Graduation Weekend

What an amazing weekend it was!  I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day, well actually it could have been 5-10 degrees cooler but beggars can't be choosers.  Thanks to my family, boyfriend, and brother's girlfriend {couldn't leave anyone out, it was a long day} for being extremely patient with me and the amount of pictures I wanted to take to remember the day by.  We enjoyed a delicious late lunch that proceeded to put us all into food coma.   While the family had to leave, the boy and I went out for a celebratory margarita or two and had a delicious brunch yesterday morning.  Perfection if you ask me.

I cannot thank my family and friends for all of their support these last crazy months! I couldn't have done all of this without each and every one of you! 

...how cliche was that? But I really do mean it.

Although I am a graduate, I still have lots of work to finish up and teaching to do until June 1st.  So while the weekend was perfect, it's back to business as usual this Monday morning.

How were your weekends?

Birthday Weekend Snapshots

Thank you all for the birthday love this weekend via texts, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! It was an amazing birthday weekend.  I didn't do anything too crazy, but it was great to spend some quality time with my family, Boyfriend B's family, and my fabulous roomie!  

 {heaven}

 {indulging}

 {details}

 {Kate Spade goodies from my sister}

I also got up to meet up with the fabulous Laura just for a little yesterday.  My good 'ole Spanish class buddy was in town from Virginia for a wedding, and it was a blast catching up! She gave me the gorgeous earrings in the last picture.  I'm in love.

Then I did a little restyling with my latest Spike the Punch pieces from Boyfriend B and the Kate Spade quote.

How were your weekends?

Weekend Snapshots

Apparently, I took the quote from Friday quite literally, as I did make something this weekend, several things to be exact.

I finally got around to testing out some jewelry pieces.  I made two different bracelets and a necklace.  I also made the white bracelet in pink. I prefer the chain + suede one, but I couldn't resist making the fun white and pink ones for spring and summer.

You can see a pop of the pink one in how I wore the bracelets this weekend. It was fabulous getting to walk around in sandals this weekend.  I had missed that feeling.  Bring on the summer.

 

Then, I got really sick of the canvases that were above our couch, so I painted over them.  I look forward to using these pieces in a gallery wall, and I prefer them black and white because they will be easy to transition into a new apartment.

I have one more canvas I'm not crazy about {that is what happens when you buy in a hurry to fill up the white space in your apartment} so I'm thinking of painting it white and creating a pattern with small, filled in, black dots. We shall see.

It is officially my sister and my birthday week! I was so wonderfully greeted with emails for free Coldstone Creamery and Flat Top yesterday morning.  The perfect way to start a Sunday, if you will.  Needless to say, I will be indulging this week up until next Sunday, our actual birthday.

How were all of your weekends?

Weekend Snapshot

Happy Monday! I am New York bound this morning and so looking forward to a few days roaming around the city with some fabulous ladies. 

Packing, of course, was an adventure.  It was too hard to narrow down these accessories. So naturally, they all are coming with me.  Packing is not one of my strengths.

I also tested out another necklace for an arm party.  My white MK watch wanted in on the fun as well.  Although, I do still love my gold combinations.

Last but certainly not least, I discovered my love for monochromatic pairings.  This will be making an appearance in NYC.  And to think, I used to only own one pink sweater.  I am fully embracing my love for pink these days.  Better late than never, right?!

Besides packing, I got a munch needed mani/pedi, made it back to my happy place, Costco, went bowling with the boy and friends, and celebrated my uncle's birthday.  It was a fabulous weekend, filled with great friends and family!

How were your weekends?

See you soon New York!

Weekend Snapshot

Life has certainly been busy lately.  I feel like if I can make it through the next 10 days, I can do anything.  But until then, it will be lack of sleep and lots of chai tea and green tea. 

In the midst of a stressful month, why not wear some of my favorite necklaces to put a smile on my face in the morning? Yes, necklaces really do make me happy. End of discussion. And I really do listen to Call Me Maybe every morning now and do a little dance while getting ready.  Judge away.

This week and weekend I brought out some statement pieces and layered baubles because, well, the more the merrier.

 I now have a new favorite combination: chambray + cozy knit (& Spike the Punch, of course)

And any weekend where pico de gallo is involved is A okay in my book.  I had left overs from Friday night's dinner with Boyfriend B and naturally had to make some nachos come Saturday. 

I also managed to do 6 loads of laundry and bake 48 muffins on Saturday AND got to meet Julia for brunch on Sunday.  We had a blast, and I got a nice little tour of her home town.  She was just as sweet and fun as expected. It was a perfect start to my Sunday.

How was your weekend?

Enjoy the brighter days to come!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY WEEK!!!

xoxo

[all images taken from my iPhone]

Weekend Snapshot

As I mentioned earlier, Boyfriend B and I made our way to Florida this Friday.  We couldn't have asked for better weather upon arrival.  Of course I had to do some prep-work before our departure though.

On Thursday, I got a much needed manicure and pedicure to prep for the days at the pool and beach.  OPI Mod About You is one of my favorite opaque pink polishes.  That and Essie Fiji of course, but I couldn't find it at the salon so Mod About You it was.  On Thursday, I had every intention of going to E Street in Mequon to get a birthday present for a friend, but I left with a new pair of rag & bone jeans.  Remember when I was obsessing over colored denim?! I finally found a pair to call my own.  Not only do I love the color, but they are now the most comfortable pair of jeans in my closet.  Did I mention that they were 20% off too? Ya, I love them even more thanks to that.  I paired them with my Tory Burch Reva flats that I got for Christmas.   On Friday, I traveled with my favorite up-do.  It kept my hair out of the way and was high enough that I could attempt to sleep on the flight. 

 

[photos from my iPhone via Instagram]

Since our travel day, we've enjoyed quality time with B's family.  I would be lying if I didn't say Florida was beautiful. See what I mean:

 

 

[photos from my iPhone via Instagram]

Hope you all had an incredible weekend! It sounds like the Midwest has been plenty warm considering it's almost the middle of January.  Has anyone else barely had to wear their long Northface this year?

I'll be linking up with a {little} dash of ash for her Instagram Link Party! 

A Very Happy New Year

I hope all of you had an amazing weekend ringing in 2012!  Boyfriend B and I went to our wonderful friend K's lakehouse where we celebrated the new year with her, her boyfriend and two other couples.  I couldn't have asked for a better, cozy night at the lake.  When we arrived K and I already had a roaring fire going. They're just the best.

Even though I have been posting about sequins and sparkly dresses, I realized I didn't have much of said items in my closet.  I had one shirt in mind and then realized I forgot it at my apartment in Madison.  That does not help me as I was not in Madison for NYE.  Instead, I went with a shiny necklace. I thought it was the perfect alternative for what I had at home. What do you think?

I also curled my hair for the first time since I don't even know when.  I had to majorly dust off a curling iron I found in my mom's bathroom drawer, and it was extremely thin.  Apparently, thinner was the trick because my hair usually does not hold curls, but it did Saturday night.  K curled it though because I am still clueless in the curling department.  Spur of the moment resolution: learn how to curl my hair.

Recap via my Instagram: cozy fire, yummy drinks, and change of apparel because I got too cold and then proceeded to sit by the fire the rest of the night. Can you blame me?!

How was your night? What did you do?

Time to get my game face on for the Rose Bowl today-Go Badgers!

Weekend Snapshot

Happy Monday Friends!

What a wonderful first weekend of winter break.  We celebrated K turning 18 and surprised him with a [large] family get together.  My family is nothing short of loud and hilarious.  It's always a wonderful time.  I'm choosing to ignore the fact that the Packers lost.  Please don't talk to me about it.  Then I got to spend the night with Boyfriend B's family, re-celebrating his mom's birthday, his cousin's engagement (still so excited for you two and happy belated birthday W), and his amazing grandma's return from Florida for the holidays! Did I mention we get to visit her in January? I've been counting down the days to some relaxation poolside and sunshine and not to mention great company.

My goal for this Monday: finish wrapping! I got a good start this weekend, but each time I think I'm close to being done, I remember another gift.  I found these monogram labels while lesson planning procrastinating last week. 

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via MaryKathryn on Pinterest

I thought they would be a fun way to spice up my gifts this year.  I went to Michaels again with my 40% off coupon and bought a circle cutter (no I don't remember the official name).  I used extra paper to make the solid color circles.  I hate seeing it go to waste.  I'm linking up with Ashley at a {little} dash of ash for her Instagram Mondays.

I've also been perfecting my bow-making-skills.  For extended family, I'm going with a simple look.

How is wrapping going for you?  Did I mention that when I came home for break I had presents under the tree from Rachel Zoe and Clay Matthews?  Does my mom know me or what?