How I Spent My Weekend..

I'm gonna come right out and say it: My weekend wasn't exciting, well not compared to most 22-year-olds' weekends. At least I'm not ashamed to admit it, right?

I spent mine babysitting and when I wasn't doing that I was laying in bed watching Netflix with my precious Theo (for those just joining, Theo is sadly not my boyfriend, just my cat). 

Now let me ask you a question:
Remember when we thought that fairy tales were...

1. Completely true. They were just happening in another land...that was close by...that you would one day discover you are the long lost princess of... 

2. EXTRA scary, I mean evil witches with unmatchable magic powers?! Plus, everyone else seems to have an evil witch nemesis, so there must obviously be an evil witch out there trying to ruin your life too. This was completely sound logic. 

3. The greatest thing in the entire world. All any little girl could hope for was to one day meet her prince charming and become a princess - And at 5 or 6 years old we certainly didn't see this as "too much to ask" of the male population.. cough, cough. 

...If you remember any of those fond, fonddd memories, then I have great news for you:

ABC decided to take the most pure and imaginative stories of our childhood and corrupt them.

HA. JKZ. ABC has actually managed to revamp almost all of the classic fairy tales (without ruining any of their original splendor) and turn them into a surprisingly compelling T.V show. Now, as I said in the beginning, I spent a bit (ha, what an understatement) of time this weekend scanning Netflix's new additions and whelp, lucky me. I stumbled across this wonderful gem of ABC. 

Enter: Once Upon A Time. 

 Originally I was pretty skeptical... I feel like most fairy tales have already been remade into tonzz of movies and shows. Didn't anyone see Snow White and the Huntsman (Charlize, ma gurl, you stole the show)? My point exactly. So what would make me want to watch yet another retelling of how some poor maiden is unfairly treated by her evil enemy? I mean I usually end up just wanting to give the pooorrr maiden a piece of my mind.  Something along the lines of: "You're a princess, you're not doin' too shabby. Suck it up girlfriend. Life isn't all about finding Prince Charming. Get with the program."

But this time I was desperate to watch something before bed and Theo was making it difficult for me to scroll (excuses, excuses..). So I decided to give this show a chance...10 episodes later, and all I have to say is, "you win Once Upon A Time, I surrender to to your mysterious greatness and mystifying plot."

Aka: I watched the pilot and have been hooked ever since.

Now, I'm not going to go into great detail about what it's all about - because that'd take 4-EV-ER. So, we'll turn to IMDB for this one, this show is:
"Centered on a young woman with a troubled past who is drawn into a small town in Maine where the magic and mystery of Fairy Tales may just be real."
OHHHH man - did you get goose bumps? I did, and I already know what its about. Cool. Good, Annie.

Not one easily convinced by words? Then I'll just have to resort to pictures.
Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes upon the beautiful cast of Once Upon A Time.

Still not sold? How about some fleeting eye-candy:

I sold you, didn't I? And you're off to watch it now, aren't you?
Damn. I'm good.
Hahaha - but really, if you haven't seen it already, then I recommend using it as an excuse to take a break from your stressful Monday.
If you have seen it - What are your favorite parts/characters!?
I'd give anything to be Ginnifer Goodwin/Snow White. Stylish and elegant. Love it.

Turn It Up...Tues- Friday?

Starting next Tuesday, I'm going to do a fun new thing called...Drum roll please...

Turn It Up Tuesdays

SO dramatically different from when I used to do "Tune In Tuesdays"... I know. 

Haha eh, I think its always better to start over fresh anyway!

Buttt... I became a little kid on Christmas Eve when I came up with this idea and designed the picture to go along with it, I just couldn't wait to post one - So: I, Annie, am posting a Tune In Tuesday on Friday. Breaking all the rules. Guilty as charged. Bring out the hand-cuffs and read me my rights.

JKZ. But really I'm posting one today simply because I couldn't wait to share with you!

1. Vegas Girl (Wideboys Radio Edit) | Conor Maynard

Perfect remix of a great original - granted, the music video is strange. Lets be real. A: I would be supperr weirded out if a guy randomly asked to take my picture on his phone... B: It is not possible to get an entire community involved in a hunt for ONE girl in ONE day... C'mon Conor. Lets get realistic.

2. Used To Know | Akon Feat Gotye, Money J & Black Frost

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say you all got tired of "Somebody That I Used To Know"? Yah. me too (but I'm still guilty of singing along on the radio. oops.) But Akon brings his usual Akon splendor to this remix. Get it. 

3. Wicked Games | The Weekend

Truth? I have no idea where this song came from but it popped up during shuffle on my iTunes and I'm obsessed. So chill, so good. (Oh wait. Maybe this was where I got it from... #1DfoLYFE)

4. Fast Car | Taio Cruz

Turn it up and just roll with it. 

5. Wide Awake | The Dirty Guv'nahs

Classic tumblr find, sweet and soulful. Love it. 

6. So Listen | Cody Simpson Ft. T-Pain

Whelp. I guess Cody's all grown up. And experimenting with dubstep. 

I don't hate it. 

7. Boyfriend (Remix) | Mike Stud

I feel like this should be every ex-boyfriend, actually, every guy I've ever known's theme song. Regardless, I love it ha ha. The second he said "Pinot Grigio" I was sold. 

8. One Love | Jordan Pruitt

Just a feel good jam. Get it gurrrlll.

9. Mercy | Dave Matthews Band & Sweet | Dave Matthews Band

As I've mentioned on my twitter, and posted on my tumblr, Dave can do no wrong. Their entire new album Away From The World is FUH-AN-TAS-ICK. But these two have to be my favorites.

10. Ready Or Not | Bridgit Medler

Classic Disney, always spitting out those child-actors turned singers. And you know what? I can't say I hate it. I've been jammin' to this baby since July. 

11. Finally Found You | Enrique Iglesias Feat Sammy Adams

Greatest collab. ever? Its very possible. 

12. How To Love (Remix)  | Demi Lovato

Demi's spin on Lil' Wayne. LUHHZ it. She's not always my favorite, but this cover is flawless.

13. Rest Of My Life | Jason Derulo

Jason, Jason, Jason... What am I going to do with you? I just keep loving your songs. I don't think its healthy. 

14. Uh Oh | Junior Doctor

Another pop anthem... I'm slightly worried that I may be reverting back to my 12-year-old self and listening to only pop music. 

15. Heart Skips A Beat | Olly Murs Feat Chiddy Bang

Olly toured with One Direction. Obviously I love him, too. Not to mention - hes' pretty cute himself. And probably of a more acceptable age for me than the boys of One Direction...

16. Heart It Races (As Played By Dr Dog) | Architecture In Helsinki

Great. Just great. 

Happy downloading, let me know what you guys think! 

annndd, as always, have a good weekend. 

WILW: Forever21

I'll admit it, I love Forever21 every day of the week...

but I got onto their site last night and couldn't stop adding things to my cart and imagining all the lovely lovely outfits I could make out of their new stuff!

Here are a few favorites...

Class: Shirt ($19.80) | Shoes (Sale! $55)

Out: Shirt ($17.80) | Shoes  ($228)(Similar - Actually I like them better)

Errands: Shirt ($14.80) | Shoes ($51.95)

Jeans ($10.80)

Best part of these outfits? The top and jeans are all cheap and give you the option to splurge on the shoes! 

Class = $85.60

Out = $28.60 (without shoes)

Errands = $81.55

Do you guys like Forever 21?

Monday Thoughts

No doubt, Monday is always the worst day of the week.

You've got to come to terms with the fact that the weekends over, you've got responsibilities and you can no longer drink like you've got 1,000 livers. Shoot. 

Mondays also tend to put me in a bad mood. Its always on Mondays that I realize that I've got tons of work due that week and the fact that I'm one week closer to having to enter into the daunting, adult world. 

While In my bad mood I find myself scowling at everyone, thinking that I'm the only person with work to do and that I'm the only one who experiences a "Case of the Mondays" - but in reality, we all deal with Mondays, they suck for all of us. So: I think it's refreshing to take a moment and remind myself that, surprisingly enough, there are worse things than Mondays. 

Here's one of my favorite lists to look over as a reminder of how good I really do have it. 

Written by Regina Brett upon turning 50 years-old, here are my favorite Monday reminders from her 50 Timeless Lessons.

And...

Think on it, and have a good rest of your Monday!

Lazy Saturday

I feel like I'm totally going against the grain saying that I'm having a lazy Saturday

But in "college world", Sundays are meant for throwing all your study stuff in your bag, heading to the library, and practically crying as you look through your syllabi and realize how much work you didn't get done this weekend...(damn that frat party that you haddd to go to, I mean you had the perfect outfit...) and since I obviously L.O.V.E to do that every Sunday... (ha. ha.) I spend my Saturdays in the best way I know how, lazily. 

With that said: I came home this weekend because I had a doctors appt late Friday afternoon, and just decided to stay all weekend! I mean who doesn't love a good two nights in their own bed? I know the first thing I did when I got home was slide in under my big, fluffy duvet and pass out for 3 hours. Cool. 

Today, though, I refrained from napping - Instead, I woke up at 12 in the afternoon..

With the rest of my day I hopped over to Gap and Target - of course. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I found some great stuff at both places!

Shirt (Both Colors) | Parka

I wandered into Gap with every intention of purchasing a pair of moss green pants, sadly they didn't have any of those (ugh.) but lucky me! Every thing was 30% off, on top of the sale it was already a part of! So I ended up walking out a happy girl, regardless of the missing moss green pants!

Next: I went to Target with the intentions of buying a stopwatch.

Striped Sweater | Nightgown | Watch | Black Sweater | Gingham Cup

I only wanted ONE THING - and, in true Target fashion, I ended up leaving with:
Two greeting cards, two sweaters, one night gown, one cup (for my makeup brushes... I mean who buys just ONE cup for fun?) a set of polkadot hair ties anddd...my watch.

I felt like I was a walking Target stereotype: leaving with more than I came for. Every. freaking. time. Buuutt I'll give it to them - they had some cute stuff so I like to think all of my purchases were justified...and I did get that watch I wanted! 

On another note:

I stumbled across this baby on Tumblr and followed it right to a great blog: Maple & Magnolia!
This is furr-surrre (anyone for that Workaholics reference?) the next DIY project on my list. Plus: how fun would it be to change the paint chips out for colors that went along with each different season?!

Any fun stuff happening with you all this weekend!?
As you can see, my weekend isn't ALL that exciting so I'd love to live vicariously through you guys!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I LOVE being able to do this again - I mean who doesn't like to talk about the things they're currently in love with?
I could deff talk fo dayzz about things I'm obsessed with.
Actually: I definitely called my dad last night, just to chat, and ended up talking to him for like 10 minutes about how much I love my new Keds and the great socks I got with them!
Was he weirded out? Most likely. 

But, he's come to expect that with me - After all, people say I take after him.

Aka: Dad, if you're reading this, I'm witty, hilarious and weird because you taught me to be. 

Don't be embarrassed, at least we're in it together. 

....anndd  with the mention of my Keds, lets get to What I'm Loving this Wednesday!

YouTube Channels (SarahBelleX93 & TheDailyGrace): As I stumble through the blogosphere and of course tumblr... and instagram... (Gotta check ALL the social medias) I'm always running into funny videos or ones that are informative (focus on my faves: Organization and make-up). SO, when I came across SarahBelleX93's vlog I was HOOKED. Not only is she funny, and slightly awkward like me - but she also does these great videos about fashion, whats in her bag, and hair/makeup. Lets just say I may or may not have watched all the way back to vids from last December...oops? -- Secondly, over my two years on Tumblr, I've noticed tons of GIFs of this one blonde girl, and they were always accompanied by funny quotes...so I decided I had to channel my inner Nancy Drew and find out who the heck she was! When I found out she was vlogger I immediately went to her page,TheDailyGrace. I was supah excited, the kind of excited you get when you find out you actually didn't spend hundreds of dollars at the bar the night before... (#PUH-RAISE) She's hilarious, slightly inappropriate and absolutely gorgeous - the most deadly combination. Im hooked on her vids, my favorite being her recent one of a review of the music video "Gangnam Style".

Vera Bradley Tote: Much to Sara and Lindsye's chagrin.. I have some strage love for Vera Bradley. I'm not sure if its that her bags are just so versatile and bright colored or if its that they're made in Indiana and I always want to support my state? Regardless: I came to the conclusion that I needed to branch out from my Longchamp. So I ordered a Vera Tote. I even chose a color (the navy pictured above - Twirly Birds Navy) that's on sale! annndd wait for it.. annndd They threw in a free small cosmetic bag! Touché Ms. Bradley. You've won me over, yet again. 

My new Lilly Planner in "Shorely Blue Leggy": Do I really even need to say anything about this bad boy? Didn't think so. Although, if you were wondering, I have it in the large size (More room for my obsessive lists! Shh..)

Cover Girl Natureluxe Silk Foundation: So for the past, 4 or 5 years I've used tinted moisturizer as my "foundation" (because, I was a naive young grasshopper in a scary make-up world with no wise one to guide me). Unfortunately, I noticed that it would wear off like an hour or so after I applied it, can you say obnoxious? Thusss, I decided I needed to invest in some sort of grown-up face-paint.
Enter: Covergirl Natureluxe Silk Foundation. It feels great on my face, covers wonderfully, and stays put! I got mine in the color "Dune" and it matches really well - so far I haven't had any awkward streaks or lines. But the best part? You can get it at your local drugstore!

The Classic Champion Keds: Keds are one of those timeless items that everyone should have. Example: My dad and I were talking about my Keds and we both remembered that my grandmother (his mom) never wore any shoe besides white, pointed toe, Keds. If that's not a sign that they're a great shoe, then I don't know what is! I ordered mine in the gray color, although I thought about navy... but I plan on wearing them with jeans in the fall and the last thing I want is for my shoes to blend with my pants and make me look footless - Creepy.
 PLUS: they have great little socks that you can buy that make it doesn't look like you aren't wearing any! Love that. 

anndddd... last but not least, I am just lusting over Urban Outfitter's Sparkle & Fade Pleated Chiffon Skirt: I'm not sure what's come over me, but I've got a crazy thing for maxi skirts this fall. They're a great alternative to jeans and you can dress them up or down. Not to mention, what is more fun than wearing a skirt? Nothing, thats what. Right now I'm considering the wine (pictured), dark blue, and gray colors! 

What are you guys loving this Wednesday? Or for fall in general?

xx

Life's Big Concerns

Going into the last leg of my college career, actually... my entire educational career

I get freaked out ALL. THE. TIME. about the obvious questions:

Good question, if you figure it out, feel free to let me know

 

Probably not. I mean I love a British boy band made up of boys younger than myself (1D fo lyfe, obvi.), I like to watch the special kids channel on Netflix, and I still shift uncomfortably when there are sex scenes in movies (whether I'm watching them with my parents or not).   

The nice thing about college, is it throws you together with a bunch of total strangers and you have no choice but to befriend a few or go insane. But in "real-life" theres no one there following you around and pointing to people and going,
"OH. That one looks like she's got a good fashion sense, is hilarious and witty, and appreciates a nice crime show - BEFRIEND HER!"
So.. Maybe I'll just stick to being friends with my cat. As long as he gets food and a few water bottle caps to carry around like mice, he's good to go. 

 

Whelp. I'll keep you posted on that.
If I do an OOTD and I'm in a paper bag... then you know the answer. 

  

Employees of NASA, listen up: I know you've got enough brains to figure this out, it isn't rocket science, so get on it
(HA. HA... see what I did there? NASA, rocket science.. haa)

        

Such a bittersweet thought. Maybe I'll buy textbooks just to amuse myself... HA. Yah. Right. 

       

DUN. DUN DUNNN. Maybe I'd take up professional gaming? Or create a blog about the ceiling tiles in their basement? Tragic. But I mean... there are worse things...right?

      

Will I have to actually eat real meals? Like with vegetables?

That sounds like a few too many efforts...

But I guess I'm willing to branch out, to maybe like uhh rice? or frozen veggies?

They have the ones that come in the microwave bag, right? YUP. 

          

C'mon, we've all thought it: "I'm clearly the most important thing to my parents... I feel so bad leaving them! What are they possibly going to do without my messes to clean up? Or my mistakes to correct? They're going to be so miserable". Its like thinking about the fact that teachers have a life outside of school. Bizarre. But I guess my parents will just have to move on, survive without their one and only beautiful, hilarious, princess like daughter. Sniffle.

and the big whammy:

       

In all seriousness, I feel like this is the number one question that most current college seniors are

asking themselves. I mean, this is one of the most pivotal and momentous points in our lives. 

We've worked 16 years for this moment - everyone and their mothers have told us that "all our hard work will pay off once we enter the real world" or, that if we "do what we love and it'll all come together in the end". And with all of these comments floating around in our heads, rarely do we ever ask ourselves, "What if it doesn't work out?" or "What if there are honestly NO jobs available in my field?" or "What if I end up having to do something that I totally hate?" 

(I mean, no pressure or anything... haha) I guess what I'm trying to say is, its okay to be scared of this, because it is an honest and unavoidable fear. 

...I guess we could all just become "professional children" and make money by holding organized and very advanced lemonade stands.

So now that you all know what runs through my head on a daily basis,

I should also let you in on the secret (well, not really all that secret) quote that I've been reading over...and over... and over, to reassure me that life may be coming fast, but theres always time to change things. OH. and never doubt yourself.. 

(I mean, why would you? If you're reading my blog you obviously make only STELLAR decisions.)

(just reading that quote makes me smile)

On that note - Hope you all had a wonderful Monday!

And I'll talk to you soon!