My Favorite Things: March Edition

Every Month I link up with Ashley from Dancing with Ashley for "My Favorite Things."

My favorite thing this Month is Easter. 

I fail every day and it is a constant reminder how much I need God's unconditional love.

So let us all remember....

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16

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Happy Easter to you all!

Also linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday

Polka Dots & Peach

Top: JC Penney

Necklace: eBay

Pants: Forever 21

Shoes: Rue 21

There are some trends that I just can't justify spending money to jump on the bandwagon. Printed pants don't fall under this category. I knew back in December, when I bought these pants, that I had to participate. How much more girly can you get than polka dot pants. 

This is a super easy outfit to put together, too. Just add a monochromatic top to your printed pants and ta-da, you have a masterpiece (if you will).

I've also been wanting to call these pants "pink" but I just don't think it fits. Then, I decided they were salmon, but that was just unappealing. I'm sticking with peach.

On a side note: yes, I was freezing!

Linking up with:

 Shanna for Random Wednesday

The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday

Diaries of a Bargainista

STYLELIXIR for Weekly Link Up

My "must have" list

Need Now by ann-rebecca featuring sperrys top siders

Do you ever have a list of "must have's" that you can't get off your mind? I've had this imaginary shopping list on my mind for a while. Usually, when I get my mind on something I let it go after a few days of looking around and online window shopping.

I can't get these closet items off my brain no matter how hard I try.

1. I talked about the navy blazer before and how much of a staple I think it is. I just couldn't decide if it was a good investment piece for spring. Now, I'm thinking it would be a great piece for spring because our average temps around here are weighing in at about 30 degrees!

2. Finding the perfect pair of jeans is a beautiful moment. After years of experimenting with different brands, I found THE PERFECT pair of jeans for my body type. Curvy Skinny jeans at the loft have got it goin' on. I've been wanting a light colored pair for a while!

3. I've also had my eye on a light color pair of Sperry's. I have absolutely worn my dark pair out. They are on top of my all-time favorite shoe list right now. (Yes, I have a lot of lists apparently)

4. If you follow the fashion blogging world, you have to know about this j. crew pave link bracelet. I love adding to my accessory collection and I've had my eye on the bracelet FOREVER.

5. OPI Nail Polish is my favorite. I love this light color for spring. I can't seem to exercise much self control when it comes to buying OPI nail polish, so I try to stay out of the salon.

6. Last but not least on my list. The Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag. I've spent hours on ebay trying to find the perfect vintage speedy bag for the perfect price. I finally found a good deal and snatched it up! This little piece is on its way to my home. Yay!

What is on your "must have" list?

So glad to see all of you stopping by from Dancing with Ashley today. I hope you enjoy my blog!

Don't forget you can follow me on Bloglovin!

Grandma's Bowl Chili

I thought I'd share a recipe that my family has used as long as I can remember. My grandmother was an AWESOME cook. She could make anything without a recipe in her hand. She made this bowl chili all the time and it is GREAT. It is one recipe of hers that I am capable of making!

You Will Need:

1 lb. Ground Beef

1 (46 oz.) can of Tomato Juice

2 TBSP Vinegar

1 onion, chopped

1 1/2 TBSP Chili Powder

1 tsp Black Pepper

1 TBSP Salt

1 can pinto beans

Brown the Beef and drain excess grease

Add the chopped onion

Dump Beef and onion mixture into a cooking pot. Add All other ingredients except the Beans. 

I usually use more than 2 TBSP of vinegar because I don't like a tomato-y taste. Just add to your taste.

Let the Chili simmer for about an hour, then add the pinto beans.

Voila!

(we actually added spaghetti noodles, because my husband likes his chili this way.)

Enjoy!

Linking up with Molly for YOLO Monday

High Five for Friday: On My Mind

It's officially the last day of anything school related before spring break. While I couldn't be happier to have a week off from school completely, I can't stop thinking about these three things right now.

1. I really want to be somewhere warm, preferably in the Caribbean, but I'm really not picky. I just want to be laying in a chair looking at this water unable to move due to the hot sun and being totally relaxed as I wait for someone to bring me a strawberry daiquiri. Unfortunately  I'm sitting in a chair inside and it's 20 degrees outside. Oh, and I can't feel my nose.

2. While I'm being negative Nancy, I'll just keep it going. This time last year, I was cheering on the cats without a doubt in my mind we were going to win the national championship. Fast Forward to this year. I'm still trying to figure out what the NIT is and what does it have to do with a man named Robert Morris. 

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3. I'm completely fixated with this Louis Vuitton Speedy bag. I don't really know what brought it on, but I can't let it go. I've never wanted a little bag so much. I've spent hours scouring eBay for a vintage version because a new one is $875. Any suggestions?

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Happy Friday Folks. This time next week spring break will be in full swing. I hope to be unshowered watching hours of mindless t.v. 

What are your plans for the week?

Linking up with Lauren 

Neon Pink + Jewels

I LOVE this shirt I bought from J. Crew Factory. The color and fit are perfect and it is super comfortable. I just added my favorite necklace from ILY couture and created one of my favorite outfits.

On a side note, I'm super excited for spring. (obviously because I talk about it in every blog post) BUT I'm going to miss boot weather. I like my $25 boots from k-mart. I guess I'll have to put them in the closet for next year. Bring on the sperry's...

Shirt: J. Crew Factory

Necklace: ILY Couture

Jeans: Forever 21

Boots: K-mart

What outfit are you loving right now? 

Linking up with 

Linking up with:

 Shanna for Random Wednesday

The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday

Diaries of a Bargainista

STYLELIXIR for Weekly Link Up

March Birch Box Reveal

I'm no longer calling this post a BirchBox review, because I know nothing about beauty products. So, let's just call it a Reveal :)

This was the best box they've sent me and it had a better variety compared to all of the other boxes I've received.

A nail file from Madewell. This is one of those things that I repeatedly forget to pick up at the grocery store. I love this file with a cover, perfect to drop into my purse!

How cute are these nail decals? I haven't used them yet, but there are 16 decals in this package. I think just receiving these makes the $10 birchbox cost worth it this month. Not to mention I'm a nail freak.

Dry Shampoo. This is some great stuff. I had purchased a cheap bottle a while ago and liked it, but Serge Normant is so much butter. Not only does it refresh my hair, but it also kind of functions as hair spray.

Blueberry Shaving Cream. This cream smells great and it makes your legs super soft after shaving. 

A hair tie. I've really been wanting to try one of these because they are supposed to leave your hair without a big crease. Groundbreaking for those of us that like a ponytail.

I'm loving my box this month. If you don't subscribe I'd highly recommend it. It's only $10/month and its nice to get a little surprise in the mail every now and then. You can sign up at Birchbox

Linking up with Molly for YOLO Monday
and

Pre-Spring shopping list

March Must Have's by ann-rebecca featuring leather deck shoes

I'm kind of in a rut right now. I don't want to buy anything else that can only be worn in the winter weather, but it's still 20 degrees here. So, I'm saving my money for some spring buys that are hopefully in my near future.

In the meantime I have my eye on some great accessories and at least one clothing item, of course!

1. Long Champ Bag- I've wanted one of these forever. I love this one in the basic navy color. Maybe when I finish school and start jet setting this will be a reasonable investment

2. Sperry's: I already have two pairs of Sperry's plus rain boots, BUT I don't have a light pair. I can wear these in spring and summer, plus I'm already wearing the pair I own now! I might have to check these off the list ASAP.

3. Floral Scarf: I've been struggling with this one. I really want a light weight, colorful scarf. I think it would be pretty for spring, but I just don't know how much wear I will get out of it before it's too warm.

4. Gold Stackable Rings: Self explanatory. I'm never satisfied with my jewelry collection. I'd like some more stackable gold rings. These can be worn all year long AND they're inexpensive. I'm just waiting for the right ones.

5. Tory Burch Cell Case: I LOVE this Tory cell case. I'd love to invest, but I bought an otterbox instead. Probably a more reasonable choice for my blonde moments. I'll keep this on my wish list.

6. Navy Blazer: Clearly this wouldn't be a smart investment. I'd probably only get a month's wear out of this piece, but I've wanted a navy blazer forever. I think it's a staple. I'll probably keep this on the wish list unless I find a great deal.

What is on your wish list while you are waiting out spring?

Linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday!

Pink + Flannel

This is one of those outfits that I just can't decide if I like.

I love the flannel, but I think it's not enough by itself. So, I added the pink blazer.

Now, I think it's too much.

Any advice?

Can you tell it was a little sunny outside? I'm so pumped about the sunshine. I'm also super excited to wear my new aviators. I've never owned a pair, but I love them. I found them at belk clearanced from $64 to $8 AND they are Jessica Simpson. Must have been my lucky day :)

Flannel shirt: Old Navy

Blazer: Forever 21

Jeans: Loft

Aviators: Belk

Linking up with:

 Shanna for Random Wednesday

The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday

Diaries of a Bargainista

STYLELIXIR for Weekly Link Up

Random Thoughts + Update

First, let me update you on the social media purge Travis and I decided to do.....

yeah...it didn't happen.

I was minding my own business on MONDAY night, the first night of our deal, mind you. I was reading for school, when I looked over and Travis was playing with his phone.

Don't be mislead...I was so pumped. My two hour withdrawal was excruciating and I immediately grabbed my phone so I could join in on the fun.

Maybe next time....

Thanks for your prayers, yesterday went well. I made a CD to put in my car (since I am now living out of it) full of great music. Thank you fun! for a great song that keeps me truckin'. I know CD's are so 1995 but I don't have a car transmitter for my new phone. So I went vintage with it.

I also decided to start reading the bible from cover to cover. I'm already a little behind, but I'm trying to keep up with the schedule. Crazy all of the drama in the old testament. It's really interesting to read!

Took a little impromptu trip to Starbucks with my brother this week. I love spending time with him. I thought he was still 11 until I realized he drove us to starbucks and talked about graduating high school. When did this happen? 

My stress level is at an all time high. When I got home last night, I had no clue what I was going to fix for dinner. Even if the grocery store was open 48 hours a day I don't think I'd have time to make it there this week. My mom and dad called asking if they could bring us dinner. Then, they brought us the best food in town. I seriously have the best parents EVER. 

I hope you are having a great week filled with great family and good food!

Missing in action

I am currently missing in action until Tuesday. Tomorrow (Monday) is a big day for me as far as school. So everyone say a prayer for me and I will be back at it then!

Pinterest Success: French Manicure

SO Glad it's Friday! I'm leaving you with this groundbreaking idea this weekend...

This is one of those pinterest successes that I feel obligated to share. It's just that awesome. This weekend, I was thinking about getting a shellac manicure with white tips painted on my nails. I've done this before, but it costs around $30 and by the end of the week my shellac is peeling off my nails.

I remembered finding this pin on pinterest and thought I'd give it a try. It's so awesome, I have to share.

I used OPI as a base coat

OPI Alpine Snow as my tip color 

Seche Vite as my top coat

First, paint the base coat on your nails (let it dry completely)

Next, put paper reinforcements on your nails 

(You can move them according to how thick you want your tip to be)

Paint the tip above the paper reinforcements

Let the tips dry COMPLETELY before removing your stickers. 

Once you remove the stickers, paint your nail with a top coat.

Finished product!! I think they look just as great as the $30 shellac version I've been paying for.

You can find the original pin here

(p.s. I hope you liked my flannel pajamas as the entire background :) )

Linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday!