friday favorites: tallahassee and engagement rings (what??)

As many of you know, I am always down for road trips. If I can get the time off work and I have the money, I would go anywhere even just for a few days. Exploring, trying new things, and being with people you love are some of the best parts of life. Tallahassee is no exception. It houses my best friend and some of the best pizza I've ever had; good enough reasons to return I think. *Warning: long post with lots of pictures. I would say you don't have to look at them but they are pretty cute if you ask me.

Also, take a look at the bottom of the post and see what activity my man and I did yesterday! :)

Half the battle of getting to Tallahassee is the drive; four and a half hours at it's best. Snacks are essential along with good conversation. There is nothing better than a long car drive to bring deeper conversations out of people. Whenever I travel with my friends, this is no exception. Life is not in the way and we can talk about things that maybe we otherwise do not have time to. Can you see why I love road trips?

I don't know if they've ever had a formal introduction, but these beauties here are a couple of my best friends, Alyssa and Emily. Alyssa and I have been friends for almost 15 years (wow does that sound weird) and Emily and I about 7. Crazy how time goes by so fast and how much we have grown through the years. We all have long term relationships with our men and each other, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Food is in no shortage in Tallahassee, and we ate a lot. From the best pizza I have ever had to trying new foods like quinoa (which is oddly pronounced keen-wa), to a black bean burger, to vegan cheese, to non dairy coffee creamer. Both of my friends eat differently; one pretty vegan and the other has stomach issues, it's hard to find places we all could eat at and enjoy, but I think we did a pretty good job. That doesn't mean I wasn't happy to return to some normal eating though :)

What is better to do than shop and feed an antique store owner's "house mouse" when girl friends get together? Answer: nothing. I spent too much money, but that's okay. We met a man with a mouse through it. good trade I'd say.

I wish this town wasn't so far away because sometimes I just miss my best friend, ya know? But we got to bring her back with us, and that's the best of the best. See ya soon Tallahassee!

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This is so very irrelevant to my post about going to Tallahassee, but yesterday at the mall, Jared asked if I wanted to look at engagement rings. And it was his idea. Stop it. I know. At first I thought he was kidding and I don't even think I was in my body when we walked into the jewelry store, but I felt so happy. Maybe also a little surreal. Then I proceeded to fall madly in love with one, who would have guessed. Almost five and a half years people. First time looking at engagement rings. Is this real life? Yes, and I am so excited for the future.

celebrate the new year

I have something extra fun to share with you today and to get you out of the Christmas mood and into the New Year! I recently attended a fabulous little soiree that my friend Candice put together. There were drinks, food, and of course, plenty of sparkle!

This girl can show you how to host and entertain your guests easily and simply and I am so happy she invited me to be a part of it. Enough of me talking. Check out her series of posts for the New Year HERE, HERE, and HERE. Last but not least (actually the most exciting), see it live on The You Are Project's website HERE!

Happy weekend, everyone! Enjoy every second because soon enough it will be another Monday!

IFB

So, I'm not really sure how I missed this site. I mean, my blog is about personal style. What looks come together that truly reflect me, and in turn, I love sharing them with you. I also love to write, meet new people, and learn how to do this "blogging" and all it's bells and whistles better. So to know all of these things, and just discovering IFB (independent fashion bloggers) yesterday, I feel like I've been missing out on so much. They have so many good articles on branding, marketing, connecting, and just plain doing "it" better. Which is ultimately what all of us want. We want to become successful at capturing people's attention with what we say, we want to have a voice among millions.

Here are some great examples of the articles they have to help you do just that:

How to Get Your Blog Noticed

How Much does it Cost to be A Fashion Blogger?

4 Simple Steps to Personal Branding

Also,

50 Instagram Accounts You're Probably Not Following Yet

3 Distracting Internet Habits That Kill Your Productivity

My friends, this is just a sampling of what you can find on this site. Not to mention the new inspiration you'll get from all the members. So sign up for yourself and get reading. Yes, I may be bringing you another distraction (like you needed one), but this is a good one, I promise. Unless of course you think eating, sleeping, and personal hygiene is more important. Priorities, you know? You can check out my page HERE

friday favorites

• Celebrating my roomate's birthday. $1 burgers (or chicken sandwiches) at Bar Louie & bruschetta. Best dinner ever.
• Basically my whole week has consisted of waking up, eating, studying, eating, studying, sleeping. Being a college student is pretty eventful, believe me.
• That cup of hot chocolate with itty bitty marshmallows? It got me through the week when I needed some extra energy and when my air conditioning in my dorm makes me feel like I'm in the north pole.
• Late night trips to Taco Bell are bittersweet. My beloved chicken flatbread is no longer available AT EVERY LOCATION. I've tried about four. But oh does the chicken burrito taste so good.
• Hanging out with the girls was the highlight of the week. They're gorgeous right?

The boyfriend comes to visit tomorrow after what seems like an eternity! I'll keep you updated with the adventures we will have together this weekend.

Hope you week was as awesome (or more awesomer) than mine!