Chases Sunshine

Summer rewind!

2012-09-08T00:07:00.000-04:00

Because my blog postings were lacking this summer,

I feel that it is necessary to share a few photos

to prove that I did indeed do something

somewhat productive with my time.

Posing with pink fishies on the VA Beach Boardwalk


Kettle Korn on VA Beach Boardwalk

DMB concert

DMB concert with the sister

Roadtrip to VA Beach for July 4th

July 4th Ollie

My sweet cousin, Melody, celebrating July 4th and July 5th (her 21st!)

July 4th brews

Baby shower

-Along with my summer rewind,

I want to share some exciting shop news!-

I am having a sale right now on my summer items!

Most pieces are only $5-$6!

I hate cars

2012-09-01T00:27:00.000-04:00

I sure am glad that I'm not a guy
because guys love cars.

And I Hate (I put a capital H on purpose) cars.

...and please note that I say this with a fiery passion.

I've been around guys,
and one of the most popular discussions

amongst a group of guys usually deals with cars.

Just to get the record straight---

I don't care to know ANYTHING about cars.

How they work, all their parts,... NADA.

All cars do is make me mad.

Needless to say,
this morning didn't exactly start off on the right foot.
(Couldn't you tell?)

Grabbed my backpack,
plopped it in the passenger's seat,

and put my keys in the ignition

only to feel a strong bumpbumpbump vibration
somewhere under the car

and to see a "Service Engine Soon" ungodly light

shining behind the steering wheel.

It's times like these that I feel like
screaming at the top of my lungs,

punching a wall, chugging 12 coronas,

or changing right back into my pajamas

and hopping right back into bed.

Seriously, I won't sugarcoat it.

It absolutely sucks to wake up to this.
And I think that you'd agree.

I swear, It took everything in my pissed off body
to just take a deep breath

and thank the good lord that my sweet sister's car

was at my house for me to drive.

As I was driving down the road in my sister's car,

I was blaring some jams.
I was still heated,
so I needed something to get my mind

off of my crazy, hectic morning.

As I continued driving,
I approached the tolls that I pass through
everyday to and from class.

Pet Peeve #184:
When drivers are rude to the people

who work at the toll booths.

Just an FYI---these people don't make the rules

to set fees for the people driving on the roads,

so why be rude to them?

Also, how fun can working
at those teeny tiny booths be?

I always say a friendly "Hello" with a smile,

along with a "Thank you" as the bar is raised for me to
continue on down the road.
It's the kind thing to do after all.

So, at the toll booth,
I handed the older woman my $1.00 bill
and said my "Hello, how are you?"
Only to expect the usual response: "Doing well, and you?"

This time, I didn't get that.
It was a long and awkward pause.
I knew the lady had heard me,
so I did not feel that it was necessary to repeat myself.
For a good 6 seconds and a way too awkward pause,
and with a bit of hesitation,
she handed my money and said,
"It has been a very rough morning, but I'm managing."
She forced a smile.
I reached for my change.
Noticing my bracelet, which I had made, she said,
"Wow, that sure is beautiful. Where did you get that?"
"I made it."
"Well, how much are they? I'd love to buy one."
I twisted the bracelet off of my wrist
and handed it to the woman.

"It's yours."

I had no idea why that woman's morning
had been "very rough",
but I really hoped
that I somehow made it better.

I'll say it over and over again---
it's the little things
that make a world of a difference.

And I hope that somehow
I brought a little sunshine to her day.
Because she sure did bring some to mine.
It made me feel great.

Oh, and as for my car?
$1,000 + I had to spend to fix the darn thing (dammit).
Oh yes, it was a hard thing to swallow.
But these are times when I have to put things in perspective.
Yes, it sucks to have this happen,

but I'd much rather be happy than sad.

So, yes, right now I'm happy and broke.
And in good health.
So, I'm fine. Thankyouverymuch.

Baby Shower Success

2012-07-31T23:57:00.000-04:00

If time management were an Olympic sport,

I'd be the one to win the gold medal.

Hands down.

Hah!, a girl can only dream...

because I could quite possibly be

the worst time manager.

Evah.

All Saturday morning I was

scrammin' around like a looney.

...And boyyy, did I look like one too.

Imagine running around here and there.

Makeup-less.

Without a shower.

In 100 degrees heat.

Ai yi yiiiiiiiii.

Be glad you didn't see me.

Yep, now you might be able to sympathize.

Lookin' like a cave women is the worst.

All I gotta say is I'm one lucky lady because

my mom and sister pulled through for me big time.

I realized I had farrr too much

to do in a few hours' time.

(Go figure).

I gave my sister the job of attaching the paper clouds

to the toothpicks for the cupcakes,

while I attached party favors and hung paper flowers.

And after the paper flowers were up,

I remembered I forgot to get the real flowers.

**** **** **** **** *********!!!!!

(Insert all the choice words known in

the English language).

I wasn't the happiest camper at this moment.

It was 1:25 and the shower started at 2.

And I hadn't even taken my shower!

After a two-minute shower

and almost having my arm fall off by going crazy

with the blow dryer,

and being speedy gonzales with my makeup,

I made it back in time to host the baby shower.

...And just in time to see that my mom and sister

had gotten the real flowers.

The right color and all.

Phew.

Here's the finished product...

There was a lot more food,

but this was the pretty decorated table

that deserved to be photographed.

Guestbook---stamp finger and sign name.

(Fingerprints were the raindrops).

It went really great,

and I'm so happy that everyone liked it.

(Photo props to my sister).

Almost August...what?

2012-07-21T19:43:00.000-04:00

During all the months of the year,

besides June, July, and August,

I look at the calendar.

During summer, I just don't.

And now, having just looked at the calendar,

I wish I did check it more often.

It's July 21st.

Cah-razyyyyyyyyyyyy!

Today marks exactly one week 'til the baby shower (!).

Time flies, right?

Even though I've managed to knock out some

things off my list of to-dos,

I'm afraid there are more things left to cross off.

-Get cupcakes

-Make tissue flowers

-Purchase real flowers

-Make name tags for guests

...and that's only a few things.

Once this week is over, I'll have a lengthier post.

Too much stuff to squeeze into a single post.

I swear I didn't forget about my fellow bloggers.

There will be more to come!

It's here!

2012-05-13T21:51:00.000-04:00

Summer's here which means a few great things...

1. No studying.

(I hear the hallelujah chorus in my head

along with Alice Cooper's "School's out for summer...")

You know, that crazy scene

when all of the kids drop their books

and throw their papers in the air

in the movie Dazed and Confused?

Yep, that's all going on in my head right now.

It's a great feeling.

2. Outdoor concerts.

(Dave Matthews is on tour this summer...couldn't be happier.)

3. Margaritas on the beach.

(Hell yeah, friends).

Sounds pah-retty good to me.

Summertime is like a breath of fresh air,

a field full of daisies,

the smell of asphalt after a rain shower...

You get the picture.

It's the best.

And it's here.

What does "summer" mean for you?

Oh boy!

2012-05-06T00:01:00.001-04:00

The post's title gave it away, so the secret is out.

She's having a BOY, y'all!...and I'm so,

so excited for her!...and for myself.

I love babies!

I was at work earlier and

saw an itty bitty one and kept thinking...

wow, they really are so itty bitty.

You forget how small they really are

when you aren't used to being around them.

But I guess I'll be gettin' used to it come September.

YAY!

----------------------------------------

Among other things, it's finals week.

Dun dun dunnnnn.

I'll be a much happier gal come Wednesday at 5 PM.

At that beautiful hour, I'll be D-O-N-E.

And it's about damn time!

I'm fine with just fast-forwarding to Wednesday.

Hope that works with y'all.

^^^

Then again, I could just take this silly E-card's advice...

Have a happy weekend!

Whoa, baby!

2012-04-19T13:28:00.000-04:00

I still cannot believe that one of my dear best friends

is going to be a mommy come September.

It's her first baby(!), and even though
I was totally caught off-guard
and completely shocked and actually ~~began to~~
~~bawl like a baby~~ when she told me her
crazy news just a couple weeks ago,

I must say that I am so much looking forward to

the lil' nugget's arrival.

And...of course I've already found
adorably adorable ideas for the baby shower.
Because I will be throwing her one!

I know...I know.
I probably should calm down
considering I just found out that
she's got a bun in the oven.

But hey---it's never too early to start plannin', right?!?

So, here are my ideas thus far...

-Popcorn-


-Mason jars with striped cloud straws-

-Advice to Mommy-to-be-

-Welcome sign-


-Cloud cupcakes (pink if it's a girl, blue if it's a boy)-


-Hanging clouds-

-Pom poms-

-Banner-

Ah, so exciting!
Oh, and please feel free to
e-mail me or comment below
if you have any suggestions for anything
baby shower-related!

-------------------------------------------------------------

Also, I want to give a big "Thank you!"
to Lauren from "Window by the Sea"
for giving my blog an award.
Thanks so much!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thursday!

Need this.

2012-04-02T12:24:00.000-04:00

Sometimes we need some powerful words
to keep us going.

It's a short one,
but it's what I need.
And hopefully it gives you some inspiration as well.
Have a happy Monday, y'all.

Pinn-ing!

2012-03-30T11:34:00.000-04:00

I say "Pin-ing!" the same way that

Charlie Sheen says "Winning!".

Don't know if anyone else does that or if it's just me.

And if I'm an oddball when it comes to that one,

then well, I'm not the least bit ashamed.

Causes seriously y'all,

I do feel like I'm "Winning"

because I find the coolest stuff evaaaa.

I'm the ultimate crafter, so when I stumble upon other crafters that are just as crazy about crafting as me and I get to see their brilliant ideas, well, you know my heart sorta skips. a. beat.

I get super-duper excited.

Like the super-duper excited kid in the candy store

that has the mad ADHD jumpin' around...

Yep, that's me.

Here are some of my neat finds that I will be making very, very soon!


Rock mat (rocks from $1 store)


Sea-glass windchime

Monster bookmarks

Fabric kites

Candles in vintage teacups

Now, can't y'all see why I'm going crazy over here?!?

Which project should I do first?

I'm overwhelmed,

but I can't wait to get my hands busy!

[Feel free to find me on Pinterest!

I'm cleighsad or click HERE!]

I'd love love loveee to hear from y'all

about your fav. things you've found on Pinterest,

so please leave comments!

Giveaway winner!

2012-03-27T20:30:00.000-04:00

After much anticipation, IT'S FINALLY HERE!

I want to thank everyone who either

commented or e-mailed me regarding

my shop's one year anniversary.

Y'all are too kind!

So, here we go...

The winner of my giveaway is...

Chibi Lolita!

Please e-mail me at ChasesSunshine@yahoo.com within

the next two days with your address! Congrats!

Chibi Lolita Mar 21, 2012 09:03 AM

Your bracelets were all so beautiful that it was hard to choose just one as a favorite. Although I favorited a lot of them, I chose Lila as the favorite item. The shades of blue and green go together just heavenly!

True Random Number Generator:

Min: Max:

Result: 3

Thanks again, everyone!

I'll be back tomorrow with a fun DIY post.

Reminder about giveaway!

2012-03-25T19:15:00.000-04:00

For those of you who missed my last post or saw my last post but didn't respond, this post is for you.

Enter my awesome giveaway!

YOU have the chance to win any bracelet from my shop,

CLeigh's Collection.

So, respond to my last post with your favorite item from my shop!

Double post!

2012-03-20T13:33:00.002-04:00

Well, aren't y'all lucky duckies today?

Double posting is not the usual for me,

but I could not resist!

I'm kind of silly for forgetting
this, but this day is totally monumental for me!

A year ago today I opened my Etsy shop!

I can't believe it's already been an entire year!

Anyways, I figured I needed to

celebrate one way or another,

so.... here we go.

Let the celebratin' begin!

I'm going to give you lovely readers a chance to win a bracelet from my shop, CLeigh's Collection.

Here's what ya gotta do:

1). Follow me on Chases Sunshine!

2). Comment on this post with the name

of your favorite item in my shop!

Here's my Etsy site: CLICK HERE TO GO TO MY SHOP!

Seriously, it can't get much easier than that.

I like to keep things pretty simple.

I will pick a person at random on Tuesday, March 27th, so you've got a week to browse around my shop and leave a comment on THIS post. I think that should be enough time!

Good luck to all!

SB highlights.

2012-03-20T11:16:00.000-04:00

Hey, hey, my friends.

Well, I must say that SB 2012

treated me real well.
And I sure do hate to see it over.
Back to the real world.
AKA the boring world.

...but there's no complaining on this end.
My break has been superb for many of reasons.
Here are a few...

#1 The beach

I tell ya, there's something about
being right beside the ocean.

The sounds of the waves crashing up on the beach
is so peaceful and soothing,
even in the midst of chilly and really windy weather.
(I'm talking super windy and 45 degrees, people...)

Gee, I swear time flies when you're havin' fun
because my beach trip flew by like no other.
I had a blast.

We ventured to the Currituck Light House,
but unfortunately, it was closed until the end of March,
so this distance shot was my only option.

The Whalehead Club
Click here for more info. on the Whalehead Club

Me and my baby sister.

You remember that awesome Nana who threw back the
tequila shots in my earlier post?
Yep, here's your girl once again.

Gorgeous bridge across from the Whalehead Club.

My sister and Margaret, her friend from school.

#2 Elton John

My dad surprised me with a ticket
to go see the amazing Elton John.
Words cannot even explain how amazing he is.
And my dad is pretty amazing too for surprising me.
Such an awesome experience.

And he sang all of my favorites, of course.
...making the night absolutely perfect.

#3 Ollie time

Y'all know I've got mucho love for my flat-faced buddy.
So, I'm so happy that I've gotten to spend a lot of
extra quality time with my furry friend.

#4 Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies

Need I say more?

I downed a couple of these boxes...

And why yes, I am well aware that I will be workin'

my a$$ off at the gym for days
to lose that cookie weight.

Whatever. It was worth the face stuffing.

----------------------------------------

Etsy Feature of the day:

AlizeyClothing

Okay, so I'm a huge fan of accessories. They really can make an outfit. Just a lil' added touch makes a difference, which is why I wanna share a super cute accessory that can glam-up your everyday outfit. Throw that "plain Jane" look out the window because here's the oh-so-adorable knitted cotton scarf.

Visit this awesome shop here:

Click here!

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Breakaway.

2012-03-08T23:03:00.000-05:00

Hey, hey.

Just in case you didn't catch the memo above ^,

my spring break is hereeeeeeeeee.

And I'm stoked.

I have been a lucky lady these past two years. I was fortunate enough to go sail off on a lovely cruise two short years ago, and just last year I was lucky enough to fly off to St. Thomas. I know that I've been lucky. Here are some memories from those last two trips...

I know, I know.

My Nana is simply the coolest.

I don't know too many other g'mas who would

be willing to rock a sombrero will downing some liquor.

This year, I'm not leaving the country or flying off to some tropical island. Nope. And friends, I'm honestly fine with it because all that matters to me is the fact that I get to spend my break with my family. So, for this year's spring break, I'm heading to Corolla, NC, a beach much closer to home. If you haven't heard of it, well, you're missing out. It's a slice of heaven. Go when you get the chance.

I like Corolla because it isn't just like any other beach.

Yes, it has become more commercialized

during the past few years;

however, I don't think it has totally lost its charm.

Some days you can still find wild horses peacefully galloping along the shore.

And even though it's supposed to be, what,
42 degrees on Saturday (BRR, I know...),
I'll be enjoying the beach.
And when I start to shiver and when my cheeks turn red,

I'll still be enjoying it.

And if I end up getting frostbite (God forbid), then I'll just close my eyes and pretend I'm kickin' it in my lawn chair with a margarita in my hand instead of a hot cocoa.

A girl can dream, right?

So, to conclude, I wanna share something absolutely delicious for you to sip on, so that you, too, can imagine yourself tanning your bronzed bod beside the sea. What a nice thought, huh?

Mango Island

Margarita

Ingredients:

Ice
2 ounces blanco tequila
1-ounce Cointreau or Triple Sec
1 lime, juiced, plus a lime wedge, for garnish
1 cup fresh mango chunks, plus a mango slice, for garnish
2 ounces sweet and sour mix

Directions:

Preparation:

Made in 2 parts, half frozen and half on the rocks.

In a shaker tin combine ice, 1-ounce tequila, 1/2-ounce Cointrou or Triple Sec, juice of 1/2 lime, and 1-ounce sweet and sour mix.

Shake ingredients and strain over ice into a pint glass.

For the second part, add the remaining ingredients, plus 1 cup of ice to a blender. Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Pour the frozen mango margarita into the pint glass with the margarita, to create a floating island and garnish with a mango slice and a lime wedge.

Hope everyone has a happy Thursday!

Organize!

2012-03-05T11:33:00.000-05:00

In order for me to function on a day-to-day basis,

I must have organization in my life.

More like capsized, underlined, bolded MUST.

^ I'm totally diggin' the organization of the color.

Seriously, whenever I'm in my room and am trying to work on schoolwork or something else that just has to be done, I must have a clean and organized space in order to get anything done. I could be in the middle of writing a paper and notice that something in my room is out of place. And yes, I'll put my pen down mid-sentence to get off my tush and fix that out of place "thing". I am a neat freak when it comes to stuff like that or maybe my ADD is more out of control than I thought it was (?).

...And as y'all know, I'm a Pinterest freak, too.

(I guess I'm just a freak in general.)

Which is why I want to show you all of the

amazing organizational finds

that I located on the oh-so-wonderful Pinterest.

You may find that, if you're a craftin' queen like me, these hanging plastic zipper bags full of your craft supplies is such a splendid and neat idea.

Or that old doors serve more than one purpose...

And that sticky notes are the bomb-diggity because a) they're pretty, b) they have the ability to organize your life ~~and your soul,~~ and c) they're just the bomb-diggity and there's no need for and explanation for why. They are just are.

Even something so simple as tagged boxes can

make life so much easier.

And the magic of letter stickers...

They really can create really neat things.

Now scarves can now be displayed beautifully!

There's no need to be tossin' old cardboard boxes. Decorate 'em all fancily and ouila!

It's like magic, y'all.

Organized Spaces...my inspiration.

--------------------

Even though this shirt is not the least bit factual,

I caught myself finding it a tad bit funny.

Had to share.

--------------------

Have a "Happy Monday"!

In the know!

2012-02-23T01:38:00.000-05:00

Hey, y'all. Today, I decided to link up with Kerri from "A Sweet Georgia Peach". (click!) This is the first time I've linked up with anyone, so hopefully it goes smoothly. Please let me know!

5 bits of advice, friends...

1. Don't flip off that person who wouldn't let you merge into their lane.

It's only human to get mad at the other drivers on the road. Some of them are just plain mean and rude; however some of them are just plain distracted. Not the type of distracted like "talking on the cell phone" type of distracted. Some people are just distracted by life. That person you flipped off might be thinking about how he will manage to pay his bills after just losing his job. Hm, think of things in a different light now, huh?

2. Change into your gym clothes.

Silly thing to say, huh? The hardest part of getting yourself to get your work out on is getting yourself ready to get your work out on. Put on your gym gear and you'll be feeling much more ready to break a sweat. And once you do get that work out in, you'll feel like you actually accomplished something that day. Now, that's a good feeling.

3. Call your Nana.

Nana works for "Grandma", "Grandmommy", "Granny", and all of the rest of the other cute grandmother names that exist. Call the sweet lady because I don't think there's anything cuter than a sweet Nana. If you don't have a Nana, then call someone that makes you happy. I'm sure they're just as cute. If you call your Nana, then I can guarantee that if you're in an "I hate the world" type of mood and you hear your sweet Nana's voice, then that "I hate the world" type of mood will shortly switch over to an "I love the world" type of mood. I'm convinced that Nanas are the best, as well as other amazing people that perk you up.

4. Watch a YouTube video that makes you laugh your a$$ off.

Laughing releases endorphins. Endorphins=happiness, for real. There are so many knee-slappin, hilarious, laugh-so-hard-that-you-pee videos on that website, that you'll be set for life. If you have a hard day at work or you're pissed you failed a test and just need a 5 minute chill out sesh, then sit back and watch a funny video. Then, forward that funny video to me.

5. Have a wine night.

Wine + friends = a fun time. A wine night is such a great way to catch up and spend quality time with one another. Sometimes life gets so crazy busy that you feel like you never have the time to meet up with friends. Make time. You gotta. Your friends are your peeps. You gotta make time for them because well, they're awesome and they know you better than anyone.

Hope you all are having a wonderful week!

Check back for the next post featuring a new DIY project!

Welcome! and V-Day recap.

2012-02-15T23:38:00.000-05:00

Hello, new and old friends!

Make new friends, but keep the old...

one is sil---

Forget it, ha.

Just wanted to make a point of saying "Welcome!" to my new people! I might be crazy and weird by saying this, but I really like to think that the "blogosphere" is like its own little world. So, for all of you new friends, I'm excited to virtually "meet you" and hear from you!

Ps: Sorry about the hideous "welcome" sign. It looks like it came straight out of a really bad 80's hip hop music video with that font, eek. My apologies. Won't happen again.

....

So, about yesterday...

How was YOUR Valentine's Day?

Mine was decent.

Had to do a lot of studyin', which is always a great time

(sarcasm, hope you caught it).

But seriously, I can't complain too much because

my Valentine was lookin' hella spiffy---

take a look for yourself!

SERIOUSLY.

Don't you just wanna eat him up?

He's such a stud,

and I can't help but admire his studly-ness.

In all seriousness, I hope that everyone enjoyed

the lovey-dovey-ness that Valentine's Day broughtcha.

...

Since the earlier part of this week consisted of me studying my a$$ off for the two tests I had today, I decided to take a breather and get my craft on.

I made these lil' bracelets this evening---

hope you like 'em!

I posted "Leigh" to my Etsy site, but I haven't gotten around to posting "Twisted", so you lucky people get a sneak peek (feel special, you're VIP status, yay).

I'm sure I'll be gettin' myself into some more projects on my day off tomorrow!

Yipeeeeeeee.

Hope y'all have a lovely evening.

Valentine's Day

2012-02-11T20:57:00.000-05:00

Not gonna lie. Valentine's Day has never been my favorite holiday.

But a holiday's a holiday, so I'm gonna be celebratin'

no matter what the occasion might be.

So, who's with me?

Something delicious for the occasion...

Yeah, pancakes are nbd for a breakfast, but cutting out the fruits makes it much more special.

Homemade pizza is that much better when it's heart-shaped.

And heart-shaped eggs...


Forget going to a restaurant when you can make heart hamburgers on your very own grill.

In addition to celebratin' with some yummies,

here's some silly cards that made me lol.

Enjoy.

Seriously, Mister Groundhog?

2012-02-04T00:17:00.000-05:00

Not too happy with Mr. G'hog right about now, y'all...

I mean, really?!?

6 more long weeks of winter?

He's gotta be kiddin'.

Okay, enough of my complaining. I can't be in a mad-at-the-world type of mood when I get to leave the city life for a day and half to go see my sis at her school (tomorrow!). I'm super excited. The plan is to visit with she and her friends, maybe do a little shopping, eat dinner with all of her new "sisters", and party it up since it's the boys' bid day---which is apparently one of the craziest and most fun nights this semester. So, I'm stoked (to say the least!).

Can't wait to see her!

It's been a few weeks since I last saw my sis, so it will be good to give her a good ole' squeeze. You know, some big sister lovin'. Gotta love it.

Now, for the promised DIY project...

Lace candle holders

Pretty easy, huh?

Probably don't have to spell it out for ya.

Buy some lace, mason jars, or cups, and

some tea light candles...
And voila!
You got it, sister. Work yo magic.

Hope y'all have a fantastic weekend---~~don't~~ eat yourself silly on Superbowl Sunday ;)

***For those of you who haven't noticed, I added a button to the right of my page! Feel free to "grab" it, and add it to your blog. Those who do, I will be oh-so-proud to dedicate some of my future posts promoting your Etsy shop! So, be sure to let me know if you "grab" it :) . Thanks!

What month is it?

2012-02-01T23:09:00.001-05:00

I'm very confused, friends.

This morning, I stared inside my closet and contemplated exactly what I wanted to wear. With a closet full of "seasonal" things such as sweaters, jackets, scarves, and other wintry things; I threw my hands in the air and just gave up.

You know that freeeeeeezing weather that usually greets us at this time of the year?

Yeah, well it's not here, if you haven't noticed.

I opened my blinds and was immediately blinded by the sun's bright rays. As I squinted out my window, I noticed two ladies walking down the sidewalk right in front of my apartment. This isn't odd or anything. I see many people running or walking around my part of town. What is odd was they were wearing t-shirts and shorts.

Last time I checked it's the first of February (AKA Febrrrrr-ary).

Before you might think that those two ladies are absolute lunatics for wearing this sort of apparel in the month of February, I have to set the record straight. It really was 70-freaking-degrees. Believe it or not.

Because it's warm and gorgeous outside, my mindset is: it's warm outside, so summer has to be close. Oh, I only wish this was the truth...

I guess we will have to wait and

see if the groundhog sees his shadow...

I'm hoping we won't have 6 more weeks of winter.

That might as well be me. My mind has quite an imagination, huh?

Since this is all I can think about because I've been teased by the weather, here's some beachy, summer-y stuff that I'm diggin'.

Check it out, y'all.

Click link below item to bring you to its page.

Tiny Antique Gold Seahorse and Turquoise Charm Necklace; $6.25.

Pink and Taupe Starfish and Geometric Tote Bag; $37.

Ocean Sterling Silver Earrings; $22.

The Cure for Anything is Salt Water 11x14 Paper Print; $30.

By the Sea Coastal Decor; $12.

Next time, I'll be back with more DIY projects, so be sure to check back!

No class!

2012-01-26T14:20:00.000-05:00

Thursdays are my "no class" days.

Can I get a...

Hell yeah!?!

I really like this no class Thursday thing.

I'm sure once the semester gets goin', I'll be focusing on classes on Thursday (boo), but for right now, I'm taking full advantage of my free day.

And with help from Pinterest, I'm hoping to tackle some projects on my no class Thursdays.

So, here are my ideas...

Spray Paint Thrift Finds

I love love love love love thrifting and a cool project. Ever since I came across this neat and eclectic idea, I'm thinkin' I'll be seeing things in a whole different light. Seeing figurines that are hideously-colored was usually an automatic turn-off for me. Now, after seeing this, I have realized that all these ugly things needed was a good makeover. The good ole spray paint is just the thing that could bring it back to life.

Push pin picture

This is too freaking cute. I can't wait to grab my shadow box that has been sitting in my closet for years now. Seriously, I have never quite figured out what to do with the darn thing, so now I know! I love the idea of using push pins, but you can even buy fabric flower stickers which come in bundles, making this project cheaper. You can even use this: COUPON

Heart-painted Rocks

Some people have a weird obsession with rocks. I happen to not be one of those people. Rocks bore me. They are blah. The only reason why I dig 'em maybe a teensy bit is because they are nature-y (like my made up word?). I'm all about some color, friends. So, when I came across this cool idea, I got super excited. My outdoor balcony area has lots of pots and plants, and these little painted rocks would be a nice added touch to my little set up. So, I'm thinkin' I'll be rock-collectin' in the near future.

So, this week has been quite entertaining, as I have been getting "the DL" about rush from my baby sister. If you've ever gone through Greek rush, then you would know that it's a tiring and stressful, but rewarding process. After rushing for a week, my baby sister pledged the sorority Delta Gamma. And I couldn't be more excited for her!

Below, are some "Greek" goodies

that I discovered on Etsy.

Thanks to all of the wonderful artists and crafters!

Click links of the items under pictures.

Greek Personalized Notecards; $12.50

Anchor Delta Gamma Necklace; $20

Delta Gamma Hand Wrapped Ring; $10

Greek Tumblers; $17

Back to the grind

2012-01-17T23:59:00.001-05:00

I think Ollie could tell that I didn't want to get off my lazy a$$ this mornin', as I kept snoozin' my alarm. But seriously---who wouldn't wanna snooze their alarm after such a relaxing and enjoyable month-long vacay?

Not I...

and anyone else in their right mind. I mean, it is ~~hard~~ impossible going back to the real world after that sort of treatment. Oh, I hate you, reality.

So, here's to a brand spankin' new semester...

Yikes.

While the kickoff to a new semester may be annoyingly stressful, it does have its perks (if you can believe it).

Backpacks, people.

Now is the time to grab a cute new backpack.

All, of course, from Etsy.

Be sure to click the description and price

under the pictures to take you to the site.

Leather backpack; $39.99.


Owl on Urban Outfitters backpack; $40.


Recycled Burlap and Feed Sack backpack; $70.

Adult Beverages

2012-01-10T01:11:00.000-05:00

I'm sure that y'all can agree that

being 21 sure does have its perks.

I, for one, am not at all ashamed to admit

that flashin' my ID in exchange for "adult beverages"

is the biggest perk of them all.

So, since I'm finally a big girl and am able to buy all sorts of goods

to concoct something really tasty,

well, now I'm stumped as to what to make.

I mean, seriously...

With all of these options, how am I to pick something?

Cosmo Slush

6 oz frozen (thawed) limeade concentrate (from 12-oz can)
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 cups citrus-flavored vodka or orange juice
1 cup orange-flavored liqueur or orange juice
4 cups 100% cranberry juice blend

White Sangria with Pomegranate

1 bottle of white wine
3 cans of 7up or Sprite
Grand Marnie (few ounces)
seeds of 1 pomegranate
slices of two limes
ice

Margarita Popsicles

1 batch Classic Lime Margaritas
12 3 oz disposable paper cups
12 wooden popsicle sticks or spoons

Hopefully I didn't make you too thirsty!

Party, party.

2011-12-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

Now that exams are finally done for, (hurrah, hurrah)
I just want to celebrate.
If it wasn't 10 in the morning, I'd be poppin' open a Corona right about now.

Then again, it's 5:00 somewhere, right?

I guess I'll just hold off the celebratin' 'til tonight and tomorrow night. Yes, y'all.
I'll be doing just that.
And I sure hope that everyone will be doing this same.
Tis the season.

For those of you preparing for a holiday party, here are some adorable ideas for your lil' get-together.
Thank you, Pinterest.

Peppermint setup

Veggie and cheese tray

Punch in glasses

Chocolate-dipped marshmallows

Reindeer beer

One of my pieces was featured in yet another treasury!
Thought this would be an appropriate time for me to share it with y'all. It's all Christmas-y!

Click here to see the treasury

Everyone have a lovely Saturday!

Last stop before Christmas break.

2011-12-13T21:37:00.002-05:00

It's exam week.

(Pray for me? Thanks.)

If you are or were once a student, I'm sure you can remember those horrible and tiring days of exam week.

Reasons why I hate exam week:

1) The studying, of course.
2) Hibernating in either my apartment or the library, especially when it's sunny outside. (Such a tease.)
3) I hardly wear any makeup, so I look like $%@! for 7 days.
4) The headaches. Need I say more?

I'm just waitin' for Friday. Friday means I'm DONE. Until then, I'll keep living like a hobbit/cavewoman---except I will continue to shower.

See, even Ollie is tired of all of my studying. Ha ha.