & white chocolate morsels for dinner.  

No, I really would.

Anyway, this long introduction leads me to the one thing that I wanted to tell you regarding nutrition. Now that I've been watching my eats, I try to snack more sensibly.  I picked up a nut/fruit blend from the store the other day and am completely surprised at how wonderful it is!

A goal of mine recently is to increase my fiber intake.  I used to take a fiber supplement each day to ...ummm... keep me regular, for lack of a better phrase. I ran out of those, so instead of buying more, I'm trying to get the same amount of daily fiber through my food.  So when I saw, "Excellent Source of Fiber" on this can, I decided to give them a try.  

This blend of nuts, granola, and dried fruit is so tasty! I had to use a lot of willpower stop myself from eating too many.  I definitely recommend that you try these for a healthy, filling snack. 

***

Look at the beautiful tree I saw on my walk around town today.  

I say walk as if I was just strolling around town. Really, I power walked to the store to return something that I bought (and once I got home, I thought, "Why on Earth did I buy this?").  I got sidetracked while in the store and tried on some necklaces.  

So I left, then walked about a mile back to my parking garage and realized I wasn't wearing the scarf that I was wearing when I walking into the store.

I decided to walk back to the store because it would be more exercise, which is always a positive.  Also, if I drove, I'd have to deal with parking on King Street, which I always try to avoid.

Oh, and my scarf was right where I left it ...next to the necklaces.

So on my second walk back to my car, I saw this tree. 

That is my long, drawn out story of the tree, so please appreciate its beauty! 

***

One more matter of business before I cram my head back in the books (while occasionally looking up to watch the freakish "Toddlers and Tiaras" show.)

I have some exciting news to announce.

I've signed with a modeling agency! I'll give more details later.  I have my first "go-see" tomorrow.  I also have a speech to give at noon, so this gal must get her beauty sleep.

XO

Day 7, Five Things I Can't Live Without, and OOTD

It's day seven of the 30 Day Photo Challenge!

Day 07: A picture of your most treasured item

My most treasured item is probably my jewelry box.  I have a few different boxes for my jewelry, but this one is my favorite because it holds my most valuable pieces.

This is a Wolf Designs Lusterloc jewelry box.  I love it because it has a key and travels really well.  I love the off-white leather, too!  

  It's a treasured item, not only because I love the jewelry inside it (of course!), but because each piece has a story behind it.  Each piece of jewelry was given to me by a special person in my life, which makes me think of the person when I wear the jewelry! My parents gave me some of it, Brandon gave me most of it, and his parents gave me some of the jewelry, too!

***

Also, Holly from Holly's Wonderland tagged me in a fun post! She has an adorable blog, so you should definitely pay it a visit!  

The post is, "The Five Things I Cannot Live Without"

1.  My planner!  

I told you all before that I write lists for everything and would be LOST without it!  

2.  My Camelbak Water Bottle:

If it wasn't for this thing, I would never drink water!  I fill it up multiple times a day and carry it with me everywhere.  That way, I always have it reminding me to drink water.  Plus, it's BPA-free!

3.  Working Out.

I've really fallen back in love with exercising.  It's so hard to gain motivation after you've been away from the gym for a while.  I owe my ease of getting back in the gym to the Les Mills classes at the gym.  I know I keep mentioning this, but ladies -try these classes! Taebo is amazing.  In fact, I did it tonight and it was probably the most amazing workout I've ever had.  It took a while for me to learn the moves and not look like a klutz in the class, but my persistence has paid off.  Taebo is so empowering and I've learned great defense moves, too! I also love Zumba, Spinning, PiYo, Body Step, and Body Pump.

I would go crazy without being able to work out and relieve stress!

4.  Clarisonic Mia

Since I started using this little golden tool, my skin has changed so much.  I've been blessed with fairly blemish-free skin, but my Clarisonic made my skin's texture so much smoother.  My skin care regimen would not be complete without it!

5.  Burt's Bees

Holly actually used Burt's Bees in her post, too! I have to use this a few times a day or else my lips would be so uncomfortable.  I love how refreshed they feel after applying it!

***

Oh, and how about an OOTD before I go?

 This is what I wore to church on Sunday morning.  The dress is from Cache'!

XO

Photo Challenge: Day 6

Day 6 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

I would trade places with Kate Middleton! 

Ahh ... the royalty, the beauty, the high-fashion, the gorgeous rock, the castle!

I mean,

...hello? 

That's all for tonight. It has been a long, but wonderful day. Goodnight beauties.

XO. 

Day 5: A Picture of Your Favorite Memory

There is no way I could pick just one favorite memory, so this post will have multiple photos!

Some of my all time favorite memories are with these girls right here.  We lived together in college at Coastal Carolina University (before I transferred to the College of Charleston).  They are so much fun and hold a special place in my heart! We had so many fun nights in that little apartment.

We also had some fun Halloweens! 

I will always love the memories I have of Coastal football games.  Primarily because my brother is a Coastal football fanatic.  He gets so emotionally involved in the games ...I think it's hilarious. 

See? He's jumping up and down & screaming while everyone else is sitting so calmly. 

The girls and I just enjoyed the tailgating aspects of the games!

Another memory I often look back on is my spur of the moment trip to NYC with two dear friends.  I called them one afternoon and said, "Hey, would y'all like to go to NYC in two weeks?"  Without hesitation, they were on board! What fun friends.

We stayed up almost all night after seeing a Broadway play.  We ate our weight in cheesecake at Juniors, then got the idea to visit The Today Show that coming morning.  After finding a CVS, we bought white gift boxes (they were out of poster board) and made signs! After two hours of sleep, we were up at 4am to walk to Rockefeller Center and get in line! Our friends saw us on TV back home.

Lots of firsts for me. 

It was my first time on a plane!  The pilot let me go into the cockpit to check things out.

First time on a subway...

 Here we are impersonating the statues in the background.

..and here we are in Times Square.

 

Such a fun trip. 

Okay, back to more memories ...

Of course I love all of the memories that I have with Brandon, but y'all have seen a lot of photos of him lately.  So I'll just leave you with one.

Here we are during a hike at Raven's Cliff Falls in NC.

A lot of my favorite memories don't have a corresponding photo.  I treasure all of the memories I have with my family and friends!  These are only a few that I happen to have documented through my camera.

Hope you all had a beautiful, fabulous Saturday!

XO

Friday Night Fancies + Photo Challenge: Day 4

We made it to Friday!  Tonight, I'm linking up with {av} at Long Distance Loving for Friday Night Fancies.

This is a series created by the lovely {av} to tribute your fantasy outfit for a Friday night!

So, ladies, here is my Friday Night Fancy:

Alice + Olivia One Shoulder Drape Dress via

$242

(I might be slightly obsessed with this dress.)

I'd pair it with simple, yet classic, pearl studs.

and these heels:

Seven For All Mankind Rhett Birdcage Platform Sandals via

$220

I would love to wear this outfit to a chic event during the Spring/Summer or a fun night on the town!

***

Oh, and we are already at day four of the photo challenge!

Day 4: A photo of your night

Well, this isn't going to be exciting.

I drove to my parents home this afternoon.  I was due for a visit & have some pageant supplies that I needed to pick up.  Mom and I watched "Say Yes to the Dress" and I played on my computer.

Thus, here is a photo of my night:

I never get tired of some online shopping!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 

XO

Makeup Products and Photo Challenge: Day 3

Hello lovelies! 

I've been a bit out of it today.  I got minimal sleep last night and have had the busiest of days.  Thank goodness for 5 o'clock.  Now, I have a sore throat.  Whenever I don't get enough sleep the night before, I feel sick and brain washed.  I literally went through the whole day thinking today was Friday.

What a bummer it was to find out today is Thursday! 

...told you I was a bit out of it ;)

 A few of you seem eager for me to review the Laura Mercier products.  I also got a mascara, a moisturizer, and two tinted moisturizers (I got to choose a few free jumbo samples with my order!).  I will let you know what I think of those too!

...and to add to my list of products to try out...

Today, I received a moisturizer I purchased from Origins called VitaZing.

 I've heard rave reviews of this product and can't wait to try it.  It's an energy-boosting moisturizer that has  mangosteen and SPF-15.

This is what Origins has to say about it:
This energizing multi-tasking moisturizer gives skin instant vitality and vibrance with the zing of vitamin-rich Mangosteen energy Complex. Magically transforms to create even, flawless skin.'

I heard that it's like a tinted moisturizer, but it's not greasy feeling.  The product comes out white, but then transforms itself into your skin color.  

This is the video that motivated me to try it out.

Have any of you tried this product before?

Once I use this and the Laura Mercier products, I promise to do a review! I want to make sure I really like them before I tell you all about them. 

***

Okay, back to the 30-Day Photo Challenge!

Day 3: A photo of the cast from your favorite show

Well, this is easy.

I love the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!

This show truly is my guilty pleasure.

(I also love the Orange County ladies because they were the original housewives)

 

Hope you all are having a great day & can enjoy a relaxing evening!

XO

Day 2: Photo Challenge & What I'm Lovin'

I'm so happy to see that so many of you have decided to partake in the 30 Day Photo Challenge!

Day 2: A photo of you with the person you've been closest to the longest

Meet Mark, my brother.

My immediate thought when reading the instructions for this post was that I should post a picture of my longest girl friend, Crystal.  We met in 7th grade and were inseparable all throughout high school. We even went on to college together.  Now, we are many states away but it hasn't hurt our friendship!

But then, after I really got to thinking about the person I've been closest to the longest, I realized that this person is my brother.

My mom has always stressed to me the importance of sibling relationships.  In most cases, your siblings are the people you have in your life for the longest amount of time.

Mark and I have always been close, but even more so throughout the past five years.  He, obviously, takes very good care of his body and has been such a motivation for me to get in the gym! 

I try every day to not take our relationship for granted.  I'm so lucky to have him!

***

Let's move on to the things that I'm loving.

1.  I'm loving that Publix offers a different item each Wednesday for a PENNY! I got a 4-pack of toilet paper for one cent today. 

2.  I'm loving the 70 degree weather we've had this week! The warm sunshine just makes Charleston that  much more beautiful.

3.   I'm loving the gorgeous pearl earrings Brandon gave me for Valentine's Day.  That, and the fact that my bedroom smells like roses due to the dozen he surprised me with!

4.  I'm loving that I just got my first order in from Laura Mercier! Foundation, Primer, Concealer ...check! Will review asap.

5.  I'm loving that Brandon's neighbors still have their Christmas tree up.  They even turn the lights on every night.  Seriously ...it's the middle of February! It has almost been two months since Christmas!  I think it's funny and I hope they leave it up all year long.  

6.  I'm loving each one of you! Thank you so much for the sweet comments on my blog posts.  They make my days so much sweeter.

XO

Day 1: Photo Challenge

Thanks to the lovely Jaime at Fried Pink Tomato, I became inspired to participate in the 30 Day Photo Challenge!

The goal is to post a different photo every day, based on instructions from a list. 

Hello, list:

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 04 - A picture of your night
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
Day 12 - A picture of something you love
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture and a letter
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25 - A picture of your day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

So here we are at Day 1: A picture of yourself with ten facts.

...and my ten facts: 

1.  If I had to describe a perfect day, it would be spent on a boat, feeling the sun on my shoulders and the salt on my cheeks, with food/drinks/friends  ...oh, and some Jimmy Buffet music. 

2.  I recently started wearing my retainer at night when I sleep.  When I was younger, I was always so bad about wearing it because it's uncomfortable and I can't talk with it in my mouth. Said retainer is currently MIA because apparently I spit it out in the middle of the night.  Must find asap. 

3.  I do not have Beiber fever.  I think it's weird that grown women are obsessed with a fifteen year old boy.

4.  I've only been on a plane one time.

5.  The only places I've lived in SC have been on its coast.  I've lived in Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and the Hilton Head area. 

6.  My biggest vice is white chocolate.  I could eat a whole bag of morsels in one sitting ...easy.

7.  As a child, I always wanted a kitten but my Dad never let me have one  ...and now Brandon won't let me have one.  I've lost hope.  I want a white persian, in case anyone wants to "accidentally" leave one outside of my door. Then I'd be forced to save its life and give it a home.

8.  Lists dictate my life.  I jot down every task that I need to complete, or else it will not get done.

9.  Brandon recommended this next fact:  I still have an iPod that has a dial on it.  

I gave him a funny look and he said, "Come on, that's old school.  Everything is touch screen these days!"

 He knows I'd rather spend my money on new shoes than technology. 

10.   I don't need contacts or glasses for everyday, but I do have an astigmatism.  It bothers me when I drive at night.  I got glasses a few years ago to wear when I drive, but I rarely wear them.  They hurt my eyes more than they help! 

xo.

ps. I'll still keep up with my random posts here and there, but the photo challenge will be (hopefully) daily through the next 30 days!

Warning: Lovey Dovey Mushy Valentine's Day Post

This post is for my valentine.

Let's step back in time for a moment.

You know, Brandon and I had our first date on Valentine's Day.

Actually, it was the first time that either of us had been on a date ...period.

I was fourteen years old & had one very protective Dad.

Brandon had been my unofficial boyfriend for a while before our first date.  We were "dating" by means of talking on the phone at night and passing notes when we passed each other in the hallway.

But Valentine's Day was the first time he wanted to take me out to dinner.

Do you think that this little 14 year old girl was allowed to ride with an almost-17 year old boy?

I suppose you can figure out the answer to that one. 

After much convincing and help from Mom, my Dad agreed to let me go on a date with Brandon ...-but it had to be a restaurant in my little town. This gave us three options:  the restaurant where I worked, an old smokehouse about five minutes away, or the Huddle House. 

(We chose the Old Smokehouse Restaurant, by the way)

I wish I had the picture that was taken before our first date.  

Mom insisted.

I had braces and bushy eyebrows. Oh, and I didn't wear any makeup at all -not even lipgloss. 

Brandon and I were both so nervous and awkward.  

It showed in the picture.  

We stood half a foot away from each other, each with our hands in our pockets. 

...awkward is right.

I might have to scan it one day when I'm home with Mom and Dad.  Maybe I can post it for a good laugh. But if you're new to my blog, some other pictures of us through the years are here.

...and now, eight Valentine's Days later, he's still my Valentine.  

Brandon has the kindest soul of anyone I know ...except maybe my mother. 

He thinks of others before he thinks of himself.  He does and does and does for others, without expecting anything in return.

...and he's funny!

...proving to me that yoga is easy.

...he cooks

...he cleans

...and he's the best shopping buddy, whether he likes it or not.

Oh, and a great fun dancer!

He's probably embarrassed that I'm posting this. 

He's an outdoorsy guy...

 

...but he's also the best foot rubber in the world!

Oh, and you have to see the picture of the time he let me dye his hair back in 2005.

I begged him to let me turn his sandy locks black.  Not permanently, but with a temporary hair coloring kit that washed out after a few washes. 

He is, obviously, extremely angry at this point.

So to you, Brandon (I know you're reading this), thank you for being the best Valentine I could ever ask for! 

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you, too!

I hope you all have a wonderful day -whether your Valentine is your best friend, a significant other, or even if you are your own Valentine!

We're going to our favorite sushi restaurant, O-ku. 

No surprises there.

I'm looking forward to a glass of wine & soy sauce overload. 

xo.