How cute is this fucking outfit? Sorry, I'm being all Kimye about it but I felt so good in this sucker and I won't apologize for that. I tried a couple different tops with the skirt but you can't beat a chambray shirt especially with coral. The pairing is just perfection. I got several compliments on my skirt which I was so pumped about. The best part is it looks so put together but has a stretchy waist so you can totes eat a cheeseburger and not feel like you might be cut in half. I will definitely be rocking this in different variations for the foreseeable future.
Blue Light Glasses. An important read for all of those who, like myself, use corrective lenses to get through life.
The absolute sexiest live performance of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls. Hell, by any band. Don't look up recent photos of John Rzeznik though. Just enjoy this video and leave it be.
I know I know the royal wedding happened weeks ago so why am I still hung up on it?
I just am ok. Get off my back.
I've always been fascinated with the royals because growing up in the 90s Princess Di's face was on every magazine in the grocery store and clips of her and all of her humanitarian work filled my TV screen. I've read her book and watched I don't even know how many specials. I fell in love with her alongside the rest of the world. I am the same age as Prince Harry. I used to have a crush on Prince William but now I'm all about the ginger of the family. I remember mourning Diana's death while in middle school. I still have a very vivid memory of that horrific time. My mom and I watched the funeral coverage at my grandpa's house. As I got older my love for history in general grew. British history specifically was just always my cup of tea. GET IT. (And I don't even like tea.) The Crown has fueled my love of all things British even more so.
I woke up at 5:30 AM the Saturday of the wedding since they are about 5 hours ahead. The coverage had already began and I just snuggled into our comfy leather chair and took it in. The first guest was Oprah. I love how punctual she was. It was said several times that if anyone is late they will not be allowed in so it seems she took it even more serious than most. My concern was how far the guests had to walk. It looked like miles until they finally made it inside the church but maybe that's an exaggeration on my part. I'd be in flats if that were the case.
I loved that Meghan went very simple and natural with both her dress and makeup. She's already changing the game and I'm so here for it. I also love that her mom rocked her nose ring. I wonder how that conversation went between her and the Royals. Either way she, too, looked amazing. The ceremony itself was a little much for me as I'm not religious. If I'm going to be honest I dipped out for breakfast at this point and made it back in time for Michael Curry's speech about fire which I enjoyed. Even more than that I loved the 'Stand by Me' performance. Their first kiss surrounded by flowers was what dreams are made of. I just could not get enough. I still can't get enough. Dustin thinks I'm insane and of course doesn't understand my or anyone else's interest in the whole ordeal but that's ok. Is it all over the top? Yes. Are most of the traditions completely outdated? Yes. Are some of the rules completely ridiculous? Absolutely. I totally get all of that but I still love it all. I even watched the Lifetime movie about them and a TLC special. Both were great if you're into that kind of thing.
With all of the horrors going on in the world, and in America specifically, I don't think it's such a bad thing to enjoy a couple's wedding even if that couple is royalty and complete strangers. Love is all you need.
Katie and I met in our second year of college in 2004 because we had several Interior Design classes together. She and I both had a lot of change happen within that next year within relationships and just not sure where to go next in life. She and I both made the decision around the same time that we didn't want to pursue Interior Design any longer. That damn textile class was no joke and sucked our souls out and was the final nail in the coffin, at least for me. She moved back to Palm Coast and I started working full time.
It's been 13 years since we dropped out of college but thankfully our journey as friends kept on going. In that time we both got married and she had Aubrie and Kierce and we've had different jobs and different houses and pets and the whole shebang. Life comes at you fast.
I always thought it was pretty unfair to make an 18 year old choose what they wanted to be so young in life. I mean, sure there are those that were born knowing that they want to be an artist or nurse or archeologist and then there is everyone else who is just anxious, confused, and unsure and go along with what society expects of them. I was a part of the latter. I didn't have a calling or a passion that I could translate into a degree, so I didn't. I still don't have any desire to go back to school. I don't feel less than without a degree. I never have. I've had my own share of successes (and certainly some failures) in my career but as of right now it isn't for me. I think we all must remember that there are so many paths to choose from and we all must make the right choice for ourselves in every aspect of life.
Katie went back to school last year and I was a bit surprised but I was also really proud of her for giving it another go especially with so much more on her plate than 13 years ago. She kept it low key but then started to tell me how she was acing one class after another and I could just see this spark in her. There was a fire of determination growing with each semester. I know there are multiple reasons for her return to college but I know the main one is she wanted to follow in her father's footsteps as a teacher. She has worked her ass off and although I know she has a couple years left I know she is enjoying this stepping stone accomplishment. I am overwhelmed with pride for her.
Because I recently started a new job I was unable to attend her graduation since it was in the middle of a week day BUT thanks to Jess and Misty and technology I watched the live stream and saw her in real time have her name called and walk across the stage with that huge grin. I was silently fist pumping for her.
There isn't anything you can't do. You're halfway there and although it's going to get much harder and we will undoubtedly have less time together while you focus on your course work I will be here throughout it all and help in any way I'm able.
I'd also like to point out that Pat also graduated. His took place a week or so before Katie's did and he didn't tell us of any kind of livestream situation. If I had known that was a thing we totally would have watched him walk too!
I am so happy for my friends and their many accomplishments. I can't wait to see what else they set their minds too.
This was my first casual Friday look at my new job. These jeans are my new favorite. I mean, they are actually called "power jeans" at Old Navy and I have to say I feel pretty damn powerful in them. They are absolutely the perfect straight leg jean. I also got them in a lighter denim because why the hell not. The top is so comfortable with it's light airy fabric and larger sleeves. To top it off I wore my new sandals which are so commutable. I love the mix of brown and blue. Also what makes them so damn comfortable is the blue straps are elastic so as you walk they stretch when needed. I felt casual but completely put together. I just wore this exact outfit out and about yesterday for a movie and lunch with Dustin. It's my new fave!
I hate that Mother's Day is automatically some special wonderful day when the truth is it's pretty damn complicated for most families. But I guess that is life. It's messy. I absolutely loved the below meme that I saw several people post because I think it really encompasses the realness of all the way women might not be keen on celebrating the day. We all can't know every single persons story or struggle but just to have an awareness that not everyone has some picture perfect relationship with their mother or as a mother themselves is nice.
I met my mom at FirstWatch for breakfast on the Saturday before Mother's Day. We are alike in that we both wanted to avoid crowds as much as possible. It was her first time there and she really seemed to love it. It's one of mine and Dustin's go-to breakfast spots. They always have such quality food.
As soon as I got there my mom made the waiter take about 20 photos of us. He was super sweet about it but I felt bad since photographer isn't really part of his job description. She really was appreciative of the flowers. I also burned her some CDs. Yeah, old school style. Deal with it. She just got a smart phone last year so I can't throw digital music out there.
I asked Dustin to take photos of me with my "children" on Mother's Day after getting home from the Deland Indie Market. They kind of cooperated. I mean, can we all zoom in on Olive's face and her eyes specifically. She is plotting my murder. I love these two little shits and although I'm not a mom-mom I'm a cat mom and for me it's just as awesome. Dustin bought me a "Mother of Cats" shirts which I will most definitely wear with pride.
Listen to Bloodline by Harper Grae aka Shanna Henderson about her complicated mom relationship.
I met the girls at Trilogy Coffee but then we immediately had to walk back to Katie's car because in true Katie fashion she forgot her debit card. Ha! The girls finally got their real coffee aka not my jam. I'll stick to the old faithfuls, you know, a Starbucks/Dunkin situation. I'm not at their level and I've accepted that.
We Indie Marketed like so many times before. Like if you haven't been to one of these and you're local, what are you waiting for? They've got the best one of a kind goods. This time around just about everything I bought was cat related. I got a "Cat Mom" pin, cat magnets, a cat butthole sticker (yeah you read that right), and the funniest print I own. It was a lovely time with my Zinzi ladies except the excruciating heat. Like sweat was dripping down every crack I have. I legit was melting. We zipped around and bolted into the A/C.
I got my 'Wind Beneath My Wings' print from the talented Creechers (aka Madison and Matthew Creech). They are quote the clever duo. Their work cracks me up and is just so original.
Some other booths that I enjoyed bought/will be buying from are:
