Things I Like

FOR MY CLOSET because I am in love with loafers and I don't even want to stop.

FOR MY GEEK-OUTS because this guy, he makes a really good point

FOR REFERENCE because my first Matterhorn experience was a ride at disneyland

FOR NEVER because honestly, Nick would never agree to a gorgeous pink couch.

FOR MY FUTURE KITCHEN because, why wouldn't I want it to look this beautiful!

FOR SUMMER because this is what a good road trip is made of

And now I'd like to introduce you to the wonderful Alyssa of Elle & Elle! This lovely lady writes a lifestyle blog that is so inspiring!  I am constantly impressed with the way that she writes and the unique topics that she comes up with!  If you haven't already, get on over there and check her out… but first, find out a bit more…

Tell us a little bit about you and your blog!

Elle & Elle features thoughts on faith, style, design, joy, and all of life's sweet adventures. I'm constantly inspired by the world around me, and hope that my blog would serve as a source of inspiration for my readers.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?

If I were a superhero, I would love to be able to fly. There's something so freeing about the thought of soaring above the ground. I would also love the power of invisibility - at least during some of those awkward social moments ;)

What is one item on your bucket list?

I want to travel around Europe with my sweet husband! It's always been a dream of mine to explore the rich history and culture there - and I'm determined to make it happen some day!

Also be sure to check out her link up, Dreaming Uninhibited!

Read Up: The Art of Being Thankful, Be Brave, In the Waiting

Follow Along: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin, Google+

Now go check out her blog, I know you'll love it!

Q&A with Ashley of Rainstorms and Love Notes

Hey everyone!  Today I have a Q&A with the lovely Ashley from Rainstorms and Love Notes!  Read on and get to know a little bit more about this lady!

When and why did you start blogging?

I’ve been blogging in some form for the past few years, but I started Rainstorms and Love Notes in August 2012 as a way to share recipes and document life as a newlywed.


What can people expect to read when they visit?

A little bit of everything! More specifically though, about 2 recipes a week with posts about life, love, and my obsession with binge-watching TV shows and the Pittsburgh Steelers thrown in between.


I love that your husband makes regular appearances on your blog!  How long have you two been together?  What are your tips for a great relationship?

It's so fun when he hangs out on the blog! We’ve been together for 4 years, and married for almost 2.

I’m certainly no expert, but here are 2 things that work for us:

1. Laugh together everyday
2. SEPARATE bathrooms!

Have you always loved to cook?  What are some of your favorite recipes you've made?

I didn’t really start cooking until 2011, when I decided to start teaching myself a variety of different recipes. Now it’s one of my favorite hobbies, and one of the best ways for me to unwind and get lost in thought. It’s hard to pick favorites, but I love theseoatmeal pancakes, vanilla bean chocolate chip bars, and gnocchi with creamy brie sauce.


Have any good blogging advice?

Write consistently, but don’t let it start to feel like a chore, or it will be reflected in your writing.


Tell us something interesting about yourself!

I spent a good portion of my childhood living in Panama, because my dad was in the Navy, and I was devastated when we had to move. 

Isn't she great, you guys?!  Hop on over to her blog and say hey!

An Ode to Getting Older

Maybe it's because I am still young or maybe it's because I feel like each year brings a little more wisdom, but I like getting older.

I was visiting with some friends the other day and someone said that they would give anything to go back to high school, and the whole room echoed their agreement.  New freedom, no responsibilities, and still naive.

I like seeing my life in years.  I like recalling what being 24 was all about, or being 16.  I like reflecting but the thing is, I wouldn't want to go back.  I like the responsibilities, I like knowing things and I like that the "freedom" we were so excited about is just what we call life at this point.

And at 25 I am more me than I was back then.

I'd never want to be less myself than I am now.

I'm excited about tomorrow and the next day and year and ten years and the next 50.

Besides, being friends with your parents is where it's at.

I used to twirl around in my mom's prom dress and now we share books and wine.  I used to dance around on my dad's feet and now we share classic rock CDs and a love of history.

And I don't even know when all this happened.  It's the best though, the very best.

And why would I want to go back?  I can already imagine myself at 50 feeling infinitely more "me" than I do even now and that is so exciting!

Maybe I will feel differently in the future.  Maybe that new number I happen upon each year will turn sour and leave me dreading the next but I really hope not.  I hope that when I'm 80 I'm still excited for my birthday, still in awe of what I've learned, and still feeling like the next year has something new to teach me.


And now I'd like to introduce you to the beautiful Amanda of Marry Mint!  Amanda is such a sweetheart and that really shines through in her blog posts.  She has a precious baby girl, loves taking pictures, and happens to be a cancer survivor.  She has a wonderful outlook and is such an inspiration!  Read on to learn more...

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I'm Mallory's mom, the wife of a solider and my two best friends are dogs. I like my coffee hot, my beer cold and I'm dangerous with a debit card. I'm just a cancer survivor with a blog trying to show the world that life can go on after cancer...and that life can be damn good!

If you were a superhero, what power would you have?

Superhero? I'm just trying to get through the day with as little fecal matter and spit up on me as possible.

Read Up: True Life: I'm an Introvert / Just a Girl and Her Dog / Perspective

Follow Along: Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest

Maybe Winter, Maybe Spring?

I know that a lot of you are experiencing the polar vortex and/or have been living in the extreme conditions of Chiberia, but here in Texas, we're dealing with a different extreme. Now, no one get jealous or anything but it was 80 degrees yesterday ;)  But here's the crazy: it was snowing just a few days before that.  Go figure.

Aside from my sinuses being completely over (or under, rather) this changing weather, I just don't even know where we are, seasonally.  We're stuck somewhere between winter and spring, or fluctuating between the two, daily.  I know, poor me, spring has come early, blah blah.

You're right.

But still, I have to wake up extra early to catch the weather channel every morning… it's hard guys.

But besides all that whining I've been thinking about clothes and, like the weather, I'm also kind of split, ya know.  I'm not ready to get over winter quite yet but there are some pretty spring things popping up.

Ah, see, this post is actually tying together!

01. Cross-body Bag  /  02. Felt Hat  /  03. Silk Blouse  /  04. Sleeveless Top  /  05. Inside-out Bag  /  06. Nail polish  /  07. Lipstick  /  08. Brogues  /  09. Leather Shorts  /  10. Booties

And now I'd like to introduce you to the beautiful Ashley of Rainstorms and Love Notes.  You've probably read her blog before but in the rare case that you haven't, you are in for a treat!  And I actually mean that last bit quite literally because, well, her recipes look wonderful!  Also, you'll probably want to read her love story.  I'm pretty partial to a good love story and hers definitely delivers!  Now, get to know a bit more about Ashley...

Tell us a bit about you/your blog.
Rainstorms and Love Notes is a lifestyle blog where I share new recipes, write about life and love, and talk about my obsession with binge-watching TV shows and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

If you were a super hero, what powers would you have?
I've always wanted to be able to read people's minds!  Although, I may hear something that I'd rather not know…

What is one item on your bucket list?
I'm dying to go to the hotel Kakslauttanen in Finland to watch the Aurora Borealis from a glass igloo.

Read Up: Oatmeal Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce / A Girl's Guide to Enjoying the NFL Season / TV Shows that Defined My Childhood

Follow Along: Blog / Twitter / Pinterest / Instagram / Bloglovin

She's wonderful guys, I'm telling' ya!  Now go stop by her blog and say hey!

Etsy Spotlight: She's A Paper Pleaser

Happy Sunday everyone!  I hope that this weekend has been good to you.  N and I have just been relaxing, going to dinner with family, and playing some Call of Duty, naturally.  I'm definitely not ready for the start of a new week but here's to it being a good one, never the less :)

Today I'd like to talk about an etsy shop that I just love called She's A Paper Pleaser.  It is run by Jess, and she sells hand painted coffee mugs, jewelry, and greeting cards.

All her things are just so darn cute!  The coffee mugs range from witty and fun to inspirational, both sure to make your morning coffee (or tea!) extra enjoyable.  Her greeting cards are sweet and simple and she even makes some monogram ones if that's your thing :) And I'll say that I may be partial to her jewelry because ya know, I love a good accessory.  Her jewelry is simple and gorgeous!  It's subtle but statement making.

Oh yeah and she also has a blog!  You can learn a little more about her, see her impeccable home styling,  and follow along on her thoughts for Thursday.

But really, I just want to show you some of my favorites:

MUGS

1  |  2  |  3

JEWELRY

1  |  2  |  3

GREETING CARDS

1  |  2  |  3

Cute stuff, am I right?  Go check out her blog and etsy shop and show her a little love!

Home Goodies

I am always decorating my home in some way or another.  And fall is the season that screams renewal for me (ya know, like spring!).  During the fall I love to switch out a few pieces and right now I am wanting a lot of black & white, gold and brass, and a few earthy touches.

I'll be back tomorrow with some of my favorite shops (that include some of these goodies below) but for now, here are some things that I am pining for.  Or, more likely, am pining to DIY.

Monogram Pillow | Sunburst mirror | dinosaur print | carved accordion hooks | his & hers pillows | buffalo check blanket (cheaper version here) | Horse Procession painting

And second on the agenda is a little introduction to the lovely Cece from Pink Sunshine.  She is sponsoring me this month and her blog is just wonderful!  Go see for yourself.