Winter Bucket List

Is it too soon to start talking about Christmas?!? haha!  I always say that I will take one holiday at a time, and Thanksgiving was yesterday soooo.....I'm saying it's okay.  In my family we've always had special traidtions around Christmas time, and I would love to continue those with my daughter.  And start some new traditions as well.  

What are some of the things that you do every year around this time?

I have so much to be thankful for

I just wanted to stop in really fast to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there, and to share a list of 5 things that I am thankful for.

I am thankful...

//  to be able to spend this day with mine and my husband's family, and start new traditions with our little one

//  for some of the best friends a girl could ever ask for

//  to have the best husband in the whole world, who loves me even at my worst and is my biggest fan and strength when I need it most

//  for my daughter's sweet cuddles and kisses every day

//  that I found this amazing blogging community.  It has given me an amazing outlet to express myself and I have "met" so many wonderful people

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, food, and laughter.  Don't get too crazy with the Black Friday shopping ;-)

New glasses - Firmoo review

When Firmoo recently contacted me about doing a review of their glasses, I couldn't have been more excited!  You may remember seeing my outfit post earlier this week of me in my old glasses.  I mentioned that I wasn't absolutely crazy about them, and they have also seen better days.  So, I was definitely in the market for new glasses.  I was also finding that the old pair didn't seem to fit me as well as I would have liked.  They were constantly falling off of my head!

The glasses I received are priced at $36.00 - that's it!  I mean seriously, what a deal!!  You have the option at checkout of including various extras like anti-reflective coating which are an additional cost. The glasses came in a nice hard case, a cleaning cloth, a soft carrying case option, and a mini screwdriver keychain.

As soon as I put them on, I knew I was in love. They fit me perfectly!  I didn't have the initial shock to my eyes that you get when you put on a new set.  They got my prescription perfect.  The frames are great quality, much sturdier than my last pair (that were close to $200, by the way!).  And they even stay on my head! haha!

The website is very easy to navigate and you can search by shape, material, size, color, etc.  You also have the option of uploading your own picture instead of the using the stock photos for a virtual “try-on” session. Once your picture is loaded onto the site, every pair of glasses you view will offer the option of showing them on your photograph. This gives you an idea of what the glasses are going to look like. So helpful, because I was really nervous about what they would look like on me since I've never ordered glasses online before.

The checkout process was very straightforward and easy.  Honestly, the hardest part of the process was choosing a pair of frames. There are so many great styles to choose from and I am probably the most indecisive person in the whole world.

I am very happy to promote Firmoo and will definitely consider purchasing a second pair from them.  If you are in the market for a new pair of glasses and have never tried Firmoo before, now is you chance!  They are offering their First Pair FREE Program!  If you've already been a customer that's great too!  They are currently having a Thanksgiving Sale to save 20% on all frames sitewide with the code: THANKS.

So what do you think of my new glasses??

**This is a post sponsored by Firmoo. I received free glasses in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.**

25+ Tall Girl Problems

I always see the lists of problems for short girls (or as my best friend says, "vertically challenged") and while I can see the frustrations; I've never seen a list for the tall girls like myself.  So I decided to make a list of the things that drive me super crazy about being tall.

//  All of the cute dresses that would be an appropriate length for other people, barely cover your butt.

//  You can't dry your clothes because you are afraid they will shorten/shrink

//  One size fits all??  Lies!

//  You have to buy all tops/dresses in a size bigger just so it reaches below your navel.  And then it's super baggy because you are also thin.  Boo!

//  The "awkward lean/knee bend" you have to do in photos so everyone is in the picture

//  Painting your toenails is a struggle because they are so far away

//  No adorable rompers unless you enjoy cameltoe

//  Long-sleeve shirts don't even make it to your wrist

//  Having to wear undershirts with everything

//  Not wanting to wear heels because you would be taller than your husband and look like a giant next to your girlfriends

//  Having to slow down when walking with your shorter friends because one of your strides is 3 of theirs

//  Boob-to-face hugs.  Always awkward..

//  You have bad posture from trying to appear shorter than you actually are

//  Not being able to cross your legs under a desk

//  Bathroom stalls that you can see over while standing, so you end up with really awkward eye contact...

//  Stretching and hitting your hands on the ceiling fan....yep, it's happened

//  Baths.  There is no way possible to cover your knees and chest at the same time!

//  Everyone says: "You must be really good at basketball".  Actually no, I'm not...but I'm REALLY good at soccer, so come here and let me kick you in the head.

//  The backache you get from stooping down to do dishes

//  Not being able to lay straight on your bed so your feet hang over, making them fair game for the monsters to get them.  True story

//  Trying to wash your hair when the shower head is lower than you

//  Trying to find a maxi dress that actually touches the ground

//  Cramped theater/airplane seats.  Do anyone's legs actually fit comfortably?

//  Yes, the weather is in fact the same "up here".  Thank you for asking

//  Not being able to swap clothes with friends

//  All shorts are "short shorts"

//  You hit your head on your friend's chandelier/light fixture ALL THE TIME

//  The hairdresser has to stand on a stool to cut your hair, even after lowering your chair as much as she could.  Don't judge me!  She was just under 5 foot tall!

Are there any other tall ladies out there?!  Did I miss any??

OUTFIT: A night out

 A couple weekends ago my husband and I got to go out to the theater for a nice date night.  His birthday was last week so my mom bought us tickets to see a live action comic book show and it had a sci-fi theme so he was in dorky heaven. haha!  They projected comic book art onto a screen and 3 actors created the voices for all of the characters.  It was pretty funny because at times they did multiple peoples voices, so it was interesting to see them switch back and forth.

It was REALLY cold so I decided to wear a nice sweater tunic with leggings, a leather jacket, and a skull print scarf....  I was still cold.  I'm such a wimp!  I tied a belt around my waist just to add a little something to it.

 Since the show was comic book related, I assumed there would be some reading of the screen involved, so I brought my glasses.  I don't wear them very often but my husband likes them.  They never really grew on me. lol.

The show was fairly short so we weren't out very long but it was nice just to get out and have some "us" time without the baby.

Has the cold weather hit where you live yet?  Have you seen snow yet?

linking up with: Mis Papelicos, Still Being Molly, Rhea EtCetera, Cha Cha the Fashion Genius and Pink Sole, Bless Her Heart Y'all and 2 Cats and Chloe, I Do deClaire, Induffinitely Me, Shopping My Closet, The Pleated Poppy

DIY: Open When... letters

I've been seeing these "Open When..." cards all over Pinterest and I think they are the cutest and sweetest idea ever!  My husband is the romantic type so I knew he would love this.  

For the people who have never heard of this; you basically create a bunch of different letters for the recipient to open at different times.  You can also fill the envelopes with momentos, memes, candy, anything!  I also made my own envelops just to make them more fun looking then plain old white ones.  

As I was starting this project I realized that my printer was out of ink so I was going to have to create everything by hand.  I was going to fill them with a billion memes and cute animal pictures, so this was a HUGE bummer!  But I guess in the end it made it more personal anyway.

I thought I would share what I filled some of my envelopes with to give you an idea on how to start your own.  Above each picture I will tell you the "topic" of the envelope, and below I will share what I put in mine and give you a few more ideas!

 Open when....

You want to know how much I love you

 Inside: A list of 100 reason why I love you, folded handprint craft: on the front it says "I love you" and inside "This much", Coupon (for whatever you want), love quotes, picture from our wedding day, a personal love letter

You Can't Sleep

 Inside: Hot tea bag, goodnight kisses, a relaxing photo of us at our favorite place, the beach, with a little note of the back

You are super bored

 Inside: here is where it started to get really tricky...I found all of these printouts online BUT my printer wasn't working...so I made them by hand.  Excuse the sloppiness!  Mazes, puzzles, Crossword puzzle, Word search, Random facts

You want to feel like a Superhero

 My husband is a HUGE comic fan so this was a must!! lol!  Inside: I drew a picture of Spiderman and put his head on it, Spiderman mask, Superhero stickers, and a photo of memory of when he was my hero

You are feeling stressed

Inside: Bubble wrap with a note that says "Pop 3+ bubbles as needed", inspirational quotes, stress management tips, mini bottles of alcohol, Coupon for a free backrub, Hersey kisses

Here are a 15 more topic ideas:  Open when...

You need a confidence boost

You are mad at me

You are sick

You miss me

You feel sad

Things get tough

You are worried about the future

You want to know more about me

You're angry at the world

There is a zombie apocalypse

You're feeling naughty

 You need to feel appreciated

You're confused

You need a confidence booster

On special date/holiday/occasion

Have you ever made something like this?  If not, do you think you will give it a try?

linking up with: Modern Pilgrim, Sweet Bella Roos, Artsy Fartsy Mama, Just Us Four, Create With Joy, 

Sooo I may have an addiction to tribal print...

Do you have a certain print that you just can't get enough of??  I have been going through and purging my closet, and while I was looking I noticed I have A LOT of tribal print.  I mean, it's a problem guys!  I already knew that I had an animal print obsession, but now this?!  Oh man, am I in trouble.

I've styled it on the blog FOUR times already!  That's a lot!  Three of the outfits would be great for Fall/Winter, while the last one is more of a Spring/Summer outfit.

A date day with my hubby in a Tribal Midi Dress with leather jacket and booties

 Tribal dress with booties (sadly, I don't own this dress anymore!)

 My First ever outfit post!! Tribal top, leather jacket, and tall leather boots

And probably my favorite!  The mint top with tribal mini skirt.

Which one is your favorite??  Do you have a favorite print that you can't get enough of??

My 10 favorite angsty girl songs from the 90's

Man, it was really hard to narrow this list down to just 10!  There were so many good ones from the 90's!  I have every single one of these on my ipod! haha!  I can't get enough of them.  Sometimes you just have to listen to angry girl music.  Here are my favorites:

1.  Alanis Morissette - "You Oughta Know" (1995)

2.  Natalie Imbruglia - "Torn" (1997)

3.  No Doubt - "Don't Speak" (1995)

4.  No Doubt - "Just a Girl" (1995)

5.  Meredith Brooks - "Bitch" (1997)

6.  Lisa Leob - "Stay" (1995)

7.  Tracy Chapman - "Give Me One Reason" (1995)

8.  Fiona Apple - "Shadowboxer" (1996)

9.  Sheryl Crow - "If It Makes You Happy" (1996)

10.  Jewel - "You Were Meant For Me" (1995)

What were some of your favorites from the 90's?  Who was your favorite "angry" female artist?

OUTFIT: Monochromatic

You may remember this top from my shopping post earlier this month.  This is one of my favorite tops at the moment.  It's so soft and comfortable!  

I wore this outfit to dinner with some of my husband's family.  It's a nice dressy outfit while still being casual enough to be acceptable for a casual restaurant.  I dressed it up a little more with a pearl necklace and bracelet.

 Outfit details: Top: Express |  Bottoms:  PacSun, old! |  Bracelet: Premier Designs Jewelry  |  Necklace: super old, I can't remember!  |  Flats: Charlotte Russe

linked up at: Rhea etCetera, Cha Cha the Fashion Genius and Pink Sole, More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express, I do deClaire, Induffinitely Me, Bless Her Heart Y'all

Currently...

Currently I am...

Loving all of my morning snuggles with my little one.

Reading The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.  It's 662 pages long, so it's definitely going to take me a while but I am loving it so far!

Feeling kind of blah.  Still fighting with this migraines.  Hopefully we can get something figured out soon

Watching The Blacklist.  I'm a couple episodes behind but the show has me hooked for sure.  I've also been watching the first seasons of Orange is the New Black and American Horror Story: Murder House.

Writing a ton of fun new posts for the next couple weeks.  I've been pretty good with scheduling ahead!  Woohoo!  Go me!  lol

Listening to a recording of my father in law's live band show from a couple weekends ago.  My husband is mastering it to a cd for them so they can listen to what changes they need to make and practice with it.  They are really good!  They play stuff like: ZZ Top, Tom Petty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, etc.

Wanting to be able to give our daughter an amazing Christmas.  Money is tight right now, so I'm getting nervous.  I've been buying a couple little things here and there so hopefully it will all come together

Needing to get off of my lazy butt and throw something in the crockpot for dinner!

Hoping to find a good fulltime office job.  Still!  The hunt continues..

Trying to find an awesome birthday present for the hubby next week!  I've got a couple ideas..

What have you all been up to nowadays??

5 Movies that make me ugly cry

source

1. Up - I've never had a movie completely break my heart within the first couple minutes of the movie before.  Every time he looked at her empty chair I teared up.  So heartbreaking!

2. Armageddon- When Harry tells Grace that he won't be coming back and she has to say goodbye.  

3. My Girl- "Where are his glasses?  He can't see without his glasses!"  Terrible big ugly tears!

4. Rent- When Collin's goes up to say goodbye to Angel and sings the "I'll Cover You Reprise".  Ugghhh...again, big fat LOUD ugly tears.  I'm not the type that cries at much but this gets me sobbing every single time.  I tear up even thinking about it.

5. The Fox and the Hound - Yeah ok, I'm a sissy, but when she has to say goodbye to her little fox and releases him into the wild I cry like a baby.  Yep, my little kid heart was broken

I still haven't seen some of the most popular tearjerkers like: A Fault in Our Stars, Stepmom, A Walk to Remember, etc.  I avoid movies that talk about cancer.  I've lost too many loved ones to cancer so it hits me really hard when I have to watch it in a movie. 

What are some movies that always make you cry?

OUTFIT: Brrrr...it's getting cold!!

It has been getting COLD around here, ladies!  The next couple days are supposed to be a little warmer, but then we are getting hit by a big cold front.  Yuck!  I'm a sissy when it comes to the cold.

My favorite "go-tos" when it gets cold are: a really cozy fuzzy sweater, and infinity scarf, and booties.  It just screams warmth to me!  I've been a little obsessed with this cobalt blue color that I've been seeing everywhere.  I love it!

 I'm still not sold on these black booties though...  I bought them online and I LOVED them in the picture.  I didn't realize they they had a built in platform with the heel.  So basically I feel like a giant! lol!  I'm about 5'8" tall so these make me insanely tall.  I was way taller than my hubby when we went out and it made me slightly uncomfortable...lol!  But they're soooo cute!

What do you ladies think?  Keep the booties or get rid of them?? 

I've had them for over a year and have only worn them twice...

linked up at: Rhea EtCetera, Pink Sole and Cha Cha the Fashion Genius, On the Daily EXPRESS and More Pieces of Me, DC in Syle, Bless Her Heart Y'all, I do deClaire, Induffinitely Me, Shopping My Closet, The Pleated Poppy

My birthday surprise!

Remember when I told you that my husband had a surprise for my birthday that he wouldn't tell me about??  He took me on a shopping spree!  What girl wouldn't want that?!  He gave me $150 to shop at my favorite store ever, Express!  I also got another $100 of spending money for my birthday from my father in law!  AND a $25 Express gift card from my best friend.  My husband's original idea was a night out with my girls at a Sip and Paint event but it was too hard to organize with all of my friends/families crazy schedules.

We went out to eat and had cake with my family and then he took me out shopping.  Here are the things that I got while I was out:

I also got a new perfume from Victoria's Secret!  I still have $50 leftover!!  But that still means I spent around $200 on my crazy shopping spree! haha!  Sooo needless to say, I am cut off for the month of November....unless it's for Christmas!

Expect to see some of these items again for outfit posts!!

How do you think I did with $200??  That's a lot of stuff!!

Have you ever gotten to go on a fun shopping spree??

20 ways to make him feel special

1. Write him a love note and hide it somewhere he will find it (wallet, computer, briefcase, etc.)
2. Surprise him with a gift. It doesn't have to be something expensive, it could be something that you made for him yourself, or just his favorite drink/snack!
3. Compliment him. - Do you think he has killer eyes? Or do his strong arms make you melt??  Tell him!  You aren't the only one that loves compliments
4. Give him guilt-free time with his friends or to work on his hobbies
5. Lighten his load.  Is there anything you can do to help him out?  Clean out the garage, organize his desk, wash his car, etc.
6. Dress up for him for no reason.  After being with someone for a long time one of the major perks is that you don't always have to look your best, but sometimes we take it a bit too far maybe?  Get all dolled up for him like you would for your first date!
7. Encourage him and support his dreams
8. Make his favorite food.  My grandma believes that the quickest way to a man's heart is his stomach.... and she was married for over 50 years to the same man.  She might know what she's talking about!
9. Praise him in front of his family and friends.  Who doesn't like being bragged about?
10. Kiss him as soon as he comes in the door and every morning before he leaves
11. Play songs that are special to you as a couple from when you were dating
12. Plan a fun day for just the two of you.  Nothing makes a man more crazy then the indecision of figuring out something to do, especially when our response is usually " I don't care".  Instead of making him figure it out plan something you know he will love.  Is your guy an outdoorsy man?  Rent some bikes or go for a hike.  Is he a sports man??  Take him to see a sports game.
13. Give him a massage after a hard day
14. Sit on his lap.  Sometimes guy's like a good snuggle too!
15. Hold his hand.  This one may seem silly, but when you reach over and take his hand it is a great way to connect even if you aren't talking
16. Give him ALL of your attention.  Put down your computer/phone while he's talking to you and actually look him in the eyes.  Listen to what he has to say without interrupting.  
17. Choose the sexy pajamas over the comfy flannels jammys sometimes.
18. Flirt with him in public.  It shows him that you are just as crazy about him as you always have been
19. Bring him breakfast in bed.  Come on, you know he's done it for you.  Return the favor!
20. Have supper going so the house smells great when he walks in.

What are some ways that you make your man/woman feel special??

October Highlights and November Goals

Whew!!  October was a super busy month with the Blogtober Challenge hosted by Helene and Tay.  I got to meet a ton of new and amazing bloggers, so thank you ladies for hosting!

If you've been around for the past month then you've gotten to learn A LOT more about me.  I shared my pet peeves, a few of my silly superstitions, and shared 30 random facts about me!  That's a whole lot about me!!

I also shared 3 fashion posts with you!  I'm a huge lover of Fall fashion.  Who doesn't love mixing Leather and Lace?!  Or sometimes you just have to go with a classic look with black and white Polka Dots!  If all else fails, check Pinterest!  Who couldn't use a little Pinspiration??

At the beginning of October I shared a few goals with you...I was pretty good with all of them, except for one: Create more art!  I only created ONE painting in October!!  Boo!!  So disappointed in myself!  I will try to do better this month.

Do you remember the painting I did in October?  I painted a watercolor portrait of Iron Man!  What do you think?!

Now for November goals:

//  Create more art!! (this one is being carried over from last month since I didn't follow through)

//  Now that the Blogtober Challenge is over, I will no longer be blogging every single day.  That's a lot of work friends!  I feel like if I try to keep going with that schedule I would burn out pretty quickly.  I WILL be posting 3-5 times a week, so you will still be seeing a lot of me!

//  Keep it up with the outfit posts!  They seem to be a hit and I've had a lot of fun doing them.  I'm working on trying to look less awkward in my poses. haha!

//  Take more photos!  With a REAL camera!  You guys, I have a confession.  ALL of my photos from the past two months (at least!!) have been taken from my camera phone...terrible!!  And that's when I remember to take photos at all!

//  FINALLY get my bedroom organized so it stays clean...well, cleaner!

OH and I wanted to share my "post schedule" because I know I blog about a variety of things:

Let me know what you think about my schedule!  I hope it's helpful!!

What are your goals for November??  What are your favorite kind of posts??