32

In a few days I'll be turning 33.  As it gets closer and closer to the big day of double threes, I've been reflecting on the past year.  It has been a year of really high highs and few lows.  Instead of dwelling on the lows, I'm going to focus on the great things that happened this year:

My best friend getting married and TWO different opportunities to hang out with my very best friends of over 10 years.

(Don't worry, Alison is not naked, but the frame cut out the dress!)

My brother getting married...and gaining a sister!

(Cara and I)

My first mission trip along with my first trip outside of the U.S. and first time on another continent.

(In Quito, Ecuador with the group at the top of the Teleferico)

Winning the Emerson Excellence in Education Award at my school.

Getting a new car!

(Not my actual car, but haven't had a chance to take a pic yet!)

Spending Christmas with my brother and sister-in-law (even though I was on crutches and couldn't walk!)


While I'm sad to see 32 go, I'm very excited about what 33 will bring!  I have very high hopes and expectations for this coming year and I can't wait to see what happens.  Until the 9th, I will be belting out this song while substituting 32 for each time she sings 22!

Blogiversary

Today is my one year blogiversary.  I can't believe it has been a year since I started this blog.  I had thought about starting a blog and started various versions of a blog but it was a lunch with some friends from work that really tipped me over the edge.  I know I've taken some breaks and I may not be completely consistent, but I appreciate everyone that has stuck with me to read!

Birchbox

Do you all know about Birchbox? 

My sneaky brother managed to fool my mom, sister-in-law, and I at Christmas and surprised each of us with a Birchbox subscription.  I'd love to shake the hands of the women behind Birchbox, because they are very smart ladies! 

Each month, Birchbox sends me a box of 4-5 beauty product samples.  Not one use and you are finished samples, but substantial multiple use samples.  The boxes are tailored to the profile you create and I could not be happier. 

I've gotten everything from lotion, to hair masks, to perfume, to tinted moisturizer, to nail polish. 

Birchbox is great because you really get a feel for the product and whether or not you'd like to purchase a full size version.  Then you can visit Birchbox.com and purchase your full size product.  Each time you write a review of one of your samples you earn points toward the purchase of a full size product.  GENIUS!

Here's a pic of my February Birchbox:

This box had a Ghirardelli chocolate (which I ate upon the box's arrival :)), a Color Club nail polish in a cherry red called Mamba, Jouer matte moisture tint, Kerastase masque chroma riche hair mask, and Vasanti brighten up enzymatic face rejuvenator.  While I like them all, I REALLY like the nail polish and tinted moisturizer.  The hair mask was also great and smells pretty good too.

For about $10 a month, you too can get a Birchbox each month!  Check out Birchbox.com for more info!

P.S.-Birchbox did not ask nor pay me for this post. 

True Love

Anyone who reads this blog knows that I love Target.  While I have a slight obsession with some other brands, when it comes to what I actually purchase and where I spend my money, Target is where it's at. 

One of the great things of about Target is that they have been collaborating with some great designers to bring higher fashion to the masses.  Target's latest collaboration is with Prabal Gurung.  Unfortunately, I was stuck inside and healing when this collection came was released, but luckily, my computer was ready online to make some purchases. 

Ok, I went a little nuts at checkout, but I figured I'd take anything I didn't like back.  So, I have a pile of Prabal sitting in my bedroom waiting for me to decide what I actually want to keep.  Not everything fit, which made things a little easier, but it's like picking my favorite child. 

Here's a look at my loot in all of it's glory!

 

 

Seen here are 3 dresses, 1 shirt, 3 pair of shoes, and one pair of earrings.  Go big or go home! 

 I'll most likely keep the following:

Both pair of flats http://www.target.com/p/women-s-prabal-gurung-for-target-pointy-toe-flat-black/-/A-14302680#prodSlot=medium_1_1

Sleeveless Blouse http://www.target.com/p/prabal-gurung-for-target-sleeveless-blouse-in-first-date-print/-/A-14318761#prodSlot=medium_2_14

Floral Dress http://www.target.com/p/prabal-gurung-for-target-dress-w-full-skirt-in-floral-crush-print/-/A-14330910#prodSlot=medium_2_33

Earrings http://www.target.com/p/prabal-gurung-for-target-crystal-stone-earrings-silver/-/A-14308142#prodSlot=medium_1_37

Spring Love

Spring is almost here and I'm ready to revamp my closet!  Unfortunately, my bank account doesn't agree, so I'm bringing you some of my favorite pieces and looks for spring.

http://www.gap.com/browse/outfit.do?cid=87375&oid=OUT-351595002

Obviously, I'm still feeling the chambray shirt.  I don't think that is going away anytime soon.  I currently have 4 different chambray shirts in my closet, and I may just be adding another one in this color soon.  I love how Gap paired the chambray with the pretty floral dress.  I'm pretty obsessed with floral prints this year so I'm hoping to add this dress to my closet soon!

 

http://www.gap.com/browse/outfit.do?cid=87375&oid=OUT-448854022

Ok, who didn't have a denim vest in the late 80's and the 90's?!  Loving the color of this shirtdress from Gap as well as the denim vest.  It is fresh, clean, and bright.  Perfect for spring!

 

http://www.madewell.com/newarrivals/dressesskirts/PRDOVR~86772/86772.jsp

Clearly my love of chambray and dresses have had a love child.  Add in the fact that it is striped and has a slight vintage feel and it was love at first sight.  Birchbox sent me a $25 off coupon to Madewell, so this dress may have a new home soon!

 

 

http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SWEATERS/cardigans/PRDOVR~65388/65388.jsp

Ok, I know it is supposed to be getting warmer soon, but I LOVE this sweater.  I love the pattern and that I could pair it with just about anything from jeans to shorts to a springy dress.  No wonder it is sold out online at Madewell!  Plus, I saw it featured on a Birchbox video so I feel like my love for it has been sealed. 

 

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=10018&pid=386306&vid=1&scid=386306012

Oh, Old Navy, you know the way to my heart!  I'm loving the color of this eyelet dress.  I can just picture this dress belted, and paired with a cardi and flats.  Perfect for everyday wear!

 

http://www.jcrew.com/browse/multi_product_detail.jsp?externalProductCodes=22015%3A99196%3A31377%3A87664&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302042182&bmUID=jRKoUem

And, of course, no dream closet would be complete without some JCrew styles.  I love how they blended this structured ladylike jacket with the military skinny pants.  Perfect mix of soft and hard. 

 

http://www.jcrew.com/browse/multi_product_detail.jsp?externalProductCodes=85093%3A37265%3A17755%3A59659%3A87664&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302032936&bmUID=jRKoUel

I'm pretty sure JCrew has the mixture of textures and prints down to a science.  And that is a science class I'd like to take. 

 

Hope you enjoy my pics for spring fashion.  Let me know what  you think...

Life Happens

Hello....is anyone still checking in here? 

I apologize for the extended break.  Lots of stuff, well, life happened and before I knew it, it had been months since I last blogged. 

Just when I thought I was ready to start blogging again, I had an accident.  The staff at the school I work at decided to surprise the students with a flash mob right before winter break.  In our very last rehearsal for the surprise performance, I twisted my knee.  In fact, I injured it so bad that here I am over a month later recovering from ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair.  So, no fun fashion for me.  In fact, finding pants and clothes that fit over the braces I've had to wear and finding shirts that are comfortable while using crutches is even harder than you'd think.  For the past week and a half I've been in shorts and t-shirts. 

All this to say, I'm hoping to get back to blogging regularly soon.  Until then, enjoy the flash mob that I didn't get to perform:

The Dark Side

I found this cute dress at Target, or as I like to say it Tar-jay.  We all know how much I love a good deal and Target.  This dress is pretty simple but I like the black trim and detailing.  Also, it is extremely comfortable.  Something I always look for in clothes.  I think next time I wear it I need to add a little color to brighten things up a bit...maybe add some accessories. 

 

Entire look from Target!