november you sneaky month

Um. WHERE did October go?

I barely had time to get out my scarves before November hit and with that, one of my favorite months is gone, leaving way quicker than it came. 

October was filled with lots of ups, including a friend's wedding, a weekend trip to Akron to visit Adam's granny, and even a few Wildcat wins. All of which I took approximately five pictures of. Total.

It was also the month that The {Something} Project, a blog created by a good friend of mine, officially launched. Molly was kind enough to ask me to contribute, although if you've been reading here long enough, you know I am clearly no expert on any topic whatsoever. So hop on over there to check out what's going on in the lives of eight interesting, hilarious, fun-loving gals. And me.

I'll still be posting to finer feelings of course, but what's better than one blog that I can contribute to? 

The answer is two. 

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the skimm



I consistently struggle with two pretty important things in life: geography and current events.

I was a lost cause on the news-front until Adam read me a small article from a spring issue of Vanity Fair. It was about The Skimm, a new email subscription targeted towards young professional women. I am relatively young and only semi-professional, so I hopped on that bandwagon before he could finish the next VF article. (They are so LONG.) Ever since, around 5:30am I get an email with updates on all the largest news stories of the day. I read the entire email every morning while I blow dry my hair.

The Skimm writers recap boring important stories in a way that's easy to understand and entertaining - they have a great sense of humor. #lotsofhashtagsused.

I'm sure many bloggers have written about The Skimm. (First article of business of getting the blog back in action: start writing. Second article of business: get caught up on reading.) But in case you hadn't heard of  The Skimm before, or weren't sure if it was something you'd actually read, I highly recommend subscribing to it. Gone are the days of politely nodding my head and smiling until someone brings up the last episode of Duck Dynasty. I can now have educated conversations with my superiors at the office about Obamacare, the MLB playoffs, and the Twitter IPO with little research and effort. Maybe someone will notice and I'll get paid more next year.....

trip highlights: austin, tx

If you follow me on instagram, you may have noticed I visited Austin, Texas last month. It was my first time to Austin, and while we were only there for 48 short hours, we hit up most of the spots on my must-see list.

The majority of our time was spent on 6th Street. My favorite bar was a dive on the Dirty 6 side called Dizzy Rooster, which I later found out was one of the favorite haunts of the Real World Austin cast.

The entire bar was covered in bottle caps. I loved every filthy, rusted one of them.

6th Street was oddly welcoming to K-Staters. Call it southern hospitality, or a way to get purple people in to your bar to spend a bunch of money. Either way, I liked it.

The weather was insane, and lucky for us we were out early enough to get a prime spot on the roof-top at Shakespeare's. From what I encountered, the tailgating experience is nothing like it is in Manhattan, or most Big 12 campuses for that matter. Instead of SUVs and RVs lined up in fields and parking lots surrounding the stadium, most people hang out at the bars on 6th Street, or went to a banquet hall that I can only describe as where your aunt may have had her wedding reception in the early 1980s. It was so Texas, and it was awesome.

After our loss (boo) and a perfect night's sleep on Saturday, we awoke on Sunday to meet friends at my now FAVORITE brunch place ever: Bess Bistro on Pecan. First off, they serve dollar mimosas, which apparently is a normal occurrence in Austin. This needs to become a thing in KC. Stat. Brunch was all-you-can-eat, so I started off with a mimosa and an order of deconstructed croque monsieur. I've never even had a constructed croque monsieur , so I wasn't really sure what I was ordering. It had just the right amount of truffle oil on the toast, a perfectly crispy-fried poached egg, and spicy blackened ham. After a pass through the delicious buffet line, Adam and I split the most popular order of the day - Fruity Pebble pancakes. Oh My G, I thought about those pancakes for days afterwards.

We had almost a full day before needing to head to the airport, so after eating our weight in breakfast food we bid adieu to our friends and went to Rainey Street. It's a small street where the adorable houses have been transformed into bars with backyard games, garages turned into restrooms, and parking lots filled with food trucks. Such a fun little street with so much character.

ATX - you were fun. I'll be back.

happy wednesday

best friends

I'm finally tackling my inbox, and found this article I had emailed to myself this summer.

Hope those instagrams make you as happy as they made me.

favorite word

Pillow.

Is having a favorite word weird? Because I've always had one. In sixth grade, it was doodle. Sometime around high school, it became pillow.

Whatever the reason, I love that word. It makes me so happy.

During our stay in Austin, we slept on the most amazing pillows I have ever encountered. I can't stop thinking about them. 

via

If only I could justify spending the pretty penny they cost....

quote for friday

via

Just maybe my favorite love quote ever.

just call me magnum

It's a wonder that summer is over. I wish I could say I was busy doing fabulous things to blog about, but the truth of the matter is I didn't do too much.

Three books were read. Three trips to the Ozarks were taken. Many glasses of wine were drank on Blue Eyes' back porch. I moved in with my parents before the big day. I found the dress. The best season of the year has started.

I rode in a helicopter for the first time. 

I missed blogging.

oh hey

I did it. I became “that girl”. You know the one.  She writes semi-regularly and then gets engaged and completely ignores her blog for weeks upon weeks. I’ve seen it happen so many times, and I always swore I would never become her.

Hi. I’m her.

So now it’s that awkward stage where I figure out what to write. Do you want to hear the engagement story? Do you never want to read a thing about the wedding? (Foreshadowing: this is going to be near impossible.) Do I just go about my business telling you about whatever is on my mind like normal? (Mind has become overtaken by wedding.)

I guess I'll just talk wedding.

I hinted at it back here. And I'm finally ready to announce it. We are getting married in Mexico!

Mexico... here we come May 2014!

Save the Dates are ordered. Wedding party has been asked. Next up - dress shopping!

royals

You guys, have you heard this song?

I've played it on repeat over the past few days, and just can't get enough of it.

If you're in the mood for some enlightenment, check out the About section she wrote for this video.
The crazy thing is she's all of 16 years old. Pretty sure I was most worried about what outfit I was wearing on a Friday night when I was her age. Not to mention I think she's already better at applying eyeliner than I am. Girl's got talent in so many ways.

I promise to have some fun wedding stuff up on the blog as soon as some big decisions have been made and finalized. Until then, enjoy this jam!

yes.

That's what I said!

  

Here's to us.

Our future. Our past. Our travels. Our obsession with football. Our love.

Now, let the planning begin!

hot head

 

Hey hey. I hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend. Mine was incredibly relaxing and I was actually looking forward to getting back into the work routine today.
 

To all of you who curl your hair on a regular basis, talk to me. I need to know what you use to protect your tresses from the heat of your appliances.

For years I was super lazy and would simply blow dry my hair and leave it in its naturally stick straight state. I have recently become a little obsessed with the curling iron (and wand) ever since my friend and hairstylist taught me how to curl properly, giving my hair that wavy, effortless appearance. If only it was effortless. Turns out I like curling my hair so much that I completely fried it over the past six months between hair cuts.

 

I could use what my friend sells at the salon, but am really looking for something budget-friendly - $30 or less. I've mentioned before that I have had great luck with Phyto hair products, so I might try out their Phytokeratine Reparative serum. I am definitely looking for other options though as I research, so if you use a serum and love it, please let me know!

the black keys

For my birthday, Blue Eyes gave me tickets to see a band I've been dying to see since being introduced to them with this video back in 2008. 

It's hard to believe that six years after that video was shot, they're selling out arenas like the Sprint Center. I love these guys from Akron, Ohio and can't wait to see them again. What an amazing show.

time saver

*So I'm just going to jump right in here and pretend I haven't been MIA for 3 weeks* 

I think most of you will agree with me that any tricks or tips to save some time these days is as appreciated as a J. Crew sale on pay day. No?

I bought this tube of Freedom polymer top coat from Julep over a month ago with the hopes it would give me a Shellac-like manicure for a fraction of the cost over time. With wedding season in full swing and making a commitment to tighten my budget, I spent $18 on the Julep top coat hoping my skepticism of its seemingly-radical product description would prove incorrect.

After over 10 at-home manicures, here is what I have found.

The Pros:
1. Dries extremely fast and effectively. Like I can take out laundry from the dryer five minutes after I've finished applying.
2. Gives nails the high-gloss gel look.
3. Comes off easily with regular non-acetone nail polish remover.

The Con:
1. Doesn't last nearly as long as a gel manicure. I get about 4 days before the color starts chipping.

For me, the multiple benefits outweigh the one disappointment I have had with this product.

PS: I was not compensated in any way for this review, just my thoughts and hope it's helpful for you!

spring shoe

It may have been 20 degrees last night in Kansas City. I may have been boycotting my coat closet for the past month against the weatherman's advice. And right now I'm inconveniently obsessing over these shoes from Zara. Aren't they amazing? Best shoes I've seen all season.

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energy bites

Today I'm going to tell you about these delicious energy bites I've become a major fan of lately. I am one of those people who prefer 6 small meals (or constantly grazing) over 3 large ones a day. While I'd love to snack on jalapeno potato chips every afternoon a few hours after lunch, my pencil skirts won't allow for much more waistline to cover. I found this recipe a while ago and have created my own version that I really love. So if you're like me and need a little pick-me-up between meals, try these all-natural, protein-packed energy bites out!

Here are the ingredients I use:

Since this picture, I've started using Natural Jif, and actually like the taste more than the regular Peter Pan. I also use less honey and vanilla than the recipe in the link states because I enjoy the nutty flavors over the sweet. Here are the measurements I have found the most delicious:

1/2 cup natural peanut butter

Less than 1/3 (but more than 1/4) cup honey

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup old fashioned oats

3/4 cup unprocessed wheat bran

1/3 cup unsweetened coconut

1/2 cup slivered almonds, chopped fine

The end result - about 12 of these yummy balls of goodness!

oh so oily

I have been reading tons of articles lately about the benefits of using natural oil as a part of your health and beauty routine. At first I figured these folks must all be nutso granola to the extreme people. Then I started reading Amazon reviews and became truly intrigued. Longer lashes, smooth skin, all natural ingredients? Yes please.

A few weeks ago, as part of my recent job acceptance shopping spree, I bought Josie Maran's argan oil from Sephora. This stuff is amazing. I use it most every night and in the mornings if I know it is going to be cloudy out. (It doesn't have SPF, so if the weather is going to be nice or I'm going to be outside a lot, I use my old faithful Lumene Vitamin C+ lotion.) A little goes a long way with argan oil, and it moisturizes while barely feeling like there is anything on my skin. At first it seemed counterintuitive to be putting oil on my combo skin; oily in the T zone and dryer elsewhere. I can honestly say this oil leaves my face feeling light and hydrated, not oily, and the best part - no break outs!

Another variety I am super interested in getting my hands on is castor oil. I have a minor major obsession with eyelashes - my own and everyone else's. Isn't it every girl's challenge in life to find the perfect mascara? (I'm still looking by the way....) Apparently castor oil is like a natural Latisse. I mean, sounds way too good to be true, am I right? Wikipedia says there is no scientific proof that castor oil promotes hair growth, but it's so darn inexpensive I might as well give it a try. I'll report my findings, of course.

Are there any other kinds of oils you're a big fan of that I should try?

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new beginnings

I have good news and bad news. The bad: There will be a bit of radio silence as I dive into training and become a productive part of my new company as quickly as possible. The good: I'm so happy with the position and company. The days are flying by!

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see ya reader

Have you heard the news? Google Reader is going bye bye on July 1st. I'm super sad, as this is my preferred method of staying connected with my favorite blogs.

The most popular way to keep in touch with finer feelings post-July 1 is through bloglovin'. Check out the button on the right side bar to follow along that way.

Many bloggers use Facebook to keep their readers and friends involved. Having recently deleted the FB app on my phone (and SO happy with that decision), I don't see a finer feelings page making its way to your feed anytime soon. Facebook has proved to be an effective way to gain readership; however, it is just not a platform I believe to be a good fit. Unfortunately I find it to be more of a place for one-upping and narcissism than for sharing enlightening stories and supporting each other (there are of course exceptions to this at times).

I do appreciate all of you reading and following along, and strive to continue the growth of this little space of internet. That being said, I sure hope you continue to follow along here. I would love to hear your opinions on Facebook, and of other blog reading websites that may be a decent replacement for Google Reader.

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welcome back, mr. jt

I'm assuming you've all been listening the majority of the past 4 hours like I have.

So, what do you think?

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dream desk

With the end of my unplanned winter break drawing to a close, I can't help but start thinking about my new desk. There are few places I like more at an office than my own little space to decorate (second only to the break room). It's where I'll spend 8+ hours a day, so it better instill inspiration, patience, and motivation.

In my dream situation, I would have these pretty little pieces at my new desk.

 

poppin inbox trays // gold shears // acrylic stapler // monogrammed pencil cup // frends headphones

In reality, I'll come stocked with my favorite pens, K-State mug, and a picture frame or two. 

spring scent

Confession: I have worn the same perfume almost exclusively for the past 11 years.

Angel by Thierry Mugler

I only need two fingers to count the number of times I have chosen not to refill the pretty star bottle right away and tried something new. Both of those perfumes were fine, but I always ended up going back to Angel. It is sugary at first, but when the liquid dries on my skin, the patchouli takes over and it's this perfect mix of woodsy/vanilla deliciousness. When I get stopped in stores by women who have to know what perfume I'm wearing, or when I walk into a room and people know it's me just from the Angel wafting in, I know I found a good thing in this scent.

That being said, I gave my empty bottle to my parents over Valentine's Day to refill as a gift (for Easter I'm hoping!) so have been without this divine perfume for over a month. For awhile, I wasn't wearing any smell-good-stuff at all. Then I remembered a birthday gift I received in January, Laura Mercier's Almond Coconut Milk Body Butter. It's sweet, but not overpowering, and it lasts subtly on my skin for hours and hours. So while I'm waiting for an Angel refill, this decadent body butter is an excellent substitute.

I always have an internal debate whether I'm cheating myself by not being more adventurous with perfumes, or if it would just end up a waste of money. For now, I think I'm going to continue sticking with what works with my pheromones.

Do you have a signature scent, or do you change perfumes with the season?

working girls' favorite shoes

Hooray, hooray. I accepted a job last week!

It was actually a great few days, where I landed two offers and had the opportunity to compare them side-by-side, ultimately making a decision that is going to keep me busy and happy. Not to mention I'll be using and learning even more Finance skills on a daily basis. Yay for numbers and Excel. (But seriously, they're kinda my thing.)

My start date isn't for another two weeks, so I created a list of goals I'd love to complete before jumping back into the corporate world. The list includes watching seasons 1 and 2 of Downton Abbey, spring cleaning my closet, and not buying tons of new business casual clothes. So far I have only purchased one top from J. Crew's sale (extra 30% off with code GOODNEWS through Friday), but am really wanting these beauties.

j. crew janey patent flats

Can they be more perfect for the office? Comfortable yet bright. And that heel.  To top it off, they come in the most fabulous colors. I mean, they're sooo good, no? 

city scapes

I am loving these city skyline prints from Etsy shop Loose Petals, especially since my travel plans for 2013 are significantly less exciting than the past two years.

These are some of my favorites, but she has tons of options over at her shop site.

Which one is your favorite?

how my wine and shopping habits helped jumpstart spring cleaning

Oh man, am I excited to see March. Have you noticed all of the spring cleaning articles and pins lately? This is the time of year when I add "clean" to my daily to do list, but rarely ever implement a new organization system or create something that will help keep my quarters tidy all year long.

Enter 2013. I officially caught the spring cleaning bug yesterday. Using Darling Magazine's spring cleaning advice, I decided to split each area in need into zones that I can tackle one at a time. Yesterday's focus was on the bathroom.

The area under the sink has been a disaster zone since I moved in over two years ago. I never organized it with much intention, and so it quickly became a mess of all things hair, makeup, and cleaning supplies. I couldn't even take a "before" picture to document its transformation, it was so bad. 

I targeted the main culprit behind the chaos: too many hair appliances with no place to call home. My curling iron, wand, straightener, and blow dryer were in a constant cord-tangled battle. I'd seen a brilliant solution for this problem using PVC pipes on the back of the vanity doors, but really wanted something that would work without using any type of adhesive since I'm renting. A few other musts for this project included using materials already in my possession, and needing very little Home Ec skills to get the job done. 

This is where wine and shopping come in to play. Who else has those super convenient six-pack wine carriers stashed somewhere in their pantry? I decided this CVS bag was the perfect solution to my vanity clutter issue. 

The only problem was figuring out a way to keep the bag from toppling over once the curling irons went in. I grabbed the delivery box from my recent ShoeMint purchase and started cutting away at the cardboard flaps. Six large pieces and some folding later, I had found my super easy (and very little measuring needed!) solution.

Now everything has a place. I'm so happy with this thrifty and easy solution. Added bonus: my hair products are more easily accessible in the bin next to the CVS bag instead of constantly being thrown about the space under the sink. I hope to use my products like the PHYTO hydrating cream more often now that I can always find it right next to the blow dryer.

monday motivation

Just a little reminder to never stop learning. Now, I do believe it's time for me to tackle all those photography tutorials I have been pinning so much of lately.

birdy

Anyone who gets The Everygirl's daily email was in for a real treat today. (If you don't, I highly encourage you to sign up here.) The second feature in the email showed this pretty little lady, all of 17 years old, going by the stagename Birdy.

As a music lover, yet someone unfamiliar with this Birdy character, I immediately fired up Spotify and began listening to her self titled debut album. Before going any further into her talent I need to preface this with saying I am not one of those people who bash covers. Quite the opposite, I love them. So when I started reading the tracklist and realized all but one were covers (and of really awesome songs) I knew this was going to be one of those times I listen to the entire album in one sitting.

My music preferences usually lean towards guys' voices. I love the deep smokey sound of Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys. Jack White is like.... no words can describe Jack White really. Mark Foster is ridiculously talented, and Britt Daniel's gritty voice is recognizable anywhere. In case you were wondering, the few women who make the "best of" list in my book include Emily Haines from Metric, and Karen O.

One word to describe Birdy's voice would be haunting. I mean that in the best, most complimenting way possible. It reminds me of Bon Iver's rawness, and Ray LaMontagne's emotionality. It blows my mind that she was only 15 when she recorded her first album. She sounds like her heart was already broken five times over.

All of this to say, go check out Birdy. I can't believe it took me this long to hear about her. Now I'm paranoid I'm losing my edge.

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snow shots

Snow my gosh. Snow fell like I've never seen in Kansas City this past week. It is seriously gorgeous, and has made the desire to squeeze in some skiing this year even stronger than before. 

Also, it was this handsome guy's 30th birthday yesterday. We threw a big party a few Saturdays ago to celebrate, so last night we enjoyed a low-key dinner and present opening.

clearly loving

Pun intended. I have an infatuation with see-through bags and clutches lately. They're super sleek, and force you to be organized and minimalistic with its contents. Something I am not accomplished at. Maybe it's the non-creepy Peeping Tom in me (is there such a thing?) but another thing I love about these bags is seeing what other women deem mandatory when leaving the house.

images 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 (on sale!)

Side note about the Peeping Tom comment: I love driving at dusk. It's the time when a home's inhabitants haven't shut the blinds yet, and it's just dark enough to peer inside their house. It's the best when you see a family sitting at the dining room table or a book club pouring drinks. Something about seeing people I don't know doing things I enjoy, I guess. Blue Eyes says I'm a creep for doing this, and as I'm writing this I am starting to understand why...