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.  

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

Back to the Sunny Side

{Skirt: H&M, $17}

{Lace Top: Charlotte Russe, $7}

{Belt: Aeropostale, about 6 years ago...}

{Tights: Mom's from high school}

{Boots: thrifted, $4}

{Necklace: Puerto Rico, $20}

I apologize for my little rant yesterday- but hey, everybody has their days... to combat my bad days lately, here are some really great things that happened today:

• I didn't rip these tights- well, I didn't rip them further. There are two neat little holes on the knees (I wore them backwards today) and they haven't run at alllll. Crazy.
• I'm only 2 classes away from a Spanish minor- and I wasn't even trying.
• I was gifted a gigantic jar of nutella Sunday night- which has since become my favorite thing ever.
• There was a (lacrosse?) game going on right out side the window of my corporate finance class this afternoon- and they played 90s music for a large chunk of class. oh yessss.
• Best friend from Canada told me she was sending me a package! Because she moved in the 8th grade- we've only seen each other 3 or 4 times since then. But seriously, I know I can always always always count on her. Now that's something awesome.

Well that's all for today. I hope you all are having a wonderful start to the week!

Monday

{Dress: Macy's, $6}

{Jacket: Gadzooks, $20}

{Tights: Target, $10}

{Boots: TJ Maxx, $30}

{Brooch: Vintage, Grandma's}

Do you ever come up with a truly simple solution to a problem, and are somehow just amazed with yourself? Well that's what happened to me last night when I was planning this outfit. I bought this XL dress several sizes too large (I wear a small or medium) because I just loved the style, and because it was $6. I had the intention of tailoring it to fit better over spring break, but of course I got too busy doing absolutely nothing. Last night, I decided I couldn't wait any longer to wear this little dress. It looked frumpy as it was though, and belts just made it look really awkward. I gave up for awhile and started playing with my accessories when it hit me- cinch the waist with my brooch! Luckily nobody could tell and I got compliments all day.

I used to feel bad because I getting compliments on my outfit made me feel so happy. I was afraid to admit how much I liked hearing them because I was afraid that meant I was just being superficial. But I think I've finally realized that it's kind of similar to complimenting an artist on their drawing. It's not so much about the superficial looks (at least for me) but more so that someone can appreciate what I took the time to put together.

Does anyone else feel that way (about either subject)?

An Awkward and Awesome Monday

{Skirt: H&M, $17}

{Top: The Limited, $10}

{Tights: Target, $10}

{Boots: TJ Maxx, $30}

{Necklace: Urban Outfitters, $10}

{Coat: American Eagle, gift}

I'm sure you probably have seen The Daybook by now, but if you haven't, Sydney does this really cute thing called "An awkward and awesome Thursday" in which she lists any number of awkward and awesome things that happened to her. I'm always tempted to join in but can never think of what to say. Of course now that I have tons of things to add- it's Tuesday (first thing on the awkward list- thinking that it actually is Tuesday...) Since I just don't think I can wait (aka remember) until Thursday, here goes:

Awkward

• Waking wayyyy late and leaving my dorm for work in the same T-shirt I slept in.
• Setting off the car alarm in the minivan I'm driving for the time being...
• And subsequently being unable to turn off the alarm...
• And driving through campus, in said minivan, with said alarm...
• And then calling my dad because it's really become too much.
• Windblown Skirts.
• Sliding around in the snow in my boots that were definitely not made for this weather.
• Pretending to take pictures of... the sky... instead of myself when someone walks by.
• Being unable to tell my Chinese professor goodbye because the only word I can think of is "Adios."
• Having to ask for directions at work (I'm a tour guide...)

Awesome

• Putting together a decent outfit in under 5 minutes.
• Windblown hair.
• Getting out of class an hour and a half early.
• The awesome dinner my school cafeteria cooked tonight... seriously.
• Finalizing my application for study abroad *crosses fingers*
• Knowing that this time next week I'll be on Spring Break.
• Going to Denny's realllly late at night with my awesome friends.
• Having a super smart room-mate who helps me with homework.
• The outdoor Dairy Queen being open during a snow storm- and people going.
• Finishing (and understanding!) said homework.
• Having a boyfriend who tries really hard to be super sweet all the time.

Not awesome

Really needing to stop blogging and continue studying for my history midterm tomorrow....

It's a Blue Jeans and Studying type of day

{Top: Old Navy, $4}

{Jeans: T.J. Maxx, $20}

{Cardigan: Loft, $20}

{Boots: Belk, $35}

{Necklace: American Eagle, gift}

{Rings: Silpada, $45}

Alright, so I wear jeans alot. Considering this is the weekend before midterms though, I think I might be one of the only students not in sweats. And as much as I would have loved to dress up in something pretty today, it would have gone to waste as I bribed my super smart room-mate to teach me corporate finance. There's always tomorrow... and my chinese test...

This is what a long distance relationship does. It glues a phone to your hand. Well, at least mine does. I swear I text allllll the time. Consider this example A. But seriously, it does kind of stink. At least we have summer. I don't know how the couples without time together can do it.

Warning: Picture Heavy Post...

Jeans: T. J. Maxx, $20

Tank: Abercrombie & Fitch, $10

Button up: Banana Republic, gift

Boots: T. J. Maxx, $25

Necklace: Puerto Rican Store, $25 for set

So I live kind of in the country. Like, everyone on my street/area has lots of land, but downtown knoxville is only about 15-20 minutes away. I like it that way, it really is the best of both worlds. Anyways, Man Vs. Food from the travel channel came to knoxville, and one of the places they went was this amazing little bar-b-que place called Sweet P's. And where is it located? Less than 5 minutes from my house. Literally, the closest business of any sorts. It's in this little building right by a local marina, and they make the BEST bar-b-que burritos ever. Especially when they have mac and cheese on the side (or inside...) And the banana pudding- to die for.

Another happy thing about today- having someone to actually take my pictures. They turn out so much better (and easier... and faster...) this way. Yay for a great start to the (last) weekend!

Also, 1/3 of the way done! How's everyone else doing??