The Beautiful Little Things

{source}

There are some photos that bring you back to little memories you had forgotten and this photo

is one of those. While my parents were visiting Orvieto with me, we saw a Wisteria 

growing beautifully on the side of someone's house so we went over to smell the flowers. 

As we were sneaking a smell, the lady who had grown the wisteria was gardening in her

tiny yard and saw we loved her work of art so she proceeded to cut a small branch for 

both my mom and I. We were so struck by her kindness that we thanked her a thousand

times over and continued to smell the sweet smelling flower for the rest of our walk.

I think the kind woman understood the notion of sharing beautiful little things. What good

are they if we hoard them for ourselves? Pretty things are meant to be enjoyed and shared,

at least I believe so. 

It's funny how memories come to you right when you need them. I didn't know I 

needed a little reminder of the simpler, Italy days until now.

I miss Italy every single day. 

All is Merry and Bright

I hope you had a blessed Christmas day with all your loved ones. (My sisters and I clearly love one another haha. But really, we do.). We had a lovely day and I can't wait to share

some photos soon! Right now I'm doing some work on my winter class so I'm a little

busy but I wanted to drop in and make sure everyone had a wonderful day. :)

Enjoy the rest of December! 

Let's Play Catch-Up

Merry Almost Christmas!!
I am finally home for the holidays and there hasn't really been a moment to blog since

arriving home! 

First I left my adorably decorated home in Tucson after my Wednesday morning final

and headed straight to San Diego to see my sister. 

On Friday we drove the blissful 8 hours home which takes you right through

the farming central of California. It's a long drive with not a lot to look at but we were

giddy to be heading home!

 After we got home I quickly changed and freshened up and headed off to my friend's 21st

birthday party! It was so wonderful having all my friends from home in one place again.

I seriously can't believe Christmas Eve is tomorrow! I am trying to soak up as much of the

Christmas spirit as possible before it's gone. 

Hopefully I'll take out my camera this week and snap some real shots. :)

Have a wonderful day!

Little Frustrations

{amazing Everygirl print}

I'm in that stage where I am just waiting (referring to the quote above). I have had a lot

of faith lately and not a lot of moments that pick me up. I've worked extremely hard and

there have been no results showing my hard work. I think that's the most frustrating

thing about grades. Then on top of your own guilt and frustration, everyone around you is

announcing their good work and you feel defeated. (One of those moments that I really

hate social media.) 

Finals suck and we all know that but when it comes down to what you are choosing to 

major in and you still aren't producing results, finals suck even more. 

I'm currently in San Diego visiting my sister at her school until we both drive home.

I keep trying to put on a happy face and let all the school frustrations go but boy is it hard!

Tomorrow I am going to go to the beach, do a little shopping, and not check my grades

because who needs them anyways? (roll with me on this one)

We'll see how I do...

(I missed blogging A TON by the way!!)

I'll Be Home For Christmas

{This girl with a pineapple has nothing to do with what I'm about to say but I like the colors and it
reminds me of warmer days}

I am here to say I won't be posting this week due to finals. Honestly, it will probably be quieter around

here for quite some time. For the next week and a half my mind will be thinking about 

communication disorders, disability studies and language science non stop. 

Bare with me and when I come back I'll be in San Diego picking my sister up from 

school so I'll have some fun San Diego stories. 

Basically, I'll see you when I'm home for Christmas though. 

Have a wonderful week. :) 

{photo}

Friday Inspiration

“A serious girl, when she finds someone who calms her spirit and quiets her busy thoughts, will love you so fiercely, it will defy even her own logic and reasoning.” 

- Unknown.

Anna from Little Reminders of Love always has the best quotes on her blog and 

I had to share this one. I can't wait to find that man who quiets my busy thoughts.

Have a beautiful day.  

The Perfect Little Gifts

Everyone and their brother is putting together gift guides right now and a lot of the time

I end up becoming overwhelmed by the long lists. I thought I would just throw together 

a little stocking stuffer gift list that is short and sweet and any of these gifts would be

perfect for friends! 

Everyone has been talking about the gold monogrammed mugs from Anthropologie 

but what about the books cut out into letters? I have been wanting the 'A' for

quite some time. The Kate Spade glitter coaster would also be perfect for that friend

who is always throwing little parties. Maybe for your sister you throw in some of

the hair ties that don't crease your hair and give her some of those fun colorful

pencils! 

What are some of your favorite little gifts to give someone? 

(And all these gifts are $25 and below!!) 

{monogramed letters, coasters, pencils, print, hair ties, mug}

Outfit Post:: Out in the Country

I absolutely loved being home this past week. There's nothing better than seeing some

real Fall and being surrounded by family and friends from home. 

We went on a little adventure up to Apple Hill on the first day I was there

 and stumbled upon this little farm. 

It was too picturesque to pass up so I immediately told my aunt to pull over 

because I needed to take photos. Everyone had a photo shoot promptly after. 

This outfit is one of my favorite because it was cheap (everything is from F21, Target or

Twice.com) and it is incredibly comfortable. My boots are the trusty ones I brought

with me all through Europe and this was the first time they made an appearance since

then. (We had to take a little break...) 

I dream about living on a little farm like this someday. While we were taking

the photos there was smoke coming out of the chimney and it was perfect. 

Doesn't it kind of make you want to sing and frolick around? Also,

it's possibly the best place ever for a wedding. 

Have a great Tuesday!

"I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it."
-Shakespeare

Thanksgiving Break in Snapshots

I had an absolutely amazing time being home for the short Thanksgiving break and 

thought I'd document some of what we did. We always go down to the Bay Area for

Thanksgiving to visit with family and stuff our faces and this  year was no exception.

On Friday we headed into the city for some shopping and while it was hectic,

we got a ton done so all was well.

Here's some snapshots::

 My cousin just opened up a new Philz coffee in south San Francisco and so the entire

family went to visit her at work and we all swooned over the delicious coffee.

 I went into J.Crew in San Francisco to dream about one day owning this perfect 

cranberry coat. (My mom and sister walked in soon after and told me to

put. the. coat. down. haha) 

 We went up to Apple Hill and frolicked in the leaves and experienced

some of a real fall. 

My dad and sister posed with our Gap bag (with the perfect gold accent) on 

pier 39 and it was the perfect product placement and picturesque scene that I had

to sneak a photo. (Also the fact that we were in SF where Gap originates was too 

perfect as well) 

And last but not least we decorated for Christmas!! We got the biggest tree we've 

had yet and it required 4 men to carry it into the house. The stump was also too

big for our stand so they had to saw off a good chunk. In the end the tree is

beautiful and one of the best we've ever had.

Did anything exciting happen during your Thanksgiving?

The Gilded Age

If you haven't caught on to my gold obsession yet, then this will really show you how

knee deep in love I am with everything gold. I love little gold accents that really

make a room and ultimately, I think adding a hint of gold to something makes it really classy.

Here are some pictures from across the web that highlight my favorite accent.

Are you a silver or gold fan? Also, happy almost Thanksgiving!! 

{1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

Pretty Thanksgiving Ideas

How fun are all these table settings and little details that could really make a Thanksgiving

get together something special. I love the cheese board because my family loves cheese and

always have a variety of cheese available for appetizers. I'm also loving the idea of using

little logs as a beautiful centerpiece! And then to top it all off, I had to include some gold

accents like the golden pear place card substitute and the gold utensils with the cute

chalkboard placemats. How perfect is it to have your guests write what they're thankful

for right there in front of them?

I can't wait to go home today!! We are going to my absolute favorite place, Apple Hill tomorrow

so I'm sure I'll have some pictures to share. :)

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

{1, 2, 3, 4}

Outfit Post:: Let's Have a Friendsgiving

Yesterday I attended a Friendsgiving with my roommate and this is what I wore!

Remember this skirt from the last time I wore it? Well the weather has changed quite a bit

and I'm all about transitioning clothing so I've now worn it with a sweater and

some tights! Do you like transitioning clothing for different seasons as well or are you

more of a person who switches out their wardrobes?

In other news, I am so excited to head home tomorrow evening! So if there is some radio silence

this week, it's because I'm thoroughly enjoying my time at home. Thanksgiving 

is one of my all time favorite holidays because it kicks off the holiday season!

Getting the opportunity to stuff your face with good food isn't so bad either. :)

Have a great Monday!!

{here's the fact:: sweater-thrift store, skirt- anthropologie old, shoes-forever 21 old}

Friday Inspiration

{Found here}

This is so, very true. Nice one Conan. 

We have rain in the forecast for this weekend and while it may get in the way

of a football game, I couldn't be more excited. (It's actually raining right now!!) So I 

plan on enjoying the rain and then on sunday I'm attending a Friendsgiving! 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and also a big hello to my new followers!

It's very nice to meet you all. :) 

Let's Give Thanks

November is one of my absolute favorite months. It's a month of giving thanks and it 

always ends with family. What's better than that? (Ok, besides Christmas!) 

I thought I would share what I'm currently thankful for on here and if you'd like you can

use the image above (link my blog back please!) and share what you're thankful for on 

your blog! So let's get started!

I'm thankful for...

my health

my family's health and happiness

APO

new friends

old friends

my car

my amazing brain

books

creativity

music that blows me away

my past

the future

 definitely the present

nature and the green earth

how blessed I've been my entire life

my relationship with God

the fact that I lived in Italy

the every day. 

So what are you thankful for?

The Perfect Holiday Look

I was recently asked by Brilliant Earth to create a look for one of their cocktail rings and

I jumped at the chance! I chose the Phoenix ring because a) it's gold and b) it has

a classic design and would be the perfect accessory for all the upcoming holiday parties.

I think the combination of all these pieces (plus the SS Print Shop print for some good 

measure) would make anyone feel confident and classy for the entire season. Also,

if anyone proposed to me with any of the rings from Brilliant Earth, I definitely wouldn't

complain. ;) Now to find a man...

What is your favorite kind of holiday look? 

I would be one happy girl if I could own any of the pieces above!

{Here's the facts: (1) hair clip, (2) clutch, , (4) dress, (5) print, (6) shoes,}

Leaving Some Spaces Open

There are big things looming in the horizon. Some slightly intimidating and others just plain exciting.

I can't wait to go home next week and enjoy some much needed R&R and see my friends

I haven't seen since August. Also, my roommate and I decorated for Christmas this weekend 

(don't hate us!) so our house is feeling very merry. :)

Something I've realized throughout this semester is how much I should work my absolute hardest

and not worry about the rest. Make those to-do lists, plan out the week, stress a little about 

classes (ok, a lot) but then leave room for mistakes, fun little events, and breathing room. I 

like to think of my to-do lists as guidelines instead of my actual schedule of the day. Whenever

I do make a complete to-do list of the day, I rarely stick to it and end up filling my time with 

moments that I could have never expected to be on my list. 

Life's going to throw some curveballs and it's how we approach them that determines everything else.

Ain't that the truth? So with this busy week ahead jam packed with commitments

and homework assignments/ you name it, I'm going to actively leave some room for those moments

you really can't plan. 

Join me?

Side note: I just found Evelyn's Etsy through Pinterest and I am completely obsessed.

How perfect is the bright pink background against the gold lettering in the 'Enjoy Today' print?

Check out the rest of her shop for some more awesome prints. :)

For the Love of Patterned Pants

I am a huge fan of patterned pants, especially any that have flowers on them. I had tried

on a pair at Anthro recently and I'm so mad I didn't purchase them because patterned

pants are all over the web lately. I think they're a great way to spice up an outfit and still be

comfortable! I showed some styled posts with patterned pants above to show all the

different ways one can wear the pants. 

Now go forth and get yourself a pair!! 

{1, 2, 3, 4}

Friday Inspiration

I found this off Pinterest and I absolutely loved it. Growing up we all heard the question,

are you right or left brained and I love reading this and realizing we are not

one or the other but a beautiful mix of both. 

Have a great weekend you left and right brainers! :)

It's Only Temporary

So something really weird and pretty frustrating recently happened and I'm not

sure how to properly react. You see, my hair is fairly fried. It kind of looks like

the hair you would see on a witch who hasn't brushed her hair in 500 years. I have

no idea what to do besides wait it out and let my hair recover naturally but in the meantime,

I am slightly freaking out. Naturally.

I'm trying to make it into a funny situation because truthfully, it really is (or at least will be!).

This is the girl who rarely uses anything on her hair, barely straightens it,

 and yet I'm the one who damaged my hair. Classic.

I guess what I'm trying to get at here is that yes, this sucks but it really isn't the end of the world.

It's only temporary. Most situations are temporary. Falling on ones own two feet

while walking to class and being so embarrased, is a temporary feeling. Getting

a bad grade in a class that you worked tirelessly on and feeling as if the world will 

never be the same, is a temporary feeling. 

Whenever I need a little perspective I like to ask myself, "Will this matter in 5 years?"

More than likely it will be a great story and even you will be the one crying so hard

you have tears in your eyes. 

So right now I'm going to throw my hair into a ponytail and go grab some ice cream.

Because it's just hair. And it's only temporary. 

The Perfect Holiday Dress

*all dresses are from Anthropologie's new additions

I think I may have a theme going on. I see lots of black with shiny additions and of 

course I love a hint of gold. I had way too much fun drooling over all the 

new dresses Anthro released. Ever since I was little I have loved the idea

of a holiday dress. I remember getting so excited thinking of what my friends were

going to show up to Christmas mass in! One year my dad bought my sisters and I all matching

dresses! (It was a little much considering we are all 2.5 years apart each!)

I love how any of these dresses could potentially be worn year round for fancy

occasions and wouldn't have to be just the holiday dress. 

Which ones your favorite? I love the full skirt on the striped dress! 

2013 Glamour Women of the Year

Every year I love finding out who won Glamour's Women of the Year. I love reading

about these women who work so hard and are generally, so cool. I aspire to be a little

like each of them.

Here are just a few of the winners. Click on the link below to read their interviews

and learn more about them! 

 Catherine Martin

The Fashion Wizard

 Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly

The Love Story

(I LOVE them. We all root for these two.) 

 Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis

The Protector

 Kerry Washington

The Gladiator

 Malala Yousafzai

The Girls' Hero

 Melinda Gates

The Advocate

I am such a fan of each of these women and the women I didn't mention. 

Definitely check out their stories here!

How did you feel inspired by these women?