My February Favorite Things

Is it seriously the last day of February? When did November end? For real. I feel like I blink and an entire month is gone.

Anyway, the end of the month is always Ashley from Dancing with Ashley's My Favorite Things link up. An opportunity to post about your favorite things over the past month. I've been considering where I wanted to go with this one and I think I'm gonna head down the fashion road.

I loved valentine's day and blah blah blah but I don't think anybody wants to hear about that anymore. Some people are serious v-day haters anyway.

So....my favorite things this month were a big bunch of clothing/accessory/beauty purchases I made. Is this sad? I don't know, but it's true. So I am going to share my favorite purchases with you.

via

I love this bright pink top from J. Crew Factory. It is thin and silky. I can't wait to pair it with some mint green shorts this spring!

via

I have been eyeing boyfriend jeans for a while now. I bought my first pair from Old Navy this month and they worked great. They will also double as capris this spring.

via

These are self explanatory. Everybody needs a pair of nude heels right? I loved these because the heels weren't too high for certain 5'8" people. Thank you Steve Madden.

via

I found a similar Ivanka Trump handbag in white at TJ Maxx. It will definitely be my spring bag. I'm ready for a down size to a hand bag.

via

I couldn't leave this little bottle of miracles out of the mix. After seeing an instagram post from Fran about how great this top coat was, I had to try it. She was right, it shines like glass and is instantly dried.  Definitely a game changer.

I can't finish without telling you what I hope to buy next month (maybe? I don't know, I probably should place a shopping ban, but probably not.)

via

I love this lace top and mint green button up for J. Crew Factory. Maybe they will be mine in March. Bring on the spring fashion!

via

Leather & Scarves

I love the usual scenery in the background of my photos, our back yard looks like a painting. Today was a miserable day, though. There was just enough sun to think it was going to be a beautiful day when the sky opened up and we had a down pour. (I feel like all I talk about is weather...what's up with that?)

Bottom Line: Winter has overstayed it's welcome, I'm beyond ready for spring, and finally, my pictures for this post aren't so "picturesque" due to my inability to take these photos outside.

I DID decide to pull out a pop of spring color in my rainy day outfit today. Yay for coral!

I LOVE this faux leather jacket. I've been wanting one but couldn't decide between brown or black. I found this one and I couldn't pass it up!!

I also have this thing for TJ Maxx right now. They used to be so hit or miss for me. Now, I usually go into the fitting room hoping everything doesn't fit, because I'll never be able to part ways with my picks otherwise. (Yes, I have a clothing addiction.) I realized all of this outfit came from TJ Maxx at some point in time with the exception of my jeans.

Scarf: TJ Maxx

Top: Ralph Lauren Polo via TJ Maxx

Jacket: TJ Maxx

Jeans: Loft

Flats: Tahari via TJ Maxx

TJ Maxx much?

(my favorite scarf!)

Are you finding great buys at TJ Maxx?

Linking up today with:

 Shanna for Random Wednesday

The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday

Diaries of a Bargainista

STYLELIXIR for Weekly Link Up

Emerald & Stripes

I've posted a couple of times about my favorite trends for this spring. I love the emerald, stripes, and black & white, of course!

I put together my own version of the spring trends (wishful thinking, where are you spring weather?!)

I love this dress from Old Navy. I originally wore the dress with a black blazer, but I decided it needed a little color. I think I have a current obsession with blazers. They just go great with everything. AND I can get them for like 10 bucks on sale. You can't beat that. Anybody with me?I also added a skinny belt to cinch the waste.

I love this necklace I bought from Forever 21 years ago. It stayed in my jewelry box for years, but I rediscovered it. I love when that happens, it's like winning the lottery.

Dress: Old Navy

Blazer: Belk

Skinny Belt: Steve Madden via TJ Maxx

Boots: JC Penney

Necklace: Forever 21

Are you already wearing your spring looks?

Linking up with Molly for YOLO Monday

High Five for Friday: Food & Drinks

Wow.. is it seriously Friday? I have no idea where my time goes. Well, I kind of do but I feel like I blink and another week has passed!

This was a super busy school week, hence my lack of daily posting. It looks like I'm going to be occupied until my one week break in April. 

I did get to enjoy valentine's day with my husband and our good friends Daniel and Lindsay last week. (I know, I know..I'm only a week late on that update.) It was the highlight of my week!! Every year we go to a restaurant called Malone's and have a special v-day dinner. I love our little tradition!

Daniel & Lindsay

I'd also like to mention that they have the cutest baby ever...seriously. This kid is beyond precious

Travis & Me

For some reason I look like I've just run a marathon. I can assure you, I didn't.

The second highlight of my week, Malone's spinach & artichoke dip. Now folks, this is no ordinary dip. The tortilla chips are actually fried lasagna noodles. This dish is heavenly, but I'm glad we only do this on rare occasions. 

Yes...this is a polar pop. You might ask why this polar pop made it onto my blog. For starters, my week was so boring it was unprecedented. If I were to chronicle the week, there would be fifty pictures of textbooks and stacks of papers. 

but

A serious event took place this week.

 I decided I was going to quit drinking soda. In addition to this, I began strictly counting calories all while having a very busy school week.

Needless to say this lasted approximately 24 hours. Who am I kidding? My life revolves around diet coke. 

This did last longer than my recent vow to give up shopping which lasted for a whopping 12 hours. A personal record.

How was your week?

Linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday

February BirchBox Review

I L-O-V-E-D this month's BirchBox. I received chocolate and the long awaited bottle of nail polish. WIN

Color Club Nail Polish in Wild Cactus

I haven't used this nail polish yet, but I can't wait to break it out. This is going to be used frequently this spring, I can feel it.

Beauty Protector: Protect & Detangle

This spray was excellent! This will be my first purchase. It smells like coconut so that was an automatic plus for me. I used a few sprays of this in my wet hair and it not only detangled and conditioned my hair, but it also added so much shine. This one is highly recommended!

Dr. Jart+: Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm

This balm was pretty much the equivalent of concealer. It was a good cream, but nothing to write home about. I wouldn't buy it. 

Juicy Couture: Couture La La

I thought this was a good scented perfume. I didn't think it had a different scent to it than all of the other 10 million perfumes out there. The smell is fine, but if I'm going to buy a perfume I want it to be a little different. 

Unfortunately, a picture of the chocolate didn't make it because it lived a short life. I will say it was wonderful. Would you expect anything less, it's Ghirardelli!

This box gets two thumbs up. You can sign up for a BirchBox subscription here 

Linking up with Because Shanna Said So

Tunics & Totes

I've always liked tunics. I think they look great paired with skinny jeans or leggings. I do struggle with them sometimes because I feel like I'm wearing a bed sheet. I ordered this tunic online a while ago from Forever 21 and wore it with a belt. It was still a little too baggy. So this time I shopped my own closet and added this boyfriend cardigan. I love this cardigan. I've worn it with everything.

Boyfriend Cardi: TJ Maxx

Pink Tunic: Forever 21

Leopard Belt: Steve Madden via TJ Maxx

Denim: Forever 21

Rose Gold Watch: JC Penney

Bracelets: Forever 21 and A Tad Monroe

I am obsessed with my new tote from Zara. It's a bigger bag than I am used to, but I love it. I didn't have a neutral bag and this one caught my eye. It was a very reasonable price considering how big it is.

You can find the exact bag here

Have a great week!!

Linking up with Molly for YOLO Monday

My top 5 spring picks + H54F

I've been perusing all of my fashion outlets for the upcoming spring trends. I must say, I've not found a trend yet that I'm not liking.

After sorting through all of my magazines and favorite web inspirations, I've put together some of my favorite looks featuring Spring 2013 trends.

Let's hope I haven't missed the mark... (If I have does that make me a trendsetter? I'll keep telling myself that.)

There's nothing I love more than a classy black/white look. I love the leather skirts that are on trend right now. I also ADORE the peplum tops. They are really flattering too (that can't hurt, right?) Forgive me for the Tory Burch obsession. It's a medical condition.

I have always been a huge fan of green. So when I heard that emerald green was THE spring color, I was pretty pumped. This dress can't hardly be classified as emerald green, but I loved it.

Lace is another big look right now. I thought it looked wonderful incorporated with a little color. I think color blocking is fabulous, especially with girly colors. This ring was a great find on polyvore. YES to statement rings! (side note: OPI Cajun Shrimp is hands down the best color created!)

Stripes as well as Black/White combo's are everywhere right now. I love this look because it isn't too trendy. Black and White will always be a superb choice. Classy, I like.

Last but definitely not least. I think this look is my favorite. Military Jackets are in right now and I think they look fantastic. They add an earthy look to anything. So, I paired this one with some other neutrals. I loved the statement sweaters this year so I added that with the ankle boots. And of course anything Louis could never be wrong.

So, what do YOU think about these looks?

To find the links to these pieces check out my Polyvore page

Linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday!

My Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you who celebrate the holiday. I personally, have always been a lover of valentine's day even back in my single days. I just think it's a sweet holiday. Love is a beautiful thing and it should be celebrated every day! (mushy, I know).

Today, I thought I'd post a few pictures of My valentine and me. I could write a post that would take you hours to read talking about how wonderful this guy is but I'll keep it simple. 

These pictures are a few from our wedding, truly the best day of my life. I am one blessed girl to get to spend the rest of my life with this guy. He's just great and I love him more than words. 

Happy Valentine's Day 

Double Dose of Denim

I have always been a big fan of denim. Sometimes, I like to stray away from all of the color out there and rock the monochromatic look (if you will).

The last time we had a snowy day I threw on my combination of chambray and black denim. I can't decide if I like the infinity scarf with it...maybe if my hair was down.

Infinity Scarf: J Crew Factory

Chambray top: J Crew Factory

Black Skinnies: Forever 21

Boots: JC Penney

I love the scenery in the background, that is one positive about all of the snow we've been getting. You've got to look on the bright side!

How do you feel about rocking a colorless look?

Linking up Today with 

The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday

Shanna - Random Wednesday

Diaries of a Bargainista

STYLELIXIR for Weekly Link Up

Vest & Stripes

I've really been enjoying the warm weather this week. Today it felt like spring and I'm loving it. I usually am a fan of winter, but our love affair is over. I'm officially ready for spring.

I have a huge week ahead this week, but I'm looking forward to Valentine's day. I'm going out with my husband and some friends for dinner. 

Enough of the small talk, onto the apparel. I love my vest I got at Target a couple of months ago. I also like the blue/red combo. I originally bought the blue pants to wear for UK games. The pants have turned into one of my favorite pieces, they can be paired with so many colors (see it with gold here). This week, I felt like channeling my inner spring with the brighter colors!

Vest: Target

Artist Tee: J Crew Factory

Blue Skinnies: Belk

Flats: Rue 21

Bag: Steve Madden via TJ Maxx

I hope you all have a great Valentine's Day week!

Linking up with Molly for YOLO Monday

Just so you know...

I feel obligated to share the following:

(like a public service announcement or something) 

18 great bloggers are giving away a Michael Kors watch. No really, it's a true story. You can enter via the blogs here. Good Luck (Kind of. I really hope I win, sorry. It's the truth.)

via

Happy Weekend!

High Five for Friday!

It's that time again....Friday, yes! Today is exam 1 of the new semester, so I will be pretty excited when Friday evening rolls around. So..lets get started.

Linking up with Lauren for H54F!

The week started with my little brother's high school soccer banquet. I'm so proud of him and his award. His team had a GREAT season.

I found this great polka dot shirt on clearance and what do ya know, it matched my favorite necklace! I don't understand why I have the fashion desires of a 7 year old but I do. I can't pass up a polka dot find no matter how hard I try.

I've also become fully committed to the sock bun. I think I've finally mastered it and it's been my go-to look lately. I look like I've just seen a ghost in this picture, but I'm pretty pumped about the new 'do.

Finally, I ended the week with my sweet valentine's day gift from Rikki at Thirsty, Nerdy, Cats for our Valentine's Day link up. 

On to the weekend and a little me time. 

How was your week?

Valentine Party!

I'm so excited to be participating in this FANTASTIC Valentine's Day Blog Link Up Party hosted by some fabulous ladies. I originally found the link up through Lauren from the Grey Desk Blog. 

We were paired with another blogger whom we got to know throughout the month.

My Pair Up was with Rikki from Thirsty Nerdy Cats. This girl is GREAT. We found out we had plenty in common. We even lived in the same state for a while. She also shares my love for UK sports and Randall Cobb. Just so happens, I'm a lover of the Green Bay Packers. Pretty Cool.

Anywho, Rikki has also JUST launched a new blog and YOU need to check it out. She is a book, wine, and cat lover and blogs about it all. A great triad in my opinion.

Now, for the interesting part. Rikki and I have thought for the past 24 hours that my gift was missing. I was even searching for it in the dark last night. FedEx was on the top of our bad list. BUT, no worries. I found her package waiting for me this morning on the porch next door.

She sent me a creative, WONDERFUL gift that I can't wait to enjoy. Inside my box were tons of little goodies. As we've gotten to know each other, she has found out how busy I am. SO, she sent me a little card telling me the goodies were for me to "indulge in some me time." I have some lotion, bubble bath, sleep mask, lip gloss, nail polish, candle, note cards, and some DELICIOUS chocolate chip cookies. My goodies are all Strawberry Champagne scented and smell fantastic. 

I can't wait for the "me" time. It has been such a pleasure getting to know Rikki. So you should check out all of the different blogs out there. There are tons of great people waiting to meet you!