Monday Musings: What I've Been Up To

I've taken my closet from this....

TO THIS (not that it stayed this way)!

I've driven to Florida through tornadoes on Spring Break,

So I could enjoy sunsets like this.

I've celebrated my birthday after partaking in St. Patrick's Day,

In our nation's capitol,

while at a conference with some of the best girls around.

I watched my youngest brother go off to his last prom,

And then I watched him walk at graduation!

I participated in another Relay for Life,

And started growing out of control tomatoes on my apartment patio.

I've welcomed summer with swimsuits and a smile,

and enjoyed some perfect Michigan sunsets with friends and family.

I've of course gone shopping for new jeans,

...and new shoes... and other things.

I've been trying to become a nail professional,

and put purple highlights in my hair.

I've gotten to eat up handpicked raspberries,

and see moonlit lakes,

while spending much needed time up north.

I've seen fireworks with family and friends,

and learned the joys of Sunday brunch.

And I've been making new recipes,

And eating them all up!

 

 

 

So needless to say I've been busy. Missing blogging of course, but it's really been a whirlwind of 6 months. I've gotten to travel, learn new things, relax, enjoy family and friends, experience losses and gains (in every single aspect you could imagine), and officially finished my first year of grad school (patting myself on the back currently).

Honestly, 2012 has thrown quite the year at me already and I have no idea what to expect for the rest of it. Hopefully though I'll be able to keep everyone in the loop this time!

Now instead of the sappy things... let's bring on the clothes!!!! .... tomorrow of course :)

A Few Holiday Memories

 My brother's and I celebrating Christmas Eve in festive clothes

 The Boy and I in our outfits (yes all my cousins and I dressed like this haha)

 Two of my best friends on New Years Eve

 The Boy and I

 A few of the guys

 Everyone celebrating the evening

 What would the New Year be without some Mario Kart?

A champagne toast

Toast to the New Year!

Shirt, Earrings: F21, gift, Scarf: Express, Watch: Anne Klein, gift

Happy New Years my blogging friends! I hope you all rang in 2012 with your loved ones and had a fun time doing it. I spent last night with friends, and The Boy having a blast and loving every minute of it. I didn't take any actual outfit pictures last night but I will post a few pictures from the evening later this week. Trust me, I celebrated in sparkles!

2011 has been a pretty solid year. I've gone through both big and small changes. It was an eventful year full of things like graduating, birthdays, losses, vacations, new friends, old friends, this blog (!) and mucho laughs with family. I have truly enjoyed it and feel so lucky to have such a great network of support to spend it with.

Although this past year was nothing short of spectacular, I am fully looking forward to what new and bright things 2012 has in store. So far it's been spent cuddled up, avoiding the cold, napping, and relaxing. I know great things are in store (especially for this lil' blog here. Got some good ideas and changes on the way!). I hope you all continue to read and experience what's to come with me, and that your new year will be just as awesome as I hope mine will be!

My Apologies

I apologize for my lack of communication in the past week or so. To be quite honest this winter break I've spent most of my life disconnected , and it's been actually enjoyable. Who knew there was a life without a phone and computer on your hip? (Joking. Kind of). The past few days I've been in lower Michigan spending my time with The Boy and his family. It's been very relaxing and great. Yesterday we went for a long walk, in the sun (!!!!) on his grandparent's property. I must say it was beautious.

So maybe I'll post tomorrow. Maybe I'll wear an outfit. Maybe I'll talk about New Years goals and the good things about 2011. Maybe I'll post again in my New Year's Eve sparkles. Maybe. You'll have to wait and see. I like to be mysterious like that.

While I Was Out

Cooking the bird!

A little burnt (still yummy!)

Cutting the bird wasn't exactly easy...

After everything was served. SO GOOD!

After dinner Euchre

The women of the family at the Annual Shopping Trip

So this is what I did while I was gone, aside from my studying. And the elephant juggling. Last Thursday some friends and I made Thanksgiving: The Second Coming. We fried a turkey, which I had never had before. Pretty good even if it was burnt. And I had some of the best mac n' cheese I have EVER devoured in my entire life. Leftovers of that did not last long in my fridge. Even though we all should have been studying, I have to say I enjoyed cooking, eating, and laughing with great friends much better.

The last pictures is a picture of all my aunts, my grandma, and a few friends who are practically family. Once a year everyone comes down to where I live to go Christmas shopping. This is literally 12 to 15 hours spent in stores and restaurants. It's long and tiring, but the shopping is worth it (duh). So are all the laughs we have :)

Thankful

Hat: NineWest, Shirt: New York & Co., Cardigan: Macy's, Jeans: Tommy Hilfiger Outlet,  Shoes: BCBG, Jewlery: Forever21, Purse: JcPenny

As my Thanksgiving Day comes to a close I sit fuller than necessary, quietly, and completely content in my parent's home while I write this. It was a wonderful day full of family, great food, and friends. This year I have so much to be thankful for and I want to take a minute to reflect on the most important parts.

There are not words to describe how thankful I am for the most loving and supportive family I could ever imagine. This year has been a tough one for us as a whole, but today demonstrated to me to an even higher degree how much we all love one another. My family is simply the best.

I am also incredibly thankful for my friends. They have been the love, laughter, and joy that has gotten me through every bit of the day-to-day adventure. Without you guys I would be one big ole ball of stress.

I hope this Thanksgiving has found you and yours in great company and comfort, just like mine has. Enjoy the Black Friday shopping my friends!