Handmade Thank You's

I love giving a special thank-you for Christmas gifts, and my Cricut made that extremely easy this year! What's great about the Cricut craft room (the software that comes with the machine) is that I can save the projects I have put together to pull back up later if I want more. I only made a few this morning to show you guys!

I cut a plain rectangle shape out of cream color card stock and then on the gray I made the "thank you" and flower cuts. 

Look how cute they came out!

november favorites

Woah! So once again, bear with me as I play some serious catch up... 

Where is the time going? (I missed an entire month!)

1. I recently got a new Camelback and forgot how obsessed I am. I always forget how much I love being hydrated and this water bottle seems to make that a no-brainer for me.

2. I don't know about you, but for me fall and winter months mean hello chapped lips. I just got around to picking up the new Raspberry Pomegranate EOS lip balm (love it)

3. During exam time I have a love/hate relationship with my leggings (yes, they become pants) Although, if you are like me you are always making sure that your leggings aren't see through. I found some excellent black cotton leggings from Charlotte Russe for $5... can't beat that!

4. For me, fall weather means warm and home style cooking. Lately my crock pot has been working double time (thanks little buddy)... mmm homemade chicken noodle soup!

5.  yeah yeah, I am well aware that I shouldn't be binge watching Netflix during exam time. But, but, but... I can't help it!

6. As you already know my Lilly agenda doesn't leave my side (or bag) and exam time is the perfect reason for that. Helps me keep my head on straight! Let's be honest, otherwise I would lose it.

7. Colder weather makes me crave hot beverages. Here is one of my favorites! Try it with a little sugar and lemon.

8. Another thing I revert back to during exam time is the 90's... bring out the hair claws! It is just too easy to wake up and not care so I love pulling my hair half up with one of these babies.

9. It's scarf season ladies!!! There really isn't much need for an explanation here. Break em out!

10. I recently got a new color from the Color Club collection and have fallen in love... Baldwin Blues.

NYE

This year when I think about my new years eve outfit of choice I have been seriously leaning towards black and gold! I have really fallen in love with this color combo lately, and can't wait to show off a black and gold outfit of my own tomorrow night. Here are some suggestions. 

Cheers to an absolutely fabulous new year! 

xoxo

OOTD: Christmas eve

Every year my family attends our Christmas Eve service at my church. Here is what I wore! 

LBD-the loft
red pumps-steve madden
pearls-my mothers :)
color on my nails-Russian roulette:essie

Connected to a Cricut!

Christmas has come and almost gone... and it left me with a new toy! As a future teacher I am constantly thinking of ways to spice up my first classroom environment (also ways to make life easier for myself) This year I received a Cricut Mini for Christmas and can't wait to put it to work. There are so many adorable crafts, cards, and cuts you can make with this awesome machine. Not to mention my sister got me the perfect cartridge to match my Owl theme for my classroom. I am so excited to show everyone how much of a "hoot" my class will be. Stay tuned for a ton of fun crafts and projects. 

tis the season

For a Little Christmas Sweater Fun!

Wanted to share some sweaters I have fun in during the holidays. 

my bestfriend and I in front of her mom's stunning christmas tree

having way too much fun in the christmas sweater my dad finally passed down to me!

thanksgiving?

wow... well to say the least my thanksgiving break was absolutely NOT what I had planned for my life this year. Though I thought I would share what I wore for thanksgiving dinner at my grandmother's house.

What I'm wearing:

white cable knit sweater-old navy

jeggings-forever 21

riding boots-breckelle's 

navy and white infinity scarf-old navy

purse-thrift shop (:

on my nails-Color Club "Baldwin Blues"

P.S. welcome to my room at my parents house!

OOTD: exam week

Please just bear with me as I am playing catch up from a major hiatus I took from the blogging world. Here is another one of my exam week outfits. 

what I am wearing:

black basic tee

black and brown chunky sweater

jeggings

black bow flats

awfully simple yet always delicious

As I have already mentioned in some of my previous posts is how much of a lazy college cook I am. Even though I will defend my crock pot till the end, last night I stepped away from the plug and ventured to the stove! If you have not already heard of the new Kraft boxed meal starters go find them near you! I can't express how awesome these little boxes of joy are. What these boxes of sauces are is a recipe starter and on the back it gives you the rest of the ingredients (normally minimal) that you will need to complete the meal. Personally, my favorite part about these boxes are that they think "outside of the box" (hehe) on what is for dinner. Prime example: last night I made Chicken Bruschetta... tell me the last time you made a meal like that from a box. So ladies (and gentlemen) here is what you are looking for in your grocery store next time you venture out.

In this picture I have already used some 1/2 of simmering sauce already. 

When you look on the back of the box beneath the extra ingredients that you will need it takes you step by step in making the recipe.

Step 1: boil bow tie noodles (as instructed on the noodle box) and strain.

Step 2: cut 1 and 1/2 pounds of chicken breast into strips, pour in half of the garlic herb simmering sauce, and cook until done .

Step 3: add noodles to the chicken and the rest of the simmering sauce and mix lightly. 

Step 4: add the chucky bruschetta finishing sauce to the top and sprinkle parmesan cheese over all of it and cover and let cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes. 

Step 5: ENJOY!

It is really that simple guys... Now if you have read some of my previous food posts you can probably tell that I am not in my own kitchen. I am currently home on break at my parents house and so this is my mother's beautiful kitchen! So since I am home I had to find a side that mom had in the kitchen and I decided to make my favorite kind of brussel sprounts (soy sauce and lemon brussels) 

 Simple: add olive oil to a hot pan, add in your cut (in half) brussel sprouts, wait till those are sizzling and then add in soy sauce and a bit of lemon juice, cook until you think they are soaked enough for your preference. YUM!

exams, projects, and papers. oh my!

Exam week is upon folks. The time that all college students dread and all college girls become major bums in how they dress and get ready in the morning. Believe you me, that has been my way of life for the past three years of exam weeks. This year I decided that if I try just a little bit to put a small amount of effort into my exam outfits it may end up benefiting me and my attitude towards the day. I thought I would share my first outfit with you. 

yes, those are my socks, I added my riding boots to the outfit.

Super simple, but better than sweats.

woah! can you tell that it is exam week from the looks of my room? SO SORRY!

What I'm Wearing:

high-low pull over-old navy

jeggings-forever 21

Riding boots-Breckelle's

Fall Flare

Wow! It sure has been awhile since I have posted, and since fall is pretty much almost over I thought it would be a good time to post some of my fall house decorations. Better late than never, right?

I know it's not too much, but it is enough for a college girl that loves to decorate for different holidays. 

I hope y'all had a wonderful fall!

Tips for Inspiration

We've arrived to that time of the semester where the levels of motivation AND inspiration are at an all time low. I thought this might be a good time for me to share my 12 Tips on Staying Inspired that I found on pinterest at some point and have found very helpful in my own life. 

Stay Healthy

1. drink a glass of water- you know what they say, 8 8oz. glasses of water a day does the trick... um, hello! Who really wants to pee 50 times a day. Here is my outlook on staying hydrated, find a cute water bottle that will make you want to carry it around all day. Keep it with you at all times, it will inspire you to take a giant swig every time you see it!

2. move and sweat- as you have seen me say before, exercise is awesome. what girl doesn't want to feel better about herself and have more energy during the day?

3. get some zzz's- we all know that 8 hours of sleep is the recommended amount, yeah, that just doesn't happen in college, but be conscious of possibly shutting those eyes a bit earlier than normal. 

Plan Your Day

4. top 3 tasks- every morning I try to either make a mental "top 3 task to-do list" or physically put it on my phone so I can check them off as I get them done. we all know nothing feels better than crossing a completed task off a list, no matter how long the list may be. 

5.the 50/10 rule- I have actually heard this from multiple places and I think everyone should live by this rule. work for 50 minutes and then take a brain break for 10. simple. 

6. reflect daily- you know all those fake scenarios you make up in your head when you lay down to sleep at night... replace those with a little bit of daily reflection. helps wrap up your day with a bow, and who doesn't love bows. 

Keep Learning

7. reading- yes, i know us college kids think we will never see the day again when we will have time to read a book for fun, but try your best to fit even a little bit of reading time into your day. this could be another great thing to replace that scary night thinking!

8. browsing- research something cool, even if it's an interesting link you followed on pinterest during your afternoon binge. 

9. brainstorm- I constantly have a notebook/post-it notes on hand just in case I have a burst of inspiration or the occasional light bulb moment. It is always fun to go back and look through your little "ah-ha" moments. 

Focus on What Makes You Happy

10. express gratitude- I know, it's november so everyone is becoming oddly thankful for the things around them. I think if we are constantly thinking of at least ten things we are thankful for we will be much happier about what we have and where we are in life. 

11. clean your desk- this is your space. make sure you keep it tidy and worth of inspirational moments. 

12. indulge in your favorite things- whether your favorite thing is hershey kisses or dancing around your room to your classic backstreet boys CD's... do it, let yourself have a moment and indulge. (mine is painting my nails)

what are your tips for inspiration?

xoxo

Fall Photos!

Boy oh boy! This week has been so busy that I haven't been able to blog... Super sad about it! I thought it was about time to introduce my fabulous roomie and amazing photographer Lindsey! Lindsey has been taking pictures for a very long time and is quite good at her craft, if you don't believe me here is the proof: Awesome! She even grabbed me for an impromptu fall photo shoot for her own blog. So here are some of the fantastic shots she got and I definitely think you should stop by and show her a little love! 

Recognize this one from anywhere? :)

 A spot on depiction of me... 

What I'm Wearing

Orange tank top from Gap

White boyfriend cardigan from Old Navy (SO COMFY!)

Jeggings from Forever21

Outlaw riding boots from ZooShoo.com

 

Outfit of my Dreams

I came across this simply amazing outfit on pinterest the other day and just knew I would have to share it with y'all! If I didn't have thunder thighs from so many years of dance and could pull this outfit off, I am pretty positive I would wear it every day of my life. 

Please please please let me know if you know of any budget items that could make an outfit similar to this!

#ootd

Due to being a future teacher some days my style seems to reflect my major more than others. Some of my main go-to outfits tend to look like I just walked out of the classroom. Here is what I wore yesterday!

What I'm Wearing

Pink polo oxford 

Navy Blue kakhi's from American Eagle

Nude ballet flats from Charlotte Russe 

Study Habits

As a senior in college I have to say I have been pretty darn blessed to have lived in a HOUSE since sophomore year. Even though I absolutely adore our library here at school I find that some days I am just meant to study at home. Either place I choose I still tend to dress the same way for the event of cramming my brain. Here is what I am sporting today!
Just in case you are just starting out in the whole college scene here are a few study tips that I live by...

1. Alternate your study space- don't always sit in the same corner at the same table in the library, unless it works for you.

2. Flash cards are your best friend- I know they have definitely been mine!

3. Sleep!- I know you hear this one all the time, but seriously... leave room for those zzz's.

4. Don't categorize yourself- sitting in the library chanting "I'm not a good test taker" over and over in your head, probably not a positive choice. Change it up and say something positive, don't ever categorize yourself.

5. Manage your time- as my mother always says "Victoria, time on task!!" She knows how easily I get distracted, but now she is not here at college with me to be my voice of reason. Break out that super cute agenda you probably paid the big bucks for and USE IT!

Happy Studying!

5 Ways to be Happier

To go along with my previous post, "Pre-change Jitters", I thought I would put together a little something as sort of a self reminder, hope y'all enjoy and remember this in a time of need. 
xoxo

Pre-change Jitters

Any change is scary right...? I am a marine girlfriend and we have found out that my boyfriend will be leaving for his 7 months of deployment in the Mediterranean in early March. So now the game for me is preparing for this time apart. I have a few fun things up my sleeve for Austin and plan on filling you all in a little bit at a time. I will be keeping you all updated on each care package I pack for him and some of the things I will be doing at home while he is gone. Even though I can absolutely wait and put the brakes on the deployment date, I can't wait to fill you guys in on some of the crafty things I have floating around in my head. 

For any of you ladies that have been through this before I would LOVE if you would leave some suggestions for girlfriend survival! 

xoxo 

Monday Madness

Mondays are dreadful and I never feel like getting dolled up in their honor.

Here is what I consider a quick and easy outfit for the Monday blues.

what i'm wearing

classic chambray button down-old navy

infinity scarf-old navy

black yoga leggings-target

outlaw riding boots-zooshoo.com

on my nails: white on by sally hansen and disco by color club

Pesto Ranch Chicken (for the crock pot)

I just don't think it is normal to be 21 and get as excited as I do when putting together a crock pot meal... yet, I do every time. Today I thought I would share my favorite (and easiest) crock pot meal in my repertoire, and of course a few pictures to go along with it. 

**Here is what you need to go out and grab**
-6 to 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
-6 oz. jar of pesto 
-Original Ranch seasoning packet (P.S. this is near the salad dressings, not the seasonings)
-Box of chicken broth (1/2 cup, but I use enough to cover the chicken)

Here is the part where I amaze you. All you do now is throw it all into the crock pot... 
Set that puppy on low for 4 hours or high for 6 and PRESTO (or should I say pesto, haha)

 --yeah, I know it may look kind of gross in the crock pot, but this stuff is heavenly!--

--now grab a few sides that you like, I made kraft mac and cheese and a broccoli steamer bag--

*make sure to pour yourself a glass of wine and soak in the feeling of not having to do anything for this outstanding meal*

October Favorites

1. It always seems like as soon as the calendar says fall, boom my lips are chapped. I have been loving the new moisturizing line of chapstick from Chapstick brand. I literally take it everywhere.

2. As you may have read in one of my previous blogs I think the first minute out of the shower is the most important for your skin. I have been so addicted to using Vaseline Repairing Lotion that my bottle is almost empty. (sad day!)

3. It's fall, so of course everyone needs a go-to candle fragrance! I have been loving the Mainstay's Pumpkin Spice candle from Walmart. It's cheap, but smells so yummy.

4. I am almost positive that by now all of you have tried the Sharpie pens, but if you haven't, please do. I have been cruising through my latest pack of these babies!

5. So I have always found it a tiny bit unfair that I was blessed with man calves... yes, I only made them worse with so many years of ballet. I have the hardest time finding riding boots that fit my tree trunks, but I came across zooshoo and found my wide calf boots for a steal (and free shipping!) I wear them all the time & it actually makes me a bit sad to take them off at the end of the day.

6. My old navy vest has become a fall favorite VERY quickly. I got it as a budget version of the  J.Crew herringbone vest and have fallen in love with how cozy it is!

7. Since I am a serious nail polish lover I thought I would fill you in on my fall favorite: Essie's Mink Muff. 

8. Not everyone has the time to run to Starbucks in the morning to grab their daily pumpkin spice latte, and if that sounds like you I have found a wonderful home remedy to this horrible problem. International Delight: Pumpkin Pie Spice

9. Even though post-it notes are a favorite of every month for me I seemed to use them even more than normal in October. I guess I was a bit more forgetful than usual. Thought I would pay them a little respect. 

10. Yes, I admit I wear my yoga cut offs year round, but October was the perfect month for them this year. Some days were quite chilly and I would pair them with my riding boots to fake long leggings, but some days were warm and I would throw on some tennies to run errands!

--What were some of your October favorites?--

The Sunshine Award

First off, I just want to give a huge shout out and thank you for my nomination for the Sunshine Award to Jessi! Go check out her own nomination at the link. Thanks Jessi!

{The rules}

Post a pic of the award in your post
Post 11 random facts about yourself
Answer the 11 questions from the blogger who nominated you
Nominate 11 bloggers
Write 11 questions for them to answer
Let them know they're nominated! 

**11 Facts About Me**
1. I love to dance. I danced from age 2 and up!
2. I have a passion for singing and music, I also play guitar. 
3. monograms-- yeah, obsessed. 
4. I really enjoy cooking and baking!
5. Obsessed with excellent smelling candles. 
6. I really love wine... 
7. I want a teacup pig as a pet when I get older.
8. I MUST have coffee in the morning.
9. I want to travel the world... but who doesn't.
10. I love my house, and I don't even care that I act like a housewife at age 21. 
11. My dream is to own a farmhouse that I modernize. 

**Answers to Jessi's Questions**
1. Top reason for blogging? Well I started off blogging freshman year in college because it seemed interesting and I thought it would give my friends from home a way to keep up with my adventures. I stopped for a while, but I am now a marine girlfriend (hoorah) so it is always nice to have something to do when he is away. 
2. Red or White Wine? Am I allowed to love both! It is just such a tough decision. My favorites are moscato and sweet red. 
3. Football Fan? Team! So here is a fun fact about me: I love football, but I am a trader. I love the Ravens and the Redskins due to location/family tie reasons. 
4. Man Crush? Celebrity: currently ooo'ing and ahhh'ing over Charlie Hunnam from Sons of Anarchy. Non-celebrity: I'm gonna have to go with my marine (super cheesy, I know)
5. Woman Crush? Jennifer Aniston (of course.)
6. What would your dream vacation consist of? I want to escape to somewhere tropical and sip on umbrella drinks and lounge in the sun all day long!
7. Do you have any fur babies? Does it count if I am obessed with my fur-niece? Her name is Gracie Lee, three words... lab/mastiff mix!
8. If someone was to describe you in one word it would be? loud (oops)
9. What is your favorite holiday? I'm absolutely 100% a Christmas kid. I love everything about the holiday! (come snuggle with me and my hot chocolate while we open gifts!)
10. What is your favorite book? (I'm looking to start a new one) I'm a huge fan of the Sarah Dessen books (I know they are for teenagers, but they are quick and fun reads... "bubble gum for the brain" as my mom would say)
11. Best advice for a young girl? Never settle. Plain and simple, keep pushing yourself, strive for the best, and never think that unhappiness is your end. If everything is not alright in the end, it is not the end.

**My Nominations**
Rachel--makeshift munch 
Frannie-- the blonde prep
Hunter-- prep on a budget
Caroline-- citrus and style
Sarah-- classy girls wear pearls
Mackenzie-- design darling
Gracey--stripes and peonies
Mallory--just get inspired
letters, lilly, and lattes
Jane--see jane.
Kristinasimple but real

**Questions from me to you**
1. Why you started blogging?
2. Favorite fall activity?
3. Favorite nail polish?
4. Favorite meal to make?
5. Favorite clothing staple in your closet?
6. If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
7. Favorite inspirational quote?
8. Your order at Starbucks?
9. Weekend activity of choice?
10. Favorite item of make up?
11. Guilty pleasure?   

currently coveting

I love fall fashion and I am currently coveting some warm and cozies! I am also thinking about re-doing my room soon so the home decor are some things I would love to see scattered in my room.

elbow patch sweaters

flannel shirts in any color

nude color vest (puffer or patagonia)

leather chair

fun colored vases

fun colored knickknacks

--Comment and let me know what you are currently coveting--

A Warm Fall Treat

Hey y'all! For everyone who doesn't know, I love baking. I especially love baking in fall and winter, so it was the perfect time to whip up something yummy. Normally when I say "whip" it actually does mean from scratch, but this college girl just didn't have the time to seriously "whip" today. For those of you who have visited the old country store side of a Cracker Barrel you know they have really cute treats for the fall season. My grandmother had sent me a super easy two-step "Apple Crisp", she even included an adorable apple shaped baking dish with the needed ingredients. Thought I would share some pictures!

1. Put a jar of Cracker Barrel's Fried Apples into a buttered baking dish. 

2. Mix the dry ingredients from the Kari Lee's Apple Crisp bag with one stick of cold butter. 

 3. Sprinkle the dry mix with butter over top of the apples in an even layer. 

 4. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes. 

Enjoy!!