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?