Reformation Day

Happy Halloween (ahem Reformation Day), fools! Any good ECS-grad knows this holiday as Reformation Day, the day that Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the church signaling the Protestant Reformation (hence... Reformation Day... duh). So while I continue to celebrate my love for this tricky day and listen to "A Mighty Fortress" on repeat, you can enjoy this villainous rendition of Chicago's  "Cell Block Tango" (ahem Spell Block Tango).

 

{Happy Halloween from the work-version of Minnie Mouse}

Girl's World

While on a short break from work this morning, I found this image of Poppy Delevingne. She's fabulous and the epitome of chic femininity while maintaining a cool rocker thing too. So, she's basically Olivia Palermo with biker boots. 

This led me to asos.com where there is a "2013 Fall Trend" dubbed "Girl's World." Under the heading were these finds (see below). Which subsequently led me to daydreaming about why women don't wear fur, sequins, or tutus all day every day. Seriously...? How much fun would it be to channel you inner SJP/Carrie Bradshaw and just go crazy girly, even for just one day? 

 

{asos fur coat}

 

{asos oversized bow top}

 

{asos petite fur coat}

 

{asos midi skirt}

 

{asos petite mesh skater dress}

Here's to daydreaming of fur coats 

and drinking champagne before noon.

Happy Happy, Happy

Last night when I crawled into bed, I began saying my prayers as I tend to do. But then, I paused, opened my eyes and smiled.

I have been trying to get into the habit of praising and thanking God first in my prayers before I petition my wants etc. This habit has sunk in enough that sometimes, I fall asleep praising God and never even get to me (a perfectly lovely way to fall asleep if you ask me).

The reason I paused and smiled last night was because I didn't know what to ask God for once I was done thanking him. I'd gone through the very long list of things in my life that I'm oh-so grateful for, and in the end, there was nothing left. I paused because I'm truly, genuinely happy. And I have no one but God to thank for each and every blessing.

I smiled because He's allowed:
-me to have a fabulous relationship with my parents again after a rocky few months senior year
-my relationship with my cousin and sister to never miss a beat, even though I know I'm a handful
-my friendships with my besties have stayed in tact through milestone, joys, and many miles
-a guy who makes me smile like a fool for no reason at all other than his presence in my life
-a job I love with co-workers I enjoy being around
-a country where I'm free to shout from the rooftops how much I love my Savior, and how much he loves me
-a cozy roof over my head
-a relationship with Him that's equal parts tough love and compassion
-a strong, healthy "bebe T" to be auntie to next spring
-and health and happiness to my sweet loved ones

Heading into the holiday season, I challenge you to count your blessings, and you'll probably smile too.

#SappyPost

Exactly one year ago today....

It was a cold, rainy Friday. It had been a long week, and after sitting in traffic for what seemed like for.ev.er. I finally made it home. I had previously been invited to a Halloween party by Richie B, and had all but decided to take a rain-check as my cozy couch was calling my name. Plus, I didn't have a costume I felt like wearing downtown (Katy Perry would draw too much unwanted attention if ya catch my drift). Plus, I had absolutely no desire to make the trek back downtown to Metro 67 since I'd just commuted from there.

No one was home, so my not-so-little cousin and precious wheata woo came over to my house to hang out, or so I thought. She proceeded to explain to me how lame it was that I wanted to sit at home on a Friday night when I had a perfectly good invitation to a Halloween party. 

I gave the usual excuses: it's raining and cold, I don't have a costume, I won't know anybody, it's a long way, I'm tired, I'll have to drive back late and that's unsafe blah, blah, blah. 

Her rebuttal? You always say you want to make new friends, you know this is the perfect opportunity, you love holidays, it's not that far, the rain will probably stop soon, and do you really want to sit on the couch alone? Also, she brought a costume. (pause for a moment to realize my wheata woo is insanely great and would make a phenom lawyer due to her impressive arguing skills). 

She had a valid point, and a costume. So, I put on my traditional black uniform, threw on her "official" Katniss jacket and pin, braided my hair, and hit the road.

Guess what? She was right. On all accounts. I did make new friends, the rain did stop, and I met a "Mexican" who asked for a picture with me and my number to take me to sushi.

A few hours at Silky's, a Dyer's burger, and some chicken minis later... and things would never be the same.

So thankful Ashleigh talked me into going to Richie's party where I met a guy in a poncho and sombrero, also known as JT. It's been a fabulous year.

Crazy how God works, huh?

Style Trend: Wide Brimmed Hats

Ever since I saw this little link, I've been obsessed with the idea of a wide brimmed hat as a fall accessory. The problem is... I've never been much of a hat person, ever. With giant poofy hair, they aren't exactly my go-to, but perhaps this style will work as a messy/rainy day hair fix, yes?

Finding the perfect on seems a bit of a challenge too, as most are either too floppy or too beachy, but I managed to find an assortment in various price ranges for those daring to attempt the trend with me.

 

{click here for the above options}

 

{click here for the Ava Burgundy hat}

 

{the Gwen hat here, also comes in black, eggplant and dark green}

 

{Michael Stars hat comes in black too}

 

{H & M's wool hat}

 

{H & M's navajo chic style}

And last but not least, the cheapest option out there -- there's no excuse for not at least trying out the trend for $12. 

Rain, Rain...

...you can stay.

I get to wear my (moss green) Hunter boots today.

(and flannel. and a scarf.)

Cozy, cuddle weather is upon us, folks. 

And I, for one, couldn't be happier.

Costume Time, once again

It's no secret that I love holidays, and have a growing love affair with Halloween since so many wonderful things seem to coincide with the holiday in my life. Last year, I went above and beyond to ensure the purrfect Katy Perry ensemble, and also managed to pull off a last minute Katniss Everdeen get-up. 

 

{Katy Perry for the annual "coaches" Halloween party}

 

 

{Katniss- last minute costume courtesy of Ashleigh and my black wardrobe staples} 

 

{very first picture of me and JT the night we met, Katniss and a Mexican}

This year, it looks as though I'll once again need two costumes as I'll be celebrating in Memphis and Atlanta (the weekend after) with my TNB's for our reunion. 

In lieu of my overly-OCD planning mind, I already have one concept locked down (thanks to merebear's efforts). The other is still up in the air but ideas have been thrown around.

The one I know of for ATL:
-has a popular bestie/frenemy (who'll be played by merebear)
-an enviable address 
-an endless budget for her wardrobe
-fashion sense to kill
-a less than perfect family life
-won a place in viewer's hearts via The CW

Can you guess what/who I am...?