2014

2014 was an amazing year for me, and this little blog. Looking back on it, I think 2014 has been the best one yet. It wasn't the best year in terms of a million and one positive moments, but it was the best because I got to experience life in so many settings, good and bad. It was a growing year- I learned a lot, I did a lot, I had a lot fun and I shed a lot of tears. I've put half of high school under my belt, I've developed friendships that will last a lifetime (shoutout to my blogger friends, too!), and I've created too many memories to count. At the end of the day, no year is going to be perfect. 2013 was a rough one for me... a lot of changes occured, good and bad, and it was rocky. But, 2014 definitely turned out to be ok in the end despite the start.

I like to look back on the year and think of all of the good things that have been accomplished and all of the memories that will be cherished for years to come. As disappointing as some moments can be, what I'm going to remember for the rest of my life are the good things, and that's what I like to enjoy most!

Below I'll share a few favorite snaps from the year...

January | Navy + Black

April | Arizona

July | New York

May | The Blonde Prep

August | Finishing off the summer

July | The Fourth

December | Christmas

Here's to another year full of photoshoots, vacations, brunches, and even more outfits!

Cheers to 2015!

xoxo

What I Got For Christmas

Hey everyone! Happy Monday! I got a few requests on tumblr (ask me anything!) to share what I got for Christmas! I don't mean this post in any way bragging at all, I just want to share with anyone who's interested- I know how much I love these kinds of posts! I'm only going to share my top three favorite things though, just to keep it short and sweet! 

I had a fabulous Christmas at my house this year, and I am so blessed for my family and faith each year at this time! I spent Christmas at mass, opening gifts, brunching, and ended the day with a fabulous filet mignon.

The main thing on my list this year was a new Patagonia winter coat. I have a few other Patagonia's, but I was in the mood for something new! This option is super classic and lightweight but still warm enough for even Wisconsin weather. I totally recommend it! I would suggest sizing up, though. I got this in a small and exchanged it for a medium to wear more comfortably with big sweaters.

One of my favorite gifts this year was this pair of Lululemon leggings. I'm a huge fan of lululemon and I decided I simply needed a pair of crops in my life! I loved this style since the minute I saw it on their website, so when I spotted them under the tree I was so happy! For reference, Lulu runs a little on the smaller side, so I'm usually a 2/4 in J. Crew shorts and a 6/8 in Lululemon. I got these in an 8 and they fit perfectly!

A funny story about this one... I went to Nordstrom with my whole family on Friday to exchange a pair of boots my brother got for Christmas. After being in the store for about 5 minutes I noticed this bag and decided I just needed it. I'm not even kidding, I wouldn't take no for an answer for this one! I ended up returning two of my presents in exchange for this cutie,,, but, I'm in love with it! I think it might be last season, but you can shop similar Tory Burch crossbody bags here!

What did you get for Christmas?

xoxo

Festive Fair Isle

Sweater (vintage, similar here) // Jeans // Socks // Boots // Scarf // Gloves (similar here)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas yesterday! My day was certainly filled with family and laughter, christmas music, and a lot of cookies! (A few runs are definitely in order after this weekend!)

This is one of my favorite outfits, because it's so cute and so cozy all at the same time. This vintage sweater has got to be one of my favorites and of course I paired it with a typical camp sock / bean boot combination! It never snowed here in Wisconsin, so I didn't get to enjoy a white Christmas this year, but I still had a fabulous holiday and I hope you all did too!

How was your Christmas?

xoxo

Merry Christmas Eve!

Sweater // Skirt (vintage, similar here) // Socks // Flats // Bracelet // Headband

Merry, merry Christmas Eve everyone!! I'll be spending the day finishing a little shopping (oops!), baking cookies, wrapping a few last presents, finishing decorating the tree (haha whoooops, we probably should've done that by now!), and then off to see the Christmas Carol production at a theater downtown tonight!

Wishing you all a very relaxing and joyful Christmas Eve and Christmas from my family to yours!

xoxo

My Christmas List

Um, Christmas is less than a week away! Can you even believe it?! My last exam is this morning and I am so happy to have them over with! I'll be celebrating the holidays this weekend with a few parties to attend and then next week will finally be the holiday we've all been waiting for! 

Today I'm sharing my Christmas List, because I know a few people have been asking for it, and I love to see what everyone else wants for themselves (a great way to add onto my own!) Last year I wanted a DSLR camera specifically, but this year I'm not asking for anything particularly big! It's the little things ;)

What's on your list? Do share!

xoxo

Exam Study Tips

Ahh, my exams start tomorrow with my two biggest ones right off the bat! Just a little inspiration for everyone out there studying right now...

When are your exams? I only have four this year, and I usually have six, so I'm really excited that I'll only have one on both Thursday and Friday (and they're not too bad either!).

My tips...

Make a study guide. This is the hardest part! Once you've got this all thrown together you've magically already learned a bunch of material by typing or writing it up, so reviewing a study guide a few more times usually does the trick for me (maybe we shouldn't be taking study tips from me... I'm one of those kids who doesn't actually study for tests, oops)

Get a good night's sleep. My motto is, if it's not working, just go to bed. How many hours have we wasted awake "studying" when we really are just sitting on our phones?! If you can't get up the motivation to study, honestly, just go to bed. You'll probably be doing yourself a favor- we retain info in our sleep!

Have a nice breakfast. There is honestly nothing worse than getting your exam and not being able to focus because you're starving. Ok, maybe getting your exam and realizing you know absolutely nothing is worse, but I think we have all moved past that stage in our life. Have a balanced meal before your exam so you can concentrate and perform your best!

Good luck to all!

xoxo

Winter Wardrobe Staples

I've been having far too many "I have nothing to wear" moments lately... it's getting depressing. But, I'll save you all from my complaining (I could go on for hours), and cut to the chase: I just really need to go shopping, and if you know me, I always start from the ground and work my way up! Time to restock on the essentials... think chunky sweaters, booties, and a scarf or two. 

Shop my winter wardrobe essentials below...

I will be spending my entire weekend (most likely, if we're being optimistic) tucked away preparing for finals. Although I only have four exams this year compared to six, I still have plenty of papers and projects to finish up and my fair share of study guides to make. 

So, what are you doing this weekend? Please share... I want to live vicariously through each one of you!

xoxo

Stripes & Peonies Instagram Prints for Sale

One of my best blogging friends, Gracey, has one of the best instagram feeds out there. I'm telling you- bright images edited to a T, crisp colors and fun scenery make for some very delightful eye candy on the platform. Oh, and the best part? You can now order a few of her snaps online right here.

All 12 prints come bundled up with striped washi tape all for just $24! Absolutely gorgeous and perfect for the holidays...

Life goal: learn how to make my insta half as pretty as hers! The sunglasses snap has got to be my favorite. Tell me, what's yours?

I know I'll be ordering a set soon ;)

xoxo

Party Dresses Under $150

One of my favorite parts about the holidays is the amazing selection of fun dresses. Today I rounded up 9 of my favorites for all under $150, perfect for any event you might be attending this season! Personally, I will be attending the annual holiday party at our family friend's house on Christmas eve, and that's always an important one to look cute at. Is it just me or do you love to look your best when toting around with all of the adults and making small talk throughout the night? I usually find myself at a friend's party somewhere during the season as well, and it's always important to sparkle amongst your girlfriends when coming together to celebrate.

After sharing one of my holiday dresses on Monday, I figured nothing would be better than to showcase a few more...

1 ($105) // 2 ($150) // 3 ($75) // 4 ($120) // 5 ($110)

6 ($120) // 7 ($105) // 8 ($125) (another similar one here ($105)) // 9 ($140 - on sale for $80)

My favorites have got to be 2, 3, or 4! A classic sequined shift, a fun feathery hem, and a bow back?! What more could one want! I love every pick on the list, however. Which is your favorite?

xoxo

Buffalo Check

Buffalo check has been a returning trend in the past few seasons, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. A part of me feels like it's way too manly and "lumberjack" resembling, but a part of me still wants to try it!

I scoured Pinterest searching for ways to try it, and I definitely think it's more versatile than I expected! Layer it with solids, mix it with other plaids, tuck it into a skirt, or sport it with skinny jeans and booties. A little edgy, but definitely very chic!

Shop my buffalo check picks above. What do you think?
 xoxo

Christmas in the Air

OK, all of the Christmas posts are probably getting a little annoying by now, but how can you not help but love the season?! #DWCxmas is in full swing and I am so excited about our annual gift exchange, once again! 

My mom put up the decorations around our house earlier this week, and I can't wait until we get our tree (hopefully this weekend!) to finish it off! This cute little holly decoration wound up on my desk and I am loving the festive touch it adds.

My mom rotates our picture frames throughout our house for each season, and I think this one of me in (probably) third grade is so funny! Missing my front teeth, so typical.

Have you started decorating?

xoxo

2014 Mashup + Links

Something I really look forward to each year is the mashup that Teen Vogue creates of all of the popular pop songs from throughout the year. I don't typically like each song on it's own, but the mashups are always so well done, and provide such a refreshing glimpse of each song!

You can read the full article and watch the video here. What do you think of the song? I'm absolutely obsessed- I had it on repeat while doing my homework last night!

A few other fun discoveries as of late...

Taylor Swift's new album is hand's down my new obsession. Ok, maybe the mashup is. TBH, I just really can't decide. I'm basically addicted to both. Oh, and I might be going to her concert in July in Chicago... Well, fingers crossed ;) You can purchase the album here!

Um, ok this is sort of random but if you know anything about me, it's probably that I'm a chocolate and peanut butter person. That's actually an extreme understatement, I'm an addict of sorts. Soooo, this recipe is calling my name and I'm totally dying to try it. Ha, speaking of food, last night I ate an entire bag of peppermint chocolate covered pretzels by myself. In one sitting. Please pray for me.

What's new with you? It's almost Friday!

xoxo