Monday, August 30, 2010

Chanel Nails


     Chanel is my favorite brand, so naturally I wanted the double c's on my nails...

I'm off to start moving in things so I apologize if I'm MIA for the next few days :) But I'm sure I'll be taking a LOT of pictures so get ready!




Sunday, August 29, 2010

What I Wore: On the Farm

Forever 21 denim dress and necklace, Agape belt, Coach sunglasses

     This morning I took a trip to my cousin Carol's farm in Weberville (I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere...No offense to anyone who lives out there!) and it was so interesting! She raises llamas, sheep, goats, bunnies, and horses. The process of getting yarn or a finished product (like a scarf or hat) is so detailed and really a lot of work - I give her a TON of credit! It really takes a lot of hard work and passion to take care of so many animals. It was really fun and great to see all of my family before I move back to school this week. 
GIANT bunny!
My brother wearing a hat that my cousin made!
Wool that Carol sheared herself - she'll spin it into yarn after it's washed and possibly died using flowers from her garden!
Me, Carol and my grams!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Vitamin B12 Shots

image via weheartit

     As I've been getting ready to go back to school, I've been thinking a lot about my last year and how different things are compared to just three months ago to now. Both physically and emotionally I am much healthier, and I'd have to say that is the biggest difference. During spring semester, I was constantly exhausted and I remember telling my friend that I felt like I was literally dying, and that if that is what being old felt like then count me out. After taking prescription meds for a few months, I was feeling worse than ever and I decided to talk to my doctor about getting a vitamin B12 shot. I know there are people who don't fall for the herbs/vitamins viewpoint, and we don't have to agree on it, but I'm just telling everyone what worked for me. So, I made an appointment with my doctor and told him I wanted a B12 shot after hearing how great it was and after checking it out to make sure there weren't any horrible side effects. This website outlines the benefits of getting a B12 shot (although I wouldn't go by this over a doctor's recommendation, I just thought it outlined clearly what all of my other research said, just more concise). Anyways, it's not instantaneous, but I had a lot more energy and didn't feel like I was dragging all of the time. I definitely recommend getting one if that's how you're feeling, but I would look into it first and make sure it's the right option for you.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Happiness Project

     A while back I talked about some things I'd be writing about, one of which was my own version of a  happiness project. When I was traveling to New York, I started reading Gretchen Rubin's book, The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun. My mom had bought it a while back and after hearing about it, I figured I'd give it a try. (Side note: Since I was about 11 or 12 I have always liked to make goals/lists/etc. and the charts and lists in Gretchen's project immediately made me want to read it). ANYWAYS, I like the concept. Basically she comes up with 11 categories that she wants to improve/appreciate/alter in her life and works on one each month for January-November. In December she tries to tackle them all. Each category has 4-5 goals that she works on each month. It's all very systematic and organized; therefore, I love it, hah. I'm still reading the book and I'm into her ninth month. But the whole thing got me thinking about how beneficial it would be for me to have my own happiness project, only catered to my liking.
     This doesn't mean that I'm unhappy - to be honest, it's quite the opposite. But I plan on making this school year a million times better than the last. If it ends up not helping me, then I won't continue with it. But I figure it's worth a shot, and maybe I'll learn a few things about myself along the way. I plan on starting mine with September, I'm going more with the school year than the calendar year. I haven't exactly started yet, I've just been thinking of ideas...Check out Gretchen's blog for more information and I'll be posting more about my project once I sit down and figure out exactly what my goals are going to be!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Tranquilitea

    With summer winding down, today was the perfect day to spend the morning outside. I took a trip back to the park in Northville that I always did Relay for Life at in high school, and I found these HUGE sunflowers! They were so pretty! Later, I went to Sweet Afton Tea Room for french vanilla tea and scones. Sweet Afton was voted one of the top 100 tea rooms in the United States, if you're in Plymouth sometime check it out!
H&M wrap dress, F21 Sandals, Topshop necklace
chocolate cherry and strawberry scones with devonshire cream and lemon curd

Monday, August 23, 2010

Splurge, Save, or Steal: Lace Dresses



Which one do you like the best? I like the hemline on the ASOS one, to be honest. I just bought a lace dress at Charlotte Russe for $29 the other day, what a steal! 

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Smells Like Couture

1. How amazing is this? I used to hate being by myself and I've slowly learned to like it...It's nice to find time to take care of yourself and do the things you love.
2. I've been listening to stereomood all afternoon while working on a project...it's perfect because you just pick your mood and thousands of wonderful songs are at your fingertips.
3. I really want to watch Marie Antoinette and Romeo and Juliet right now!
4. My two next purchases (for things other than school supplies, unless I can't control myself and go wild in Forever 21 again): 


andddd
4. Here's some man candy! delish :)

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Spinach Alfredo Lasagna


     I made this with my mom the other night and oyyy, was it good, haha. It's super cheesy so that is always a plus, but the sausage and spinach evens it out. It made a lot so I'll probably make it again when I have a few friends over when I get back to school. 

I got together with my two friends/roomies for this year today and now I can't wait to move back to school! If only I knew which day I can finally move in, hah. I'm ready to be busy again and see some of my favorite people. I had a rough time last semester but this year is my year, and I'm going to make sure that I'm living life to the fullest. Here's my new mantra: Every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness you can never get back.

Friday, August 20, 2010

tinsel* poll

     Hello everyone! In an effort to make sure my blog stays interesting, I just thought I'd see what kind of posts everyone likes the most. I'll take it into account when deciding about what I'm going to post about, but I'll of course still make sure that I'm posting about what I like. If you have any other suggestions or comments, feel free to leave a comment below (you can leave them anonymously if you'd like) and I'll take everything into consideration!


     Thanks for helping me make my blog better! :)


Thursday, August 19, 2010

Pearl Necklace Nails & Miscellaneous Ramblings

L.A. Girl Flare in Light Orange, Rimmel London Nail Tip Whitener, Sally Hanson Hard As Wraps top coat & rhinestones!

1. I painted my nails again last night, it's become somewhat of an addiction, haha. They're a light orange (Kind of hard to see in the pictures! Sorry for the Macbook photos!) Also excuse my work clothes :(
2. I finally got around to seeing Eat, Pray, Love today and I LOVED it! So inspiring, especially for where I am in my life right now. I started researching meditation a few weeks ago and now I'm convinced that I should try it out. I also have the urge to travel like crazy. 
3. I had seen this blogger's pictures all over and I've always saved them, but I finally found the source. The Notebook Doodles is my new favorite blog and I've been practicing copy her handwriting so that I can use it in my own notebook and for making cards. 

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

College Wishlist


1. Spoon and Fork Wall Clock, Target, $39.99
2. Jeweled Urchin Knob, Anthropologie, $16
3. Paris Themed Switch Plate, Esty, $7.50 
4. Mirrored Wall Letters, PBteen, $49
5. Side Table, Ikea, $9.99
6. Futon, Target, $99 (this style is no longer available, but the link is to a similar one by Target)
7. Cut Lace Pillow, Urban Outfitters, $32.00 

     I'm still not sure what day I'll be moving back to school, but I am so ready! I'll be living in a house this year and that means one thing: MORE DECORATING. I can't wait. Anyways, these are a few things that I'm loving at the moment. I actually have the black futon (I bought it two years ago for my dorm room) and I'm hoping to be able to fit it in my room for when friends stay the night. My favorite is the cut lace pillow from Urban Outfitters because of the contrasting dark gray and ruffles. I'm ready to start another year, meet new people, start my new job (finally, money!), hang out with friends, and go to football games. What a life :)

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Frozen Hot Chocolate

     This recipe is a slimmed-down version of the famous frozen hot chocolate served at Serendipity in Manhattan. It's incredibly easy (all you need is a blender!) and really refreshing. Next time I'm thinking I'll add in ground cinnamon to make it Mexican hot chocolate!


Monday, August 16, 2010

Criss-Cross Nails

     After spending probably too much money on nail polish (story of my life!), I redid my nails using Silver Mercedes by Pure Ice and white Stripe Rite polish. It was surprisingly easy to do my left hand (I'm right handed) so I definitely recommend Stripe Rite polish. Ahhhh, I love it. 

Sunday, August 15, 2010

What I Wore: Denim Shirt!

Century 21 denim shirt, Forever 21 tank & denim shorts (I've practically lived in these shorts this summer), Naughty Monkey boots, Topshop necklace, thrifted belt & ring
I love the buttons on the back of this shirt! I also tried a diagonal fishtail braid today, so for my first try it looks pretty good, even though it looks like a french braid in these pictures