PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

The first Noel.......has a torn A C L

Dear Nerlens,

Were heartbroken for ya, kid.

Hang in there and get better soon.

All our love, 

BBN

Fits on fits on fits

Within the last 24 hours I found out that not 1...not 2...not 3...not 4...but 5 of my college friends will be in town either this weekend or next. I am beside myself with happiness. But happiness isnt funny or interesting or stalk-worthy. So lets talk outfits. My birthday is also on Monday so I'll be doing some celebrating pretending to be 21 throughout these weekends too. And obviously its important to look pretty while spilling vodka sodas on yourself and standing in a dark bar and crying because you actually have friends again. Duh.

So here's what I got:

Thoughts? Should I make any switches? Which peplum look is the best? Please be my mirrors bloggers!

Were hoping to go to the UK/Mizzou game on the 23rd so I have to wear blue.

Blue blazer Forever 21 - similar here // Grey jersey t-shirt H&M - similar here

Black textured leggings - Forever 21 (nothing similar available) // Black fringe booties Target

Rope necklace - Talbots Outlet (nothing similar available) // Watch Marc Jacobs - similar here 

Link bracelet Derng // Black studded bracelet Forever 21

Now which of these peplum looks should I do this weekend? Are the white and black stripes too springtime?

Black skirt Forever 21 - similar here // Black & White peplum top Target // Leopard print shoes Target

Watch Marc Jacobs - similar here // Link bracelet Derng // Black studded bracelet Forever 21

Purple jeans Target - similar here // Black peplum top Target // Leopard print shoes Target

Watch Marc Jacobs - similar here // Link bracelet Derng // Black studded bracelet Forever 21

2 for 1

If you dont know what my title refers to...we may not speak the same language. Thursdays in my town means 2for1 margs at allllll my favorite Mexican restaurants! Chris and I had a hot date consisting of splitting a burrito, eating way too many chips with queso, having a watch sized, and running around the mall. We are wild, I know. Anyway, this outfit allowed me to stuff myself comfortably...so that's a win.

Girl You Look So Fly

I don't know what it is but airplanes always always make me feel like a bag of poo.

Yes I just said bag of poo on my blog. So what?

All those strangers huddled together breathing recycled air and leaving their grubby hand prints on everything...ick.

Yet despite these horrid conditions, I still think it's necessary to look and feel my best.

As if looking stylish might scare away the germs.

Recently I spent a hefty 4 hours flyin out to Utah for one last work trip.

It was freezing in Kentucky and freezing in Utah so I didn't need to worry about changing weather.
Which is good because I kinda despise layering.
But I was determined to look fly while flyin (that was bad, I know).

My top priorities: 

1. comfort/nap-capable

2. easy-on-easy-off shoes

3. on trend (I mean I was traveling out there during Sundance...what if I ran into Bradley Cooper or Leighton Meester and missed my chance at becoming their new wife or best friend because I looked shabby?!)

4. ready to wear to dinner (just in case my coworkers decided to be really considerate and ask me to come straight to a restaurant from the plane)

So here's what I came up with. Yes the accessories were a hassle taking off when going through security but I needed my arm candy.

What do yall wear when traveling? What is your go-to comfort/chic outfit? 

Love Letter

I think a lot of bloggers do this thing where they write letters on Fridays.

But I'm not really a blogger.

So I'm writing some letters memos post-it-note-sized-thoughts to some important people on a Tuesday at 1:29 am.

Can you say rebel?

Dear Sean Lowe (The Bachelor), You make my Monday nights go 'round you big aryan hunk o' beef.  The way you shamelessly flaunt those abs like your middle name is The Situation.  The way you awkwardly almost laugh your way into every sentence.  The way you squeeze yourself into those Old Navy waldo-worthy board shorts circa 1997 for a little hot tub action.  You sir are reality tv gold and I cannot get enough. Thank you Sean's parents and thank you ABC.

In all seriousness I adore him and hope he finds love on the show. But...nobody's watching for that anymore.

Dear new year's resolution-ers, I applaud you. Seriously. You have the spirit of a unicorn and I find you amazing and inspiring. You really believe that 2013 is the year you'll shed that baby weight that's been sticking around for a few decades.  You're powering it out on the eliptical machine at a whopping level 3 for 45 minutes twice a week! You've completely cut out Twizzlers and Sunny D...probably even (gasp!) Hot Pockets.  However...we all know you're full of s**t.  By March you'll be catching up on your DVR elbow deep in a bag of Hot Fries.  So why dont you just cut your losses, cancel your gym membership, and take that $25 straight to Target for some Spanx instead. It's too hot in there with all you people milling around and I need my space when spastically kickboxing and burpee-ing my face off in class.  Please?  

Dear Economy, By now you know you're on my s**t list.  I graduated in 2010 and I'm not even famous or a millionaire yet.

But seriously.

You're getting on my last nerve. Shape up or shut up. I didn't really expect to get laid off twice before I turned 25. And it's fine. Because I've convinced my self that I'm a badass and that this is just funemployment that I'll fondly look back on and laugh one day (ha-mother-freaking-ha-ha).  But time is running out. Homegirl needs to pay some bills. So please...be a doll and cough up a job or seven for me by next month.

Dear bloggers all ova da worrrrrld, Yall make Facebook look like such a dweeb.  I can't believe I used to spend so much time on there creeping on people I kinda know.  Stalking you people is supremely more entertaining and addicting.  Your jokes, your selfies, your DIY projects, your incredible life stories that make me feel like a loser get off the couch and at least think about doing something, your style, your tips, your product reviews, your makeup tutorials, your vlogs, and most of all...your giveaways. Thank you blog to the gerz. You really are the best and I have so much fun reading! Wanna be friends?

Style Scrounge-Up

Disclaimer: What you are about to read/see is a very pathetic attempt to join the elite club
that is the fashion blogging world.

From a Kentucky girl.

With no money.

And no fancy camera.

Sit down, everyone. I know you're excited.

Actually what happened is...............

I was Facebook stalking myself (what? you don't do that?) and started to feel super lame that most of the pictures of me suck so I was determined to find a few diamonds in the rough. Surely I looked nice...like twice since 2010 right?

By the way...are the rest of you working for Facebook as models?

You with your gorgeous smiles and sassy hair and fantastic lighting and clear un-filtered photos?

Where's the tutorial on this?

Until one of you shares your secrets...this is what you get.

A quick look at some of my favorite outfits over the past few years.

Hold your horses.

Dress: Judith march

Bag: Steve Madden from TJMaxx

Location: Keeneland

Drink: Vodka, soda, & lime

Bet: Winning!

Dress: Francescas

Dog: Jibbles Jellison, the bourbon-and-coke drinking wonder dog

Location: Chicago!

Dress: Express (I know, right?)

Shoes: Steve Madden from Dillards

Location: Chicago (NYE last year)

really really awkward photo of me attempting to be a limbo bar...I'm sorry...

Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg from the Neiman's Outlet

Shoes: Aldo

Bangle: Lexington boutique, Bluetique

Location: Katie's wedding

Dress: Lexington boutique, Monkees

Bangle: Lexington boutique, Bluetique

Tan: care of my addiction to the sun

Location: my old house before going to Thursday Night Live

Skirt and shirt: Lexington boutique, Bluetique

Shoes: (OLD) Michael Kors

Hat: Badgley Mishka from Dillards

Bangle: Lexington boutique, Bluetique 

Location: My old house before traveling to Louisville for Derby

Heyo - repeat skirt appearance and...is that the same bangle I see? I'm the worst...

Skirt: Lexington boutique, Bluetique

Top: Cynthia Rowley from TJMaxx

Shoes: Chinese Laundry

Bangle: Y'all know the drill by now (2012 was the year of the bangle for this gal)

Location: My current apartment before Keeneland

So there. That's my attempt at playing catch up as a fashion blog.

Do I get to join your club now?

No?

Well...once I master the selfie...that no-teeth-showing smile, sparkling off-to-the-side eyes, carefree leg cross, and cutesy head cock...you'll want me fashion bloggers. You'll want a piece of this.

In the meantime let's do a little roundup of these photos:

1. Somebody loves black and white

2. Somebody loves their gold bracelet

3. Somebody always poses with one hand on hip (also known as...somebody thinks this makes their arms look skinnier)

4. Somebody loves dresses

5. Somebody (okay, it's me) was either already drinking or on her way to drink in every. single. picture.

And on that note...I'll bid you...CHEERS!

It might be 10:45 am but it's Friday and if Kathie Lee and Hoda have taught me anything...it's that drinking in the morning is the best way to start your day.

Happy New Year!

Happy 2013 ladies.

I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and New Years.

I spent 2 weeks with my family and spent NYE in Chicago with my best friends.

I can't imagine spending the end of the year any other way :) :)

So...lets talk about What's IN and What's OUT for 2013. At least for moi.

IN:

Getting a job/Keeping a job

Taking more classes at the gym

Taking more fashion risks

Reading lots of books

Celebrating life's big and small moments

UK Basketball

UK Football

The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Bachelor Pad (always)

Getting more involved at church

Visiting friends

Spending time on the beach

Blogging

DIY projects

OUT:

Getting sick 

Getting laid off from jobs (booooo)

Being lazy

Naked fingernails

Drama

Kesha & Adele (I'm sorry but I'm over it)

Jersey Shore 

Being addicted to technology (boyfriend I'm looking at you - but I've been guilty of it too)

Fast food

Sleeping with makeup on (eek!)

I've made a decision.

That 2013 is going to be my best year ever!

I'm due.

And there's no reason it can't be :)

Have any resolutions or hopes for this year?

What's in for you? Out?

Christmas Par-tay

Merry Christmas everyone.  Hope you had a day full of love :)

Thought I'd share a few quick outfit pics for 2 very different holiday parties I attended last Saturday.

The bf took me to his office Christmas dinner...and then straight to his college friend's tacky sweater party. You can see the outfit dilemma this presents right?

Right.

Fortunately we ended up passing on the tacky sweater situation and went in our normal clothes.

BUT...here's what I originally planned.

For the office dinner:

 - striped blouse from The Limited

- black skirt from H&M

- black Steve Madden pumps

- green necklace from Forever 21

And for the tacky sweater party make 1 switch:

- men's red and green plaid shirt from...Goodwill (that's right, I said it)

I think it would have been a perfect and super easy transformation had I needed to do it :)

And by the way...

I've since become a bit crazed about this shirt.  I've worn it with my faux fur vest and jeans. I've worn it with black leggings and boots. I've worn it as a nightgown.  The possibilities are endless. 

Or maybe I've just convinced myself that wearing a man's shirt is appropriate because it is so.damn.comfortable.

Either way - I highly recommend browsing the racks of your local Goodwill and snagging one up.

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE.

Merry Christmas again!

I'll post more holiday pictures soon.

The Present Project

Is anyone else struggling with gift ideas this year?

What is it about 2012 that is stumping me?

Damn Mayans got me all flustered, yall!

I have the boyfriend's gift done & done.

And that. is. it.

Mom

Dad

Sister

Brother

Sister in law

Brother in law

3 nephews

1 niece

Yikes!

I have ideas for the kiddos.

But everyone else is giving me a migraine. I just cant get excited about anything I see!

I'm usually a fairly creative gift giver and I really dont want to think I hit my gift giving peak at 23 ya feel me?

So now it's a challenge and I'm more determined than ever.

My family will love their gifts. It's a must.

SUGGESTIONS WELCOME bloggie friends ;)

Because seriously...

every gift suggestion list, slideshow, magazine page, etc. is absolutely horrid.

Has anyone ever read through those "What to get the guy that has everything" or 

"One of a kind gift" lists and said "Why, yes, my brother would LOVE a wireless computer mouse with tiger ears and a tail...in 2012" or "Of course - my Mom has been dying for a $79 tray with a picture of a gypsy on it because she's so unique" ?

I haven't.

Boo.

What are you guys getting for family and friends this year? 

Any fantastic finds that I must check out?

Bragging rights

We are 5 hours away from December.

Is anyone else in complete shock?

No?

So you must own a calendar huh?

You must have a job that reminds you of the date?

Well.........that makes sense.

I, however, have allowed December to sneak up on me.

25 days, y'all.

So many movies to watch, sweets to bake, gifts to buy, parties to attend (I wish), & glasses of wine to drink!

I hope everyone has lots of fun plans for the Christmas season :)

I'll try to share some of my best Christmasy moments over the next few weeks.

BUT FIRST - I just have to share a mini victory in my life.

While I was home for Thanksgiving I went to the Gap clearance store.

It's always been a sweet little hidden gem near my parents' house but now that Piperlime is a part of the Gap/Banana/Old Navy family...this place is like heaven.

If you're willing to dig and pick through racks and piles (my favorite hobby but not for the faint of heart), you can really find some steals.

For instance I bought:

These 3 sweaters from Gap (that are currently in stores) all for $9.99 each.

This sweater from Banana for $12.99 and Joes jeans for $29:

Selfie shot. Haven't done one of these in a while!
(excuse the bra in the background - that "decorative" ladder becomes my drying rack)

And this vest from Banana (also currently in stores) for $29:

Come. On.

It was a religious experience you guys.

Which is why I had to brag!

I knew you fashionistas would appreciate it ;)

So, did yall do any Black Friday shopping or outlet shopping the last few weeks?

Get any to-die-for deals?

You know I want to hear about it.

la biblioteca

Hey fancy faces.

It's Friday again.

And I can't decide if this week went by fast or slow.

So I guess that means it went by...normalish?

Anyway, I have good news and things to share!

First, I have an interview at a fantastic organization.

For the sake of not jinxing it or revealing too much about whether it's a full time job, part time job, volunteer opportunity, internship, etc...that's all I'm going to say.

But - YAY!

Say your prayers and cross your fingers.

I'll share more when I can :)

Second, I'm on a big library kick lately.

Borrowing books is free.

Borrowing books is fun.

Borrowing books makes you smart.

Borrowing books causes nostalgia.

I can't make a better case than that.  If you're not convinced by that argument then you might just have a stone cold heart...or an iPad.  Or maybe I'm not that good at arguments.

Guess that's why I'm the only one of my friends not  in law school ;)

So here's what I'm reading now:

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.  

It's set in the 1800s.  

Tragedy.  Love.  Strength.  Transformation.

I'm about 60 pages in.  Because I'm a bit of a wuss, it was hard to get through the beginning of the story as it's quite heartbreaking but now I'm hooked and thankful my boyfriend went out with his friends tonight because I curled up in bed with tea and got to read this totally girly book. Who knew?

Anyway, I totally recommend looking into it.

Next up:

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling.

This is kind of a no-brainer right?  This woman can do no wrong in my opinion.

Has anyone read this yet?  What do you think?

Harry Potter fans unite! 

And after that:

Matched by Ally Condle.

I've been told it's similar to Hunger Games with a bigger focus on romance.

Sounds right up this girl's alley!

(by the way, I've always found that to be a very dirty phrase. just me?)

The best part about this book is that it's a series.

Needless to say, me and LexPubLib are becoming quite cozy with one another.

Anyone else reading something fantastic?

Thankfulness

In case you didn't know...it's almost Friday. 

Happy Dance.

I have no plans this weekend and in true old lady fashion...I'm very happy about it.

I will be watching UK pound Maryland on Friday of course. GO CATS!

The rest of the weekend will look like this:

clean, laundry, read, watch a movie, eat yummy food, drink wine, 

laugh with friends, and enjoy the 60 degree weather in November.

Party on Wayne.

But first, I have to get serious for just a moment. Uh oh!

I voted on Tuesday.

My family voted Tuesday.

My friends voted Tuesday.

Kentucky voted Tuesday.

I am so proud!

But we lost.

And in all honesty, I'm still pretty bummed and scared for the next 4 years and my job situation.

BUT...

Despite my sadness and disappointment (and a bit of venting on Twitter), I've been trying to stay positive and remember that at the end of the day, my life is not my own. 

My life is God's.  

He is the King of the universe.  

He wants the best for me and my family.  

He promises to prosper me and give me hope and a future. 

He never fails.

We all need to be reminded of that, especially me.

It got me thinking about the direction of our country though.

We are losing our traditional values.

We are losing our moral compass.

We are losing our faith in and reliance on God.

And it breaks my heart.

No wonder our country has become spoiled, lazy, entitled, promiscuous, critical, angry, self-absorbed, cut-throat, and confused...just to name a few.

Humans are not meant to live without a relationship with God.

We are not meant to make things up as we go along.

We have a purpose.

We've been given a guide.

And very few are using it and living it.

And it is a tragedy.

And a crisis.

And I hate, truly hate, that everyone doesn't know the freedom and satisfaction and love that comes from following our Creator.

So I find myself turning from angry and disappointed over an election (how trivial) to thankful for Christ and humbled by His decision to give up His life for me.  

Just the fact that I was chosen to know Him and worship Him is incredible.  

There are so many people that don't know His love.  

How blessed am I to have a personal relationship with him that anchors my life and directs my path?

So although I know the next 4 years will have their ups and downs, I also know that God will provide.

I can wake up every day with that peace.

What an amazing gift.

Since this is the month to be thankful...I have to say...I know exactly what I'm the most thankful for.

It's FALL Y'all!

Were you hoping for another post about pumpkins? Perfect...

Chris invited me to go with him to Boyd Orchard Monday afternoon because he had the day off work.  Love when he thinks of fun daytime dates!  

We browsed through the store buying things like local honey (me), onion ring batter (him), carmel apples (me), potato soup mix (me), fried chicken something-or-other (him), chili (him), etc.  

Then we walked through the pumpkin patch comparing sizes and shapes of pumpkins like the experts we aren't.  

Both of us realized we hadn't been to a pumpkin patch in at least 10 years.  I was quickly reminded of that when we were the only adults there without children. YOLO people.  

Finally, we each found a pumpkin worth taking home.

Mine was perfectly round and symmetrical with a good stem for carrying.  His was 1 pound bigger than mine (because he's the most competitive boy on the planet) and oblong.

Opposites attract!?

We grabbed a yummy burger at Hugh Jass and headed to his house to carve away.  

We both got really excited when we found our carving patterns online.

Here is the before and after:

This is my version of making a political statement.  Chris chose to show off his misguided fanhood by carving the script Louisville "L".  Bless his heart - he wasn't born with Kentucky blue blood running through his veins.  (can you say house divided??)

Regardless, it was a really fun day with my favorite boy and there was only 1 casualty...

JUST KIDDING! We also bought vampire blood for absolutely no reason at all.

OOoohhhhhhh. So scary.

This weekend were going to a costume party at a friend's house.

I was just made aware of this plan today (WEDNESDAY!) so I don't have a costume together yet.

I'm thinking I either want to be Katniss from the Hunger Games

OR

Tanning Mom.

I'm obsessed with HG and I already own combat boots so Katniss would be easy and I'd feel like a badass.

However I also own a jankity old blonde wig and lots of tanning lotion and bronzer...so Tanning Mom would be easy, culturally relevant, and funny.

What to do? What to do? Help!

Pretty pumpkins

It's Monday.  I'm catching up on work that I needed to do Friday but Lexington was under an internet outtage. An outtage. Like...did we run out of internet as a city?  Mercy!  So as with most Mondays...I'm just trying to get through.  Instead of yammering on about that I'll share a little project I completed on Friday afternoon :)

I bought a few baby pumpkins the other day and since I can't leave anything in it's original condition...I painted them.  I've been seeing these adorable painted pumps all over Pinterest so I thought I'd give it a whirl.

I decided to do a polka dot design first using my Martha Stewart Gold Glitter paint and paint sponge.

Pretty self explanatory.  I evenly distributed the dots around the pumpkin and then cleaned up any drips as it was drying.  So easy!

Next I thought I'd do a chevron-ish zig zag pattern in white so I grabbed a bottle of basic white acrylic paint and a medium width brush (about 1 inch) and went for it!  Now, if I had more time I would have used painter's tape to create the pattern - but this was a quick project so I decided to free-hand the design.  I did the thick zig zag first and the smaller one second.  I used the smaller brush to clean up the edges :)

Ta-da!

Would you be surprised to know that I want to buy about 10 more and decorate them all?  No, you wouldnt?  Okay then!

I'm supposed to carve pumpkins with the boyfriend this week.  What should I carve?  UK themed?  Scary?  My initials?  What do you think?

30 before 30

Hello my darlings. Welp...as per usual...I'm only posting a few times a month. At least I'm consistent in my inconsistency!?

So I was looking for inspiration and I thought I'd take some ideas from my fellow bloggers. Allow me to introduce you to my 30 Things To Do Before I'm 30.  I'll be honest with you...I'm 24 and I don't really think about the big 3-0 very much.  But as I was writing this I thought, "I need to get on it!" And that sent me into a mini freak out...until I was thoroughly distracted by the Dr. Drew update with Amber from Teen Mom from prison.  Thanks, MTV.  Back to the list:

30 before 30 (in no particular order)

1. Visit Europe
2. Take a beach vacation with my best girls
3. Get engaged (I hope!)
4. Land a career that I am passionate about (non-profit pretty please)
5. Buy my own car
6. Do the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
7. Visit Las Vegas
8. Visit Washington, DC
9. Run a 5K
10. Read the whole Bible
11. Become a member of a church
12. Spend New Years Eve in NYC
13. Learn more about horse racing
14. Learn how to research/write/apply for grants (get certified)
15. Visit Harry Potter World
16. Raise $500 for a non-profit organization
17. Master the smoky eye
18. Meet a famous person
19. Go to a live taping of a talk show
20. Buy myself a designer handbag (as a reward for reaching a major goal)
21. Get a facial
22. Go to a farmers market
23. Plan/execute a major event
24. Do something special for Dad and Mom’s 60^th birthdays
25. Live in the same house for more than 1 year
26. Stop being late all the time. Oops!
27. Give something up for Lent
28. Learn to like sushi
29. Read 5-10 books a year
30. Get to know myself better!

 I should probably add #31. Stop watching shows completely centered around teenagers (a la....Teen Mom, Gossip Girl, Laguna Beach)

So what about y'all?  Do you have a list like this?  Any major things I missed?  Am I totally shallow for the handbag goal?  

Freakin' Friday

Heyo.  It's Friday. I don't have anything witty to say because this was the dumbest week in existence.  I'm just glad its the weekend and there are cocktails waiting for me.

What am I doing on this Friday, September the 14th (Happy Birthday Dad!) at 1:20 pm you may ask? Well, I'm staring out my window into this 80 degree day, wondering why it isn't Fall. I'm simultaneously getting mad at myself for wishing away summer.  Someone slap me in January when it's -10 degrees and I have to put on a parka and snow boots to walk outside.

However, because I can't dress for the season in my mind...I'll share my fashion wish list for this Fall...whenever she comes.

Ostlie black flats from Aldo.  They're a moderate smoking slipper and moderately priced...and black. Get in my closet please.

Aldo

Tahari Clementine Suede Flats in Burgundy from DSW.  Oxblood/burgundy/maroon is one of the "it" colors for this Fall.  I don't necessarily care about that but I've always loved jewel tones and I'm definitely a sucker for this style shoe right now, so here she is.

DSW

Sole Society Camila Flat in Leopard from Nordstrom. Last one I promise.  But it's leopard. Come onnnnn.

Nordstrom

Mossimo burgundy jeans from Target. Right color. Right style. Right price.

Target

Milk Stud shirt in white from Tobi.

I love a good button down. They are one of my favorite pieces for Fall year in and year out.

And let's face it...menswear-inspired pieces are making a huge comeback.

There's a gorgeous studded collar.

Note the cutout (that doesnt involve the midriff - thank you!)

LOVE.

Tobi

Tobi

Leopard print blouse (button down preferably...hello predictable girl).

I swear I've never been into animal print before. But apparently I'm having a moment.

So, if someone could track down this pretty gal's blouse that would be fab. It's all over Pinterest with no source. Uh. #firstworldproblems

Everly Sea Island Shimmer dress in taupe from Red Dress Boutique.

Chevron...imagine that.

Also - shimmer, sleeves, shift style.

That'll do ;)

Red Dress Boutique

Cowboygirl boots. If I found a way to put these Ariats on my feet, Lord knows I would. I like their simplicity more than anything. But frankly I'm just hoping to find a sale on a decent leather pair that hits my calf at a flattering height. Is that too much to ask? Probably...

Ariat

Dot Cross Gold bracelet from Derng. 

Because I'm attempting to have a wrist stack up to my elbow. 

Because I love crosses.

And because sometimes sideways is better!

Derng

Here's hoping that at least a few of these items make their way to my closet! What's on your wish list this Fall? Is anyone else silly enough to wish away the 80 degree temps in exchange for fashion?