currently

I love these types of blog posts. They are easy to write and just plain fun because you get to share all those little details about yourself that probably no one cares about but you want to do it anyway. That's what blogging is all about, right? Talking about things that people really love or talking about things that are totally pointless and that only you care about. This is one of those posts.

So I'm currently...

Listening // Fleetwood Mac's Rumours and ABBA's Gold. For Valentine's day Tyler got me a record player and the vinyls of both. He did a marvelous job. I'm obsessed.

Reading // Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari. It's taking me awhile but it's so interesting and not what I expected. Oh, and it's funny. I love funny books written by funny people.

Working // at Wallaroo Media. Full time. It's so different and I can't believe I've started this phase of my life. However, I enjoy it despite the feelings of stress and self-doubt I feel on a day to day basis. Any tips on how to be a mentally healthier human are always appreciated on this part of the internet.

Watching // West Wing and The Bachelor. West Wing is strictly for dinner time because it's easy to watch and it makes me feel smart. The Bachelor for when I want to be like every other girl in America and watch women who are so much more capable of doing other things make fools of themselves on national television. But I shouldn't judge because they are all there for the right reasons.

Wearing // Brown lipstick straight from the '90s. Black boots. High-waisted jeans. Oversized tunic shirt that looks more expensive that it really was.

Craving // Pizza. But when am I not craving pizza? But for real. For a long time, I didn't crave chocolate in fact thinking about eating it made me sick, but today we got chocolate from my mother-in-law in the mail and I realized how long it had been. I almost ate the whole bar.

Wanting // This sweater. This shirt. These boots. This plant. This planter. This print. This vinyl.

Feeling //  Ready for a long weekend. Aren't long weekends just a blessing sent from the Lord above?

Doing // Not necessarily doing these things but I want to. I want to grow my own plants and learn to cross stitch. I said I would in 2016 and I haven't yet.

Inspired // The Pretty Stuff

Since when was "pretty" not cool. It's okay to be pretty as long as you're not a pretty little fool. Be pretty. Be glamorous. Tough is cool and strong is cool, but pretty is cool too. Be pretty in all ways, but most of all be pretty on the inside. Let your insides glow with so much goodness that the glow comes through your eyes and your smile and your fingertips.

Now...Here are some things that I think are pretty...

1 // A pretty little blouse for breezy spring days.

2 // A street style look that makes you want the transition days of the seasons to last a little bit longer. I always have a hard time packing up my favorite sweaters at the end of the season. She's wearing Culottes by the way. *swoon*

3 // A graphic t-shirt and wind-tossed hair for most days, because most days are meant for ultimate comfort and cool moon t-shirts. 

4 // An exhilarating feeling of letting go.

5 // A haircut that works perfectly for you. 

6 // A quote that reminds you to see things with new eyes. 

Inspired // Spring Showers

It's raining right now. And I love it. Forgive me for the lack of links. I do not own any of these images. I found them all on Pinterest. 

1 // This time of year has always brought me anxiety and I would be lying if I said that hasn't changed. But amidst the anxiety and uneasiness about the future, I know that there are beautiful things on the horizon. I know that things are going to work out for me. Don't stop believing in yourself, because so many beautiful things are on the horizon.

2 // Are you a wildflower? Yes! I like to think I am. If I could be any flower, it would be a wild one.

3 // Don't you just want to cozy up with a book from those shelves on a rainy day.

4 // This is actually a men's outfit, but I don't really care about that. You knew that already.

5 // A simple street style look for days like today. All you need is an umbrella and you're solid.

6 // Such a good outfit. I'll put this one in the books.

7 // I have a wall in my apartment that this would look great on.

8 // A fishtail braid and the messiest thrown together bun! Dreamy!

9 // This one time at the a white elephant, I chose a succulent and it got stolen from me. I wish I still had it. Or any cactus or any green plant for that matter.

10 // I LOVE styling without a lot of jewelry. I am part of the nothing but precious metals club so accessorizing can be hard (and painful). So thank you ASOS for styling your models so simply it's so lovely.

11 // Another street style look. I love the boxiness and the stripes and the matching pieces. And I love all of it.

12 // For casual days because they are coming. Summer is coming.

Inspired // Simplicity Observed

Simplicity is in.

1 // Well, if this doesn't belong in my closet, I don't know what does. 

2 // The same goes with this one. 

3 // I said it before and I'll say it again, I need this shirt in my life. 

4 // Ah. Moody. 

5 // But of course, a long sleeve version to steal my heart. 

6 // You could do no wrong. 

7 // It's perfect. Even that sushi. Gosh, I want some sushi. 

8 // Nothing is better than the simplest, prettiest and springiest dress around. 

9 // White on White is the queen of simplicity and sophistication, if you ask me. 

+ s t a y // i n s p i r e d 

& 

+ s t a y // g o l d 

Inspired // Hats, mostly

Okay...so yes I only have time to post one of these, but I need to because I need inspiration and I need  something to take my mind off of this last week of H-E-Double Hockey Sticks. 

1 // Take me to the beach. I need it in my life. The salt in the air, the sand in between my toes, the humidity blessing my hair. I need it. And I need this outfit. 

2 // Her beauty mark! Her hat! The sweater! The fact that she is on a train! Be still my heart! 

3 // This is darling. Like the cutest. Denim and eyelet!? That is gonna be a big trend, people. The biggest. Okay maybe not, but you know what I mean. 

4 // She is the epitome of luxurious ease. 

5 // In her eyes, I see my future kin. Is that creepy? Not at all. She speaks sweet beauty and peace and innocence to my soul. 

6 // *Instantly refreshed* 

7 // A the golden pup. The most perfect thing on this Earth. 

Playlist Thursday: The Loveliest

I have a playlist on Spotify. It's pretty much the only thing I'm listening to right now. Enjoy.

+ h a p p y // l i s t e n i n g 

& 

+ s t a y // g o l d 

It's time to be more lovely...

I think we should go back to the basics. I'm a big user of social media like pinterest and instagram...and I've fallen victim to comparing my life to the beautiful people I see. Like the girl that got over 200 likes on her bridal shower announcement or engagement photo. But that's not okay. Guys, that's just a waste of energy and emotion. Now it's time to become ourselves. To become our own. To become more lovely. To return to our original state. To return to the dream self we want to become. Because becoming better and trying to reach all your goals is never wrong. Love your life. And who you are. Here are some favorites that can help us feel a little bit more lovely.

1. You can make your life, love, and happiness grand. 

2.  Some motivating words from one of my favorite bloggers ever. 

3. A beautiful essay about family. 

4. This candle will make you swoon. 

5.  To be someone's dream. 

6. Cried. 

7. A simple philosophy. 

8. Make a board on pinterest of "you in a dream." Some people may think that this defeats the purpose, but it really does help you achieve who you want to become. It's not unrealistic it helps you feel like a superwoman. 

9. Go eat your favorite food! 

10. Buy the rollerball form of your favorite perfume. 

11. Get a tumblr and actually learn how to use it. It's not hard and it is a wonderful way to express yourself!

12. Try that D.I.Y. you've always wanted to but have always been afraid to try because you thought it would never turn out. 

13. Keep/Make a journal of thoughts, inspiration, quotes, and feelings.

But the ultimate way for me to remember to stay lovely is to remember to....

Stay gold. 

On being a girl...

Being a girl is great. That's all. Enjoy the pretty pictures. Post straight up inspired by this pretty lady.

Stay gold.

Things I've decided...

1. Roshambo is always in order.

2. A break from guys is good for the soul.

3. A run in the rain refreshes the soul and the mind.

4. A new pair of running sneakers will take you far.

5. When in doubt the Asiago bagel is always the best choice.

6. Go for the raspberry roll.

7. Have friends that are willing to share fantastic music with you.

8. A quiet friend is usual the wisest.

9. A little money spent at the J.Crew Factory store is money well spent.

10. Talking to beautiful people you meet on the street is always okay, even if it makes you uncomfortable it is ALWAYS okay. You will learn so much about the person.

11. Nintendo 64 will make you feel like a kid again and it will be one of the best feelings.

12. Sometimes when you are taking a shower you will have an epiphany. An epiphany to let things go. To be happy. To be better. To have a better heart. To love more. To stop being a petty child. To stop feeling jealous and sorry for yourself. To walk in the sunlight and let the shadows fall behind you.

13. Smiling and laughter are so much better than tears and angry words.

What have you decided today?
Are you having a terrific Tuesday?
Comment below and have a lovely day.
Stay gold.

I have been refreshed...

Reading beautiful words is on my "Life missions" list and I take that mission very seriously, so without further ado, here are some quotes! Enjoy.

"And then my soul saw you and it kind of went, ‘Oh there you are. I’ve been looking for you.’"
—Iain Thomas, I Wrote This For You

Wouldn't that be a lovely thing to feel?

From Conference...

"Imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it - so should we. And when we see imperfection, remember that the limitation is not in the divinity of the work."
— Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"God does not wish to break your spirit. On the contrary, He desires that you rise up and become the person you were designed to be."
—Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Healing comes when we move away from the darkness and walk toward the hope of a brighter light. It was in the practical application of faith, hope, and charity that she not only transformed her own life but forever blessed the lives of many, many others. There may be some among you who feel darkness encroaching upon you. You may feel burdened by worry, fear, or doubt. To you, and to all of us, I repeat a wonderful and certain truth: God’s light is real. It is available to all. It gives life to all things. It has the power to soften the sting of the deepest wound. It can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness of our souls." —Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Start where you are. Isn’t it wonderful to know that we don’t have to be perfect to experience the gifts of our Heavenly Father?"
—Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The darkness will surely fade because it cannot exist in the presence of light."
—Dieter F. Uchtdorf

As you can see, I was very touched by President Uchtdorf's talk. 

And two more...

"Stars are not immortal, even they will fade. But you and I are not. - Neal A. Maxwell

"Unexpected intrusions of beauty. This is what life is."
—Saul Bellow, Herzog

My unexpected intrusion of beauty today? The falling rain and the puddles that followed this morning. Even if my shoes got soaked through.

What intrusions of beauty have you seen today? What are some of your favorite quotes? Did you watch Conference? What were the highlights for you? 

Comment. 

Stay gold.  

I like TOMS even if Alex doesn't...

I was talking to a friend today and he was bagging on TOMS, saying how they are the worst shoe to grace the Earth. I haven't owned a pair of TOMS for about a year, but now I've got the TOMS bug again. Even if Alex thinks they are the ugliest, poorly made shoe ever. I wear what I want.

Anyway, here's a wishlist...

I'll start with the "non-shoe" thing because this is basically a wishlist shoe post if you couldn't already tell.

Photo Courtesy // VIVALUXURY

The layers are so lovely! I wish to have impeccable style like this one day. The detail is breath-taking.

TOMS Biminis 

 1 // 2 // 3 

I mostly want the top ones. The light burlap and the coral accents are calling my name.

 

 

Vans CA Hula Print Chukka

My love for Vans grows. These may be a man's shoe, but I would rock them every day.

And last but not least...these beauties. The big cheese of this wishlist! 

Adidas Jeremy Scott Wings Ballet Shoes

Oh they are the most perfect things. I need them. Neeeeeeed. 

I'm ready to put my feet into something summery. Are you? What are you wishing for? Comment below and stay gold!

The Loveliest #2

I get in these moods where I listen to the same beautiful songs over and over again. Does that happen to you? Are there songs that you can listen to for like a whole month and never get tired of them? I love music like that. Here are some songs that I just never seem to get tired of because they are so darn lovely. They make you want to fall in love or look at the stars.

1.Who Are We Fooling (Feat. Aqualung) by Brooke Fraser

2. Dear True Love by Sleeping at Last 

3. Sailboats by Brooke Fraser

4. Oh My Stars by Andrew Belle

5. I Love You and Buddha Too by Mason Jennings

6. Morning Song by The Lumineers

7. Raindrops on the Kitchen Floor by Mason Jennings

P.S. I didn't include lyrics because today I feel like being lazy. Plus, I have a group interview tonight and I'm sweating bullets. No time to ponder poetic lyrics. I'm sure you understand.

Shenandoah

When I listen to music, I want to feel peace, I want to feel the air being swept from me, I want to feel the salty tear running down my cheek. I want to escape and feel something completely and perfectly lovely. For some reason, this song makes me feel that way.

Stay gold.