February 28, 2014

Floral Fridays

dress: american rag // wedges: payless // clutch: jun lee (local) // bracelet: gift





We made it folks! FRIDAY, FRIDAY, FRIDAY! And it surely is a celebrated accomplishment here at M of M, because I am on vacation starting tomorrow!  I only mentioned it a few hundred million a few times but we are hitting the road to Mardi Gras.  I'm focusing on hydrating and Vitamin C intake whilst twirling like a silly girl in this floral dress.  Something about a good flower pattern and ruffles makes me act nine years old.  February, I won't miss you too much and I'm honestly glad you're over.  I'm mad about March and all the madness it has to offer me.  See you next month, my little chickens! 
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February 27, 2014

Define Your Own Life


My friend and I were talking the other day about people we know.  Everyone pretty much seemed to fit in to one of two categories.  Even in these modern times, it seems like there are two broad stereotypes for women and relationships in their 20s and 30s.  The ones who marry young and start popping out kids, and are very family focused.  Then there are the ones who focus on their career, take a little time for themselves, and maybe for other reasons are not married.  It's apparent in pop culture, movies, the people YOU went to high school with, and it's the relative norm.  I don't think it's fair.  This got my wheels turning.  Spouse? Job? 

Was I really defining others on this ONE little factor of life?

I have been like 3 different people since high school, heck, even since college, so I can't fathom having been attached to the same person for the last ten years of that roller coaster from hell.  I can't even imagine my life any other way.  I have learned life lessons at every speed bump to better myself.

I always knew what I wanted to be from the time I was in kindergarten.  (Well for a short time, I wanted to be Shania Twain, but after that.)  I wanted to teach kindergarten.  I had a few hiccups on the college path, focused on some different things, but I came out with a teacher-esque job before I even received my bachelor's.  Ding ding ding! I thought I had it all figured out.  It worked out perfectly, and so I knew I had made the right decision.


Fast forward a few years later and things totally changed.  I wasn't miserable, but I wasn't happy.  I was being stifled creatively and I couldn't even see how unhappy I truly was.  Blessings come in disguise because even though it wasn't completely my decision... Moving on was the best thing to happen to me.
Uh oh, life detour.
At first, I was freaked out.  I spent seven years at one place working my way up.  When you wanted something since you were five, people wonder about you when you just drop off that path.  "You'll find something soon, you were meant to do this!" they would say.  But I didn't want something similar. I wanted a change.  I craved something new.  The problem was that I didn't WHAT I really wanted. So enter the quarter life crisis.

OMG.  I'm getting wrinkles and I don't have the bearded husband (he would totally have a beard.) No cute little house or red-headed babies.  And the one thing I did all on my own (my degree, career, my job) was indefinitely on pause.  Where do I stake my pride? What do I have to be proud of?  I never suffered from lack of self-confidence.  You probably won't meet many bloggers who do.  I've always believed that the way I was raised and encouraged made me the strong and independent person I am today.  (Points to Donna & Gene for that one.)

Why on Earth in 2014 are people still staking their claim in what other people see in them? I am proud of myself and what I've accomplished--even if it didn't turn out the way I drew it in a picture on career day in grade school.  Plus, I always drew myself with bangs.  WTF.

To the type of person that sums me up as a single, 25 year old, basically unemployed resident of TN.  But hey, that's not me, that's just my tax return.  We are all so much more than that.  Even if you're married, single, in school, divorced, jobless, living with your parents, single mother/father, anything... 

You are you.

Even when people ask me what I've been up to, I won't be ashamed for a second to tell them that I am still figuring it out.  On my own.  I'm going to continue being me. Unapologetically.  I mentioned in my last post like this, here, that I wanted to get deeper and post more words from my head and my heart. Not just my closet.  So again, thanks for reading, thanks for being encouraging, and thanks for being YOU.  Someone out there is a better person because you're in their life.  You're a pretty big deal.                                                                                                                                                                      
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February 26, 2014

Bekah and the Real Boots

leggings: h&m // top: riley & james // booties: torrid (here) 
// necklace: lydell nyc // clutch: navoh





Have you ever felt a deep connection with something that will never return the affection?  Like how some people love sweets, professional sports teams, or Ryan Gosling... I LOVE THIS BOOTS.  I coveted them from first sight, even including them in my Spring wish list.  Over the weekend, I made the first move and told the boots exactly how I felt.  They came home with me, no questions asked.  We are trying to take it slow, but every day it feels like the very first time.  It's kind of like Lars and the Real Girl over here, but with way more buckles and sass.  And I say kind of because I didn't pay attention to the movie that much, just the leading man.  These boots are my #1, but Mr. Gosling is a strong #2.

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February 25, 2014

New Orleans Bound

Unless you avoid me on all social media outlets, you are not aware that I am heading to the Big Easy next week for Mardi Gras!  If you're a Twitter/Instagram follower then you are beyond bored of hearing about it already.  I can't help it, y'all, I'm so excited! I am like a little kid who can't sleep the night before Christmas.  I'm making the road trip with one of my nearest and dearest old friends.  We have made the trek every other year since we turned 21 and it has made for some of the best memories.  Since Fat Tuesday is ONE week from today, I wanted to share some of my favorite tastes of New Orleans-style merrymaking with all of my little chickens today!
Un, deux, trois... laissez les bon temps rouler!


I've visited New Orleans more times that I can count.  It is only six tiny hours from Memphis, and I have travleed by car and train to the city of frozen beverages at all different times of the year.  There's no bad time to visit NOLA, but here are some of the things I am most looking forward to doing during Mardi Gras.  I love the sounds of the music on every corner and the traditional costumes mixed in with the crazy bead tossing parade float riders.  From cafe au lait and beignets to hot dog carts and frozen daquriris in 88 oz cups.  You know what, why don't you just come with me!?  Ok deal.
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All images pinned here.

February 24, 2014

Just Another Midi Monday

princeton shirt: target (old) // skirt: tj maxx // scarf: forever 21 // 
wedges: dolce vita // sunglasses: target



Let's hope this Monday is less painful that the previous (and I think I am on the right track with this super fun look!)  I don't normally reach for this longer length of skirt, so it makes sense that it has been hanging unworn in my closet for months.  The midi length style is not going anywhere, any time soon, so I wanted to finally break it out and give it a go! I actually love the way this outfit turned out. I will always be a fan of a vintage tee and a fun skirt forever-ever.  It definitely doesn't hurt than the skirt is flippy and has great movement!  
I think that if every Monday has a little more twirl to it, it wouldn't have such a bad rap.
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February 21, 2014

Friday Pet Peeves

dress: cynthia rowley // cardigan: dots // necklace: gift //
 clutch: enit design (HERE!) // booties: lane bryant (similar)




Sure... everything looks fine right here, right now.  Flash forward to one hour later, when the seemingly lovable cardigan stretched out and became almost twice as long.  With huge bat wings as sleeves, I was basically wearing a sheet draped across my shoulders.  Don't go and judge the beloved blue cardigan just yet.  It has definitely been well-loved and is probably on its last leg.  Clothing that stretches out and betrays you is definitely one of my major pet peeves... which got me to thinking about the other facets of daily life that make steam come out of my ears.  
Let's see there is rush hour traffic, or just basically ALL Memphis traffic/drivers/interstates.
When people drag their forks across their teeth... I will seriously COME AT YOU.
Also, I hate hearing people chew.  At a store, when a clerk follows you around and asks over and over if you need help.  No ma'am I've been doing this for quite some time... I'm good.
When people don't use their blinkers, I turn in to Clark Griswold.
I also get majorly annoyed by "hubby" or "hubs," I mean he didn't lose his name when you got his, ladies.  I could honestly go on and on, but it's Friday and I don't want to start the weekend as a grump.
I hope your weekend is full of happiness and people who eat their food like normal humans.
XO
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February 20, 2014

Spring Wish List

spring wish list 2014




I mentioned a few days ago how truly ready I was for Spring to get its cute lil butt here! I know it is just around the corner, so I am getting my sights set on some superb Spring goodies.
Here's a list of my warmer weather wants:


What are your big wants/needs/must-haves for Spring?  Do tell!


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February 19, 2014

Boho Flow

dress, worn as skirt: target // wedges: payless (similar) // top: target 
 necklace: versona accessories // sunglasses: target (here) // ring & bracelet: gifts




        I don't know if it is the mass amount of Lana de Rey I have been streaming lately, but I have felt much more free-spirit when getting dressed.  Plus, we have been blessed with a glorious warm spell when it comes to weather, so I'm taking full advantage.  Initially, I centered this outfit around the loose flow skirt (it's actually a dress, not a real shock to any longtime readers,) but in the end I love how to draped top looks accompanying it.  One step away from one big potato sack, but I like living life on the edge like that.  The sunglasses were just a natural fit for the look... Do you think Vanessa Hudgens would want to be friends? This is about as boho as I get, but me likey!
        Speaking of weather, I feel like Spring is in my sights!  I will have some of big Spring wish list items up this week.  Happy hump day and best Wednesday wishes to all of my little chickens.

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February 18, 2014

Let's Try This Again...

top: gibson // skinnies: h&m+ (similar) // wedges: payless (similar) // 
necklace: crack in the walk // gold clutch: marc jacobs for target


Boy, that Monday sure was a bummer, huh?  They just don't get easier, little chickens.
On days when I need some extra pepping up (like today, I was still kinda in the funk) I always try to go above and beyond in my appearance.  It is a hope that if my clothes and makeup (the hair is usually a lost cause) are on pointe then hopefully my attitude and energy level will follow.  My heart wanted sweat pants, but my head insisted on my new favorite top and red wedges.  If you asked me a year ago if I would be rocking dressy sweatshirts (here and here) with a passion... I would have laughed at you.  This is my third one, and there's no coming back from this. As far as the funk is concerned, I'm a firm believer in the healing power of a good lipstick and a statement necklace.

What do you reach for when you need to cure the blues?
Assuming it is too early in the day for a cocktail... :)

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Linking up with Laura and Erin today!

February 17, 2014

Funky Monday


dress: dots // shoes: rocket dog via barefoot tess // necklace: lydell nyc // cardigan: old navy
Can we talk about how utterly exhausted I am?  I'm in an overwhelming funk.  It seems like a marathon weekend has passed and little sleep can really take it out a girl.  Even a merrymaker!  Patience levels at an all time low, tired skin, and a mysterious bruise or two (??).  I think I am over February.  I need some fresh inspiration, a nap, and a vitamin c facial.  I did finally make a big purchase this weekend, I grabbed a gorgeous white desk (on sale!) that I have had my eye on at Target.  I feel much more organized and ready to blog from my new tableau! Hopefully inspiration will follow and this funk will fade.  I think more retail therapy is on the agenda.  I'm hoping a TJ Maxx and a venti vanilla latte will cure the blues this morning.  Happy Monday to my little chickens!
Scroll on down to check out a little bit of my weekend wrap-up.

1.  House of Cards season 2 released on Friday and I have almost gotten all the way through it.  I'm obsessed with Frank Underwood.
2.  I sang some karaoke over the weekend (a favorite activity, second to margaritas) probably one reason why I am so tired.  Performing is intense business :)
3.  Rocking my Christmas present from one of my best friends on Sunday.  If crystals really do have energizing properties, I am totally down with giving it a try!
4.  Loving my round frame sunglasses, from Target!
XO
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February 15, 2014

Second Play Saturday

I don't normally post on saturdays, but I wanted to interrupt the usual radio silence and share this song.  I don't know how in this whole wide, ever-loving world I overlooked this Adele bonus track when her album came out.  I mean- I know I heard it a few times, but it never resonated with me the way it did this week. I love her raw emotion and her ability to write songs with lyrics that cut to the core of humanity.  She is succeeding in parlaying to me what I imagine dear ole Taylor Swift does with teens and tweens.  All this to say, I am starting a bit of a new theme that will randomly pop up when the mood strikes.  Second Play Saturday... for that song you've heard before, but you are now hearing in a different way for the first time.  I think we can all relate to that.  I feel a bit like Delilah right now...
For the first addition, my doppleganger (yeah right) and British love of my life (besides Harry Styles)... 

I Found A Boy by Adele


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image via here