Inner Child

My cousins in St. Louis have a huge family (4 kids ranging from 4 to 16). This brought out the inner artistic in me due to the fact that 3 of the kids were girls and they loved to make friendship bracelets and animals from these beads. Of course, I was right on track and made as many as I could in the 6 days that I stayed with them. The girls loved playing with them more than making them since it was a very tedious job. But the final product was priceless! My favorite two are the dog that looks like my Captain and the fish replica of rainbow fish!

Oh what kids inspire us to do!

I'm home!

Oh it's good to be back home! I'm exhausted from traveling and it's nice to have my own bed to sleep with at night (not that I have yet). St. Louis was wonderful. We visit the Arch, of course, and browsed around the city for a day. We also managed to go to an amazing water park (Raging Rapids) with all the cousins. I swear it was like a family reunion!

I was lucky enough to come just in time for the littlest one's birthday! She's a big 4 year old now. Don't you just love that age? There wasn't a day that went by that she didn't say something adorable.

Now I'm transitioning back to normal life and getting ready for classes to start on Monday. Unfortunately, my car broke down 5 minutes away from home :( Farewell, betsy! You were so good to me! I only wished you had failed with more dignity. The poor car put up a great fight and I have so many memories with it! Sadly, I don't have any pictures of it right now. I'll make sure to post some up as soon as I can find some. She was my consistent and faithful companion through many trips.

This leaves a huge dilemma with my internship, because it's an hour away. I think I have it figured out for now, but who knew transportation would be this hard to come by. Oh well. I hope everyone is having a great end of the summer!

St. Louis

I am St. Louis bound on Thursday, but I'm driving back up north today. It's about a 3 1/2 hours to get back home and I haven't started packing yet. Fail. I usually make an extremely detailed list of things to pack. I haven't done that yet either. So today will be consumed with packing and sleep. I can't wait to get on a plane again! It's been too long. Hope everyone has a great week/weekend!

Back to School

School starts in 2 weeks! I'm excited/nervous to start back in the same routine. It's going to be a hectic semester with my internship, sorority events, job, and finding time to see B, but it's so much better than being bored with nothing to do. I strive to keep myself completely busy and immersed in everything and anything. Here are a few things on my back to school wish list. Time to work and save up some money!! (after tuition, of course)

Side by Side Tote - Vera Bradley $65

Agenda - Vera Bradley 2010 Agenda in Imperial Toile $13

Watch - Timex Easy Reader Brown Leather Watch $32

Bowtied-Beauty Boots - Anthropologie $248

I just remembered...

I never posted pictures of my broken-beyond-belief blackberry (bbbb, ha!). I ended up getting the cheapest phone Sprint is currently offering that still sent emails and such. I still haven't gotten over how much he destroyed it and I haven't had the courage to throw the phone away. It sits unnoticed above the fridge collecting dust. Maybe one day I'll stop being a hoarder and throw it away.

Oh, and I'm still finding pieces of the phone around the apartment.

RIP Blackberry. You were good while you lasted.

Roommates

I officially have a new roommate and suite mate as of yesterday! It's exciting because they filled the kitchen and living room up, so now I can actually say that I look forward to coming home.

I've had awful roommate experiences, so I'm trying to learn from them. The first month of having a new roommate is trial and error for me. I over-analyze quite a bit, so I try to figure out my roommates schedule/routine so I don't butt heads with her (especially with my overnight job. this usually causes problems.) So far, so good. Although she says she doesn't mind that I sleep during the day, I've tried to give her the curtesy of sleeping at my boyfriends house today since I know she is still unpacking. I know I wouldn't want to be packing next to a sleeping roommate.

I'm hoping this works out because she's such a sweet girl (and she's my sorority sister) and I have yet to have that roommate/best friend everyone talks about finding in college. Here's my breakdown of my past roommates...

1. The Bad Ass: We started off as friends before moving in together, but soon realized we weren't as compatible as we thought. She was a party gal, and I'm the tied down girlfriend who she found boring and "ruining her groove" as someone put it. The straw that broke the camels back? Finding out that when I was gone for the weekend she got caught with a bong in our dorm room when I specifically asked her not to bring it to school.

2. The Bipolar Clinger: Midway through the year me and Bad Ass went separate ways and I was moved into another room down the hall with Bipolar Clinger. She was (I'm sorry, is still) a sweet girl, but she had some attachment issues. She hated her previous roommate just as much as I hated mine, so we quickly bonded over this. After the "honeymoon" period ended, we basically did everything together. The main problem? Our schedules. She NEVER took naps and hated when I did. But, in my defense, I can't help it. I work overnights. I need to sleep sometime, right? We ended the semester in a bitter note, without even saying goodbye. I partly take the blame for this falling out. I should have reached out and talked about it, but that's that.

I'm hoping this one will work out for obvious reasons. Did you guys have any crazy roommates?

ps. this shop sells items that the seller found in a chest in her backyard. this one of a kind card is pictured above.

Goals

It's getting closer to the beginning of fall semester and I'm so excited to start! This has started to get me thinking about goals. I'm a very goal-oriented person, and I've realized that I don't have a goal for this blog. I feel this is the reason why I find it so hard to post regularly because I have no purpose. So my goal is to find a purpose for this blog. What should I write about? My life? That just seems too...narcissistic. I feel like I should write about something that can make a difference in my life (or my readers).

I've read that the most successful blogs are ones that are written about something that the author is very passionate about. It makes it easier to keep the blog going (and you don't run out of ideas). That's my number one problem. I'm not passionate about anything. I like to dip my hand in everything and never stay with one thing for too long. I'd like for this blog to be different. A constant in my life would be nice.

Well, I hope this goal is achieved soon. Any ideas? I guess you guys can't help me, since you all don't know me well. Hopefully, I'll figure it out.

*i found this cute shop on etsy with these chalkboards. inspirational? i think yes.

Cardigan Love

Everyone has a "go to" look that they go to when they don't feel inspired to wear anything extravagant. My go to look is cardigans. They're perfect for layering, which I love to do, and can transform an outfit from bland to cute. J. Crew (surprised?) has the cutest cardigans paired with belts under "Jenna's Picks" (I talk about that here). These are some of the unique cardigans I've found. What's your "go to" outfit?

Friday Links

Some special links that have inspired me throughout the week. : )

This room would make me want to take naps ALL the time.

This makes me want to make a million cupcakes, but I don't have the supplies yet. : /

This Alpha Phi frame is the cutest thing ever. I might just have to get one for my big.

This satchel is so affordable and so classic! Definitely a great school bag.

I've always wanted a pair of oxfords. Which one do you like best, this or this?

YES! Textbooks are finally going down on price. Here's why.

I am a sucker for weddings, especially ones in a penthouse in San Fran!!

What's in your bag?

This random and easy game helps keep me up at work.

Ruffles, anyone?!

Internship News

Remember that internship interview I had with the Meridian Group? The one where the drive was longer than the actual internship itself? Well, they emailed me back and....

I GOT THE INTERNSHIP!

Woooh! Yep, they emailed me saying Congratulations! Please respond by next Monday. Ha, no need to tell me twice. I wrote that email so fast. Success!

It might just be a good day without my Blackberry.

R.I.P God (my blackberry)

I've never been torn with such opposite emotions. Last night I was called into work right as I was going to bed. Apparently, I was scheduled but they never emailed me the schedule. Awesome. Then, after sleeping for 6 hours, I wake up and my phone is in pieces on the floor. The lovely, adorable puppy found it on the bed and decided that it would be a great chew toy.

I wish I could show you guys the damage he's done to my phone, but alas I have no way of taking pictures. My poor blackberry is just in ruins. The top part of the phone is all chewed up. He punctured the screen multiple times and tore up all the rubber on the side.

So this post is dedicated to my blackberry, which I named God after the GPS telling me EXACTLY when traffic hits down the seconds. It was nice having it for the short 5 months. Tear, tear. I don't know what I'm going to do as of now. I'll be phone-less for a while until I figure out what I'm going to do.

My Picks

I have an obsession with J. Crew (if you couldn't already tell). I peruse through their site at least every other day. My absolute favorite is Jenna's picks in which Jenna Lyon, J. Crew's head designer, picks out her favorites for the season. So this has inspired me to do my own picks once a week of my 7 (one for each day of the week) all time favorite outfits that I've found with a certain theme. I'm not sure what to call it yet, since Cecilia's Picks just doesn't sound right. But here is the pioneering post to a, hopefully, successful idea.

This weeks theme is going to be "Summer Swelter" due to the fact that it is going to be above 100 degrees EVERY single day this week. I seriously think I might just melt if I step foot outside.

*ps: i went J. Crew crazy and the prices are definitely on the high end. in the future i'm going to try to focus on more budget friendly finds since i'm a starving college student.

1.

Tissue Ruched V-neck Tee, J. Crew: $45

Wool Bell Skirt, J.Crew: $80

Kerrington Leather Ballet Flats, J. Crew: $128

Crystal Mosaic Earrings, J. Crew: $65

2.

Perfect-fit Ruffle Henley Tee, J. Crew: $25

Boyfriend Chino Short - Cognac, J. Crew: $50

Sequin Bow Ballet Flats, J. Crew: $188

Braided Chain and Pearl Necklace, J. Crew: $118

Glisten Grasp Necklace, J. Crew: $95

Carsisi Ring, J. Crew: $55

3.

Marlie Racerback Dress, J. Crew: $128

Large Silk Blossom Pin, J. Crew: $19

Knotty Pearl Necklace, J. Crew: $78

Slim Square-Buckle Belt, J. Crew: $35

4.

Pocket T-shirt, J. Crew: $48

Impressionist Pencil Skirt, J. Crew: $110

Jacquard Ballet Flats, J. Crew: $135

Lady Strand 4 Pearl Necklace, J. Crew: $100

5.

Castillo Eyelet Cami, J. Crew: $118

Denim Shorts, J. Crew: $72

Crystal Blossom Drop Earrings, J. Crew: $48

Irony at it's Best

I have my usual list of sites that I check on a daily basis for news, content, and inspiration for what to blog. Today, I was getting my daily dose of Naag and stumbled upon an article about movie castings and how the characters on the screen that we've grown to love could easily have wound up being different people. Case in point...

The Terminator (1984)

A special mention has to go to The Terminator. Although it sounds like a joke, OJ Simpson was at one point in first running to play the time-traveling cyborg – but ultimately the producers thought he was “too nice to play a cold-blooded killer.”

Oh irony at it's finest. Thought you all would get a kick out of it, like I have.

Pictures!

Finally! The website has finally updated pictures of our kayaking trip. I just wanted to post some on here. Unfortunately, they didn't take any pictures with dolphins nearby (go figure) but anyways, here they are!

(wish someone would finally get that camera developed *ahem b*)

On another side note, I have another internship interview today at 6:30. This time it's for a virtual internship (cross your fingers!). Let's hope this actually goes somewhere, since I'm pretty sure it's not looking too good for the other one.

Hope you all are having a great week!

Summer Swelter

Today, my day started bright and early (8am) to get ready for my interview. Nervous? Oh yes. Prepared? Not even close. I had to go to Virginia Beach and of course we are in the middle of a heat wave so no AC SUCKS. It was about a 45 minute drive there and an hour drive back. Seriously, one day I'll get this AC fixed, but it's almost the end of the summer so why bother?

Anyway, the interview....was short. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. Most likely not, but I'm glad I gained the experience. The lady was super sweet and she was so informative about everything. She asked me the standard interview questions (why I want the internship, what are my strengths/weaknesses, etc.) I was literally in and out in 15 minutes. I don't think that was a good thing, but I'm not going to dwell on it. They said they would get back to me in a couple of weeks, so we shall see!

*ps: these pictures are from Alicia Bock Photography on Etsy (her main site is here). these pictures remind me of where i want to be, somewhere cool and quaint. one can dream!

Monday's Obsession: Weddings

I know, I know. It's super late on Monday and half of you will be reading this Tuesday. I wish I could say I was busy, or was doing something productive, but that's not the case. I was just plain lazy today. I finally unpacked all my stuff in the apartment. Whew, what a relief that was. It was a rainy day, so of course it seemed like I should do it then. I'll post some pictures once it looks semi-cute.

I decided to post some pictures of what I've been obsessing over. WEDDINGS. Yup, I know. Crazy. It's not like I want to get married any time soon, but I can't help but love the love and cuteness that surrounds weddings. I've been getting my daily dose of wedding pictures (a.k.a. stalking) from East Side Bride. Best. Blog. Ever.

My absolute favorite thing about her blog is Dear ESB. Its her advice column for brides, MOH's, or anyone who's dealing with a wedding crisis. Her advice is honest and downright hilarious sometimes. Love it.

Anyway, here are some of the gorgeous pictures from a wedding she featured. Can I just say, getting married in a library is my fantasy. The library being in Manhattan, well can I just go up to heaven now? Absolutely perfect. Here is the newly wedded's blog, if you'd like to check it out. : )

Adventures

This past week has been a crazy one for me. With my final days at work and last minute packing for my move back down to school, I've had zero time to just relax. Today was the first day that I could sit down, recollect everything I've done these past couple of days (it feels like I've done so much), and write.

Wednesday was my last day of work and I packed my car up as much as I could for the next day. Of course, it was a scorching and humid day out. My car lacks a working AC unit, so my 3 and a half hour drive consisted of me trying to create a breeze by speeding. I finally arrived and didn't do much the rest of the night. I was exhausted of driving and B warned me that we had a big day ahead of us.

So, his lovely surprise was a kayaking tour at Virginia Beach to see dolphins! I don't think I've ever been this excited to kayak in my life. I've gone once before, but there was no purpose behind it, therefor making it a little more like torture. I'm so upset I couldn't take a picture, and we ran out of time to get a disposable water camera to use. Fortunately, the people at Kayak Nature Tours took some for us. I'm just waiting for them to update their site so I can see them! It was absolutely amazing! Next to going to Sea World, this is probably the closest I will ever get to dolphins. I was skeptical about actually seeing them in the first place since I heard that the morning session sees more than the afternoon sessions due to the fact that they go out to eat in the morning. That wasn't the case at all though. We saw at least 20 dolphins, some even came close enough for me to see them smile! I swear it was an experience I will never forget.

I recommend everyone who is in the Virginia Beach area to take a tour. It was about 2 hours long and no prior experience was necessary (which was a good thing, because I would have had tons of difficulty if they left us to figure out how to get in the water).

Afterwards, we had lunch/dinner at Mahi Mahi's right by the Virginia Beach boardwalk. The food! I don't think I have ever stuffed my face as much as I did last night. They have the area's No 2 shecrab soup, so B ordered some and, let me tell you, it was the best I have ever tasted. I ordered chicken stuffed with crap meat (weird, right?) and for dessert (I don't even know how I was able to have it) B ordered key lime pie, which was a perfect ending to a wonderful meal.

I literally waddled back to the car and off we went to the Jack Johnson concert. I told you we did a lot! It was so amazing! By far the best concert I've been to, and I'm so glad I was able to check it from my bucket list. He is such a charismatic and easy going guy and he showed it in his performance. My favorite song has to be the one dedicated to his darling daughter. So adorable.

That about sums up my crazy couple of days. I'm so mad I don't have any pictures to show you guys other than the one taken on my phone! I'll definitely post some as soon as I get them in.

Hump Day Wednesday

** In order to make this blog somewhat of a success and a continual thing (I've had many blogs where they just end up forgotten due to their inconsistency), I've decided to assign certain days for certain topics. Wednesday is Hump Day, so I will post something inspirational or intriguing that will hopefully help you guys (mainly, me) make it through the rest of the week.

Unfortunately, with my college budget I can't afford to go shopping on a whim and I most definitely can't afford half the clothes I like. Collegecandy.com had some helpful tips on how to shop efficiently on a budget.

The tip that stood out to me the most was ask questions! So i'm a timid shopper. I'm not the one customer that asks a million questions about clothes and whether or not this shirt was on sale. But it pays off to ask an associate about sales. For example, did you know that J. Crew (my ultimate favorite store) loads their new stock and puts their old stock on sale on Wednesdays?! That would be the perfect way to end hump day. If I had the money to spend.

Sweet Pea

It seems as if my summer has just started, but in reality it is basically over. I am all packed up to move back down to Newport News after a lengthy 2 month stay at my folks. Am I excited to leave? Yes and no.

I can't wait to move back down and actually have a life again! I miss having friends everywhere I go. I miss going to class (yes, honestly I do). I miss B and spending time with him. That's probably what I miss the most. Long distance relationships are no joking matter. They're intense, stressful, and it seriously takes a toll on me.

Yet, there's something different about going back down for school this summer. I feel like I have made so much progress with my family. I hate leaving them when I feel that I have just started establishing something so great with them. I'm afraid that, if I leave, I have to start all over again.

There really is no point in dwelling on all of this. I leave this Thursday. I have everything packed up ready to go. I'm supposed to be having the time of my life. Everyone says these are the best years to discover who you are and develop as a human being. I have every intention of doing just that. Living my life the way I see fit and exploring every avenue, every opportunity until I know what I'm all about.

On the agenda for the second half of my summer include a trip to St. Louis with D, Jack Johnson concert with B (I can check one more off of my music bucket list!), a surprise that B has yet to divulge, and (hopefully) interning at The Meridian Group.

The last one is a work in progress. I have an interview coming up next week and I'm hoping all goes well and they offer me an internship. I am so ridiculously nervous that I keep going through a list of facts about the company just to make sure I know their background as well as they know my resume. I'll make sure to update on how that went, what I wore, etc.

I hope all of your summers are jam packed with fun stories! I feel like I have just begun mine.

ps. sweet pea is my favorite flower and will forever remind me of summer. this site has a cute way of arranging sweet peas around the house and using it as a center piece or decorations. obsessed? i think yes.

A New Beginning..

If you've come to this blog from my previous blog over at wordpress, welcome back! I'm super glad you've decided to still follow me through this change. If you are a new reader, welcome! I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I do.

This blog is about everything that I hold dear in my life and everything in between. Through this blog I hope to channel my inner writer and meet great people along the way. More posts to come!