Turkey Day Thoughts

I'm such a picky holiday person. As much as I enjoy Thanksgiving, for me it doesn't beat out Halloween or Christmas. I'm not talkin' the actual meaning of the holidays, just the hullaballoo of decorations & traditions that come with it. I love turkey and all, but then I end up sleeping the rest of the day because of it. Who wants to sleep half a holiday away?! {Ok, maybe this tired college student wants to.} I could just eat pumpkin pie all day & be perfectly happy!

Although, it hasn't been until the past few years that I've taken full advantage of the discount wonders that come with Black Friday. Discounts on all my favorite stores for a bunch of stuff that I really want but don't necessarily need? I'm on board with that. Thanksgiving week has got it's perks! Plus not working retail during the holidays this year will be such a relief.

{Remixed: Boots}

Speaking of Thanksgiving, we are leaving Monday to get started on our 14 hour trek to Portland and my house looks like a bomb exploded. Mostly because when I'm sick {and feel like death}, I could care less what the house looks like. Laundry? Sprawled everywhere. Are the bathroom/kitchen/rooms clean? A resounding...NOPE. Clothes picked out to pack? Ummm, heck no. All this thinking of cleaning/planning makes me tired...meaning that a bubble bath, good book, and Reese's pizookie must be in order :) 

My Guilty Pleasure TV Shows

You could say that I love fall tv shows...or at least you will after reading his post! When I'm not avoiding homework by blogging {or cleaning, sleeping, practically anything other than homework}, I'm usually catching up on any of these shows. I love a good story that is light hearted with a dash of romance and mystery, aka I watch at least half the girly tv shows out there. Here are a few of my favorite guilty pleasures that I look forward to each week!

Sunday: Drop Dead Diva
I would say that this show is definitely under the guilty pleasure category because it's probably the most frivolous show ever. I wouldn't say that it's the best acting ever, but I enjoy watching the story unfold regardless. I've watched it from the beginning and can't wait to see if Deb {Jane} and Grayson will finally get together!

Monday: Hart of Dixie
If you don't like Rachel Bilson, I'm not sure we could ever be friends. Not only is she super adorable in this show, but who doesn't love watching some good down south small-town living?? Makes me all the more excited to live in the south one day ;)

Tuesday: 
New Girl, Pretty Little Liars, The Originals
New Girl: Definitely a must-watch in my book. I've always loved Zooey Deschanel {even if some members in my family think she is annoying...cough cough}, but I've even gotten Ryan hooked on this show {mostly because of Schmidt} because it's absolutely hilarious!

Pretty Little Liars: A guilty teenage-pleasure for sure. I love all the creative outfits worn by the main girls, and can't wait to see if Ezra really is A?! {Sorry if that was a spoiler alert, but you oughta be caught up already!}

The Originals: I read The Vampire Diaries books when I was younger and continued on to watch the show, now that is it nearing it's end I just had to jump board with The Originals. Klaus is so mysterious & sexy, and with it being set in New Orleans I couldn't be more excited to watch the story unfold. You notice that I have a thing for the south yet?

Wednesday: Nashville
OMG NASHVILLE. I watched the Friday Night Lights tv show with Connie Britton and loved her in that, then followed her over to Nashville and have thoroughly loved every minute of it. Rayna needs to be reunited with her one true love! Scarlett needs to finally pick someone to be with and relish in her career success! When will Juliette not mess up a relationship she's in?! Then the amazing singing on top of all the southern drama? SOLD.

Thursday: The Vampire Diaries
This is on par with Pretty Little Liars, and every time Ryan walks in on me watching these shows he'll ask "Will you always watch trashy teenage shows?" The answer is probably something he doesn't want to hear...but how can you resist Damon?!

Friday: The Carrie Diaries
Although I've only seen a handful of Sex and the City episodes, this show intrigued me with it being the prequel to that whole storyline. Plus it's set in the 1980's & New York...amazing clothes & the city, could you go wrong?

Happy Halloween!

Last Saturday I helped Elise {along with some other local bloggers} put together a couples Halloween party, because there is a complete lack of engaged/married couples parties in Provo! Ryan grew out his mustache and we went to the party together as Mario & Princess Peach :)

{Mario & Peach // Mermaid & Ship Captain}

There was an amazingly delicious soup bar with 5 different soup options & a Pinterest worthy treat table decked out with graveyard pudding cups and monster cupcakes! Check out Elise's post with pictures of everyone's fun couples & family costumes; there was a lost boy & tinker bell, Shaggy & Daphne, Ash & Pikachu, and so many more creative & adorable costumes! 

At the end of the night we met up with the mermaid & ship captain for caramel apple cider drinks and a late night chill sesh. Can't wait to pass out candy & finish up my outside Halloween decor for tonight. Happy halloween!

Hipster Glasses

I get people asking me allll the time if I'm wearing glasses as a part of my "look" that day. Dang you hipsters! Ruining the wearing of glasses for the rest of us! I actually have lenses in my glasses and wear them for things like...seeing, you know? I first knew I needed glasses when I would determine which teammate I was passing the basketball to by her hair and jersey color. I didn't even realize that I had bad eyesight because I was compensating with colors and my parents didn't know because I was still sinking shots! It wasn't until they asked why I was squinting when I played, and I responded that it was so I could see exactly who I was passing to. Enter glasses!

I'm such a bad contact wearer though, because I sleep with them in for a week or more at a time {I know, I know...stop scratching your eyeballs out.} So when I finally do take them out and my eyes burn to high heavens, I like to look cute in my glasses :)

{Remixed: Boots, Top}

I love my Ray-Ban "inspired" {aka copycat} tortoiseshell glasses for everyday wear, and I just purchased a pair of black cat-eye glasses to give me some more options. Plus, I'm on the hunt for some rectangular glasses from Bonlook so I can look super classy when studying...because that's what's important when studying right? It's nice that prescription glasses are more affordable nowadays, as opposed to my over $200 Vera Wang glasses from high school. Yikes! Hooray for more fashionable options for the nearly-blind!

What are your thoughts on glasses? What are your favorite styles?

7 Deadly Sins

I found this link-up on Shane's blog Whispering Sweet Nothings & thought it was super festive seeing as how Halloween is just next week! :)

Pride 

seven great things in your life

1. The fun marriage I have with my best friend

2. My work ethic & organizational skills {most of the time}

3. An amazingly supportive & loving family

4. My music & creative skills 

5. My home that I've taken lots of time & energy to put together

6. How I have the greatest friends around

7. Utilizing my closet by mixing & matching everything I already have

Envy

seven things you lack & covet

1. More time

2. Financial stability

3. The drive to exercise every day 

4. Patience 

5. Cooking skills

6. Being calm & collected in stressful situations

7. Prioritizing my time

Wrath

seven things that make you angry

1. Utah drivers and their lack of turn signals/general driving knowledge

2. How much BYU professors work our bums off {we dang well EARN that degree}

3. Others staring at me for no reason

4. People who are incompetent 

5. Expired food in the fridge & cabinets

6. People mispronouncing my name, nails on a chalkboard!

7. Whiny girls and un-manly men

Sloth

seven things you neglect to do

1. Dishes, yuck!

2. Practice my piano more than 3-4 hours a week

3. Talk with people on business-related matters

4. Answer the phone {which is why I usually leave it in another room}

5. Make the bed, it hardly ever happens

6. Homework 

7. The rest of household chores haha

Greed

seven worldly material desires

1. A trip to Italy, London, Paris, and Greece

2. A walk-in closet

3. A tan fluffy pomeranian named Nugget

4. A home to decorate that is alll mine

5. Can't get enough shoes, right? More shoes!

6. White low-top converse

7. A thin gold wedding ring with a raw diamond

Gluttony

seven guilty pleasures

1. Girly tv shows

2. Bubble baths filled with Lush bath bombs

3. Chocolate, yummm

4. Glamour & InStyle magazines

5. Shopping by myself in the middle of the day

6. Wandering Target with a nice drink {Diet coke or Caramel Apple Spice}

7. Buying a new book from Barnes & Noble and just reading away

Lust

seven things you love about love

1. Waking up next to my best friend everyday

2. I can look absolutely hideous, but still am told I'm beautiful

3. Unlimited hugs & kisses

4. Always having love & support

5. Fun date nights!

6. Laughing at the same things

7. Building a life we both want, together

Bad Ace

Ryan pointed out this dress at the Loft outlet during my birthday shopping trip, he said that it was leopard print and therefore it was very "Bri." I just love the way guys think out fashion. I tried it on and of course it was a perfect fit {with sleeves, SCORE...we know how I love finding modest dresses}. Plus it was originally $80 and I got it for $16, now that is my kind of shopping. I guess my husband just knows me a little too well.

{Remixed: Purse&Jacket // Spiked Wedges // Necklace}

And let me also introduce you to my new favorite tights from Francesca's Collections: they are fuzzy on the inside, super thick & a total necessity for cold weather layering. Then I paired them with Ryan's not-so-favorite bad ace spiked wedges from Shoedazzle. I think he is so used to me dressing all girly that when I bust out my black leather jacket and spiked shoes he doesn't know how to respond..."Who the heck did I marry?!" At least that's what I'm assuming he thinks ;)

The Makings of a Good Day

Today has been a pretty awesome day, if I do say so myself. After 7 weeks of disgusting rats nest hair, I finally got myself a haircut from my favorite stylist Nicole at Amara Day Spa. I brought her my extensions that I haven't worn since my wedding day {I know, shame on me} so she could teach me how to take care of and what to do with them. She clipped them in my hair, curled me all up, and I felt like a Disney princess!

I made my way on over to Target to do a return and peruse the store {peruse aka what cute things do I feel like I need?} I used my Target & Starbucks gift cards that I won in an Instagram giveaway, and treated myself! I just love meandering Target just for the heck of it and getting stuff I don't need. Woot woot!

{Remixed: Purse, Necklace}

I brought home Caramel Apple Spices for Ryan & I, we did some home fix-ups and I put together my mom's birthday box {feelin' very productive.} And now we are planning on hitting up the pumpkin patch tonight and grabbing dinner! It feels SO nice to not have any major tests or projects hanging over my head after the chaos at school this past week. Plus I'm lookin' forward Halloween festivities, Ryan's birthday, and the Harvest Your Fashion at Francesca's blogger party! Yes, it's been a very good day :)

Serendipity

Tomorrow I have an appointment to get all my angel kisses checked...and I mean ALL of them. My melanoma surgery was a little over 2 years ago, and since then I've visited the doctor every 6 months for her to look over my body for any other troubling spots. I jokinging-ly call it a "paid violation" because I'm willingly paying someone to check every dark and secret crevice on my body. SCARY. And it so does not even matter that I'm married, it's still dang weird. 

Since this doctors trip also means a harrowing trek up to Salt Lake, we're making an afternoon out of it by hitting up City Creek and our favorite Texas de Brazil for Ryan's early birthday dinner {heavens knows we need a break from school}. It was absolute serendipity because I've had this appointment planned for the past 6 months but we just found out that the classes Ryan & I have on tomorrow got cancelled and on top of it we got an awesome email coupon for Texas de Brazil. It was totally meant to be, and I love when that happens ;)

{Remixed: Dress // Boots}

Red Lipstick Confidence

I just love being stared at {<--sarcasm}. I've never experienced it quite like this before moving to Utah...and I don't understand the reason for it. If I'm not wearing my husband's basketball shorts and oversized BYU tee on campus then I get straight up stared at because I'm not begging to be invisible. I'm not saying that I haven't stolen my husband's comfy clothes on occasion...but I also don't think it's ok to wear them on campus. Believe me, I know that there are just "those days" when the planets of chaos align and real clothes just aren't on the docket, but every day?! That married uniform does not convey "I'm comfortable in my skin and feel invincible today"...and regardless of what anyone says, what you look like is a presentation of who you are to the world.

With all the jibber-jabber talk on modesty or what swimsuit is appropriate, why is there no open conversation on self-esteem? Why don't we encourage putting time into ourselves or being the strong confident women that we are? I feel unstoppable when I'm comfortable in my skin, which {to me} also means expressing my femininity. A lot of times when I'm tired and don't feel that strength; putting on some make-up, doing what I can with my unruly hair, and stepping in to some well-fitting clothes helps in creating that strength for me. Which is exactly what I did today, tried to brush out that rat's nest of a hair-do and threw on some red lipstick to feel confident. It worked. And I don't mind getting sideways looks {ahem, stares} for walking with confidence.

{Remixed: Booties, Red Skinnies, Sweater}

Well, this post turned out to be more of a rant than I was thinking it would be. So there you go my friends, anddd goodnight.

Striped Beauty

{Remixed: Shoes, Sweater, Necklace}

I was sent this dress from eShakti just in time for my birthday on September 28th, and couldn't wait to wear it for my 'lil b-day bash. With eShakti you are able to alter the dress to fit your personal taste, shape, and style which is something that sets this company apart from any other. Not only can you alter the dress length, sleeves, and neckline; but you also have the option to input your exact measurements and literally have the dress made for you! Ummm, how cool is that?! I picked the knee-length option, a rounded neckline, and attached some cap sleeves to this striped fit & flare beauty. It seriously fits LIKE A DREAM, and to top it off...it has pockets. And c'mon...what girl doesn't just fall in love with a pocket-ed dress?? Check out eShakti, and keep an eye out for their awesome deals & sales!

Currently...

{Tights: Forever 21 // Remixed: Loft Blouse 1, 2}

Making: Music! Practicing for my voice & piano lessons tomorrow.

Cooking: Salmon with brown sugar spice rub on top, mac&cheese, with steamed veggies.

Drinking: Water with Strawberry Crystal Lite.

Reading: Glamour magazine, November issue {with Rhianna on the cover, not sure how I feel about her style}

Wanting: A visit to the pumpkin patch paired with a Starbucks caramel apple cider drink.

Missing: Evan, terribly. 

Looking: For the perfect cream knit beanie with a pom on top.

Wasting: Time when I should be studying or practicing non-stop...but What Not to Wear is on Netflix! 

Wishing: For a weekend without homework. 

Enjoying: The crisp fall air and orange leaves.

Waiting: For inspiration on what to do with my life.

Liking: Comfy tights.

Wondering: Why music teachers think they don't need to give the schedule for class more than a week in advance?

Loving: Freshly polished OPI nails, using my new San Francisco mini-polish kit.

Hoping: That I'll learn soon how to balance all this work efficiently. 

Marveling: At the snow on the mountains already.

Needing: Orange rolls...the ones sitting in my fridge waiting to be cooked.

Smelling: Gold Canyon apple cider candle.

Wearing: Comfy lounge clothes, baggy gray sweats & Lakers tee.

Noticing: That Utah drivers are probably the worst in the entire world.

Opening: Bills, which are my least favorite thing about being an adult.

Giggling: Over pictures of pomeranians on Instagram, then sharing them with Ryan.

Feeling: Weary, and perpetually worn out. Life of a college student, right?

Music Theory Woes

{Remixed: F21 jacket}

I'd been putting off studying for my Music Theory test for ohhh about a week or so, anticipating the scary multitude of sharps and flats that would inevitably make me go cross-eyed. If any of you have taken piano lessons, you know how obnoxious and brutal music theory is. It is probably the least favorite thing ever for every music student known to man. Amongst all my procrastination, moaning, and groaning it then dawned on me...not many people have this opportunity. Why was I complaining?

This opportunity to sing, learn technique & theory, and have lessons every week to help build up my musical talent really is a blessing. I shouldn't be dragging my feet about learning major and minor key signatures. I should be taking advantage of all this knowledge so I can one day put it to use when teaching voice lessons or teaching my future children how to read music.

I sucked it up and studied all the key signatures, melodic and harmonic scales, and so forth. Said a little prayer then walked into the test a little nervous. Once the test was handed to me I wrote down everything I had memorized while it was still swirling around in my head. Then I started to notice that this test was pretty easy...actually SUPER easy. I finished in a half hour! With all my studying and focus, I was able to completely throw myself into the subject matter which made the test seem easy. If you can't get out of it, get into it right?

This whole semester is jam-packed with music-related courses and I'm really going to focus on having a better attitude about the mountain of work that comes with it. Because when am I going to have another time in my life where I'm required to practice music?

Save the Date!

Calling all Utah Valley Lifestyle/Fashion Bloggers! 

I am throwing another blogger party at the Orem location of Francesca's collections and want YOU to be there. The Francesca's Valentines Blogger Bash was ridiculous fun back in February, and I can't wait to party with you all again! 

The Orem Frannie girls will be showing off all the new fall fashions during an after hours, blogger-exclusive, treat-filled party. What more could you ask for? Make sure to mark this date on your calendars, let your blogger BFF's know, and follow along here for more information coming soon!

A Search for the Perfect Cream Sweater

I have been on the search for the perfect cream sweater for AGES, and just barely found one...first world problems right? To help streamline my shopping I have a list on the Notes app with a bunch of different items that will fill the gaps in my wardrobe; things such as: white converse, black Kingdom & State layering tee, light colored booties, cream chunky knit scarf, black leather leggings, cream pom beanie, tweed jacket, and a orange chunky knit sweater. 

I do come across these things when I'm shopping, but if it's not exactly what I had envisioned I don't purchase it. For example, during my birthday shopping I was excited to try on an oversized cream sweater at H&M and while it was within my budget...it was just too itchy and I couldn't bring myself to get it. Feeling a little defeated I continued to walk through the mall with sad Charlie Brown music playing as the background music to my life, then found myself moseying towards Francesca's Collections. I decided to walk inside and ask my favorite shopgirl if they happened to have any cream sweaters in and presto! She guided me to this beauty. Soft, cozy, a little oversized, unique details AND 20% off. Perfection.

This skirt on the other hand was not on my list, but was $10 at the Loft outlet...so that's when I become willfully ignorant of my shopping list and go for it ;)

Fall Style Pinspiration: Layering & Accessories

1 // 2

One big perk about living in Utah is having a "real" fall season, unlike so-cal where it is on average 75 degrees year round {that's when we take matters into our own hands and just pretend it's fall for the sake of sanity}. With the crisp cool air, the changing colors, and a season chock-full of holiday festivities; one of my favorite fall style tricks is layering. 

Some of my favorites are:

+ Tights under summer dresses

+ Tall boot socks over tights & under riding boots

+ Scarves paired with coats & sweaters

+ Button-ups under pull-over sweaters

+ Belted sweaters over dresses, or belted scarves

+ Printed socks with booties

+ Chambray tops layered with anything & everything

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

My other favorite thing about fall are all the fun accessories! With all the layering comes the array of fun baubles, knits, and leather to mix&match and play with. Although I typically love a feminine and classic look, I am drawn towards the roughness of ripped up jeans paired with leather jackets, fur scarves and plaid button-ups.

My favorites accessories are:

+ Knit beanies & scarves

+ Leather jackets

+ Furry scarves & coats

+ Sparkly statement necklaces

+ Utility vests & jackets

+ Thick leather belts

+ Lots of thin necklaces to layer

+ Studs or spikes on shoes, purses, & jewelry

+ Big leather totes or purses

+ Arm parties galore {watches, thin & chunky bracelets}

What is your favorite fall fashion trick or accessory?

Fall Fashion Fusion

I know I know, this event was almost 80 years ago and I'm finally getting around to posting it. That's just what happens when you're a super-busy-young-married-college-student-lifestyle-blogger {WHEW! That was a mouthful}. I was invited to Fashion Place Mall's Fall Fashion Fusion runway event, and it was a blast like last time! I met up with my blogger BFF Kyla at the show and was also lucky enough to have my mom in town to come with me.

We got to check out all the up & coming fall trends fashioned by various stores such as: Banana Republic, Nordstrom, Express, Buckle, and more in the Fashion Place Mall. I saw that leather leggings are big as ever, leopard print is still the bomb dot com, and brown booties are an absolute must-have in your Fall wardrobe!

I loved Banana Republic's classic yet feminine take on Fall style with sweaters layered over chambray button-ups {if you don't have one yet, it's a necessity!} as well as Nordstrom's edgy take with drool-worthy Rag & Bone booties and essential skin-tight jeggings & leggings. 

After the show, my mom & I dropped by Lush because she had never been there before and grabbed some fun bath bombs! Love the smells when you walk in there, yummmm!

What is your Fall fashion essential?