Friday Favorites 1.30.15

1. YA Fiction

I told y'all, I'm obsessed. I just spent twenty minutes looking at prints of quotes from YA books on Pinterest, and ultimately decided on "The Fault in Our Stars"..because, how could you not.

I'll have to do a post of my favorite YA books, just to get the ball rolling and make all of you big fans as well!

2. Getting together for Caitlin's birthday last night

We definitely didn't take any photos of this little dinner, and Drix wasn't in the first one - so, I decided the world needed to see her sweet dancing photo instead.

You're welcome world.

But I'm very glad to have had the chance to celebrate my sweet friend Caitlin (the other Caitlin..) and be with my crew again. It was nice.

3.  This photo is my favorite.

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You're welcome, internet world.

4. This quote from my sweet nephew:

"When asked what my nephew wanted for his birthday, he responded with "glasses like grandpa and a newspaper. I want to be an old man. I've been DREAMING of being an old man."

*nephews are the greatest*

I can't wait to celebrate that kid tomorrow. We're having a "China party". Which actually means - before you get defensive and weird - a karate party. I'm not 100% sure what that means either, but I'm looking forward to it!

5. Getting to spend my Friday morning in bed. With my electric blanket.

You don't get a picture of that, pervs.

Happy Friday to you all,

Caitlin

"Fangirl" by Rainbow Rowell

Let me start off tonights very first book review by saying..I've never done a book review. I may have back in elementary school when the teacher made me do a book report or two (shoutout to the Curious George books!), but I'll admit..it probably wasn't very good. 

And this one may not be too.

Ha. But jokes on you, this is my blog and I can do whatever I want! And that includes failing miserably about telling you about the amazing book I just read.

So let's us attempt this adventure together!

"Fangirl" by Rainbow Rowell is fantastic. If you're into Young Adult books, (which you probably aren't, but totally should be!) this should be a must read!

The synopsis of "Fangirl" is this:

"Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fanfiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fanfiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?"

*courtesy of my homegirl Rainbow's website rainbowrowell.com*

At first I thought, "crap, this is going to be the same story I always read. There's some dorky girl and she's going to go to this college and she's going to take off her glasses, and all of a sudden she's going to be hot..blah blah blah"

But I was wrong.

I identified with Cath. Not about fan fiction, because I've never read any..that I know of. But because of her walls. She found something to keep her from her life - this Simon Snow series - it keeps her in a fantasy land so she doesn't have to deal. Doesn't have to make an attempt. And no one's tried to break down her walls.

When I moved to Fort Worth, I had major walls. I was coming off of a particularly hard senior year of college, and wanted to just go to school with all of these weirdos (yes, art school kids are weirdos. Seriously though, totally 100% lovable..but they're weird.) and not talk to anyone. I wasn't interested in making friends with anyone, or even be a friend to the ones that I was friends with. I had built up walls because I was scared, tired and hurt. 

One day though, a group of people (who know who they are) decided I wasn't allowed to sit in the corner. That I had things to say and a life to be apart of. I don't think they know this, but I'm pretty sure they saved me from becoming a hermit. So, props. 

ANYWAYS..back to CATH..(oops..)

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I mean, homegirl sums it up right there.

Thankfully though, there are people in Cath's world as well that think she has things to say and a life to be apart of as well. And piece by piece, instance by instance - she steps out of her comfort zone. The comfort zone she created because it seemed too hard to let anyone in.

And while you're rooting for Cath in her "time of need" - Rowell does something fascinating (that I wasn't expecting) as well, she weaves Cath's fan fiction into her story. Which only seems natural when you think about it - since Cath practically lives within that world, and not her own. 

Between each chapter (*spoiler alert*), Simon Snow's story (which reads entirely too much like Harry Potter!) into Cath's. And I applaud any author that can not only write a main story, but add special details - like another story - within it.

But, then she hits you with a love story.

*cue violin music*

Then again, it wouldn't be Young Adult fiction without a love story. (I'm sure John Green said that..)

Levi is Cath's roommates ex-boyfriend friend person. And, without telling you all the wonderfully awkward details, they end up snuggled up in bed together - and more things happen, and they begin to date. 

(I know you totally want to read this book after that very vague sentence..)

I definitely don't want to give anything away, but Levi kills me. Levi has this incredible need to want to fix everything for Cath. And, Cath being Cath, naturally shrinks back or questions his intentions - as if she doesn't deserve the love he pours out. (#preachingtothechoir) But, like all good white knights - he presses on. He keeps showing up. And she eventually swoons like all princesses do. 

All in all though, I give this book 5 stars. It's the right combination of nerdy love story slash I can fight my own dragons - which is something that I hope girls these days learn. That you can have both. That you can fight dragons and then come home and be in love. Or you can fight dragons together. I think too many girls are having to choose one or the other.

But that's a totally different blog for a totally different day.

Seriously though, read it. Give YA fiction a chance. It's taught me a hell of a lot more about life than the sparkly vampires ever could of a few years back. It's transformed into so much more. 

YA fan til I die,

Caitlin

Life Plans. Or something like it.

I don't know how to begin this, so I'm just going to start. This week started out with me having two really great part time jobs, and yesterday left me with one. Yes, I'm a college graduate. Twice actually. Yes, I've tried jobs "in my field". But "my field" is hard.

I never wanted to study anything but art in college, and thankfully my parents never told me I needed to switch to something "practical". Adding business in my junior year was my choice. Coming to a different city, after the 4 year college, to study something else - that was my choice.

After graduating and working for an event photography company (that I did love, but found the hours unsatisfactory at the time), I found myself going through websites like indeed.com and applying for "normal jobs". Something that would give me something to do during the day, and I could paint and add to my portfolio at night.

I started working for a senior living center, and was excited about it at first. The older generation of this world is hilarious.

This video has nothing to do with anything,

except to prove that old people are the best. 

But the management proved to be unkind. I was uncomfortable, upset and angry all of the time. I couldn't understand being cruel and uncaring. And I didn't follow through with adding to my portfolio. I was exhausted every night.

God puts us in situations to better us, I know that now. I worked there for around seven months, and hated all but a month or so of it. And I was let go at the end of this year. I know people are going to judge me for that statement, but there it is.

So, at the end of 2014 I was jobless.

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Fast forward to yesterday, a friend of mine hooked me up with a temporary gig at her work (I loved it!) and the "temporary-ness" ended. I was bummed.

I went into my second job (well, now my only job..) thinking about that, and met my new supervisor. She is really great. Actually, everyone at my new job is kind and excited about being there (which totally helps, TRUST ME)

My manager and I started talking about "how we got here" to this particular job, and I was surprised that her path wasn't exactly what her degree was in either. She started talking about how she wanted to work in a particular field, but there wasn't many jobs (hello, me too!) and she chose something else. Which led to something else, which led to this one.

And it dawned on me that I wasn't the only one. I'm not the only person that has all these experiences that don't add up. That aren't what the world calls normal. And that's okay.

It's okay. 

I kind of want to scream that at the top of my lungs. To hug someone else who's going through a weird/rough/not normal time and tell them it's okay. 

Your job will never determine who you are. 

Your life isn't dependent on whether or not you chose all the right things. Marry the right person. Have the right amount of kids. Pick the right house.

Your life is your life. And I hope and pray that you look up to heaven and ask him to guide you on the right path. His path. Because that's all you can really do.

You can say "it's okay" and follow Him. And repeat it if necessary. 

I know I will.

- C

Monday's Mixtape 1.26.15

1. As Long As Our Hearts Are Beating - Jenny and Tyler

This song was my best friend's first dance at her wedding a few weeks ago. And..it's beautiful. It really just makes me want to cry. And dance with a cute boy.

So get ready to feel all the things..

2. Taste - Josh Abbott Band

I know it's a little old school, but it's definitely top 5 for me with Josh Abbott. 

It's a good two-step song.

Now I want to two-step.

Any takers?

3. Something in the Water - Carrie Underwood

I'm actually not a fan of Carrie Underwood.

I totally support her in standing up for her faith, but I can't always get behind her music. 

But for some unknown reason, I can't stop listening to this song! 

I'm pretty sure it's because she sings "Amazing Grace" in the background, and 

AG will always be one of my favorite hymns. 

4. Make You Miss Me - Sam Hunt

Sam Hunt is our office's official boyfriend. We love him around my office. 

And I'm a big fan of his whole album "Montevallo", but Make You Miss Me is the favorite. 

His voice gives me chills.

I just want to listen to him talk all the time.

5. We're Gonna Dance - Cody Jinks

This may not be the best quality of the song, but it's amazing. Boyfriend man texted me that this was his new favorite song, and I so agree! 

I can't wait to dance with him to it :)

Hope you have a good Monday!

Friday Favorites 1.23.14

Eventually I'll have some snazzy looking headers/pictures/fun things for this blog - but right now, we're bare bones..so let's do this:

1. My new leggings

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I started working at a fabulous place that does spin classes 24/7! (okay, not 24/7..because, you know sleep is important..but there's anywhere from 5-10 classes a day.) And last night we had a great VIP party to promote the store and celebrate it's opening - and for helping/working, I received these amaze balls (I don't even use that word, but it's appropriate!) leggings from Bia Brazil! Just gave them to me..fo freeee! They're comfy, colorful and I'm definitely in love!

2. speaking of..I HEART SPINNING!

Like I said, spin class. Job. Leggings. All cool things. But I also get to spin for free - and lemme tell  you, it's F-U-N. The lights are off, there's these cool disco-y lights and the music is always loud. They combine spinning, cardio, crunches, weights..I mean, whatever you need to work on - spinning has it! I recommend it! 

Also, Melissa Rycroft-Strickland is our "celebrity spokes person". 

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Melissa is known for the Bachelor (Jason Mesnick's season), Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, and for Dancing with the Stars.

She and Tye are precious and SO nice!

3. This scarf

I'm obsessed. Find it HERE!

4. "Rescue" by Yuna

So, I apologize in advance to Yuna fans..but I know nothing about her. Literally nothing. But I'm really digging this "female-empowering-I-can-fight-my-own-dragons-thank-you" song..anthem? (can something technically be called an anthem if you're the only one who thinks so? Yes. I say yes.)

Give it a listen - it's a good jam. 

5. THIS GIRL BECAUSE HER BIRTHDAY IS TOMORROW!

Hannah, 

You are the prettiest of all princesses. 

There are many things that I admire and love about you. 

From your beauty, to your brains, to the annoying way that you pretend fight with me. (it really would help if I could stop laughing when we play fought..)

One of the best things about you is your fierceness. Your fierce protection and love for this family and your friends (hi Karlyn!), the way that you go after what you want without fear, and your fierce (Tyra Banks voice) wardrobe! 

I love you more than you'll ever know sisser.

The Puppy to my Kitty.

My Hannie.

I'm thankful for you.

<3 

Green smoothie, anxiety, Opie and "Fangirl".

THANKFUL FOR: Green smoothies. Since adding a man friend to my life, I've really been eating like a boy. Yes, that's a thing. We eat out a lot - and while I love it (cheeseburgers are my love language), I'm also feeling like I'm not getting any nutrients. So making a green smoothie every morning has been a must!

And if you're wondering my recipe for a green smoothie includes: a handful of spinach, a spoonful of protein powder (I like vanilla the best!), some water, a banana and then whatever fruit I have that's available. I've also been adding kale into my smoothie lately. #teamkale

Thank you Ryan Noah for encouraging green smoothie drinkers everywhere, boo. 

You da, you da best.

EATING: I just told you of my love for cheeseburgers. This morning was a tad more healthy - I had a bagel with an fried egg. I've been on a bagel kick lately too. 

LISTENING TO: Working with five girls in one office brings out a bunch of different music loves/styles/genres. This morning I've heard Michael Buble (love), Sail by AWOLNATION (also love), and an acoustic version of Radioactive by Imagine Dragons. 

You're welcome.

FEELING: All kinds of tired. I'm starting a new job today and I've been super panicky for the last day or two - causing me to keep myself awake last night. It was miserable. And my anxiety is still kicking it in my stomach, which isn't fun as well. 

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Seriously.

THINKING ABOUT: Napping. I want a nap so bad. I'm pretty sure my cause of death will be lack of sleep caused by anxiety.

WATCHING:  Well, pledging my alliegence to Netflix - I've been on a "Sons of Anarchy" kick lately. (I also watched "Road to El Dorado" the other day - but that's beside the point.) And right now, I'm in L-O-V-E with Opie. 

 All photos [via]

READING: I started a book called "Fangirl" by Rainbow Rowell last night. And my thoughts so far: 

1. I love YA lit. I just do. 
2. Everyone is a anxiety ridden nerd with a passion for something out of the box in every YA novel. 
3. I wish I wrote YA lit. 

None of those really have to do with "Fangirl" itself, but I had to get them out in the open. #ya4life

LOVING: This black and white geometric print cardigan that I found at work (perks of working for a boutique!) and I want to take it home with me. It's pricey though, so I'm just going to continue to wear it at work and pretend it's mine.

Hope you're all having a great hump-day!

Waves.

She sat staring at the ever expanding ocean in front of her. This spot never seemed to grow weary of her. She bent her legs and brought them into her body, indian-style. From there she chose a pebble that had found it's home next to her right pinky toe.

Turning it over and over in her left palm and then in her right, she contemplated it's shape. It's texture. It's sturdiness. 

Caught in the trance of the pebble, she didn't think of her own shape. Her own texture. Her own sturdiness. 

She was out of shape. Not in the way that someone refuses to exercise or put down the slice of cake. She had spent so long in someone else's shadow, that she never emerged as her own person. Her own being.

As far as texture was concerned, she felt as though the glossy life she had created for herself was marked. Littered with foot prints, and candy wrappers, and unwanted hours spent with people she didn't even like. It wasn't her life, she breathed. It wasn't the life she planned for herself.

And sturdiness? She almost laughed. A full belly laugh that would have consumed the small slice of beach she had wandered upon, and swallowed it whole. 

She lost her sturdiness when she lost him.

Standing up, she felt the pebble slip from her hand.

As though the pebble was her connection to what she had lost, she picked it up once again, kissed it's small, smooth surface and threw it into the waves.

Turning, leaving - she knew this was not the end. 

It was the beginning.

Monday Mixtape 1.19.15

Normally I'd go with whatever I was listening to at the moment..here in 2015, but today my coworker (and friend!) Shelby and I spent the morning listening to songs from middle and high school. And wouldn't you know?

They're still the best.

So, here goes - five of my most favorites from those formative, awful, awkward, and interesting years:

1. The Reason - Hoobastank

Let's be serious. I spent many a day and night listening to this over and over - pretending that I knew anything about the "true love" that they spoke about. The love that changed your life.. (I didn't..!)

2. I'm Just A Kid - Simple Plan

I was not the only girl in love with their singer. And..to be honest I can't even remember the guys name. I'll google. Give me a second.

Pierre Bouvier

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Yup. He's still good looking.

3. Ocean Avenue - Yellowcard

I remember thinking how "revolutionary" these guys were with their violin. And I still think they're unique and cool - and Ocean Avenue is just..good.

4. Beautiful Soul - Jesse McCartney

I love love love love Jesse McCartney. JMac4eva.

5. Sugar We're Goin Down - Fall Out Boy

I could sing every word to this song - still.

And Pete Wentz is a hottie.

Hope you had a great Monday! <3

Friday Favorites [1.16.15]

I hope you've all had a great week! But..lez be honest, it's Friday - and that's all I care about! 

So let's get this going:

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Praise da Lort, indeed. 

1. Trivia Crack

You don't play? GET ON IT. It's addicting!

I got "The Entertaining Popcorn" [via Buzzfeed] 

"The party don't start 'til you walk in! You're fun, trendy, and always up-to-date on the latest celebrity gossip. You love having all eyes on you, all the time. You can't help it that you're so popular."

1. Fun? At least I think so.

Trendy? No, not really.

Up-to-date on celeb gossip? Always.

2. All eyes on you? NO. I hate that. Ha.

3. Can't help that I'm popular? Uh.. ha. 

2. Oscar Meyer P3 - Portable Protein Packs

Each little pack has a cheese, a nut, and a lunch meat. 

It's small, but really yummy!

3. Drop in the Ocean - Ron Pope

If I'm honest, I've been listening to this song for YEARS.

But it just popped up on my Pandora, so

it's going to be stuck in this weeks favorites.

Cuz it's my blog. Get over it.

:)

4. This meme

I'm sure you've all seen this meme by now.

It's totally hilarious.

The story behind it is found HERE!

But if you don't want to read a boring article, dis is all you need ta know:

1. Shawn Oakman plays for Baylor.

2. He's 6 foot 9 and is 22 years old. (no one real is 6'9..let's be serious)

3. His picture was shown on the AT&T stadium jumbotron before they played 

(and lost to) Michigan State and the internets blew up.

And I love it.

Thank you Internet people.

5. Boyfriend man.

No, boyfriend man is not a weird superhero that you haven't heard of - I just meant my boyfriend. My week did not start very well with the Denver Broncos game.

I still believe that, but they broke my little heart. 

Anyway - I was sitting on the couch, watching them suck  lose - and boyfriend said he needed to go and get groceries. I was okay with that because I was super grumpy and would rather stew in my grumpiness alone. 

And when he came back, he came in and set a pizza on my lap.

*swoon*

I said I loved him, and he said "I'm not finished." He went back out to the car and came back in - and put donuts on my lap.

*double swoon*

Totally in love.

And I like it.

Have a good weekend y'all

<3

I wanna pthnuggle.

THANKFUL FOR: Places to work where the work attire is "chill". Today I wasn't feeling so hot, and dressed as such. Enter the tights, big tshirt, Columbia jacket, a vest and sneaks. And everything is black except the tshirt and sneaks. 

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I'm no longer in college..but preach. And I love me some Han Solo..lez be honest. 

EATING: Nothing at the moment. But my office is made up of woman - except my boss - and so there's always candy. I keep telling myself not to eat all the things, but the mini Snickers and Twix were calling my name. Bitches. 

Sorry I'm not sorry.

LISTENING TO: Shelby and Crystal, my co-workers, do a photo shoot. Some gems from their conversation:

"You need a whip."
"You look like a secret agent."

FEELING: Eh, okay. I definitely would be home in my bed. Especially with my heated blanket. I'm a little obsessed with it!

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THINKING ABOUT: Snuggling. I have been thinking about snuggling all day. 

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WATCHING: Nothing right now. 

READING: I started "Eat, Pray, Love" last week - and didn't get very far. But, eventually I'll finish it. I'm also reading the February issue of Glamour magazine. 

LOVING: My outfit today (even though it's pretty rachet..), #ThrowbackThursday playlists on Spotify, and peanut butter. I can't get enough peanut butter today.


Have a great day!

Monday's Mixtape 1.12.15

I've decided to start a little Monday jam session to the blog. These are most likely going to be songs that are on repeat lately - or whatever strikes my fancy in the moment!

Here we go:

1. "Under the Live Oaks and Lights" - Dan Adams

This is not a good version of this song (although, I'm sure Dan is fabulous live!), but I heard it on our local Texas country station and was instantly in love. Dan has a great voice - and I'm definitely going to start listening to more!

2. "Elastic Heart" - Sia

Yup, I'm still on this train. You're welcome.

3. "Every Night" - Imagine Dragons

I was on my way home from the boys house and hadn't listened to this album all the way through, so I decided to. (I know..it's been out for forever. I'm slow. I'm sorry.) But this one caught my attention! 

4. "Shut Up and Dance" - Walk the Moon

WHAT A JAM.

Go ahead..try not to dance to this one.

I'll give you a minute.

5. "I Bet My Life" - Imagine Dragons

Yes. Another Imagine Dragons.

(I didn't know I was such a fan of Imagine Dragons.)

But I just LIKE it.

<3