I cannot wait!

I can't wait to be a quarter of the human cargo on a journey to Oregon, come July 10th.  I've got big plans to wear a floppy sunhat, large sunglasses and maxi dresses.  I imagine I'll be comfortable (in reality, more fabric probably means more sweat, but that balloon can pop later) with the wind in my hair, soaking up the bonds of sisterhood, taking in the mountains.  I really need a vacation, see? :)

I've been blogging outfits that I have been apprehensive to wear into public.  In an area like the one I live in, people are more likely to notice or judge (which is my personal issue) an outfit that's...not ordinary.  I imagine people to be thinking (because I'm guilty of it) "either she has a lot of money or she belongs in an institution."  That kind of reaction deters me from wearing things I want to.  So this trip is also about getting a feel for my own style (second to bonding with 3 really awesome girls).  I hope to gain some confidence in my style so that I can walk around on regular, non-heart-stopping road trip days and be comfortable.  :)

XOXO Can't wait for this adventure.

What's been goin' on

Two weeks ago, I spent the day with my grandparents.  Not only was I able to photograph them (a big deal since my grandma had brain surgery a week prior) but we also had lots of time to bond.  It's been a really long time since I got to hear my grandpa's stories about WWII.  He has this wooden box with a bunch of little treasures from his time in the service, and it only comes out every few years.  The entire time he talked, he was teary-eyed.  It was wonderful to hear all of the stories about the pieces and photographs in the box again.  The last time I remember hearing about everything was the first time, and I was probably eleven.

My hero (Grandpa Bud) helping Grandma get around. :)

This chair is from the first kitchen set they had as a married couple.  It's over 63 years old.  :)

This image is the best thing I've done all year.  I haven't edited shadows or anything yet, but the fact that I got them with my [copied] sign makes me so happy.

My new camera bag came and I couldn't be happier.  Copper River Bags is an amazing company.  The products are stellar and the fact that they're made in the U.S. really floats my boat.

I haven't been spending much lately, since we're talking about buying a house.  I did buy this for myself though, just to take the edge off of my work week.  Thank you, Kelli Murray and Etsy.

Finally!

Despite the fact that it's finals week, it's a great day!  I finally got my new lens...and another one, too!

So here are a few other ones from my point and shoot.  I've been waiting to use a real camera again and the evidence that I have will come sometime this month.  For now...

I made some Thank You cards in advance...I have a lot to be thankful for :)

Liz and I visited this AMAZING place and I should've taken more photos.

The Theda Clark house
<3  

Necessary things

Flamingo, so sad it's sold out

Pink and on sale...too bad there's not a leopard one

Can't get enough burlap and I don't have any TOMS yet...

Can't get enough Pinterest

I have so many plans...

Cheesecake Strawberries

Need these socks.

Gotta try this!  Might have to do color on black though, since I haven't found a good white polish yet.

I need to grow my hair out but...I kinda of want it cut now.

The One Day We Get Permission To Love

When I was three years old, my grandpa died.  On Valentine's Day.  So maybe it seems a bit crazy for me to be infatuated with everything pink and red (even though my mom's been telling me forever that they clash) and sugary.  I love hearts and glitter and I love love.  So although I think about my grandpa even more than usual on this day, (yeah, I was three, but I spent a LOT of time with him, so I remember quite a bit.  Kind of unbelievable, especially because of my awful memory now) I like to surround myself with paper crafts and pretties and candy.  It's no longer a time for sadness, even at the cemetery.

Hahaha!

Doing this!

YUM!

Source

Someday I'll have these.

These are usually a pretty big part of my V Day.  But I really am partial to the larger ones.

I miss making these!

Love it!  This is kind of like this tutorial (which I found via Apple Blue via The Dainty Squid, of course) <3  

I'd love to start this project.

These are the only kind of flowers I want this year.

I feel like this would be a good investment.  Yeah it's ridiculous and no it won't stop me.

Of course I had to see what Tori had to say about the fashion aspect...I think I'll opt for some red leggings and a pink dress.  Or perhaps the opposite.  Either way, I'll be spending some money on a lovely new outfit.

Speaking of love...

Love it!  Add red tights...

Necessary.  Obviously.

This Etsy shop is AMAZING. 

Ha! :-D

I'm not too old for Build-A-Bear.  Just sayin'.

And this one's for Grandpa George <3  

I loooooove red velvet cake!  I found the best cupcakes at Walgreens.

Things I want, things I love, things I'm getting...

Holy Water flask from Uncommon Goods

Still obsessed with leopard print...

Since Khloe is my favorite Kardashian, I was curious about this unisex perfume from the start.  I got to smell a sample of it just after Christmas and had a pretty hard time not just ordering it then.  I will have this by the end of the month.

I need Fossil's new Vintage Re-Issue Hobo in Russet Brown.  Like, I don't know how much longer I can breathe simple air without it.  I also really like the Maddox Satchel in Sea Green.  Speaking of Fossil, I don't even wear a watch (although I have quite a few) but I feel the need to decide between these two and get one.

Rose or White? 

 I have Jenelle to thank for this...Maybe I should stop watching Teen Mom 2 religiously.

And thank God tax return time is upon us.

Be still, my beating heart...

I just started watching Sons of Tucson on Netflix (because TheDaintySquid recommended it) and I love it! It's funny and the youngest boy is so effing adorable.  I'm only on the third episode, but 18 to Life is pretty awesome, too.  I have basically love all things Canadian (Rachel McAdams, anyone?)

I also liked No Strings Attached.  Maybe there's just something about Ashton Kutcher that brings me home to That 70's Show every time I see his face...:)  Also, Ryan Gosling stole my heart in The Notebook so I watch every single film he's in.  I am still falling over myself because of Crazy Stupid Love.

I'm finally getting organized.  I've wanted to have all of my nail polish easily accessible for awhile, but I finally broke down (gave myself a reward for this awful first week of school) and got the rack of my dreams and it's on it's way to my house!

  

Finally got the Wonderstruck perfume I've wanted since before my November birthday!

These comfy pants are mine!

And finally, for all of the adventures I don't go on...

 If you join ShoeDazzle, everything is just $39.95. Join now and get 20% off your first ShoeDazzle item!

My first order from ModCloth

I've been reading The Dainty Squid's blog for over a year now.  I'm not sure when it started, but she's had tons of clothes and accessories from ModCloth and links to their site in posts and I finally gave in.  I am so glad I did.

My first purchase was three dresses.  I'm obsessed with dresses of late.  These classy, whimsical little numbers were on sale and now they're all mine.  Here's a peek at them, though I'm dying to show you everything right away, I'd like to save them for outfit posts.

Everything is so whimsical, right down to the pretty box.

How nice of them to send me a free gift!

The tags are so...I don't even know how to describe why I love them.  They're being saved for my art journal, though!