Currently.

my favorite part of CA--the sunsets

Watching: The usuals such as Parenthood, Grey's and my fav NBC comedies. And some new things like: The Taste (we love cooking shows in our house) and GIRLS. I must say that the verdict is still out for me on that one.

Thinking about: My goal for this year of happiness. It may in fact be one of the most difficult challenges for me yet. But I will keep trying.

Reading: I just finished Tina Fey's BossyPants and I really enjoyed it. Normally I prefer a dramatic raw fiction or non-fiction. But it was refreshing to read into the amazing woman that is Tina and realize that even the nerdy girls can win big. Now I'm onto Gone Girl and I'm sort of nervous and excited for the thrill it's supposed to be. And I always love reading blogs.

Celebrating: Working hard and having it pay off. I'm paying down so much debt and I'm about 4 months away from paying off my car and finally owning it. Not living under constant debt from my time in college will definitely be the most successful feeling I'll ever have.

Making me happy: Honestly.... my man. He works so incredibly hard and is so deserving of love and respect. There are times that I get upset with him because I feel like I need more of him; but honestly it's mostly just that I'd spend everyday with him if I could. But we'd probably make each other crazy. :) But seriously, he's a pretty wonderful man.

So, how about you? What are you up to today? Feel free to do your own "currently" post on your blog and link back in the comments for everyone to check out. And thanks again to my friend Danielle for providing the original inspiration for these posts.

a little spit shine.

I've really been feeling this year. I feel like it's the year for change, growth and happiness. That means a new look and purpose for the blog/biz (including sponsorships!), more exciting posts including fashion, recipes, and other surprises..... AND a more focused me!

I've been doing some shopping and exploring of new blogs and am excited to start spreading the "BEAUTIFUL" name out there in the community a bit more. I'm stepping out of the bubble that I've created for myself because even though I LOVE everyone that I've met; I want to make new friends and learn new things from those people. I still have growing to do and I'm going to try and make this year a huge one for growth and maturity for me. 

Also I'm turning 27 this March. Not that it's really any special number or anything but I think since I'm getting closer to 30 I just want to set and achieve some life goals for myself. Here's hoping that I don't end up on the couch, absorbed in reality TV with a bag of chips by month two. But.... that does sound awesome sometimes doesn't it? 

What would you like to see this year?

BEAUTIFUL HOOP//PURCHASE HERE

awkward & awesome.

The awkward, taking a photo of yourself while waiting for your nail appt. and everyone in the salon is watching.

awkward. 

-The moment where you are alone in a restaurant bathroom checking yourself out in the mirror and the other girl walks in. 

-The FedEx man knocking on your door while you're still in bed and all you're wearing is a t-shirt, no bra and definitely no pants. 

-Getting stuck behind the recycling truck one block from your house.

-Sneezing a huge sneeze while sitting in your car, trying to get all the yuck out of your nose and then realizing that your boyfriend's boss is right outside your window. 

-Forgetting to fully rub in all your dry shampoo and going to work looking like you aged 30 years over night. 

-Turning off all the lights in your house for bed, and then running face first into an open cabinet door in the hallway at 3am. 

awesome.

-Every minute of Parenthood. Is there truly anything better?

-My new elephant tote bag and phone case. They make me smile every time I see them. Best.

-Brussels sprouts, Brussels sprouts, Brussels sprouts. I'm a believer. I will post a recipe that will make you one too. Is every day this week too many times for eating them? I think not. 

-Playing "Beaveropoly" with boyfriend and losing horribly from the first moment we started. Worth losing just for the trip down memory lane of meeting his cute face in college. Go Beavs!

-Said FedEx man from above delivering a much anticipated package full of wine from our favorite winery from home. Wino anyone?

-Getting a text from your best friend, currently 1,000 miles away, flabbergasted about the same thing you've been wondering all week that's going on in your town. Oh Facebook how I love thee and thee's power of sharing news. 

-Being friends with this girl and having her totally get me even though we've never met.

Thanks again to Sydney for the inspiration for writing these. 
She's definitely in the awesome category.

2013 + something a little happy.

If I had one resolution this year; it would be happiness.

It probably seems so simple. But it's the hardest thing for me to achieve. I want to work toward happiness in everything that I do. Therefore I'm back to my blog. Because this is a place of happiness for me. Day one...check.

Another bit of happiness for me..... this girl. I've pretty much been cyber-stalking her since I started blogging 2 years ago (wow, just realized it's blogiversary time again!).... but then a few months back I actually met her "in real life" as we like to call it and found out we're pretty similar and it's pretty rad.

I wanted to write about Julie today because I just think she's beyond talented and inspiring. Oh, and you know.... pretty much as naturally beautiful as it gets.

She quit her full-time JOB last year in order to completely pursue her talent of designing cards. And I seriously have probably bought every single last one. I feel a little like I've almost kept her a secret all to myself but fortunately for her she's not a secret to the world. Her cards are flying out of her house (eh, office) and I'm so so happy for her success.

You may think this sounds a bit like a sponsor post.... but don't get it confused. This is a braggy friend post. This bitch is amazing and after my 20-something'th order the other day I couldn't wait to share her newest line.

Here are some of my favorites: 

Shop here.

It's really amazing stuff. And you definitely need her cards for every and any occasion in your life. 
Just saying.