So long.

Well it's the last day of 2012 and since Erin updated her blog, I thought I should update mine.

2012 was quite the ride. A lot of ups, a lot of downs and a lot of lessons learned. I got to do things in 2012 that I never thought I would do and I'm so thankful for those experiences and for the friendships that came along with it.

I would like to say I've grown a lot as a person, but with the closing of the year I've realized I still have a lot of work to do on myself. And what better time to realize that I need more time to soul search than right before my final semester of college? I can't think of a better one, really.

I'm not a huge fan of New Years Eve. Erin and I were talking about it this afternoon and we came to the conclusion it's because we both don't like change very much/at all and the holiday is so focused on the coming of change and there is nothing we can do to stop it.

But hopefully for me, and I hope the same for you, that 2013 is nothing to fear or be intimidated of. I hope it brings exciting adventures with little heartbreak, a few challenges and lots of laughter.

I know this year is going to be the closing of my collegiate chapter, an event I've been dreading since I first started, but hopefully an exciting beginning (a job!) will be awaiting this conclusion.

So peace out 2012. It's been a trip, that's for sure.

Cheers to new beginnings and looking forward to what's to come. 

Xx, 

-Lo. 

Almost 22.

Shalom kiddies!

Home is just so wonderful you know? You know where everything is- always. You know the backroads when you're in a hurry, you know the main roads when you need predictability and you know the way to your best friends house so well you could get there in your sleep. Thank God for 'em.

When I'm in Dallas I always love to wear outfits that I think are "a little much" for Auburn. It makes me realize just how versatile my style is. While out with Savannah, doing what we do best- putzing around town- I came across this awesome headscarf from Anthro:

Not only did I love this, but it was on sale!!...and if you have ever been shopping with me, you know I'm one of the best bargain shoppers out there. Anyhow...it really put me in an indie/ hobo mood which worked out well because I've been looking for an excuse/ outfit to work my jean vest into... 

I felt very L.A and a little (ok a lot bit) like Khloe Kardashian... love it or leave it- whichever you prefer it was a fun, new look for me and I really enjoyed it! 

In other news: About a week or so ago, en lou of my birthday tomorrow, I decided whilst shopping on Gilt that I would buy myself a little birthday gift. I bought a journal and a pair of herringbone printed tights from the Kate Spade selection... I was just beside myself this afternoon when my journal arrived. I thought "oh how fun! A pre-birthday present!!" 

I came inside....opened my package- getting giddy about the potential thoughts and songs I could write in my new journal-I took out the packaging paper and was dumbfounded. Where is my journal? 

Oh wait.... wait there it is... hmm..

Low and behold I purchased a journal intended for elves... silly me. As my father put it, "They are looking for bright ideas, obviously not big ones." 

Despite my obvious disappointment, my family and I found it so hysterical that I'm going to keep it. I almost want to make it like a Flat Stanley character where it goes everywhere with me and I take pictures of it in random places... I kid you not, my dog's paws are larger than this notebook...  

If this is any indication as to what the next year of my life is going to be like...bring it on. I'm totally ready.

Oh how I can't wait to sing Taylor Swift's "22" over and over and over ad nauseam tomorrow. 

Xx, 

-Lo.  

P.S: 21 went by so fast! 

Good morning, indeed.

Good morning world.

This morning I write to you from the comfort of my bed, wearing my pjs and cozy, pink robe -my Voluspa candle burning and flickering (almost) in tune with Celine as she sings her impossibly perfect rendition of "O Holy Night" to me as I wait for the latest Real Housewives of Beverly Hills episode to download...

I'm quite the vision.

I woke up with an abundance of joy. Perhaps it's the sight of my christmas lights strewn about my bulletin board...

But I'm just really ready to get things done today. I mean since I stayed up until 2 a.m. watching Lisa Marie Presley's Oprah interview from 2011 where she talked about her marriage to Michael Jackson for the last time, what more could there be for me to watch online?...

OH by the way ladies and gentlemen... I give you, the FIRST cup of coffee I have EVER made by myself. Coffee makers are QUITE the novelty I'll have you know ;) (my parent's aren't coffee drinkers so I never grew up with one in the house alright...lay off!)

Here's to a day that is hopefully productive considering I have 2 finals tomorrow...

Cheers!

-Lo.

Finals

Finals- a time in my life where I find it necessary to watch every Taylor Swift music video ever made, watch old One Tree Hill episodes on Netflix, catch up on Suri's Burn Book all while managing to eat
E V E R Y T H I N G in sight (like what? finals is SO not like Christmas where calories don't count)

I mean I AM studying for my Radio, TV and Film final so it's kind of fitting, right?...

On a positive- Starbucks has a Christmas Blonde blend this year!! If this was a thing in years prior please don't tell me...I would like to go on living thinking this is a 2012 addition. Regardless, I'm THRILLED because the lighter blend is my absolute favorite and who doesn't love a good Christmas blend?

-Lo.

Back.

Hello world.

Thanks for your patience during my hiatus from this. I needed a little break from this, but in the midst of said break, I've had an awful lot of fun.

The month of November was really busy but really great. I went home for Thanksgiving week and it was the first time I'd been back to Dallas since the 1st of August. (That's a LONG time without my precious Beau).

While at home I got to spend much needed time with my family as well as Erin, Ashley, Savannah and Hayden. I could go on and on about how blessed I am, but I'll just leave it at that. I'm very blessed.

One of my favorite parts of the break was Thanksgiving morning- Savannah and I decided to run in the Turkey Trot this year! We've both been working on our fitness and overall health and I was really proud of us for waking up and running. I'm hoping it's a new tradition we've started together.

Over the break I got to spend a lot of time with my mom, too. She took me to this restaurant in Snider Plaza called East Hampton Sandwich Co.

 It's a little pricey but it's one of my new favorites. I loved the inside decor and the food was yuummmy. I recommend the grilled chicken sandwich, but I've heard their lobster rolls are to die for.

This week/weekend has been spent studying and having dinner with my girls :) It's amazing how I've lived and known them for so long, but I manage to find something so new about them every time we're together. It's really great.

Speaking of something new, I went on a blind date to a military ball on Friday. I never do anything like that...ever. but it was really fun! and thank God because that could have been potentially really bad haha!

Time to study. Good luck to all of you who have finals. Just remember it will be over soon...and one day we will want to give a whole lot to just be back in college.

All my love,

Lauren.

Cut to the Chase.

I was gong to, and in fact I did, type out a post about how wasteful my coffee fixin' routine is... and then I realized that that's the most boring thing I could possibly talk about. It's a slow news day ok?

Really I'm just sitting at Starbucks procrastinating writing one of my five papers... 

So I'll spare you the useless post and get to what I really wanted to tell you... that I'm wearing my new scarf from the Gap and I don't think I'll ever take it off. 

Oh... and since it's red cup season, here is my obligatory photo of my coffee that is so wasteful. 

I'm also enjoying the irony of me listening to Taylor Swift's "Red" album, while drinking from my red Starbucks cup... If only I felt the slightest bit of shame for having this album on repeat.... 

Happy Thursday... thank GOD tomorrow is Friday. 

-Lo. 

November.

Well well well...it's been an exciting few days.

We left off at Halloween so let me recap by saying IT. WAS. AWESOME.

Our costumes were such a hit and all the cool kids got what we were. All night we were blowing our whistles yelling "AIR RAAAIIDDD"...it was great.

Then came November 1st. I feel like it was days ago that I was saying how I couldn't believe it was already October and BAM... there were the red cups at Starbucks...

This past weekend we had our fall formal. We hosted a party at our house before the event and it was honestly so much fun. I love having people over and everyone looked beautiful!

I am constantly reminded of how wonderful my friends are. They make it really hard to make plans to move away...

<--- Especially these two.


These next two weeks before Thanksgiving break are going to be really stressful. I'm trying to be as calm and organized as possible, but we'll see how long that lasts.

Savannah and I have tentative plans to run the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. I haven't been to the gym in about two weeks so we'll see how that goes... It may be a trot turned walk but I think it would be something fun for us to do together...And I think that means I'll be needing to pop into Lulu lemon- dang it ;)


And just because it's election day, and because I'm supposed to be writing a six page paper on Civic Health right now... if you're old enough, you should go out and vote. but don't just go out... educate yourself and then go vote...an uneducated vote is pointless.

Anyhow I'll end my soapbox there.

Happy Tuesday everyone

-Lo.

Halloween.

"Trick or Treeeeaaattt"

Happy Halloween my little ghouls.

I have always been one who loves dressing up...but for some reason I'm really not a huge, huge fan of Halloween. Sometimes I don't think I'm creative enough for it, and then as I've gotten older the costume choices have just become so grotesque... I don't know.

Anyhow this year my friends and I are going old school with our costumes for our last Halloween together....

Ever seen the movie Dazed and Confused? We're going as the Senior girls who haze all of the freshman...and I am SO pumped!

Pictures surely to follow...

In case you haven't seen the movie... here's a little youtube clip for your enjoyment (we start around :51)

Have a Happy Halloween!

-Lo.

Volcano.

Today was a bit of a switch up from the normal Monday routine. This morning I went to Drake Middle School to listen in on a 6th grade bullying seminar for material for a feature writing paper. It's so interesting to see kids interact with each other at that age... it's also hard to picture myself as a 10/11 year old. 

Thank god by that stage in life I had acquired contacts and a hair straightener. (5th grade was a big year for me)

I couldn't help but wonder what it would have been like to go to a culturally and racially diverse school. 

The seminars took most of the morning and then I hopped on over to work for my Monday office hours where I battled with the copy machine for a solid 25. 

After work I popped over to Wrapsody (a store downtown) and browsed for the 3rd day in a row... and bought myself one of my faaaavorite candles: Volcano No. 6

Not only does it smell amazing but it reminds me of the fantastic Damian Rice song. 

Speaking of volcanoes, Hurricane Sandy is about to be in full force so stay safe America. 

I've been avoiding a few papers for a few days now... I can't seem to start them the way I want and my procrastination has led to the start of a new addiction that is Friday Night Lights. 

I'm only on episode 3, and I've cried in all of them... Connie Britton can do no wrong as I've mentioned before from her performance in Nashville. Her hair deserves its own Twitter account... don't put it past me to start one. 

I would also like to point out that it's officially hot chocolate and seat warmer weather. 

Happiness is...

-Lo. 

"Volcanoes melt you down..." 

Home is wherever I'm with you.

"Alabama, Arkansas, I do love my ma and pa... home is wherever I'm with you."

This weekend my parents and sister came to visit me, marking the first time my whole family has been together in Auburn since driving through campus on our way home from a family vacation to Florida in like...2008.

I've looked forward to this weekend since before I left in August and it was nothing short of my expectations.

The weekend was full of tours, sight seeing, laughing and giving a full Auburn experience to my Texas Aggie family.

The more I wandered around campus with them, the more I fell in love with my school. The topography, landscape and architecture of the campus and city are truly magnificent, and it really made me proud. I only wish the game had turned out better-and a win would have been nice so they could have rolled Toomer's Corner!

It was honestly quite an overwhelming weekend for me emotionally. It was the first football game this season I've been able to sit in the stands instead of the press box. I love the traditions of Auburn football; the band, the eagle, the pre-game show... it's emotional. And experiencing that with my family was an overwhelming amount of emotions and I spent the better half of the evening fighting back tears.

I love that my family was able to experience a little piece of my life at college with me. They got to meet my friends and finally put faces with names, which I know always makes them happy.

It's always really hard to leave them, but luckily I only have 3 weeks until I go home for Thanksgiving. It's hard to want to be in two places at once... my time at Auburn is so limited but I do miss my family so much when I'm away...

I would like to point out that this was so typical that they would come the weekend after I made plans to move away to Nashville after college... oh how plans seem so strong one minute and not so much the next... I can't wait to see where my life goes these next few months/ this next year.

Oh to be 21 going on 22...

Xx,
-Lo.

Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee is perfect. I honestly don't know any other way to describe it. This weekend marked my third or fourth trip to Music City and I could not have been more enthralled and in love.

The city itself is gorgeous- with the architecture and such, and the land is phenomenal. There are mountains and trees and green and all the leaves were changing.... it was perfect. it is perfect.

There is always something going on, with something fun to do and the people I've met from there are just such kind souls.

Whenever I'm there I get a real feeling of belonging...and that hasn't happened to me in a while. I will always love Dallas, it will always be my home...and Auburn has been an amazing experience... but something about Nashville just calls my name and I think I'm going to have to see what that is pretty soon.

Anyhow...needless to say my weekend was phenomenal. I was once again reminded how lucky I am to have such amazing, fun and uplifting friends. I honestly don't remember the last time I laughed that hard for such an extended amount of time. Everyone was all smiles and giggles all weekends (even the boys) ... and it was so nice to get away from school and work for a hot minute.

Friday night we were greeted by two loving parents who graciously opened their home for us to rest our (soon-to-be hungover heads) and fixed an amazing steak dinner for us. We traveled into the city that night to run around Broadway, which is where all of the "Honky Tonk" aka country bars are. A rumor was circulating that the cast of Nashville (my new TV obsession) was in the upstairs portion of one of the bars we were at!


Saturday we were lazy and watched football, cooked and napped the whole day. And then ventured to Midtown where the "Vanderbilt" bars are... I later found out that Taylor Swift's home is super close to that area!

It's a little bit scary... I left Texas to come to Auburn because 1. I had no clue where I wanted to go and 2. I knew if I didn't leave Texas during my college years, then I was never going to leave...and I just wasn't ok with that. The plan was always to go for school and then move back home, and now that plan isn't as set in stone as I once thought..which is really scary but I'm trying to focus on the excitement of it all too.

Speaking of exciting, my family is coming to town today!! I can't wait to be reunited with them.... it's been since August 1st!

Happy weekend,
-Lo.

Plans.

That's right people... tomorrow at 1 p.m. I'll be hittin the road to visit Music City.

For those of you who might be unaware, Nashville is one of my favorite cities in America. It's been the only city I've ventured to that truly rivals my love for Dallas and I can't WAIT to explore this weekend with my friends.

Have a happy weekend everyone,

-Lo.

Treats.

Hair straight. Face washed. Teeth brushed. Eyelids Vaseline-ed. Glasses on... Bedtime ritual complete... 

Sometimes getting ready for bed can be quite an annoyance, but most of the time I really enjoy these moments to myself where I think of nothing other than me and my personal hygiene. 

And here I sit, in my bed; made of freshly cleaned sheets, wrapped in my leopard printed throw, listening to Taylor Swift-who is giving me an odd energy for midnight on a Sunday. 

It doesn't get much more girly than this I suppose. 

I finally had a weekend to myself since Auburn had a road game to Ole Miss. Which reminds me: Did you know that in the state of Mississippi, it's illegal to sell any alcohol on Sunday's? Therefore, the bars close at midnight on Saturday night (which is technically Sunday morning)... crazy right? 

Anyhow, I was finally able to get some face time with my roomies which is always such a treat. We stayed in on Friday and Saturday night and it was really just the best. We get so silly when we're together and I always learn something about them I didn't know before- which is crazy to think about because I feel like I know everything about them sometimes. 

Speaking of treats, Allie's sweet mom sent us a Halloween package! 

This "haunted house" was filled with some of the best chocolates I've eaten in a really long time. This is why the holidays are always so hard to stay on track with healthy living!! 

Other treats this weekend: 

Allie and I ventured to TJ Maxx in search of some deals and I came across these "Merci" cards 

I love stationary and am always in search of a good thank you card.
And who doesn't love the Eiffel Tower?

I also found this gem (as mentioned above):

I clearly love a good leopard print. 

My Sunday, though lazy, was productive. The job search is officially underway... let the writing and re-writing of cover letters begin. 

Bonne Nuit. 

-Lo. 

15.

This morning when I turned on my computer and opened up my Internet to CNN's homepage, I saw a headline that read: International Day of the Girl.

I clicked on the article for a few reasons. 1. I had never heard of such a day 2. Oprah was one of the women in the picture (love her) 3. The article's title read "To my 15-year-old self: Things I wish I'd known"

The link leads you to pictures of various, well-known, inspirational women of all occupations; Melinda Gates, Maria Shriver, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan etc. with a blurb of advice they would tell their 15-year-old self.

When I was 15 I suppose I was a freshman in high school. About to get braces and still settling into my friend group. I cringe at the awkwardness and unsightly wardrobe. Everything was so new-in both a scary and exciting way.

And now I'm 21...about to register for my last semester of college. It's crazy how much has changed and how fast time moves.

It got me thinking about what I would tell my 15-year-old self...

For starters: Everything is going to be OK. No really... it is.
-There are going to be some things that happen soon that will throw you for a loop... but you are stronger than you think and the support system you have is dynamite.
-Not every friendship you make is going to last. But that's ok...because only the good ones stick around anyway.
-And finally: You've got a lot of great things headed your way. So buckle down through the hard stuff and keep your chin up. Life is going to get so fun... you just wait and see.

One of these days I'll sit down and think "what would I tell my 21-year-old self if I could?"

I can't wait to see where life takes me these next few months/years. It's really overwhelming but then again, so was high school... And like I just told myself. Everything is going to be OK.

Here's to the past and the future,

-Lo.

Today

Weellll it's Monday again.

Another week and weekend has blown right by me, but fortunately left cool weather in its departure.

This week is going to be a bit of a doozy. 2 midterms, 2 quizzes and a paper assignment...eek! But the cool weather really eases the pain.

It's also time for me to reintroduce myself to my workout regimen... *cringe* Not to make excuses, but it's really hard to try and fit everything into your day. Sometimes it doesn't all happen, and that's ok, I've learned to live with that...but my days of trying to make it all happen are far from over... hash tag lists on lists on lists.

My family is coming East at the end of this month to visit me for the Auburn/Texas A&M game and it is one of the only things keeping me in high spirits. In fact it's got me so excited that at work today (sorry boss) I made my sister's packing list and started planning a weekend itinerary...

Have a great, productive day!

-Lo.

October

October arrived today and I was so happy to see it. October is one of my favorite but busiest months of the year... one of those months you're always glad to see but never too sad to see go...

It kind of sounds like I'm talking about a friend or a long-distance relative... hmm..

Anyhow in honor of this joyous occasion I did a few fun fall things:

1. I wore riding boots to work. HOORAY!!
2. I ordered hot coffee and didn't sweat while drinking it
3. I went to target and got a "Pumpkin Nutmeg" scented candle that crackles when you light it!!

I've got some fun things in store for tomorrow as well!

Here's to you, October. May your business not make me miserable...

-Lo.

Lord Have Mercy On My Blogging Soul.

The fact that October is 1 week away and I am just now posting my first post for September is nauseating me on so many different levels.

Hi. I'm Lauren...remember me? I'm the one who swore not to let my blog suffer on account of being busy. Oh yeah...now you remember.

Well here I am. Please forgive me. Taking 15 hours of classes, working 10 hours a week + Saturday's and having an internet connection that works about 5% of the time in my bedroom really takes it out of me...

Regardless, ye few readers, I am giving you a grandiose update.

It is currently 66 degrees in Auburn without a cloud in the sky. Fall is officially on its way in and I couldn't be more thrilled.

In fact, with the cool weather brought an abundance of energy this morning which gave me an odd understanding of my dog, Beau and his hyperactivity when the weather dips below 90...

So Beau, I feel ya buddy.

I would just like to go ahead and say that although my job has taken up a grand portion of my free time/social life...it really does kick ass.

I'm in charge of my own campaign called the Auburn University Junior Reporters. It was a contest where kids, ages 5-12, send in audition tapes of themselves interviewing people for the chance to become, you guessed it, "Junior Reporters." If you win the contest you have 10 reporting segments (that I get to come up with) that are featured on various Auburn Athletic social media outlets and websites.

And these little nuggets are the winners!! 

They are literally beyond adorable and I'm so excited to get to work with them.

A lot of people have been asking what I do during the game so if you are curious, keep reading...if not feel free to abandon ship.

Before the game starts we (the other interns and myself) arrive 3 hours early to "hit the field" (reporter lingo...be jealous) in search of our tailgate pinterest awards.

We search for the best dressed, best face paint, best all-around tailgate, best RV and best recipe. (Yes we get to taste everything...again, be jealous.) The winner is featured on our Pinterest site and gets a prize sent to them.

During the game I have been doing a few things: 1. Tweeting for @AUathletics 2. Updating the Official Auburn Tigers Facebook page with score updates 3. Monitoring said Facebook page for inappropriate comments 4. Approving/Uploading pictures onto the jumbotron that fans send in during the game.

It's a lot of fun but it's also a lot of work. I'm tweeting to more than 30,000 followers so the pressure is officially on to NOT make mistakes.

Other than that I've been going to class and trying to be a senior. I would like to say it's been a breeze and meltdown free but that would just be a straight up lie.

Thank god for friends and family... I don't know who else would put up with me when I start crying because I want to want to (not a typo) go to the bars but can't because I'm too tired... real life. This has happened.

Anyway this is to be continued...I'm off to my next class.

Until next time,

-Lo.

Catch Up.

Man oh man... so much to do. so little time. I can't tell you how many times I've sat down to write this post and my internet goes out and all is lost. (Actually I can tell you. Twice.)

Last weekend made me feel really old. We celebrated the last of the 21st birthdays. When did this happen?

The beautiful blond baby next to me (in the pink skirt) was the birthday diva for the night. 

When did I get old enough to start planning my roommates 22nd birthday?? Ew. Not a fan.

Ironically, Kat, Kacey and I went to go play at a park the next day. Maybe we were feeling old and depressed... Maybe we just wanted to roam the lands we've called home for the past 3 years. Whatever the reason, I'm glad we did it because we stumbled upon one of the prettiest places in Auburn.

 How I've  lived here for 3 years and never been to this park before is beyond me.

Peaceful doesn't even begin to describe... maybe I'll have to bring my family when they come to visit :)


...I bet the sunsets would be killer here too.


This weekend marks the start of football season. My last one as a college student. (Damn.) 

We're playing Clemson in Atlanta so a bunch of us are going to the big ATL for the holiday weekend.

Lately (not that it's a bad thing) I've been very overwhelmed with gratitude and thankfulness. I realize how quick I am to forget that there is so much to be thankful for on a day-to-day basis.

Maybe it's the storms, maybe it's that I'm a senior and I'm getting nostalgic but...

Life is great... Be gracious for what you've been given.

-Lo.

Under.

Today I was feeling as they say "under the weather" a phrase I learned originated from sailors way back when (the 1800s to be more precise). 

It is said that the weather deck on the boat is often the roughest part of the ship causing one to feel ill. Sailors would go to the lower portion of the boat, away from the weather,  to help them feel better faster.

They were literally "under the weather" and thus...the phrase to describe my state of being.

So here is to my 4th cup of my favorite tea in my favorite mug in hopes of a speedy recovery...

 

...and to the NyQuil I just took; May it wear off before my 7a.m. wake-up call. 

-Lo. 

Most Of The Time.

Well August is here and almost over...time is already passing by so quickly! Make it stop! Please?

School is going to be overwhelming this semester with working and keeping up with friends/sorority things etc. but as my mom put it, I usually like to be busy. So we'll see how all of that goes... 

A lot of my friends have been having relationship struggles and troubles recently-something everyone can (unfortunately) relate to. But as I laid in bed and caught up with my friend Taylor, via facebook chat (the communication we have to resort to due to her residence in Greenwich, CT), she offered some wise words her mom gave her that I thought I would share with all of you. 

She was telling me about a relationship she had where she put up with too much of...well everything. And who hasn't been there, right? One of those where you look at yourself in the mirror and say "since when do I put up with s**t like this?" 

This guy was nice about 85-90% of the time but the other 10% he was just mean and seemingly looking for arguments for the sake of arguing. 

Taylor said she was talking to her mom about it one day and she looked at her and said, "Taylor, yeah he's nice most of the time, but you deserve more than 'most of the time'." 

A quote from a book I read in high school says it all: "we accept the love we think we deserve." 

Sometimes I think we lose sight of what we actually deserve, which is sad because all the people I know deserve a whole heck of a lot...

So that's that. 

Xx, 

-Lo. 

Lengthy.

If blogging was an Olympic sport there is no doubt I would finish last when judging my lack of posts for the month. I find it both surprising and not because a lot has gone on this month.

So in honor of the last day of July, here I am. Better late than never (but never late is better) ((Did you see what I did there? Did you see how I snuck that Drake lyric in?))

Anyway July was fantastic. For the 4th I went to Tyler, Texas with Caroline. I'd never seen her house since she moved there and it was incredible. There is not much to dislike about a three-story house with the woods and a lake as your backyard.


We laid by the pool and drank margaritas all day...it was rough. We made it back to Dallas just in time for me to run by my grandmother's house (what we do every year) and then catch some fabulous fireworks at the Dallas Country Club with the fam.

The only downside to the 4th was I had to say goodbye to Ashley. I was not in favor of her spending the majority of the summer in Colorado but what can you do? I'm so grateful for the time I do get to spend with her...she's such a treat to be around!

Erin and I have been on a steady pattern of seeing each other at least once a week. We worked really close by each other this summer so we grabbed lunch every now and then and complained about the many woes of working. When the two of us get together we manage to be both really silly and then really serious all in the same visit. She and I have all the same worries and fears of the future and it's so nice to have someone like her around to help you realize it's all going to work out. She also brought the gorgeous Ryan Lochte to my attention, and for that I am forever grateful. It's going to be so strange not seeing her every week...never a fun adjustment.

My internship closed out with a success. It started out as unpaid but I was soon compensated for my work. You know I'm growing up when I tell you I put ALL of it into savings. Trust me this was no easy task.

I also wrote two articles that will be published in a magazine. So that's pretty cool...

As I type this I'm watching the Olympics which is my all time favorite thing to watch. I am constantly wonderstruck by the strength and composure of all the athletes. I'm already planning an Olympics-specific post but I had to mention that while typing this I watched Adam Brown, a guy I met in my English class, swim for Great Britain in the 100M Freestyle. Very, VERY cool.

Anyhow, the end of July has been filled with sleep, sun and shopping. I leave Thursday to go back to school to begin my senior year... weird.

Xx,
-Lo.

10 Things.

Goodness gracious I have really neglected this blog. I believe my life-of-little-excitement is to blame but hey, who's pointing fingers.

A few things; some noteworthy some not

1. I am no longer a Lulu Lemon virgin; I finally forked over the purchase and am loving my "wunder from down under" leggings

2. I have acquired a true affinity for Desperate Housewives. I am now on season 6.

3. The reason I started watching Desperate Housewives is because I am running out of SVU episodes to watch on Netflix and I'm not ready to part with Benson and Stabler just yet.

4. My celebrity girl crush of the moment goes to Eva Longoria. I also can't decide if I think Teri Hatcher is pretty or not because there are moments she looks kin to the Grinch.

5. From recent experiences, if you don't have time to spend an entire day being hungover do NOT go to Mi Cocina and drink two margaritas with toritilla soup as your dinner. Also, do NOT go out afterward. The tortilla soup is absolutely not substantial enough to ensure that your next day won't be miserable.

6. My mom has started lingering around my room. This always means I'm about to leave for school again..

7. I ordered a new coffee table book that I've been wanting for YEARS.

8. My next decorating obsession is going to be Mercury Glass

9. Somehow I miss my Dallas friends even when we're all in the same place.

10. The Olympics are about to start. PRAISE. GOD.

That's really all I've got. My days are pretty boring since I've been working but I'm taking the majority of this week off so hopefully my final days at home will be somewhat exciting...

Sweet dreams,

-Lo.

Thursday At Tootsies.

What do you get when you put the top Dallas fashion bloggers and other fashionable Dallasites together in an upscale clothing store, with a MASSIVE sale and free-flowing cocktails? My Thursday night. 

Tootsies was host to an evening soiree with a competitive twist. They rounded up five blogging fashionistas and invited their fans and other lovers of fashion to come out and vote on whom they thought was most fashionable.

Wine, champagne and tequila were flowing, DJs (and bartenders) were mixing and shoppers were shopping. What's not to love?

The stylin', stiletto-wearing beauties met prior to the event and lived a personal dream of mine. Each girl was let loose to run around Tootsies and grab pieces that spoke to them. They were to take those pieces and create their own "look."

At the event the bloggers put on a mini fashion show. They flounced around in their decadent duds while us onlookers snapped photos and breathed in the fashionable air. At the end of the show the winner was announced and raffle prizes were given away.

Sadly, I was not the lucky winner of a $100 Tootsies gift card nor did I come home with a DVF dress. But I did come home with a few goodies! 

Stores like Tootsies are a lot like art galleries for me, only better because I actually get to take pieces home. The colors and the fabrics and the potential outfits...I love it all.

While at the event I caught up with a few friends and met some genuinely interesting people.

The outfits tonight were amazing and it was such a treat being around people who share the same love and interest as I do and I appreciate being in the presence of those who have made a career out of the industry .

It's a lot of fun being around fabulous people and it's a lot of fun feeling being fabulous ;) 

Caroline and I ended the night at The Village Burger Bar in Uptown on McKinney Ave. It was swanky and deeelicious! 

...Their fries are like the fries at Houston's for those of you who are familiar...in fact the whole meal was a lot like Houston's only cheaper...

We ended up having to park on the roof of the garage which initially we complained about but immediately took it back when we were greeted with an amazing sunset over the Dallas skyline. 

It's truly great to be home. 

Thanks for coming with me and making the night so fun, Caroline! I can't wait to use our complementary microdermabrasion treatments! 

Xx, 

-Lo. 

P.S. To those of you that I met tonight who told me you were going to look up my blog, I hope I didn't disappoint. Lovely meeting you! 

Stuff.