A New Chapter

When I started blogging over two years ago, I had no idea how much I was getting myself into.  I've grown to really love the community and the experience of blogging, but sadly, I also came to dread writing posts for The Closet Files.  After a long hiatus, I realized that it was not that I disliked blogging, but that I was no longer passionate about what I was writing.  

Don't get me wrong, I still love clothes.  But as a senior in college with a ridiculous case of the travel bug, there are so many more things I want to write about.  Although I don't think The Closet Files is the right fit for me anymore, I'm excited to continue blogging in a way that's more personal and more passionate.  

If you're interested in food, travel, DIY projects, or the musings of a college student in search of the perfect job (that should be funny...) join me over at Abby Explores.  

Thank you to everyone who has commented, read, and supported me these past few years.  I hope to see you on the other side! 

Foodie Pen Pals

About a month ago I posted about my April Foodie Pen Pals package, and today is the reveal for May! I was lucky at got another really great "pen pal." I told her that I liked chocolate and almonds, and she did awesome.  Check out below for some pictures

Included in my box was:

Coffee and cream covered almonds

Yogurt covered almonds

Milk Chocolate crisps (kind of like chocolate potato chips, minus the chip)

Chocolate almond spread

And a pepper grinder, except instead of peppercorns there are coffee beans, sugar crystals, and chocolate shavings!

So delicious with graham crackers!

This is my third time doing the foodie pen pals program, if you'd like to sign up, head over to Lindsey's blog and check it out!

So far

Yesterday I started my internship, and although I wish I had taken a few outfit pictures, it was rainy and I've sadly gotten out of the habit.  My first day I wore a cream and black printed dress with a skinny gold belt and black pumps, and then today I went classic and wore a black pencil skirt with a black and white ruffle blouse (that the Chief Operating Officer complimented me on!) 

So far my internship is going really well; the company is letting me do so much!  It's also just really awesome to get to work with a non-profit that I'm personally passionate about.  

Something not so awesome though- I was curling my hair Sunday afternoon and the iron slipped out of my hand... And onto my face.  Thanks to that, I now have a scarface looking burn from the corner of my mouth down to my chin.  Awesome, right?  To top it off, because I did it Sunday, I have no idea how to explain it to my new wo-workers, who haven't yet seen the "normal" me.  For now, I just haven't mentioned it- and neither have they... I'll let you know how that one goes.  

How has everyone's first few weeks of summer gone?  Any embarrassing moments like mine?

Birchbox

I had been reading about Birchbox, and similar deals for a few weeks and decided to give it a try.  Basically, it's a $10 monthly subscription (also available one-at-a-time) for a mystery package containing samples of really nice beauty products.  To make sure you will be satisfied with your monthly package, you take a quiz on your beauty routine and preferences.  

This month the box was Gossip Girl themed, and contained expensive yet classic products.  Included were:

Dior Mascara (fill-size, $28.50)

Dior Perfume (full-size, $62-$102)

Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20 (full-size, $34)

Shu Uemura Cleansing Shampoo (full-size, $55)

not pictured- xoxo notecard (set of 12, $10)

I'm really excited to try the products from this month- especially the moisturizer.  Although I had never thought about paying for samples before, I like the idea of getting to try some expensive products I'd likely never buy.  Plus, it's just fun to have a cute little package to unwrap once a month :)

If you end up trying Birchbox or something similar, I'd love to hear your take on it!

Sweet Summertime

With finals wrapping up this past week, it's been quite hectic out here.  Thankfully, they weren't too bad, and after finishing my tests I got to spend a wonderful night out for the birthday of one of my best friends before packing up and heading home. 

I'm currently home in Knoxville to celebrate my little sister's high school graduation tomorrow (yay!!) but will be moving for the summer to... Washington, DC!

As I mentioned a few posts back, I was really stressed out about finding a great internship for this summer- going into the application process I figured it would be pretty simple, as I already have two internships and 5 years work experience under my belt... false.  I applied to countless positions, was fortunate enough to interview for several... but then reached mostly dead ends.  Although I would love to get into travel and tourism marketing, I had really been thinking about going into the non-profit sector.  After praying about it, I happened to see a job notice on twitter; of course I jumped on it.  Less than a week later, I found out that I was being offered the incredible internship- Intern for Marketing and Brand Development at the National 4-H Center.

I'm soooo excited to get started (a week from tomorrow!) and to spend the summer in our nation's capitol. One of my most fashionable friends from Spain lives there, and we already have some lovely weekend plans in the works :)  Another little exciting thing- some of the American girls I met while studying abroad will be having a reunion over the 4th of July in Washington, DC.  Since we're normally scattered all over the country, it's something we're all looking forward to.  

I did some DIY projects today and can't wait to share them as soon as they're finished- so yay for new blog content!  

I hope everyone is enjoying Mother's Day and your summers are off to just as wonderful a start as mine!!

Foodie Pen Pals- April!

I got so excited about my package this month that I started into the treats before even snapping a picture or two!  This month I was matched with Megha, who did an absolutely wonderful job putting my treats together.  I told her that I liked chocolate and almonds as well as healthier snacks, but that I'm also open to trying new things.  For this month I got:

Baked Jalapeño Cheese Crunchies- my friends and I devoured this them super fast 

Milk Chocolate covered potato chips- Perfect mix of sweet and salty

A Dark Chocolate Bar- I was trying to save this as a reward for finishing finals... 

Mini Stroopwafels- Basically, they're mini waffle cookies with a thin layer of carmel sandwiched in the middle- So. Good.  

Almondina- Almond biscottis that my co-workers were instantly jealous of

If you're interested in joining in on the food-trading fun, or if you just want to see what it's all about, head over to Lindsay's blog!

To catch up

Dress: ??

Cardigan: Francesca's Collections, $10

Tights: Target, $5

Necklace: Forever 21, $5

Flats: Ross, $15

Jeans: American Eagle, $15

Top: Zara, $15

Sweater: Old Navy, c/o  Mom 

Necklace: Sfera, $7

Boots: Francesca's Collections, c/o Mom

So, the good news is that I haven't dropped off the face of the earth.  Basically, I just needed a major blogging break.  Since I started this blog I've stressed about making sure I get decent pictures of outfits, blogging on a consistent schedule, etc etc.  When the anxiety over pictures didn't turn out well or not blogging "often enough" began to set in, it started to take the fun out of fashion.  So, I've spent the past little while taking some time to settle back into my own style and passions.  

I am a full time college student with homework, two jobs, and a crazy schedule- all of which makes blogging somewhat of a pain at many times.  So instead of trying to "Keep up with the Jones" I'm going to blog in a way that fits my lifestyle and schedule.

Basically, I'll be posting a little more often, though not everyday.  Also, even though the focus will probably still be on clothing and style, I'll also be blogging about a few more "lifestyle" related things.  

So, thanks for stickin' with me!  Here's to getting back in the swing of things!!

Foodie Pen Pals

One of my favorite things in college is getting mail.  So, when I heard about the Foodie Pen Pals program, I knew I'd love it.  Basically, each month you get matched up with someone to who sends you a package of goodies, and someone to send goodies to.  

This month I got matched up with Jessica of Opened Earth.  She sent me an awesome box of chocolate foods: coffee, organic cookies, bunny grahms, and an espresso chocolate bar- Delicious!

Thanks Jessica, I loved them all :)

 If you're interested in joining, head on over and fill out a form!

Interested in seeing what I sent?  Cassie did a sweet little write up!

What I've been up to...

I thought Spring Break would be filled with cute outfits, cute food, tons of pictures, and tons of productivity.  Well, at least I got one decent outfit out of the mix...

Recently I've been living in dark skinnies, some sort of plain (preferably white, cream, or striped) top, and a jumble of bracelets and watches.  Oh, and sandals.  Because summer decided to show up early this year.  

Again, the absence.  Somehow blogging and life just haven't been blending well lately. However, that's for some really good (and a few really bad) reasons.  

1. Good grades in classes- heck yes!  This is thanks to many late nights, and a few wonderful and intelligent friends.  I knew there was a reason I was doing that stuff...

2. Summer Internships!  I don't want to jinx this one before it even works out,  but I've been in contact with three awesome companies about doing some marketing work this summer.  I don't know what will end up happening, or even if I'll get an offer from any of the three... But one company is located at a beach, one is a global firm with some killer networking opportunities... and one company is flying me to New York City to interview in person.  Excited? Beyond words.   

3. I'm really involved in our school's chapter of Women in Business, one of the most active clubs here at SVC, and I recently got the position of President for this upcoming year!  I can't wait to work with our executive board- one of our first events is to plan and pull off the TOMS Day Without Shoes!

I hope you all are having a wonderful springtime!

When you feel down- Dress up.

Outfit Details

Skirt: Thrifted, $3

Top: H&M, $15

Belt: Gap Outlet, $5

Boots: Gift from Mom

Tights: who knows...

Jacket: Superrrrr Old

I've always sworn by dressing up when you're just not feeling awesome.  Regardless of the reason you might not be feeling perfect, putting on a nice outfit and a smile will totally turn your day around.

I kept it fairly simple- no need to go all out- but stuck to things I feel good in: a skirt, tall boots, and a simple color palette.  

What do you do on your down days?

Some Days are just Mom Days

Sweater: Old Navy, gift 

Top: J.Crew, gift

Jeans: TJ Maxx, $15

Boots: Francesca's, gift

Bracelets: Spain

Glasses: 7 for all Mankind

The day I wore this outfit I realized that my top, sweater, and boots were all from my mom.  Granted, I picked them all out, but as my Aunt says, "Satisfaction over surprise..."  And then today, I finally got my Valentine's card from mom- with a picture of us at the airport the day I left for study abroad, and also a super sappy mom note.  

I'm close to my dad too- like, ridiculous "daddy's girl" type close.  But some days, you really just need your mom.  Whether its a sad breakup, a need for some instant motivation, or advice on the tough stuff, Moms can be the biggest blessing- and I can say that now that I don't live with my mom anymore ;) 

Alright, I'm done with the sap for now.  Just had to get that out there.  

Thanks mom.  

Inspiration

thistimetomorrow-krystal.blogspot.com

keikolynn.com

WhatiWore.tumblr.com

thistimetomorrow-krystal.blogspot.com

Collegefashion.net

orchidgrey.blogspot.com

More from Last Weekend

As a blogger, what do you post about when all you do is go to class?  You milk the weekend for all you can, that's what.  Last Saturday (after taking a practice GMAT...) we headed to downtown Pittsburgh for a little night out.  Trying to be adventurous, we had Ethiopion food for dinner at a little restaurant called Abay (which is actually what my friends call me when we're joking around.) It was REALLY different. You order a couple of things- meats, vegetables, sauces- and then it all comes out on this really thin bread called injera.  The kicker? No utensils.  Instead, you use the injera to scoop it up into your mouth.  Classy.  Let me tell you...

Oh yes, and then we went to the casino.  And I won 36¢

Outfit Details

Jeans: Target, $20

Top: Charlotte Russe, $5

Jacket: superrrrr old

Boots: Target, $30

Scarf: Target, $5

Bag: Old Navy, $4

Watch: Thrifted, $2

Sunday

Sunday we headed up to Pittsburgh to have a little day out, which was well needed after weeks of monotonous school food.  We had heard that there was a really good sushi bar in the strip district, but upon further exploration we realized it was a little takeout only stand.  Since we wanted to sit down and relax a bit, we decided to get a pizza instead, but were still really curious about the supposedly wonderful sushi bar.  So we went back for "desert." Holey Moley that was the best sushi EVER.

So, if you're in the Pittsburgh area, head on over to Andy's sushi bar (it's actually inside Wholey's fish market) in the strip district.  Deliciousness awaits..

We ordered what we read was the best- Salmon Mango.  It had SO many things in it.  What I remember: crabcake, salmon, asparagus, mango, spicy sauce, and some kind of leafy green.

Outfit details:

Top: Forever 21, $15

Jeans: T.J. Maxx, $15

Scarf: Old Navy, $9

Boots: Target, $13