I think I say it often, but I never say it enough. I am thankful. I'm thankful for good friends, and the best family. I'm thankful for my truly wonderful husband, and when my furbaby wants to cuddle and not scratch. I'm thankful for a job where I can help students, where I have insurance that makes living with diabetes a little easier, where I get holidays and most weekends off. I am thankful for the little things, like when my department head tells me my outfit's cute, or when someone says "Thank you!".

I am thankful to have basic everyday necessities like water, food, clothes on my back, and a roof over my head. I'm thankful for the luxuries in my life, like Starbucks and a new car. I'm thankful that I have the luxury to take things for granted, even though I know I shouldn't. I am thankful to get to celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas with an abundance of food, joy, and love.

I could go on forever about all the things that I am truly thankful for, and that still wouldn't be enough time to list it all. Most of us could never say we're thankful enough, and we don't even come close, but since today is Thanksgiving, I figured I'd be a little cliche and talk about the things I'm grateful for.

I hope you're enjoying your Thanksgiving, and I'd love to know some things you are thankful for. Merry Everything. Happy Holidays.


xx,

Keep an eye out for a full decor post!



xx,

Dress: Target, here.
Tee: Walmart, here.
Boots: Kmart, here.


xx,

I am loving these fun surprises, and they make me feel so girly! I got to pick out one item from LOC. I chose a matte lipstick, which I am in love with! Opening my box was so exciting, because let me tell you, I hate to shop for makeup. I never go to buy it because I always feel like it's too expensive, but when I have it, I will use it.


I could never, in a million years, have enough dry shampoo. I hate to wash my hair, so sending me a bottle of Living proof. Perfect hair Day (PhD) dry shampoo makes the folks over at Birchbox angels. Thank you, dear angels. This stuff is great. My biggest issues with dry shampoos are (1)they come out white, which never rubs in well enough to disappear and (2) they make my hair feel so gross and product-y. I hate putting products in my hair, and besides shampoo and conditioner, dry shampoos are really the only product I use (for the most part). But this stuff, let me tell you, this stuff is awesome. It rubbed it flawlessly. You truly cannot see any white powdery weirdness in my hair, and my hair truly just feels clean.


I don't really dark circles under my eyes, or baggy eyes (I don't think), but I felt so relaxed using the Kloran Smoothing and Relaxing Patches with Soothing Cornflower. I'm a big fan of face masks and any kind of at-home spa remedies. So this was a nice little luxury, but probably not something I'd buy. So, thanks for the loving.


My hair is not curly, not straight, and the waves come and go. Under most circumstances, I don't feel that my hair is very lovely. I rubbed some of the PARLOR by Jeff Chastain Touchable Curl Cream in my hair before going to sleep, and it made my morning waves pretty smooth. It didn't make me feel the need to not straighten my hair. They weren't gorgeous mermaid waves or anything, but my hair did feel soft.


theBalm cosmetics Cindy-Lou Manizer stated that it's a highlighter. I didn't really get that vibe from it. When I think of highlighter, I think of a very light, almost-white product. I used this product like a blush, but it could be used as an eyeshadow, as well. The color is very natural looking, and it didn't cake up. This is something I'd definitely use, but probably wouldn't buy.



Now, for my favorite! I love a lipstick, and I definitely love a matte lipstick. That is my number one go-to product. I don't usually wear makeup to go to work, because I don't want different products just sitting on my face each and every day causing breakouts, and I rub my eyes too much from staring at a computer. But lipstick, I can throw that on and feel put together. The LOC matte lipstick in Wildest Dreams is the perfect lipstick for everyday. It's matte, so it looks great, and it stays on all day long (occasionally needing to be touched up after eating). This is definitely something I would purchase again and again. It's pretty expensive, with a set with three colors (a wine, a red, and a nude) is only $18.



If you're interested in checking out a subscription for yourself, you can get $5 off your first box if you sign up by December 9. That's only $5 for your first box, and shipping is free! CLICK HERE to sign up.


xx,

1. Pot rack: I just never feel like there's enough room for all the pots & pans and accessories. This gets them out of the way and is a great deal for only $40 at Target.
2. Pans and cookie sheets: $40 for 10 pieces seems like a steal for all the baking pans you could ever need!
3. Pots and pans set: T-Fal pots and pans are some of the best made cooking sets out there. This giant 20-piece set is less than $100, and then we could get rid of our terribly crappy pots and pans we have now.
4. A nice knife block: I'm in love with this gorgeous knife set and block by Hampton Forge. $75 is a moderate price for a well-made knife set.
5. Kitchen mats: I love this printed mat from Target for 11 bucks. I'd put it in front of the stove and this solid mat that's less than $10 in front of the sink.
6. Set of two bar stools for dining room table: I bought a beautiful drop-leaf pub table from Walmart a few years ago on clearance for like $20, but never got around to getting any chairs for it. So, we've never ate dinner at the table. I would love this gorgeous, matching cherry set of stools to go with our table for less than $85.
7. Rolling kitchen cart: I need a rolling kitchen cart in my life, or a bar cart. Truth be told, it will become a coffee cart with the Keurig on top and so many coffee cups. I love this one because it's red, inexpensive ($50) and metal (easy to clean!), but would honestly take any rolling cart that could get the job done.
8. New mattress set and bedding: At the top of my list is a new mattress (queen or larger), but I hate how expensive they can be. With a new mattress, I'd love a new comforter set with gray as a focus color. This entire set is less than $40 for the King size.
9. Pillows, firm: With a super plush mattress, we'll need some extra firm pillows. Aah, I'm asleep already.
10. Area rugs for bedroom and living room: Another thing that is just too expensive for my taste is area rugs. I would love this one ($140 for 7x10) for the bedroom, and this one ($120 for 7x10) for the living room, but I can't bring myself to spend that much money on a rug. So, onto the wish list it goes.
11. A gorgeous front-loading high-efficiency washer & dryer set: These babies are running as cheap as $399 at Home Depot right now. I really wouldn't object to any of them.
12. Funky cat head pillows: These little guy's are so cute and as cheap as $8 on ebay.
13. A coffee table with wheels: This thing is gorgeous. I could sit my photo printer on the bottom, use the top portion to eat, drink, or work, and roll it out of the way when not in use. This bad baby is $60 at Target.
14. New Balances: I'll take a beautiful, casual pair in a ladies size 10, please. This similar pair runs at $80 at newbalance.com
15. Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone, illustrated: Look. Y'all know me, and you know Harry Potter = LIFE. I have several copies each of all the original version, but now I need to beautifully illustrated copy, only $25 at Target right now.


What are you wishing for this Christmas? I'd love to know!



xx,

I love plaid. I mean, who doesn't around this time of year? It's a great staple piece, and always looks festive. It's always easy to pair plaid with jeans and/or a vest, but how do you make it professional? Ch-ch-check it out!






I chose this plaid flannel because the colors are those of the university that I work at (blue, red, and gray). The blue in the shirt is pale and very sparse. It matches that same blue in the skirt, which pulls the look together. I chose the black booties and matching black belt to add to the professional look, and the dark grey tights pull the look together and are perfect as the weather chills down.

How do you style your plaid?

Shirt: Eddie Bauer-no longer sold, similar here
Skirt: Blacker by Stanley Blacker-thrifted, similar here
Belt: Target-no longer sold, similar here
Tights: George-Walmart, here
Boots: Bongo- Kmart, here

xx,











Linked up with: bright on a budget | glitter & ruffles | bybmg | doused in pink | garay treasures

I received my first Birchbox right around Halloween. I had ordered my first 3 months that week prior to Halloween and received the box within 3 days. I actually hadn't realized I would receive an October box, since I ordered so close to November. But I did. Then I received the November box about a week later (I'll review it soon, as well.)


Let me start by saying, how pretty is this box? I love it.


I was excited by the things inside. I received face wash, highlight, mascara, shampoo and conditioner, and a fragrance. It felt like a pretty good first box to me, and began using everything in it right away.


In this above picture, I'm wearing the Stila HUGE mascara and the Too Cool for School DINOPLATZ highlighter in mother of glitter. The mascara made my lashes truly HUGE. It's my new favorite go-to mascara. I also felt like the highlighter really helped my eyes to pop. I placed it under my eyes and on the bridge of my nose.



Alongside my sample of Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo, I also received a one-time use sample of the Davines LOVE Smoothing Conditioner. I'll be honest, I got two uses out of the conditioner sample. I really enjoyed the set. My hair has been pretty tangle-free and way less frizzy, which is saying something, since it hasn't stopped raining in Georgia for about 3 weeks now. I will continue using this shampoo until every last drop is gone.


Also in my box was a small bottle of Avene Cleansing Gel for Face and Body. I don't actually have anything bad to say about this product, but I will say it didn't particularly stand out to me. My face felt clean after using it, but it was forgettable. I actually forget to even get a picture of the product. I didn't realize I left it out until I saw the picture of the entire box. Oops.

Another favorite was the CLEAN White Woods fragrance. The description describes it as "bergamot, mandarin, and black pepper...magnolia, lily and vanilla orchid. Sandalwood, praline, musk and amber." Now, let me tell you. I will never be one of those people to smell all the different scents in a fragrance, but I really enjoyed this one. It smells great-truly fresh and clean. I don't want to use my tiny sample, because then it will all be gone, and I want to savor it. This is definitely a scent I could see myself wearing daily.



If you're interested in checking out a subscription for yourself, you can get $5 off your first box if you sign up by December 9. That's only $5 for your first box, and shipping is free! CLICK HERE to sign up.



xx,

Christmas is approaching very, very quickly, y'all. It will truly be here before we realize it, so we have to get on top of our Christmas bucket lists now!



1. Go ice skating.
2. Go Black Friday shopping.
3. Visit with Santa, take pictures!


4. Go to a Christmas lights show.
5. Get a hot butterbeer from Starbucks (you can see the order here)
6. Go see the Nutcracker, or A Christmas Carol.
7. Volunteer somewhere.
8. Watch Elf, A Christmas Story, and It's a Wonderful Life.
9. Go to a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in your town.
10. Don't forget to put up and decorate your own tree at home.


11. Make your home and/or office smell like pine trees!
12. Watch a Christmas parade.
13. Ride the Skyview and see all the Christmas lights in Atlanta (or your city's equivalent).
14. Send out Christmas cards.
15. Wear all the Christmas sweaters. (You can see mine here, here, here, here, and here.)
16. Cuddle up on the couch in warm pajamas and read a book or watch Christmas movies.
17. Drink hot cocoa (marshmallows a plus!).
18. Build a gingerbread house or decoration gingerbread men.
19. Drink eggnog (spike it, if you want!).
20. Take a carriage ride!
21. Feed/pet reindeer.
22.  Kiss under the mistletoe.
23. Bake cookies.
24. Enjoy Christmas dinner with friends and family.
25. Donate to Toys for Tots, or adopt-a-child for Christmas.
26. See a old Christmas movie in theaters!
27. Dress up your furbaby.



What's on your bucket list for Christmas? What do you plan on doing that's on my list, as well?


xx,

When Andre and I go on vacation, I have two basic go to souvenirs I always choose: a magnet for our fridge, because they're inexpensive and don't take up too much space (we get one on every trip we take together!) and a t-shirt, because they're functional. But there's where the problem lies- there are too many frumpy tees and not enough places to wear them! Never fear! I've got five fun and fashionable ways to wear a t-shirt, featuring my new favorite Hufflepuff Quidditch Team Captain tee from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.


The Super Casual way works when you wear your tee with skinny jeans, a slumpy cardigan, and ankle booties. Make sure to roll your jeans where there's about half an inch between the top of your boots and the cuff of your jeans. Accessorize with a fun printed belt. Complete the look with a top knot!

Another easy casual look. This time with a knotted maxi skirt, moccasins, and the messiest bun. Add a bright lipstick for a fun look!


The retro look includes ultra long flare jeans, platform fringe boots, and a super high, flirty ponytail. Roll your sleeves a few times for something different.


The super fun and flirty look consists of a full skirt and braided belt combo, socks with a pop of color, clogs, and turban headwrap to top it all off!




The dressy night out look includes sequined shorts, a sleeveless duster, and strappy sandals. The look is topped off with a teased ponytail and sparkly diamond earrings.



Now you can find a way a to wear your tees all the time! (Work probably not included.) Which look is your favorite?


xx,