So Long Summer...

The long Labor Day weekend is upon us, which means that it's time to say so long to summer...sigh. Wasn't it a good one? Mine was packed with friends, family, and amazing adventures!

Although I'm sad to see the warmer days start to dwindle away, I'm excited to welcome fall which happens to be my favorite season for a bunch of reasons including (but of course not limited to), fashion, college football, apple cider, carving pumpkins, and beautiful changing leaves!

What's are your favorite things about the fall season? Have a wonderful long weekend!

25 Before 25- Update 2

Over the weekended I completed a HUGE task on my 25 Before 25 list (aka 25 things I'd like to do before I turn 25)...ready for it? I WENT SKYDIVING!!! Yes, I jumped out of a plane from 12,000 feet in the air with a well-trained stranger strapped to my back. It was so amazing! Seriously. You allll need to try skydiving at some point, ok?

A few other equally exciting updates: I went to a pro baseball game (so much fun!), visited the Zoo, and went to a great summer concert!

Check out my entire 25 Before 25 list below with photos of my latest tasks!

1. Become certified to scuba dive

2. Skydive

*Completed 8/26/12*

 

3. Create a budget...and stick to it!  

 

4. Stay on my grandparents' farm 

 

*Completed 6/18/12*

5. Watch the sunrise  

*Completed 7/6/12*

6. Travel to a new continent 

7. Complete 1 DIY project a month

8. Learn to play the mandolin

9. Go gluten free for one week 

10. Attend a pro baseball game

*Completed 7/7/2012* 

 

11. Learn how to use Photoshop

12. Start my own Etsy shop 

13. Learn how to change a tire

14. Watch all 8 Harry Potter movies in 1 weekend 

15. Visit a zoo 

*Completed 7/8/12*

16. Find a new organization to volunteer with 

17. Read 1 new book per month

18. Research my family history 

19. Attend an amazing live concert 

*Completed 7/29/2012*

  

20.  Host a giveaway on my blog

21. Write a letter to my 35-year-old self 

22. See a shooting star

*Completed 7/4/12*

23. Turn off my phone for 24 hours

24.  Move out of my parents’ home

25.   Create a bucket list!

Wish You Were Here

Don't you wish you were here? I know I do! Between attending weddings, work trainings, and starting another new job (update to come soon!) I unfortunately wasn't able to go on a vacation that I'd planned on this summer. So, until I'm able to get away I'll have to be content with drooling over this lovely beach view. Isn't it gorgeous? Sigh...

Did you go on a fun vacation this summer? Please share!..I'll be living vicariously for a while!  

image via pinterest

Oh Baby!

Today I have an amazing announcement! I'm going to be an auntie is a few months! L (you all remember L, right?) is expecting a baby boy and I couldn't be happier.  Naturally I've already started to dream about all of the gifts and tiny outfits that I'm going to spoil him with...Can you tell I'm already a proud aunt?!

Here's how L revealed to us that she and her hubby are expecting a boy. So cute, amiright?

photos taken by our friend, M!

As mentioned, I've already been thinking of adorable little outfits to buy my nephew. Here are a few of my favorite picks from Layla Grayce! 

newborn outfit/ playsuit/ socks/ plush toy

Rainy Day Wear

Yesterday was the first rainy/gray in forever...so naturally, all I wanted to do was stay in bed all day. IF I had in fact stayed in bed all day (that pesky work thing got in the way) this would be my ideal rainy day wear. Who wouldn't want to lounge around in an oh-so-soft J. Crew cashmere sweatshirt and read Emily Griffin?!

What's your ideal rainy day wear?

Top/ Bottoms/ Flats/ Book

Happy Anniversary, L!

One year ago today I was MOH in L's wedding! It was such a beautiful day filled with so much love and laughter, so I thought I would share a few photos from the special day... Here's to the first year and many more to come!

The girls!

L and I

L and B! 

L and I on her wedding day

Maid of Honor and Best Man! 

The wedding party in front of Kinnick Stadium...Go Hawks! 

Thursday Love List

Happy Thursday, darlings! Here's my weekly Thursday Love List for your viewing pleasure.... Have a great day!

1. I know that it's a little late in the season to be loving a straw  Marc by Marc Jacobs tote...I blame my mother. She purchased this tote earlier in the summer and ever since I've been lusting over it. And of course, she's loving every second of my envy! 

2. I think these little Tory Burch studs are so cute! 

3.  Lately I've been leaning toward lip stains, but this smooth and shiny gloss has me changing direction...I received Stila lip glaze in my July Birchbox and am completely in love!

Monday Pick-Me-Up

Happy Monday! Since I haven't had a Monday Pick-Me-Up for you all in two months (this summer is going so fast!) I've decided to share one today. It seems like this summer has been filled with a lot of exciting, yet difficult decisions for me. I'm not sure if it's the point I am at in life, or that I've decided to stop trying to please every one (it feels amazing..you should try it!), but through all of these decisions I've started living exactly as I please...and it is so wonderful! With the pressure off, I can honestly say that I'm enjoying life more than ever, so as you go throughout your day remember to take the opportunity to do what you please!  Have a wonderful day!

image via

Thursday Love List

It's Thursday...which means it's time for my weekly Thursday Love List! Here are three things that I'm lusting over this week! 

1. This red-orange Essie shade is perfect for these steamy days of summer! 
2. J. Crew + Cashmere + Polka Dots...what's not to love?!  
3. You can't beat these classic Ray-Ban sunnies. I have a pair in black and now I love them in tortoise too! 

Lace...

I've been loving the vast amounts of lace that have been out this season. From the texture to design, I can't get enough! Out of all of the outstanding laces pieces available, I've found myself drawn to these three similar pieces. Gorgeous, right?! So tell me, which color of the lovely dresses below is your favorite?

Ivory/ Green/ Blue