Lavender Delight

when the sun goes down

2012-02-20T23:52:00.001-05:00

Less than two weeks until my trip to Florida! I am beyond excited to get to the warm weather and spend time in the glorious sunshine! I have been searching for some new additions to my closet for the trip. I want some fun, bright new pieces to add some spice to my outfits for the trip. Here are some of my current spring break covets:

bow clip, American Apparel
knit tunic dress, J. Crew
scarf, Urban Outfitters
silk blouse, Modcloth
anchor ring, Forever 21
TOMS crochet slip on, Nordstrom
lace dress, Topshop
skinny jeans, Madewell
hoodie, lululemon
romper, Juicy Couture
dress, Lilly Pulitzer

i'll stand by you

2012-02-14T00:41:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day! In honor of the day I have created a playlist of love songs, a recreation of my one from last year. I hope everyone has a day filled with lots of love! Enjoy the playlist:

just Another Old Love Song, Joe Purdy
Be Here To Love Me, Norah Jones
Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe, Barry White
You've Got The Love, Florence + the Machine
To Know Him Is To Love Him (Live), Amy Winehouse
Lovers in Japan, Coldplay
Bold as Love, John Mayer
Love Man, Otis Redding
Bleeding Love, Boyce Avenue
I'm In Love With A Girl, Chris Carabba
I Will Always Love You, Whitney Houston
Can't Help Falling In Love, Ingrid Michaelson
Melody, Zack Berkman
Higher Love, James Vincent McMarrow
That's How Strong My Love Is, Otis Redding
I and Love and You, the Avett Brothers
What is Love, Diane Birch
She Will Be Love, Maroon 5
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), James Taylor
To Make You Feel My Love, Kris Allen
Popular Mechanics For Lovers, Beulah
My Love, Sia
Will You Love Me Tomorrow?, Carole King
Love On Top, Beyonce
As Lovers Go, Dashboard Confessional
I Can't Make You Love Me, Adele

i'm not giving in

2012-02-05T21:58:00.000-05:00

My Pinterest addiction lead me to a new favorite website of mine, words2liveby. It is a compilation quotes from many of my favorite songs, and it has also introduced me to some new songs to fall in love with. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the site:

come sail away with me

2012-01-29T14:43:00.002-05:00

As a member of Delta Gamma, I can't help but want to purchase everything with an anchor on it, seeing as it is our symbol. I loved the nautical look before, but now I'm semi obsessed with it. It seems like every store that I online shop at for the spring season is brimming with tons of anchors on everything. I know I can't buy them all, but here are some of my current favorites:

1. ring, Kate Spade

2. tank, Forever 21

3. clutch, TopShop

4. belt, Madewell

5. top, Nordstrom

6. dress, Modcloth

7. necklace, Forever 21

8. earrings, Nordstrom
9. tote, Lilly Pulitzer

these days

2012-01-26T16:09:00.000-05:00

I officially need a Pinterest intervention; I am absolutely addicted. A few days ago I redid a few of my boards and created a few new ones. I added on named "a lack of color" of all things black and white, and also one named "glitter in the air" of wonderfully sparkley items. I can't help but spend time finding new photos to pin to these boards to build them up. My boards are my new pride and joy. I suggest everyone get a Pinterest because it is seriously that splendid.

hope has sprung a perfect dive

2012-01-19T15:16:00.000-05:00

Even though it's absolutely frigid in the mitten right now, I can only think about dressing for warm weather. It seems that every day I pile on layer after layer in order to not have to shiver all day long. I just want to toss on some flats and not have to worry about having my toes turn blue. I yearn to wear light layers, floaty fabrics, and to have my legs actually see the light of day. My warmer weather outfits ideas are just building, inspired by the following from this is NOT new:

A bright floaty top and a bandage skirt for an evening out

A backless dress

A light blazer over a dress to protect against the spring "chill"

Shorts and thigh highs

An airy lace dress with easy-going leather loafers

A pop of color to a simple dress

Shorts and a button down for a casual weekend... and the dog too

Sparkley loafers... I need these.

make me proud

2012-01-16T23:21:00.000-05:00

The Golden Globe Awards were last night, and I was delighted to see the start of the award season start off with tons of gorgeous gowns on all of my favorite leading ladies. If this is a preview of what is to come for this year, I'm so excited. Here are some of my favorite looks of the evening:

tonight, we are young

2012-01-11T13:10:00.003-05:00

Even though it's only January, I can't help but be really excited for spring to come. I love everything about spring, from the new buds on the trees, to St. Patrick's Day, to always being decked out in pastels and florals. I know it's a few months away, but I obviously can't wait to spice up my wardrobe with some spring inspired pieces. Here are some of my current inspirations:

1. bird necklace, Etsy
2. bright sandals, Kate Spade
3. colorblocked tee, J. Crew
4. colored pants, Zara
5. head wrap, Nordstrom
6. pastel button down, Madewell
7. floaty dress, Urban Outfitters
8. straw clutch, Tory Burch
9. maxi skirt, Forever 21

feeling bad & feeling better

2012-01-09T13:18:00.001-05:00

I'm back at school after a break that seemed far too short but was still simply wonderful. I loved being home and being able to spend quality time with my family. I got to go to all of my favorite places from home, including the mall several times. Driving my car around again reminded me how much I love to drive at night and listen to some of my favorite songs for these occasions. I did this many nights, and here are some of my favorites for these times:

Come Over Tonight (Live), Ron Pope
Cinema (Cover), Jason Evigan
She's Everything, Brad Paisley
In Your Atmosphere, John Mayer
Fast Car, Tracy Chapman
Not Over You, Gavin DeGraw
Nicest Thing, Kate Nash
1,000 Faces, Randy Montana
Love On Top, Beyonce
The Best Deceptions, Dashboard Confessional
Long Ride Home, Patty Griffin
Ironic, Alanis Morissette
Somebody's Heartbreak, Hunter Hayes
Dead Hearts, Stars
Cute Without The 'E' (Cut From The Team), Taking Back Sunday
Skinny Love, Bon Iver
The House That Built Me, Miranda Lambert
Semi-Charmed Life, Third Eye Blind
Looking Up, Paramore
Marvin's Room, Drake
Streetlight, Joshua Radin

i'm on the pursuit of happiness

2012-01-03T20:59:00.000-05:00

I've recently rediscovered my love for Pinterest, and ever since I've spent hours "pinning". I love anything from recipes to fashion to quotes. One of my boards is titled after my blog, and it is filled with all things that would go perfectly on Lavender Delight.

Enjoy my board, and I suggest you start "pinning" too if you haven't already, it's that addicting.

ALSO, my new favorite 8tracks, Favorite Covers of 2011, is seriously amazing. The "Sweet Disposition" cover by Ellie Goulding... flawless.

life goes on

2012-01-01T00:47:00.003-05:00

Happy 2012!! It's still 2011 in California, but all my Eastern Time Zone friends are already in the new year. This was one of the most memorable years of my life. I've definitely grown up and experienced tons of new things. I'm truly grateful for everything that I have been able to do in this year. I hope 2012 can exceed what I have hoped for it. Cheers to new experiences, good times with old friends and family, making new friends, and having the time of my life in 2012. May your year be all that you wish.

xoxo

california here we come

2011-12-29T19:27:00.001-05:00

Hello from beautiful Palm Springs, California. I'm here on vacation with my family and we are having an absolutely wonderful time. The weather is perfect, the food delicious, the shopping perfection.... what more could a girl ask for? The view from our house is amazing, with a glorious view of the mountains. I love being surrounded by them, and also the luscious landscape. Here are some more photos of the beautiful scenery and yard:

be my date this christmas eve

2011-12-24T14:14:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Eve!! I can't believe this day is already here... it seems like it was just Halloween! I spent my week this week running tons of errands for my mom and being her little elf doing all sorts of odds and ends. I also spent a wonderful evening with my friends going out for a festive pre-Christmas dinner and then later catching up on our lives away at school. Last night I went to my sister's house and spent the evening with my sisters, brother-in-laws, and my brother-in-law's siblings, quite the enjoyable evening if I do say so myself. I love love love being home and being able to spend this precious time with my family and friends. Here's some of the highlights to my week:

I just bought a new perfume, and I was so delighted to see this little message when I opened it.

I love the bottle it comes in!

For my upcoming trip to Palm Springs, I bought Amerika by Franz Kafka. I'm looking forward to reading it while laying in the glorious sunshine.

My sister gave me Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Influences. The book has several quotes on some of the pages, but this is by far my favorite.

I was obsessed with this photo shoot of Ashley when it first came out, and of course I was excited to see it reprinted in the book!

I am obsessed with this fabulous page in the book.

Annnnd this one too!

My Nana gave me this garland to add to my Christmas tree in my room, it was on my mom's tree when she was a kid.

Of course I am loving being able to light candles again!

Have a very merry Christmas! I hope everyone is able to spend this special time with their loved ones.

xoxo

put my love on top

2011-12-19T15:27:00.000-05:00

Today was cookie baking day at my house. My Nana, aunt, mom, cousins and sisters were all over to partake in the baking extravaganza in our kitchen. We made a few different types of cookies, and I must say they were all delish! It was so nice to spend the day together for the festive occasion.

My aunt's recipe that she brought was for these yummy almond and lemon cookies that have a Hershey kiss inside. Once they came out of the oven we sprinkled them with powdered sugar.

To finnish them off we drizzled them with melted chocolate!

My Nana brought over a bunch of her cookie cutters to use for her shortbread cookies. I loved how vintage this one was!

She ended up using this classic shape for the majority of them.

They came out perfectly golden brown.

Of course we had to make peanut butter kiss cookies! They are always a favorite in our household.

with all of your lies, you are still loveable

2011-12-17T20:33:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! I got the rest of my Christmas shopping done today and also decorated my Christmas tree with my sister. She came home from school today; I am so happy to be reunited with her!

Please enjoy my new obsession from 8tracks, A brief history of Bon Iver. My sister and I have been jamming out to it this evening while decorating and baking some delicious holiday brownies.

home this christmas

2011-12-16T19:58:00.000-05:00

I'm finally home for break! I've never been so happy to be home. Yesterday I literally went straight to the mall with my mom and sister on my way home from school, and I also went to another mall with my parents today. I must say, I'm feeling the holiday spirit immensely while being out and about. Here are some of my favorite things about being home so far:

1. My mom's Christmas decorations that are all over my house
2. The opening of Madewell at the mall, and the holiday sales that are accompanying it. I went in to the store today, and it definitely lived up to my online stalking love
3. Driving around and seeing my town lit with Christmas lights
4. Christmas dishes and glasses at my house
5. The plethora of Christmas attire that was left at home in my closet
6. Home cooked meals and freshly baked cookies
7. Sleeping in my cozy bed with Christmas flannel sheets
8. My mom's coffee in a festive mug

it's the most beautiful time of the year

2011-12-13T19:53:00.000-05:00

It's almost winter break! I'm so excited to be home and spend lots of time with my family and friends. I've been doing some Christmas shopping for my family, but of course I have seen some items that I would just love to add to my wardrobe. Here are my winter break must haves for all of the events that are to come:

1. Sequin top to add tons of festivity to any look. It could also be styled as a skirt, as I have seen in the UO window on campus. It would be perfect for New Years!
2. Lace top to throw on under a blazer for a holiday party.
3. Velvet leggings to stay comfy and cute paired with boots and a sweater for a low key evening with my friends.
4. Cashmere hoodie to keep warm for a casual movie night.
5. Bathing Suit for my trip to Palm Springs two days after Christmas with my family. I'm so excited to be in the warm California sunshine!
6. Braided headband to add a little bit of sparkle to a bland outfit
7. Bejeweled earrings paired with a black sweater and boots for a festive day time look

you are a cinema

2011-12-12T15:10:00.001-05:00

Prepare to cry. I just watched the best wedding video I have ever seen. Literally, I am not even kidding. I cried my eyes out. This video shows so much love that I can't even contain it. Don't even get me started on those vows, all I can say is wow. This is just perfect.

true love

at least you lived to talk about it

2011-12-11T01:03:00.002-05:00

My finals study grind is under way, yet I currently can't seem to get myself to focus. I am done with my finals on Thursday, so all I can think about is going home. To help myself buckle down I created a new playlist. It's a completely random mix of songs, greatly reflecting my attention span when it comes to studying right now. Hopefully it helps... enjoy!

Love and Some Verses, Iron & Wine
Perth, Bon Iver
The Motto, Drake featuring Lil Wayne
On Your Porch, The Format
Valley, Zach Berkman
Heart Like Mine, Miranda Lambert
For You To Notice, Dashboard Confessional
Jack and Diane, John Mellencamp
We Found Love, Boyce Avenue
Towers, Bon Iver
The Nightlife, The Starting Line
Mr. Tambourine Man, Bob Dylan
1,000 Faces, Randy Montana
Marvins Room, Drake
Edelwiess, The Sound of Music Cast
Old Man, Neil Young
Remember to Breath, Dashboard Confessional
Levels, Avicii
Remind Me, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood
Goodnight, William Fitzsimmons
Lisbon, OH, Bon Iver
My Direction, Alexis Babini

in the jingle jangle morning i'll come following you

2011-12-05T08:47:00.000-05:00

Le Love

Happy Monday! I spent entirely too much time last night browsing through Le Love while avoiding my homework... it's just so addicting! I saved a bunch of my favorite pictures, as follows:

the worst is over, you can have the best of me

2011-12-04T20:09:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's already December! I had a wonderful weekend of being initiated in Delta Gamma on Saturday and also lots of time spent relaxing. Finals are creeping up on me so I've tried to buckle down with my paper writing and studying. I get to go home in less than two weeks and I am SO excited. I can't wait to be home for the holiday season and do some of my favorite Christmas activities. Here's my planned list:

1. attend an ugly sweater party
2. drink about 15 more Peppermint Mochas from Starbucks in red cups while they are still there
3. help my mom put up the last of our decorations
4. wear Christmas socks the entire week leading up to the big day
5. bake tons and tons of Christmas cookies
6. spend quality time with my family
7. build a snowman and make snow angels
8. cuddle up by a fire
9. pick out my gifts for my family and friends
10. watch A Charlie Brown Christmas, my all time favorite Christmas movie.
11. drive around looking at lights
12. sing to my favorite Christmas songs in my kitchen with my sisters

covered in snow

2011-11-30T09:54:00.000-05:00

This is NOT new

It's an absolute winter wonderland here in East Lansing. We got quite the snow storm yesterday creating a snow filled fun-land perfect for sledding, snow ball fights and wintery frolicking. Okay, so maybe I did hate on the snow on my walk to class this morning, but I do love how pretty everything looks. I recently started my own account on 8tracks, and I found it the perfect opportunity to showcase my favorite winter playlist, covered in snow. It's filled with cozy songs to revel in the perfectness that is snow. Sit back, and relax, and enjoy take the snow in with these songs.

sing it right back, i like it like that

2011-11-28T22:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! When I was home over the weekend I made the most divine brownies ever. It was so nice to be able to bake up a nice treat to bring back to school, and obviously I loved being able to eat them as well. They were super easy and they are nice and festive. Here's how to make them:

I used a box of peppermint Oreos that are super holiday festive

I prepared a box of brownies as directed on the box

Next, I dipped an Oreo in the batter.

And used a fork to take it out and make sure it is covered all around.

Then, I placed it in a cupcake holder.

Fill the leftover batter in the containers to cover the cookie completely.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes

They come out the perfect size for a little snack, and the Oreo gets soft on the inside from the brownie.

Mine came out a little gooey because I only baked them for 17 minutes, so I would suggest keeping them in for the full 20. They were absolutely delicious!

lost in your eyes, but i am safe

2011-11-26T00:14:00.001-05:00

Winter is definitely the greatest time to be as cozy as possible. There's that chill in the air that just calls for warm nights spent by the fire under a warm blanket with some hot cocoa. Okay, so I might be a bit of a cuddly person who loves being cozy a little bit more than the next person, but doesn't everyone need a little festive time in their life? Here are some of my favorite cozy things for this winter:

1. My sister showed me this website that is similar to Pandora but better, 8tracks. I'm obsessed with the playlist called Let's. Snuggle.. It is pure music gold.
2. Pulling on fuzzy slippers and a massive sweatshirt for a lazy Saturday at home catching up on the DVR.
3. Baking treats and devouring them while they are still warm from the oven.
4. Cyber Monday... who doesn't love getting great deals without having to leave their house?
5. Lighting tons of winter scented candles, especially evergreen scented ones!
6. Hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, etc. I love to pile them all on, even if it's not completely freezing they are always so heart warming.
7. Christmas socks to brighten every day.

going back to get away after everything has changed

2011-11-25T23:41:00.001-05:00

Happy belated Thanksgiving. This has been a year filled with millions of things to be thankful for. Last year, I created this list of things that I was thankful for. As a yearly tradition, here is my 2011 list of thanks in my life:

1. Spending the holiday with my loving family, and any other day that we have spent together this year for that matter.
2. The delightful end of high school activities with my best friends, and of course my high school diploma!
3. My new life at school and all the new relationships that I have been able to build. Moving away from home has been such a life changing experience, but I have been able to learn and grow so much from it.
4. Nights spent relaxing with loved ones.
5. The 19 years of my life that I was able to spend with my grandpa before he passed away this September. He was truly one of the greatest men I will ever know, and I will always be thankful for the time we were able to spend together and how much he affected my life.