Friday Favorites: New and Improved

Coming to you every Friday. Thirteen links to love. Way better than the Favorites before. Enjoy!

1. Lemon Chicken Stew for the College Student Soul

2. Just a Few Things by Mrs. Sydney Poulton *Can I be here, please!* 

3. Faux Leather Jacket a la Cara Delevingne

4. Skinny Jeans in Olive for a great price!

5. Buckles, anyone? 

6. For the sweatshirt lovers and dreamers. 

7. Powerful, sad, and thought provoking.

8.  KA-YEWT!

9. Want that thick lash look? This actually works!

10. Wanting these books... one, two, three, and four.

11. Have you seen Gravity yet? Sweet mother of mercy good movies are back! It was a loooooong summer.

12. Studs!

13. I'm feeling sweatshirts too, Natalie Jean.

Have a beautiful, safe, happy, and lovely weekend. 

Stay gold.

Terrific Tuesday: Think Happy, Be Happy

I woke up today with a feeling of rejuvenation. The feeling to go on. The feeling to be better. The feeling to be happy. I will be truly dedicated to The Cleaning Piece. I can make it through finals week. I can have a positive attitude. I can be kind to others. I can miss Jarett but still be okay. I can look forward to Christmas. My class schedule will work out...I decided to change my major. I am thinking about writing a tumblr post on that so stay tuned. Life is good. If I love life, life will love me back. So here's to loving life. Think happy, be happy.

I will be back to writing better posts soon...well maybe in two weeks time. Let me get through the Holidays. You know how it is. Hopefully, I can find a balance. Until tomorrow or some other time, stay golden.

Wishlist Wednesday: Fall Color Palette

I have been trying to think of what my fall color palette will be. I don't usually go for certain color palettes, but I really want to try something new.

I love bright colors and I will never get tired of them, but I want to go for a more muted look this fall. I really like the idea of charcoals, blacks, grays, and camel. Mix it with a chambray shirt, some colored jeans, or go for something monochromatic and you're good to go. So here are 3 things in this color palette that I have been wishing for.

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 I really love this charcoal jumper with the cute bike print. It's simple, it will keep you warm, and you can throw it on with just about everything and it will look good. Who could complain?

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I am currently OBSESSED with this. It is the next thing I want to purchase. Shopping trip anyone?

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So...these are actually for men, but that's why I love them. They have a boyish charm that can tone down a really feminine outfit. I really like that kind of look. I also think this camel/tan look looks really good with gray and black. I love it.

Are there any colors that you want to wear for fall? What have you been wishing for? Comment below and stay golden!

Monday Musing: Things I learned...

I hope everyone had a pleasant and lovely weekend. After having a troubling and awful week, I was blessed with a peaceful weekend where I had to study, but was able to speak with the people closest to me. I was able to learn some things.

First, people tell you not to pee in the pool, but sometimes you just have to.
Now you may be thinking, wow Dani, that is the most disgusting thing you have ever said. Well I mean in the ward dating context. So people tell you not to date people in your ward, because it leads to unneccesary drama and awkward Family Home Evenings, but sometimes, you just have to go. You can't hold it in. Humorous right? Yet, so profound! Sometimes you need to date those people, you need to experience those things, you need to test the waters. You just gotta pee in the pool. I would like to say, that a guy told me that analogy. I am taking no credit. Love doctor in the making? Heck ya.

Second, I learned a lot from this quote by Elder Bruce C. Hafen.

"Life's problems never seem to cease, but trying hard to deal with the problems somehow makes you dig deep enough that you learn things you'd never understand without the digging. A happy life isn't about getting what you want; it's about the attitude you develop toward whatever happens to you, an attitude that lets you grow."

Sometimes you just have to dig a little deeper. You have to if you want to figure everything out. As you dig, things become clearer. You suddenly know what to do. Slowly but surely, you realize the Lord's hand in your life. You put your trust in Him and you begin to grow. What a comfort. What a beautiful truth.

So on this Monday, remember sometimes you just HAVE to go, and you HAVE to dig.

That's how you grow.

That's all. 

Monday Musing: The Older I Get...

Courtesy of Pinterest

Sometimes we have to say things we don't want to. Sometimes we cry ourselves to sleep. Sometimes our hearts break. Sometimes we want to go back to when we were young and when things were simple. Sometimes we forget that we have a Father in Heaven that is looking down at us and hoping that we can remember Him. Remember that he is bigger than the imperfections in mortality that we face. Sometimes it's hard to think that your show is not being run as you would like it, but he's the director and he knows what's coming your way. He knows the opportunities and beautiful moments you will have. We just have to remember that. He will not leave us. He will never forget us because he loves us. He knows what's best for us and he will lead us where we need to go..even if we are going the opposite direction.

Playlist Thursday: Some Beautiful Things...

1. Don't You Give Up On Me by Milo Greene 

"I'll go, I'll go, I'll go wherever you go
and I will never leave without letting you know

don't you give up on me
don't you give up on me

we're told, we're told, we're told we'll never get old so don't you ever show them, show them our bones
we'll dig, we'll dig, we'll dig our own little hole, then put our walls around it and call it our home

don't you give up on me.
don't you give up on me.

cause you're all I got
and time won't stop." 

Over the summer, a friend of mine gave me a summer playlist and this was the first song that played. It is such a beautiful "transition" type of song. I could see it being played in a montage in a movie, or at the end of an inspiring movie. Now every time I listen I think of the end of the school year and the summer days that are ahead.

2. Obsessions by Marina and the Diamonds 

"You never told me what it was that made you strong and what it was that made you weak."

Marina from Marina and the Diamonds has such an interesting voice. It reminds me of Florence Welch's voice, but definitely doesn't have the ethereal edge that Florence has.  Marina does a lot of sing/talk and she has different inflections, but it all just works. Her lyrics are VERY different. At first it was hard for me to listen to, but it just gets to interesting that you can't help but love it. To me it's beautiful in its own way. Plus, it's a song with themes of OCD. Yeah it would be my kind of song.

You should also check out "Girls" and "I Am Not a Robot" by her.

3. The House You're Building by Audrey Assad 

"All my life you've been calling me to a home, you know I've been needing."

Can I please have her talents? I want to sing like her, I want to play music like she does, and I want to write songs like her. Thank you iTunes for this Freebie from oh so long ago. Gorgeous I tell you. Simply gorgeous. This is another one of those "transition" songs. I will add this to my soundtrack when I finally make the movie that is forever playing in my head.

I apologize that this is late, Thursdays are always my craziest days of the week. Tonight I'll write a favorites post, so stay tuned and stay golden!

Wishlist Wednesday: Something Warm and Cozy

The nights are getting darker, the  mornings are getting cooler. The mountains are turning shades of red, orange, and yellow. I brought my cardigan collection from home. Fall will be here in a matter of days people, and I cannot wait any longer. Get ready for the best wishlists so far, because fall means fashion season! Here we go...

1. ASOS Textured Knit Snood

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I have decided that EVERYONE needs a snood for Fall and Winter.  This one from ASOS is perfect. It's affordable, it will keep your neck and chest warm, you can wear it with just about everything. Dress it up or dress it down and you have a statement piece that everyone will want. Really though, give me that whole outfit the model is wearing. I want that sweater too.

2. HATCH Collection: Maternity

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So I'm not going to be pregnant any time soon, but I saw this post by Elaine Hearn and I got the baby bug...or the strong desire to wear these maternity clothes. The great thing about them though, is that you can wear them even if you're not pregnant, and seeing as I LOVE oversized clothing, this collection is perfect for me. I'll take the whole outfit, especially that coat and those leather leggings...and the beanie...yes the beanie.

3. All things Polka-Dot

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These just went on sale at American Eagle. And this shirt would be perfect paired with a pretty cardigan, cargo skinnies, a scarf, or a black maxi. Polka dots are a pattern that will never go out of style. They are just like stripes..they even go with stripes!

4. Dark Printed Pants...Cords preferably.

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Before you say anything nasty about Cordouroy, they are the best pants for fall. They are comfortable and they keep you warm. So give your jeggings or sweats a break and slip on a pair of these. The print is subtle, yet still unique enough to make everyone say,"HEY, I want those." They are a different take on the floral, printed, and colored jeans trend. You could wear these with every print and every shirt. I dare you to try it. Also, Madewell has the best styling, they make you want to buy the whole outfit. So I'll take the cords, plus the striped shirt and the flats. Who wouldn't?

What's on your Fall Wishlist? Comment below and if you want to see more of my favorite fall fashions, follow me on Pinterest! We can drool over beautiful clothes together!  Have a lovely day friends! 

Terrific Tuesday: Happiness Is...About Me

All of these things are true. Thank you, A Well Traveled Woman for this.

What makes you happy? Is it the taste of berries? The smell of earth? Comment below. Follow. Have a Terrific Tuesday and STAY GOLDEN!

Friday Favorites: An Open House and a New Phone

1. The Brigham City Open House

Photo Courtesy of Emilee

I was blown away by the astounding beauty of the Temple. I have only ever been to the Baptismal Fonts of the temples I have been to, and it was such a blessing to be able to see the other rooms. The Sealing Room was beyond gorgeous. I'm just so grateful for temples and the ordinances that take place there. Thank you Emilee, Kaitlyn, and Megan for coming along for the ride.

2. My Brand Spanking New iPhone.

Say Hello to my iPhone 4. An iPhone for 99 cents? Yes please!

Now that I have an iPhone, I have a strong desire to get a Twitter. What do you think? Yay or Nay?

3.  The Sign Game
Word to the wise, don't pick an easy sign, and don't sit in the corner, YOU WILL get tackled by a football player. 

4. Driving
There is something very therapeutic about driving. I want to take a road trip now.

5. DEER BEDS
SO beautiful.

6. The College Life
This will probably be a favorite multiple times. I love being in college. I love learning, I love meeting new people, I love the feeling of adventure.

What were your favorites of the week? Comment below and follow if you'd like. 

Monday Musing: Life Lately and The Pictures I Promised

I felt home sick today. I woke up with my first anxiety attack of the year this morning. Shaking, cold, sick to my stomach. For no good reason. So many thoughts were whirling through my mind. Doubt, happiness, nervousness, sadness, sympathy, worry, hope. All of these feelings. Sometimes I wonder why it has to happen at the moments it does. Sometimes I wonder why I let things get to me. Why I worry so much and why we as human beings worry about what people think of us. Why do we care so much? If only the answer were simple. Though I miss my family and the comforts of my home, I just have to realize how happy I really am here. I love this college experience and I'm supposed to be living it. I'm supposed to be meeting people, dating people, staying up late, doing lots of homework and trying to be a better me every single day. When anxiety attacks hit I need to take deep breaths, remember that I'm okay, I'm safe, I have beautiful people in life. Life is good. I can go on. So maybe I should stop worrying if a guy is going to talk to me, if I'm going to write an A+ paper, if I'm going to be able to pay rent. Sure those are things that usually can be worried about, and I won't disregard them, but those things won't rule my life. I have control.

I just want to end this short little musing with my gratitude. I'm so grateful for my Mom, Dad, Sister, Brothers, Friends, Emilee, Makenna, Megan, Kaitlyn, Ali, Aubrey, Melissa, Josh, Nate, Ken, Russ, Charlene, Kevin, Leah, Whitney, Olivia, and the list goes on. I'm so grateful for the people in my life. I am so grateful to be at this University. I'm grateful that I get to live. Life goes on and so must I. Thank you Heavenly Father for the beautiful and numerous blessings I so do not deserve and yet you keep on giving. Thank you.

So the pictures I promised...

Lately...

I have been instructed in kissing techniques.

I have been living off of Spaghetti and BBQ chicken because I'm too lazy to go grocery shopping.

I helped this kiddo find a shirt. This one was too small and he only liked it because he said he could look like a ninja. Yep we're cool.

I've been losing myself in the beautiful world of Vogue. The September Issue. *drool*

I made my first purchase EVER from Buckle. Breaking barriers. That's my job.

I've fantasized over beautiful ads in my Vogue magazine.

I've met strange, yet wonderful people with the coolest apartment.

I attended football games.

I've played a lot of NERTZ. 

I've met a lot of people.

I really love my ward.

I've eaten more frozen yogurt this week, then I have in my entire life.

Who could complain?

What are your thoughts on Life Lately? Own Monday everybody! We can do this!

Playlist Thursday: A Beautiful Duo and Other Things

Have I mentioned just how much I love the music world of Tumblr? It's like the wardrobe to Narnia, Platform 9 and 3/4, The Rabbit Hole, The Looking Glass. It's amazing and if I had the time, I would seriously have a blog just for the music I find on there.

My first pick for my playlist this week has to be an album I found on Tumblr this past weekend.

1. Farthest Field by Daniel Martin Moore and Joan Shelley

I first heard the song Sweetly By and instantly fell in love. There is something about beautiful harmonies, pure voices, and soft instruments that always get me. If you have Spotify, I highly suggest checking out the beautiful duets these two have written. And one more suggestion, listen to their music on a rainy day whilst wrapped in a sweater. If it's not raining outside visit the tested and true Rainymood.

2. Born to Die by Lana Del Rey 

I can't believe I am featuring her whole album on a playlist. As you know, I wasn't the BIGGEST fan of Lana Del Rey. In fact, I had a lot of mean things to say about her. Yes she is a weird mix of classy trashy, but I really can't stop listening to her music. Sorry if she's not your thing, and I'm sorry if you blush at some of her lyrics. I just have a strange addiction. Don't judge.

3. Remember When by Chris Wallace 

"Oh we where flying so high, yeah partners in crime, so why'd we ever say goodbye?"
 
An iTunes Freebie! Go get it now! 

4. Give Your Heart a Break by Demi Lovato 

"'Cause you've been hurt before I can see it in your eyes. You try to smile it away, some things you can't disguise. Don't wanna break your heart, baby, I can ease the ache."

I really love Demi's voice. She was one of those Disney Channel stars that could actually sing. There weren't many of those.

5. Blood Brothers by Ingrid Michaelson 

"'Cause we're all the same under a different name. We're all blood, we're all blood, blood brothers."

The music video is a work of art. I want to be of something like that. Her most recent album has been out for a while but this song makes me want to get it right now and listen to it every day. Man, I have some catching up to do.

6. Amsterdam by Imagine Dragons

"Your time will come if you wait for it, if you wait for it. It's hard, believe me... I've tried."

Another iTunes Freebie. Today I was told that the rest of their new album is great, so I'm going to have to check that out. I am pretty late on the Imagine Dragons train so I'm excited to hear some more music from them.

Happy listening friends!

Wishlist Wednesday: Sweater Weather and Adorable Shoes

Fall is approaching. So break out your comfy cardigans, chunky sweaters, and sharp shoes. It's time for SWEATER WEATHER! Here are some pieces that I want in my closet this fall.

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 This isn't a sweater, but I sure want it.

Burberry

Would I ever fork over 1,000 dollars for a parka? Probably not. Burberry makes the best outerwear though, I might be tempted.

 As for shoes...

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Don't you just love fall fashion? I would wear cardigans and sweaters every day if I could. The mountains are already changing here...I just can't wait. What do you love to wear in the Fall? Is it the scarves? The sweaters? The boots? Let me know in the comments below.