Blogger Birthdays

Okay, I love birthdays so I love this idea. This blog is committed to tracking bloggers' birthdays so people can get a little birthday love. I'm somewhat new to this whole blogging community but what I can tell you is that sometimes blogging feels a little invisible. We share a lot of ourselves through the work of our blog, but the person behind the blog is still such a mystery. Maybe this birthday connection thing will make us all feel just a wee bit more visible - like real people instead of a website. 
Anyway, YOU can do this too. Just simply go to the birthday blog, fill out your info and keep spreading the word! Who doesn't want a little birthday love from friends of all kinds (including your blogger friends!)?

the thrifty style

Now that I’m back on a college campus, I’m quickly absorbed into the world of style again. It’s easy to turn off the “need” to have new clothes when you’re not seeing the new styles all around you. However, it’s not so easy now that I’m immersed in that culture again.

As I walk around campus, these are the thoughts passing through my brain…

“Ohhhh, that’s cute. I want that!”

“That’s funky…but I think I can pull it off.”

“I totally NEED that!”

“I wonder how much that costs??”

Welcome to the world inside my head. It’s ugly and embarrassing to admit that I fall victim to being “such a girl” every once in awhile.

My longing for new clothes increases by the day but sadly the budget for new clothes doesn’t. Staying on top of the trends ain’t easy or cheap but want to know my trick?

Wait for it…

THE THRIFT STORE.

Seriously, this is my new favorite store. Just ask the husband.

My schedule hasn’t allowed me to get out of the house much, but fortunately we live only 3 blocks from the best thrift store in town. This has become my outing excursion as well as my primary shopping destination!

I love the search of finding something worthwhile. I love the prices. I love the uniqueness. I love the proximity to my house. I love it all and I can’t get enough.

The husband isn’t always the biggest fan of my findings but I’m usually quite proud of them. Take a look and decide for yourself….

jacket: thrifted // t-shirt: target // scarf: pitaya // skirt: thrifted (originally j.crew)

tanks: target // skirt: thrifted // flip-flops: pacsun // watch: macys

blazer: thrifted (originally j.crew) // t-shirt: nordstrom // necklace: unknown // jeans: abercrombie & fitch  flats: kmart // bag: kenneth cole

I've snagged a few other great pieces from the thrift store but they have yet to make their outfit appearances. I'll post more as I wear my other great finds. But what do you think? Am I fitting into the fashionable world of a college campus again?

thankful

Oh, how quickly time flies and the holidays are already here. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm way behind on my "holiday spirit". Halloween came and went without me even touching a pumpkin or buying trick-or-treat candy. Thanksgiving is now here and I still haven't done anything festive. No decorating. No crafts. No baking (well, kind of). But still, my point is that the holidays seem to be passing me by all too quickly. There's a reason for it though. Although I love holidays and the opportunity to get into the holiday spirit, I have been a little more consumed with something else. This something else is the thing that I am beyond thankful for.

This something else is my graduate program for teaching. No words could explain how thankful I am for this opportunity. At this time a year ago, I was still floundering to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I had great family and friends, but most of which lived over 1,000 miles away. I had the most amazing husband who was living out and pursuing his dream. I lived in an exciting and beautiful place. Yet, I was still lost.

It took a lot of praying, crying, talking, and faith to finally come to the decision of going back to school. I felt like I was taking a huge leap of faith because I wasn't 100% sure that teaching was what I wanted to do. I wanted God to audibly speak to me and tell me what to do but that just wasn't seeming to happen. It took a lot of reflection to realize that God had been telling me quite subtly [and quietly] over MANY years that teaching was where I was supposed to be. 

Now, I am in the thick of school -- taking graduate courses that stretch my mind and heart in ways that I never imagined. School has required many sacrifices and some sacrifices that I don't particularly like, but ultimately, it has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. For the first time, I feel like I'm actually on a path that is my own perfectly designed by God and not one that I am forcing or controlling. 

So it sum it up, I am thankful for finally figuring out my passion and having the opportunity to pursue it.

A big thank you to Julie Ann Art, Yellow Heart Art, and Rouge + Whimsy for hosting this Blog Hop!

everything's better in 3's

The husband's birthday was a month ago [exactly] but I'm finally getting around to posting pictures. The celebration came in three parts. The first part was a date night dinner at the Crimson Canary - a restaurant within walking distance of our home. We devoured the delicious lemony calamari!

The husband is impossible to surprise but I was determined to give him at least a little surprise for his birthday. I made scrumptious Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cupcakes and invited just a few friends over to meet us back at our place for a nightcap of "Happy Birthday", cupcakes, and spiked apple cider. 

A week later, we were finally able to rally some friends for a birthday celebration. We ventured to a sketchy bowling alley, ate questionable pizza, and later watched the Huskies play. I'd say three part celebrations aren't so bad! Happy Birthday Jon!

p.s. I just had the most amazing weekend -- I can't wait to post about it soon!

p.p.s. Remember how I said the husband is impossible to surprise...? Well, I've got a story to tell you. You'll have to wait for it though - this gets to be your surprise!