StyleScope

This post is a shout out to Simplify 101.

As an organization and design junky, I love learning about new ideas to declutter my home and make it beautiful. Therefore, one of my favorite websites is Simplify 101. It has tons of free resources (including monthly newsletters) that give you ideas for your home, office, or life in general. So of course, I follow the blog on the website. Yesterday, her blog was about figuring out your style. It immediately appealed to me because although I think my apartment is cute and homey, I wouldn't necessarily say it has a defined style. The post included a link to the Home Goods website, specifically to the StyleScope quiz.

Side note: My only criticism for this quiz is that it doesn't give you the options to see what all of the possibly results could be in case you wanted to compare and contrast. If I answer one question differently, it seems to give a new style so I think it would be interesting to see all the outcomes.

My style is: Country Classic.

I think it is pretty accurate. Here is what is says:

"You have a naturally refined sensibility with an appreciation for tradition and history. You value beauty, craftsmanship, and family heirlooms, but you like to open things up with pretty, easy-going pieces like painted wood or distressed furniture, lovely florals and other patterns, and bunches of fresh flowers that give your home a breezy, relaxed feeling. You love unique finds, have a thrifty, creative side, and can make these things work together.

You value comfort. Your home is a warm and open friendly place, and you feel happiest when everyone is cared for and relaxed in your space. Elements like pillows, throws, overstuffed furniture, and good lighting set the mood. You may also enjoy layering different fabrics or mixing patterns to create a cozy effect."

What's your style??

Home Sweet (New) Home

My summer vacation ends tomorrow (cue violins).... But thankfully I was able to get one last vacation in before my hectic schedule begins. This past weekend I visited my parents in Nashville.

Well I flew into Nashville, but they live in Gallatin which is about 20 or 30 minutes outside of the city. Because my flight was late taking off, it wasn't until about 11 that we reached the house. This was my first time to my parents' new house so I was really excited. I had already seen some pictures but I hadn't seen it yet with their furniture and all the special touches that make it a home. So when my Dad and I got to the house, he gave me the grand tour. The house is so cozy - I really loved it! The neighborhood is a golf community and our house is right on the golf course so the scenery is also very nice. So that night (Thursday), we just chatted a bit, I loved on Sammy and then it was bedtime.

Friday morning I woke up and my Mom and I walked throughout the neighborhood. It was great exercise because it's rather hilly. But it was great catching up with her and just looking at all the beautiful houses. And of course, a trip to see my parents isn't complete unless my mom and I go shopping. This is what happens when you go in to Michaels just for fun:

Then we ventured to the mall and I used up my Macy's gift card. Speaking of shopping and bargain hunting, I bought a dress from Macy's for $20 that was originally $80. And my Mom and I both got scarves from American Eagle for $3 that were originally $20! I was proud of our purchases if I do say so myself.

That night when my Dad got home from work, we had a yummy dinner and then took Sam on a walk on the golf course. The sunset was amazing and it was fun taking some practice swings. Don't judge my form haha.



This may be a slight tangent but if there was ever such a thing as having a favorite bug, mine would be a firefly. I've never seen one in Orlando and the first time I saw one was in Tallahassee probably about 3 years ago and I was so awestruck by them. They appear during one of my favorite times of the day and I think they are magical. There were so many in the brush between our house and the golf course. It was such a treat for me to just watch them.

Saturday, my Mom and I went on another shopping adventure to a thrift store that a columnist called "Ms. Cheap" wrote about in the Nashville newspaper. They actually had beautiful wedding dresses for only $50. I don't believe I'll be getting married any time soon and I don't know how I feel about getting my wedding dress at a thrift shop, but I was intrigued enough to try one on! It was one of those "beautiful on the hanger, but not on me" types of situations. So I walked away with nothing. But nonetheless, it was fun! :) Then we went and saw The Ugly Truth. A little unnecessarily vulgar, but it was cute and we enjoyed it.

That night we met my Dad at his work and went downtown. What a great place to people watch! Ten times better than the airport haha. I was hoping for a celebrity spotting (according to my mom, Carrie Underwood was seen there the weekend before). But no such luck. Either way, we had a great dinner and a great time walking around and being in the hustle and bustle of downtown night life.


Poor baby...He looked so sad just laying there...



Sunday, I was able to sleep in which was nice. After a yummy breakfast made by my Dad, we all (yes, including Sam) made our way to the Harpeth River State Park. The directions I got weren't all that great but we finally reached our destination. It is spread out over several different places so we were able to get out walk around a bit and then drive a little more to see some other sights. We saw signs for canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and zip lines so I know this will be a place that I will definitely go back to. It was so much fun spending quality time with my parents, watching Sam swim in the river, and seeing such a beautiful area.





Unfortunately, my visit was coming to an end. We went home and I got ready for my flight. The weekend seemed to go by so quickly but I'm grateful for being able to make the trip and I can't wait to go back!

Shopping for a Cause

If you enjoy shopping, then we have one thing in common. If you enjoy a bargain, then we now have two things in common. I think one of the things that makes me most excited is finding a great sale and being able to tell people about it. The funny thing is, the items that I purchase that are the least expensive are what I get the most complements about. I love fashion magazines, but I could never stomach spending $400 on a pair of flip flops. That just doesn't make sense...

So I've been going on and on to say that when I find good bargains or a good website, I will share it with all of my wonderful readers. Today, I discovered Global Goods Partners. This website is dedicated to giving women artisans from Asia, Africa, and the Americas opportunities to sell their goods to consumers in the United States. You can browse the website for everything from jewelry to home goods to children's toys.

I will share just a few of my favorite items but I hope you will visit the website by clicking HERE!

How gorgeous are these bangles. They promote environmental sustainability because they are made of ankudu wood and vegetable lacquer. The best part: They are only $5.50!


The site has many beautiful scarves but I decided to feature the least inexpensive choice. These scarves are hand woven and I think that is so special.


Lastly, I thought these coasters were so unique. What I like most about this item is that the cost helps support advocates fighting for clean water for rural Swaziland.


I hope you enjoy the site as much as I do.

Taking Flight

I took my first flight when I was around 15 and the appeal hasn't worn off yet. I feel like I'm partaking in a miracle. I understand there is science behind why a humongous steel machine can fly, but part of that must be a miracle.

I know airports and flying cause anxiety for some people but not for me. I love everything about the airport: the excitement of knowing that I am doing one of most favorite activities, traveling. Of course, there are reasons to not like the airport: overpriced food, delayed flights, long security lines. And I don't mind taking off my shoes but I do mind when other people have stinky feet. (Is that judgmental? Probably :/ but stinky feet is the worst.)

What a great place for people watching. I can't help but wonder what their destination is and why are they going there? Visiting friends, visiting family, spontaneous vacation, business...the options are endless. Side note to the couple fighting in the terminal: you have taught me a valuable lesson. Anger is not cute and not impressive. I understand everyone has unhappy moments, but like PDA, it is better left behind closed doors. Funny thing is, I saw this same couple in the terminal on the way home. They seemed happy this time so good for them :)

It's a good thing I like airports because my flight going and coming was delayed. But the trip was well worth it. Stay tuned for my next post because I will be sharing some photos from Nashville and the time I spent hanging with my Mom, my Dad, and Sammy!

Out of the Box

This post is dedicated to my female readers. I think I might even advise my male readers to not go any further....

It is never too early to start thinking about the holidays and fun holiday crafts. The following craft is one of the best I've seen. And by "the best", I mean, out of the box. Too bad it wasn't something that I came up with. Here it is:




Can you figure out what it is? If you can't, click HERE to read more!

**Edit: Well that is a bummer...as of Saturday night, I can't get the webpage to open anymore. The ornaments are made out of tampons haha!**

**Edit 2: It's Monday night, and the link is working :) yay! Enjoy**

New Layout = Re-energized

For the past few days, I have been updating my blog layout. I knew I wanted to start blogging again on a regular basis but I wanted to do an overhaul on my blog before I really got started. I hope you like it and I will be posting soon with an update on my life for the past 6 months. A few of the highlights being traveling to Costa Rica, graduating from my Master's program, and making the important decision to continue my schooling. I hope you will check back in a couple days to get all caught up!