Monday, February 13, 2012

Spring is in the Air!

Well, not really... but in my mind I am already in a different season. Don't get me wrong, I love my ponchos and boots just as much as any other gal, I just have had enough of them this winter. Wait a second, are you telling me we actually had a winter? Could have fooled me... And no, this is not a case where I want to be proven wrong later (keeping my fingers crossed for a very mild last winter here in Boone).

I absolutely, positively, 100% love spring fashion. The colors, the lack of clothes, showing off a new pedicure in a pair of metallic strappy sandals... Goodness grief, I'm getting ahead of myself. Cool your jets girl!

Currently, I am obsessed with a few trends. And, as per usual, I have been browsing Pinterest for what seems like hours again. Lately I have been neglecting dear old Pinterest.. But fear not, I can only stay away for so long. The downside: once I start, I can't stop. Literally.
 These are a-freakin'-mazing. I am obsessed with print -- just look at those colors, how can you resis?! I have been talking for a while about buying an older pair of jeans and kind of making them into my own. These are pre-made, perfect for the lazy girl in me! I wouldn't mind trying something like this, or even getting crazy and  adding fabric to one of the back pockets. I'm also feelin' the distressed look these puppies have goin' on. I swear, they are just screaming "WEAR ME!"

 You thought the first pair of shorts couldn't get better? Well, you were wrong. LACE. YES. I am in love with these shorts. If I ever stick to my vow to make something off of pinterest, it will be a replica of at least one of these pairs of shorts.

It's understandable if you aren't necessarily a fan of the shorts. But, my friends, if you don't like this outfit combo... something is wrong with you. Seriously. I love this look because it is simple (yes, neon green/yellow pants can be simple). The chambray shirt also brings the outfit down a notch and really turns this into something anyone can wear. It's like a mullet. Business on the top, party on the bottom. Hallelujah!
 
I don't even need to say anything about these shorts, they speak for themselves. LOVE the print and the pops of color. Pair them with a simple white or black blouse and you will be turning heads in no time. 

These shirts are my jam. Have I said how much I am obsessed with three quarter length anythings? What is not to like about them? I want them all. In every color. In my closet. Right now. Put these on with shorts, minis, or skinnies... You just can't go wrong. I'm envisioning myself in these as we speak.
Nothing says spring like a fedora. I have recently developed an obsession with hats. Not just hat sacks, but all different types of hats. Imagine yourself in one of these with those newly designed shorts you just made! You like what you see, huh?!

This last look is less Boone-inspired, but still such a fun (more grown-up) look. I love blazers, and this spring look is definitely something I could see myself wearing. The hot pink is also something that would gain mother's approval... And I don't think I can say that about any of my other spring obsessions.

It seems like just yesterday I was so excited to wear my leggings and boots and scarves... Funny how I change my mind so quickly. Typical gal. 

Friday, February 10, 2012

I Need a Vacation

I have a case of the Winter-time Blues. Being the oldest possible specimen in this town doesn't help the fact either. Although school will be over in May, I can't seem to find the motivation to get anything accomplished. But hey, what else is new?

In my mind I have checked out of school. At this point in my school career, amidst writing my thesis (which will inevitably determine if I earn a degree... no biggie) and juggling other tasks and assignments, "checking out" is a dangerous concept. All I can manage to do is daydream about tropical islands and look for the best cities to move to in August. I already have this school stuff figured out, why can't they just give me that piece of paper!
Isn't it funny how we always want what we don't have? Ask any of my "working" friends and they will tell you they would go back to school in a heartbeat. On the flipside, the remainder of my friends left in school can't wait to get out, myself included. You try going almost twenty non-stop years in school and see how much that thrills you! Eh, I am extra whiny today huh?

The up-side to this current dilemma: I take lots of breaks between my research (case in point). One of my new recent developments in distractions has been running... omg, who am I?! But seriously, it gives me a chance to recollect my thoughts and release stress. Lord knows being a single mother can be very stressful; George, why you gotta give me the runaround? 
An upcoming 10k also gives me the motivation I need to get out there and run. The last weekend in March I will be making my way to Charleston with some of my best gal friends to eat some good food, relax, enjoy QT with people I don't get to see that often, and oh yeah... run over a bridge. A little mini-vaca during the process won't hurt either.

I did the bridge run last year with people that I worked with. It was such a great experience, and afterwards I felt so proud of myself. Really looking forward to it again this year. Hopefully my exercise and healthy-eating habits continue after the race this year (something that obviously didn't happen last year... your girl loves food).

Luckily for me, I have an Ipod full of podcasts and songs to make running that much easier. Want to know what I listen to while I'm out there tearing up the Greenway? Well I thought you would never ask! All I have to say is: Just try not dancing to this. And, yes, that was in fact a challenge.
Have a very enjoyable Friday night people! I am back to hitting the books, and laying the theoretical foundation for the analysis within my thesis. And that, my friends, is something I thought I would have never, EVER, said on a Friday night. Time's they are a changin'!

Monday, February 6, 2012

The Cynical Girl's View on Love

Hello blogging world, I have returned. After somewhat of a dry spell of my creative juices, the quickly approaching Valentine's Day has given me something to talk about. I can't wait to get roses and flowers and candy from my make believe boyfriend, he truly knows how to spoil me.

YEAH RIGHT. For the umpteenth time in I don't know how long, I am forced to realize that, yet again, I am single (as if this isn't brought to my attention on a daily basis). I swear if I see one more mushy gushy facebook post about how in love someone is, I am going to lose it. And I mean lose it. Like I might just have to deactivate facebook for a hot minute.

Valentine's Day is just the absolute worst for single ladies. It wasn't always bad in the past, when I had my best gal friends still living in Boone and we could laugh at the fact that we were single and drown the rest of our sorrows in a bottle of wine (or two, or three... or how many ever it took). But now these friends have moved on, gotten big girl jobs (gross), and some have gone as far as to get engaged (even more gross)! The audacity of my friends I tell ya!

Therefore, I have made it my mission this February 14th to not participate in this ridiculous holiday (should be easy considering my current single status). Instead, I am making the "single girl's guide to survival" kit for all my other homies out there who don't need a man to make it... Sorry I got a little carried away there. Due to the fact that I consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur on advice and love, I have created an agenda for the single girl on that dreaded day. Stick around, this should get interesting...

First and foremost you must load up on ammunition. Eggs, tomatoes, and other easily splattering vegetables should suffice. Whenever you see happy couples holding hands or smiling or being pleasant in the least bit you are permitted to launch the first shot.

But seriously, keeping yourself busy helps. Go out for a run if the weather is nice. Finish a book you haven't had time to fully complete. Go buy a cat. You know, regular stuff like that. You can also make Valentine's Day into a day where you over-indulge on the things you love the most. Personally, I plan to go out to a really fancy dinner somewhere with my roommate. But keep in mind that, with this plan of action, you run the risk of running into a plethora of those happy couples I previously mentioned. And I don't think throwing food in a fancy dining establishment would be considered appropriate, but I have been wrong in the past.

Just keep in mind that this is one measly day in the 365 day calendar and it will be over as quickly as it began. Unfortunately it will be back again next year, rearing it's ugly head. Also, keep in mind your own happiness. If you are a happy single girl, like I am most of the time, take pleasure in the fact that you are confident exactly where you stand. You aren't settling for some mediocre guy just because all your other friends are doing it. As of late, I have entertained the idea of settling for one particular mediocre guy just because I was bored. Come to think of it, I'm fairly certain this is how all of my relationships have evolved. Wow, I am predictable.

It's hard for anyone else to hold a candle to my main man George anyway. He sets the bar pretty high. Damn that cat and all of his cuteness!