family > everything

I haven't made a post in ages, (and hopefully I'll get back to blogging soon) but I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and thought "I should blog!"

Since going off to college, it's been very obvious how much more I appreciate my family than I ever have. For eighteen years I spent almost every single day around them. Never missing holidays or family functions, and never thinking twice about what life would look like once I moved out. Something I realize now, though, is that for the majority of my last year home, I wasn't living in the moment. Choosing a school to go to, moving out of the house, thinking about what my dorm room would look like, etc., consumed my life. I was so concerned about that day not coming fast enough, that I forgot to take it slow. I didn't think about not having morning chats in my pjs with my mom anymore. I didn't think about not going and getting lunch with my family, even if it were somewhere I didn't want to go. I didn't think about missing holidays, and not making it to celebrating my grandma on Mother's Day, or Thanksgiving, or Easter with the entire family. When I lived at home, there was no question about not being there. But now, life happens, and making that six hour drive home doesn't always get to happen. The year is almost over now, and I've been home twice. This year I missed Easter, I missed Mother's Day, I've missed birthdays and new family members being born. I miss having dinner with my family, and oddly, I just miss the smell of home.

I'm not saying I have regrets, or that I regret anything at all. Those few trips, the phone calls, the hugs, are worth so much more now than they ever have. I'm simply saying to appreciate it all, because now, I truly understand how much I do.

My mom asked my sisters and I what we wanted for Christmas this year (she started a group text, WHAT?!? Look at my mom being tech savvy), and each one of us responded by saying something along the lines of family time. I however, asked for a genie in a bottle. One wish, to have one solid week of time at home with my family. Even a weekend would suffice. Because nothing sounds better than enjoying my mom's pot roast with the ones I miss most.

xoxo -Alyssa

my how time flies!

Someone please tell me that it's not already 2015, and that the past month and a half didn't just fly by me unnoticed. Just kidding, I've been all over the place busy! But I'm still convinced that somehow my life has been going 1.5X faster than usual. I had every intention of using my break from school to blog about my adventures and Christmas festivities, but instead wound up in my car, visiting friends and family outside of my immediate one, barely even cracking my laptop. I literally just got back home yesterday, and am turning around to leave here again in just a few days. I really wanted to come back to my blog with an actual idea of some sort, but instead opted for a simple update and to just say hi. Plans and ideas have been making way into my planner, and the expectation of this new year is high!

Hello 2015! I'm ready for ya!

But in case anyone was curious, here's a mini timeline of what I've been up to in my absence :)

(In addition to not cracking my laptop, I also neglected my camera. So I apologize for my iPhone quality photos, and the lack thereof...)

First off, I'm a senior in college now! I survived all my finals :D PRAISE.

I spent a weekend in East Texas with my boyfriend, brother, and friends. It was so nice to just be in the middle of nowhere with limited cell service. It's times like these that you can truly appreciate other people's company and good conversation.

 I actually did take more pics on my camera, but I decided to stick with the theme and show you my awesome iPhone photography skills ;) (IM KIDDING)

I FINALLY made it out to ICE at The Gaylord Texan! I've been wanting to go every year since I've been up in Dallas. But let me tell ya, it was SO cold. 

But I at least I was with these wonderful people who also bared the 9 degrees with me :)

Sticking to the theme of cold, ice, and Christmas spirit. I took my wonderful best friend Lauren ice skating at the Galleria (the HUGE Christmas tree, though) and attempted at teaching her to skate. lol. She was a great sport :) and I had way more fun with her company.

So I really am the worst at taking pictures, but I'd say that's because I really lived in the world around me, and not the one on my phone (that's a first). I spent a few days before Christmas and around New Years with my boyfriend and his family, which was just perfect and relaxing. And time at home with my family on Christmas day. I think this is one of the best Christmas's that I've had because I truly appreciated spending it with the ones I love. Am I sappy yet?

I also got to see my two best friends from high school! We spent a few days in my hometown, and decided to venture to Austin for the day!

Also, if you've never seen these "famous" Austin murals, you'd be just as surprised as I was about their most random locations.

Well, that's a short summarization of what I've been up to lately.  I'll be back soon! (hopefully with more pictures because my camera is not leaving my side this year)

Thanks for sticking through my lack of excitement :P

-AMB

fall favorites

This time of year is definitely one of my favorites. There's nothing I love more than a warm and inviting candle burning, while being bundled up for the weather. And though I've definitely been lacking in the blog department, I haven't stopped loving on these chillier months. These are just a few (really random) things I've been loving on lately :)

1) aveda hand relief- let me tell you, this lotion is absolutely incredible. It smells amazing. Is thick and creamy, but not greasy, and absorbs quickly. It's perfect for this time of the year when our skin tends to dry out easier, and has definitely been my saving grace.

2) marshmallow fireside- I didn't think I would really like my room smelling like marshmallows, but boy was I completely wrong. There's just something about this candle that has kept it on my top list for the past few years. It's warm, lightly sweet and smokey. It also makes me want s'mores :P

3) llama pajamas- okay, I'll admit. I actually don't own these llama pajamas, but they're on my wish list (hint hint, nudge nudge, mom, cough cough) I love pajamas. And lounging in cute and comfy pajamas while burning marshmallow fireside and watching Christmas movies is favorite enough for me. Honestly, they're the only thing I really asked for this year....lol

4) slippers- every year bath and body works makes fuzzy slippers around this time, and every year I buy a new pair. I'm a sucker for fuzzy animal slippers. They're just way too cute and comfortable!!

5) plaid scarf- I'm not usually one to go for plaid or flannel, but I've definitely found myself loving both of those things this year. Shipment came in at work one day, and upon seeing this reversible infinity I knew I had to have it. It's surprisingly soft, warm, and super cute. Thanks Loft for paying me to pay you ;)

6) Kendra Scott- is my basic showing? lol, just kidding. I'm anxiously awaiting these beauties in my mailbox any day now, and know they'll see multiple days of wear immediately. I decided to go with the "elle rose gold earrings" for a neutral that will pair beautifuly with a lot of my wardrobe

7) origins checks & balances- okay, I know I said the hand relief was my saving grace, but this is also my saving grace. I originally got this face wash as a sample in my Birchbox years ago, and always come back to it. I have pretty (really) oily skin that gets awkwardly oily-dry (if that makes any sense) and this stuff truly keeps my skin balanced. If you're looking for something new to try, I really recommend this. I love every origins product I've tried so far.

8) boots- I couldn't find the exact pair of black boots from Ann Taylor that I have, but these are pretty similar :) I've been loving mine during colder days and have been wearing them a lot since I got them. Black jeans and jeggings are my go-to bottoms, and paired with tall black riding boots, the combo makes your legs look longer (and slimmer in my opinion)

What are you loving on these cold months? :)

-AMB

give thanks

Hooray, it's officially the first of November! This means that in just a few short weeks we'll all be surrounded by the ones we love most, shoving our faces with delicious food, and taking the best naps of ours lives. And not only does it mean Thanksgiving's around the corner, it means we're only one month away from the most wonderful time of the year! Don't you just love the Holiday Season?

So in honor of such a joyous time, and the first of the month. I've decided to share thirty things in my life that I'm so thankful for. One thing for each day this month!

Sometimes amongst our crazy and hectic lives, we often times forget the reasons we should wake up and smile each and every day. If you're having a bad day (or even a good one), I challenge you to also write a list of the things you're thankful for. Maybe your stresses and worries won't seem so big once you've been reminded of all the blessings in your life.

These are the things I'm thankful for:

1) my family- I know this is so redundant, but I truly am blessed by my family. My mom, dad, and step dad do a tremendous amount of always supporting me and helping me out

2) getting an education- as much as I want to pull my hair out over school sometimes, I can't help but be grateful that I'm able to go to college in the first place

3) tea (specifically Irish breakfast tea)- I love love LOVE tea, it's definitely my saving grace lately. I have a cup first thing in the morning, and several times again throughout the day. All I need is a spot of honey and a splash of milk

4) mugs- coinciding with tea, I am thankful for mugs. Now this is kind of silly, but mugs warm my heart as much as they warm my hands. Most of my mugs are gifts from friends, and if that doesn't brighten my morning, I don't know what does

5) friends- I don't know how this happened, but I have THE BEST friends in the entire world. Even if our time together is as simple as having a study date, there's no doubt my day just instantly got better

6) KitchenAid stand mixers- I bought myself a KitchenAid this past summer, and my Pinterest baking dreams have come true. I really am thankful for this helpful, handy, kitchen device

7) my roommates- I literally have the best roommates (who also happen to be a part of those amazing friends I was talking about) They are always there for me when I need them, and I enjoy our constant laughter, "family" dinners, and uplifting talks. There is no judgement in our household, and for that alone I am thankful

8) laundry detergent- most people dread doing laundry. I love doing laundry. I'm so thankful for the wonderful smelling selection of laundry detergents, and the way it fragrances my home on laundry day

9) good food- food is the way to my heart, and one of my favorite pastimes is exploring new restaurants. Good food is a blessing

10) Grandma's pecan pie- grandma, and pie. You know it's gotta be good. My grandma is known for her personal pecan pies at family gatherings. My cousins love to fight over them and hide them from each other, it's quite entertaining (and I know it makes my gma's heart happy)

11) cozy blankets- I've had a blanket obsession for as far as I can remember. I always keep a throw at the foot of my bed, and can't sleep without it

12) werther's caramel apple candies- thank goodness these things aren't a limited edition fall thing, because I love these things. They have a hard caramel outside, a melty apple inside, and they're just delicious

13) my boyfriend- I'm so thankful to have someone who understands who I am and appreciates my little quirks. Even though I'm "a lot", I know I'm still loved unconditionally

14) Jesus- the Lord is sovereign and forgives me for my sins. His love is unconditional, and I am most thankful for that

15) fuzzy socks- I'm currently wearing a pair of fuzzy lamb socks, and my warm feet are thanking me

16) cheesy sayings- cheesy sayings always brighten my day, in fact, you can find a gallery of them when you walk in my home, lol "let your heart sing" "oh, let's be adventurous darling" "don't quit your day dreams"

17) hand-written notes- I'm a bit old-fashioned at times, and adore sending a hand-written card I made, or thank you notes. So receiving birthday cards or letters make my heart sing. I keep every single card given to me, and cherish them deeply

18) ice- this too is a bit of an odd one, but I'm thankful for ice. I like a lot of ice in my water,  and I swear it tastes better. I'm also really thankful for ice rinks (I used to figure skate)

19) animals- animals are just the most fascinating creations. Nothing makes my day like a fuzzy animal baby picture

20) home- my heart is in so many different places, but home is where everyone I love is. I'm thankful for my home with my roommates, my mom's home, and my dad's home (wow, I just realized I have three rooms)

21) rainstorms- my favorite type of day is stormy and chilly, and I'm loving life when these days actually occur. Curling up in something warm, lighting a candle, and reading a good book cozied up isn't comparable to anything else

22) scripture- when the going gets rough, I always turn to my bible. I am so so so thankful for the words that soothe my soul

23) Texas- I'm thankful for Texas, and all things Texas. Bluebonnets, good Mexican food, southern hospitality, breakfast tacos, etc.

24) bubble baths- baths are just so relaxing, especially with a bath bomb or bubble bar from Lush.

25) The Food Network- to me, this is the greatest TV channel of all times. It's the only thing I really watch on TV, and I'm also thankful my roommates enjoy watching with me. We love Guy's Grocery Games, and Chopped :)

26) my job- I'm thankful my parents don't make me work while I'm in school, but I decided to get a part-time job to feed my shopping problem (I don't really have a shopping problem) I work at Ann Taylor Loft, and I love all my co-workers...and the discount :P

27) macarons- they're my favorite. End of story.

28) my health- so far, so good. For the most part I always eat really healthy, and try to take care of myself. I'm thankful for good health and the doctor's who take care of me

29) quiet time- if it weren't for quiet time, I may have not made it this far. I love the mornings I have nothing on my to-do list (this is pretty rare) and can lay in bed, have some tea, and do a devotional

30) the holiday season- I love the holidays. For me this means getting to see family I haven't seen in a while, and filling my heart with the love that comes from being with them. I haven't been home in a few months, and I'm looking forward to seeing loved ones coming up soon

What are you thankful for? :)

-AMB

the life you want

Last weekend I had the experience of a lifetime. I had the privilege of attending Oprah's "The Life You Want Weekend" in Houston, Texas. Like, oh my gosh!

Going into the weekend, I honestly had no idea what to expect. I knew Oprah was touring different cities with her "trailblazers", advertising the glorious life you want, but I was lacking the details of the overall concept. But in the end, I think I almost enjoyed it more that way. Everything about the event was a total surprise to me, and an overall (good) shock to my emotions. I laughed, I cried, and I even danced my heart out.

The event took place over the span of a Friday-Saturday. Friday only being a few short hours in the evening, and Saturday being an all day affair starting early in the am.

When I arrived at the event on Friday, I made sure to allot some time to check-in, and to check out O-Town.


















O-Town is basically a setup of all of the sponsors of the tour. But done so in such a magical and ingenious way. They had tents to sit and chill in, photo-ops, and a ton of freebies. Woman (and brave men) could take a spot in line to have scalp massages by Pantene, make-up touches from artists by Covergirl, and get free samples of products from Olay and so much more. You could even have your picture taken and photoshopped to be on the cover of a magazine with Oprah. The cool thing about the tour is your registered wristband holds information like your email. So when you went around O-Town and had your picture taken by staff members, they could touch their camera phone to your band, and it would email you the photos. Seriously incredible.

So the overall theme of the tour is literally the life you want. Everything about it was designed to be motivating and encouraging, and let me tell you, it was just that.

That evening everyone settled in for an intimate time with Oprah. She came out on stage, and completely took my breath away. I couldn't help but wonder if I was dreaming or not. Someone pinch me.

Isn't this just absolutely incredible?!

The other cool thing about the wristbands, is that they lit up throughout different times of the event, adding to the overall moods of each activity happening (that's what the little speckled lights are in the above photo)

Oprah's starting out topic for the evening was that of sunrise faith. She began by saying "no matter how dark it gets, the sun will always rise." And from there the evening unfolded beautifully. Oprah opened up her heart and shared her story. She was honest, encouraging, and nothing less of absolutely genuine and pure. She spoke of her life, her upbringing, and her goals and dreams. But also how to take our dreams and put them into light.

The first night ended and I was in complete awe. Though the next morning was an early one, I was more than ready for another dose of inspiration.

And inspiration was exactly what I got.

The next day included not only Oprah, but also her team of trailblazers. The trailblazers consisted of Rob Bell, Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray Love, swoon), Deepak Choprah, and Iyanla Vanzant. Each of them spent an amount of time on stage individually, giving their story, and contributing their life tools to help the audience achieve the life they want.

Deepak did a meditation with us, Elizabeth talked about her life a bit (the behind the scenes of her incredible book), and Iyanla had me cracking up the entirety she was on stage. Each of them had different qualities, and each of their stories and words of encouragement was the perfect addition to this tour.

The time that Oprah spent with us on Saturday, was working on activities given to us in a booklet created for the tour. There were three different ones, all spread throughout the day and between the trailblazers speaking. And each and every one was special and emotional (I cried a lot the entire weekend) While doing these activities, writing down our hopes and dreams, evaluating our current lives and creating goals on how to turn our negatives into positive, Oprah walked throughout the audience. Absolute silence was bestowed upon the arena as she walked around, reading our words over our shoulders. And though thousands of people were in attendance, I felt a personal connection with this event, to my heart, and to my Savior.

Everything about this tour was brilliantly executed. Everything from the app designed for your phone, the music played to get everyone off their feet and grooving, and the life changing words, shared by the most talented group of people. I knew I would leave this weekend with great words and advice, but I didn't know I would leave with a full heart, and on such a spiritual high. God is so good, and has clearly put his work into the hearts of each and every member who made this event possible.

This weekend was full of so much more than I could possibly ever express. (if the opportunity of this tour ever arrises again, you won't regret your decision to attend) It was such an opportunity that I wouldn't trade for the world, a spiritual awakening, and it couldn't have come at a better time. God has perfect timing.

-AMB

 "God can dream a bigger dream for you, than you can ever dream for yourself."


A big thank you to John for allowing me this experience. You have a heart of pure gold.

what's in my purse

I'm the type of person who just adores purses and handbags. To me, they're simply beautiful, and can really make an outfit. A manager of mine once told me that a girl only needs three things in her life to appear of having it all together. A manicure, a nice pair of shoes, and a nice bag. And though not any of these things are essential to our basic needs, I will admit (and I'm sure we can all agree) that on days when my wardrobe include these three, I feel an utmost high of confidence.

With that being said, I treated myself to a new bag this weekend. It's something I've been eyeing for a while now, and would you believe I got it for a steal?!?

So today I'm sharing with you what's in my purse, and the things I find to be (at times) lifesaving.

[Okay, so I kinda couldn't help myself...and ended up with a wallet too! But when the Kate Spade store is having 50% off, plus a special of 20% off, and you're a student so you get an extra 15% off, it's really hard to just say no!]

These are the things I always have in my bag:

1. Snacks- honestly, I'm just always hungry, but when I'm on the go I like knowing that I always have an extra granola bar or some almonds stashed away. You never know when something may come up and you can't sit down quite yet for a meal.

2. Floss- literally every time I've ever not had floss in my bag, I've needed it. Especially if you have popcorn at the movies or something green out at dinner. Those kernels are just not very cozy stuck in your teeth, and that broccoli isn't very cute (yikes!!)

3. Mint/gum- you know someone's gonna ask you for it, and you never know when you may need a little freshening up!

4. Advil- we get headaches, our friends get headaches, and that's the last thing I want to be fighting when I'm not at home to battle it out. Advil/ibuprofen has always been my purse buddy.

5. Body spray/roller ball- we're girls, and for some reason we're expected to smell nice (lol)

6. Stain remover pen- if you're anything like me, I'm a mess and am constantly spilling something. 

7. Pen/journal- some people love to use their phones for everything, but if that's not for you, a small notepad will do! (I just love physically crossing things off of lists, do you??)

8. Headphones- with technology advancing so quickly (voice messages, videos on instagram, etc.) I always keep my headphones on me in order to avoid disturbing anyone else if I'm out in public. 

9. Mending/sewing kit- seriously, you just never know

10. Makeup- whether it's your lip color for the day, or some extra powder to matte it up. Don't pack you're entire stash if you don't need to. Think essentials.

These are just a few of the things I keep in my bag that definitely come in handy in situations. I always like to be comfortable whenever I have to go out and about for more than a couple of hours. A few other things I keep are: my phone charger, tissues, sunnies, and my camera.

What are some of your essentials? :)

-AMB

local lovelies

After the stressful school week I had, any sort of weekend would have been considered a relief in comparison. I had four exams, (one including business law, yuck!) a group project, homework assignments, readings, work, organization commitments, and I lead a prayer group. Needless to say I wanted to pull my hair out. But HALLELUJAH I made it through!

This weekend has been full of the greatest of friends, food, and festivities. That, and a cool front decided to blow through in perfect timing, really making October feel more welcoming for fall. I had a lovely girl's date with my best friend/little on Friday. We got coffee, went shopping, had delicious pizza, and saw Gone Girl. (which definitely lived up to my expectations from the book) Time with her is nothing short of wonderful conversations and mass amounts of laughter.

On Saturday, I definitely felt like a tourist in my own town. I go to school in Denton, Texas. Which is honestly turning into one of my favorite small towns, I even catch myself calling it home :) (I mean, it kind of is for the time being) So I tagged along with my roommate to run a few errands, and our afternoon turned into a trip to the farmer's market, and the discovery of a new (favorite) local shop.

I just adore the farmer's market. There were food trucks, local handmade goodies, adorable puppies running around, and live music. What's not to love?

The Denton Dime Store is precious, and definitely one of my new favorite places. They showcase local artists' creations consisting of everything from teeshirts, to greetings cards, to handmade soaps. I'm in love with all the unique crafts, I even found the cutest Texas earrings (which of course I got)

Saturday evening, my roommates and I had some of our sweet friends over for pumpkin painting, snacks, and root beer floats. We had planned on watching Halloween movies, but of course with good food and company, there's nothing else you really need. And I'm sure everyone else felt the same way as well. Oh! And I made another pie (which is already half gone) you can find my recipe from my last post :) (I promise it will be a hit)

Without saying, I had a much needed weekend. I am so so thankful for my home, and my incredible friends. It's amazing what hidden treasures, and local lovelies exist all around us. What all did you discover this week/weekend? :)

Always,

-AMB

easy as pie

So I decided to take a quick trip to Target earlier this week, for reasons now that I can't even remember. I went in with a list, and had every intention of grabbing groceries for the week, and instead only made it out with dish soap. Well, not only dish soap. The rest of my bags were filled with things that definitely weren't on my list. It's inevitable, really. I mean, we're talking about Target here.

Let me paint a picture for you. I was strolling along, pushing a somewhat rickety basket, (it was actually quite annoying) and all of a sudden as I'm about to head down an isle containing an item I actually went for, I saw the most adorable pie pan. I just couldn't help myself, and in my mind I HAD to have this one. You see, before stumbling upon this treasure, I didn't have a pie pan. And how am I supposed to bake pie this holiday season without one? See how well I justified? lol

So today I'm going to share with you the easiest of pies. Honestly, you can just follow the recipe on the back of the pumpkin can, but in my mind, (and my mother's) it tastes way better with a little addition and a few eliminations.

Here's what you'll need:

- the world's cutest pie pan (I'm sorry, I'm obsessed)
- 1 can of 100% pure pumpkin (15oz)
- 1 can of evaporated milk (12oz)
- 3/4 c. sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon (plus some to sprinkle on top if you'd like)
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 eggs
- 1-2 tbsp. vanilla (I use Mexican Vanilla, yumm yumm)
- 1 unbaked pie crust (pre-made or the fancy Pillsbury kind)


The thing that makes this recipe different from the can, is VANILLA (I swear it makes a HUGE difference) and the absence of spices like ginger and clove. I'm personally not a huge fan of these spices, if they're something you enjoy feel free to add them :) but cinnamon is so so easy, and is commonly found in most pantries already!

First, preheat your oven to 350 degree (the can will tell you to preheat your oven to 425 degrees and after 15 minutes of baking, reduce to 350 for the rest of baking time, but I found this cooked my crust too quickly as you'll see)

Next you'll want to mix up your dry ingredients (cinnamon, salt, and sugar) in a separate bowl.

And beat your eggs in another large bowl.

While your eggs are beating, this is a good time to prep your pie pan if you're using a pre-refrigerated crust. Just roll it on out and into your pan. Press it down and VOILA!

Once your eggs are done beating, add your can of pumpkin, then those dry ingredients, and then lastly, gradually stir in your evaporated milk (I did all of my mixing on a relatively low-med speed)

Then just pour your mixture into your pan and pop it into the oven for 50-60 minutes :) It's honestly something you'll have to eyeball since everything bakes differently depending on your oven and elevation. Your pie is done when the filling is firm and a knife will come out clean from the middle.

Once out of the oven, let cool for about an hour, and then cover and put into the fridge before serving! I find it to taste better and serve easier once it's been chilled...but not everyone will be so patient, hehe (if serving warm, of course add some Bluebell vanilla) 

I actually made my pie pretty late at night, and waited until morning to cut into it....

...which resulted in me having a piece with my morning coffee for breakfast. I have no shame. :D

Well, that's all for now, y'all! Give this recipe a whirl and let me know what ya think! I know my roommates and house guests have definitely enjoyed it so far :) 

Thanks for reading.

-AMB

fall festivities

Fall is here (well, near) and I couldn't be more excited! I ADORE fall. Actually, I just love when the seasons change. But I can't help but love fall because of all the wonderfully delightful activities that come with it.

Fall is when nature becomes especially beautiful. The leaves change, the air becomes crisp, (or at least not as humid here in Texas) and let's be honest, the fall candles at Bath and Body Works are my favorite (and obsession).

//I'm currently burning two in my apartment//


Like I said, fall is beautiful, and because I love it so, I have decided to make a list of things that I want to accomplish and do in this new and shortly upcoming season.

 These are my fall festivities for 2014:

-go to the Dallas Arboretum (THE PUMPKINS)

-host a "friendsgiving"

-visit a local pumpkin patch

-knit something (I can never finish a knitting project)

-bake my mom's pumpkin pie

-take pictures in the fallen leaves

-make a new friend

-go to a corn maze

-be cliche and carve a pumpkin

-go to the Fort Worth Water Gardens

-clean out my closet

-spend more time with friends

-do a daily devotional

-make candied/caramel apples

-go to the State Fair

-do the annual 5K Turkey Trot

-learn how to make macarons


I know I'll think of many more things to add to my list, but I figured I start here for now :)

Also, my boyfriend sent this to me this morning and I found it too cute and silly not to share. lol. yay for Pusheen and pie!

Speaking of pie, and seasonal related items, this stuff is DELICIOUS. Go. Try it now!

Until next time. TTYL

Love,
AMB

nashvegas y'all

So this past weekend (Labor Day weekend) I visited one of my favorite people, in one of my favorite places. My boyfriend, John, in Nashville, TN. 

This is a little blurb about myself, I am in a long distant relationship, but we make it work :) (and hey, at least he's currently in a city I ADORE)

Anyways, so the week before my trip was my first week back in school for the fall semester, and what better way to kick off the school year than with a little jet-setting! So I anxiously (more like extremely stressed out and overwhelmed) packed my bags (between the already accumulating class readings and assignments) to get ready to go.

Thursday quickly came (I only have class Tuesday-Thursday), I packed my car with my luggage, headed to my classes for the day, and when the clock hit 1:50 I was the first one out the door of my business statistics class (okay, maybe not really) I was finally on my way to the airport, and more than ready to be in Nashville and greeted with a hug! 

***Skipping past my non-eventful traveling consisting of traffic, traffic, more traffic, navigating through the worst airport ever, (DFW) trying to find food in the terminal because I was STARVING, and flying through the air while studying the textbooks I packed (GEEZ it was the first week of classes WHY)***

Once in Nashville, I had the BEST long weekend! In fact, I had such a lovely time that I FORGOT to take pictures or EVEN TAKE my camera with me most of the time (and it took up a TON of luggage space!) But regardless, John and I had a blast (or at least I did :P) He selflessly took me to do and see everything I could have ever imagined. 

We went to The Frist Museum (where cameras weren't allowed anyways) and I don't know about him, but I felt so scholarly walking around the showcased art. I'm silly, I know. The exhibits were fantastic, consisting of real/surreal art, a celebration of animations over time, and my favorite, Illustrations by Maira Kalman from the writing style guide, "The Elements of Style." Something about walking around a quiet room of very cool, but very silly illustrations, and sharing silent laughter with John, (literally no one was talking) just completely tickled me. I loved every second of it.

I could go on and on about every little thing we did within the span of 4 days and 5 nights, but to sum it up, it was all just so grand. It consisted of Lush, fruit tea, a ton of Mexican food (and eating in general), coffee shops, brunch (see, a lot of eating), games with friends, swimming, seeing downtown, pedicures (yes, just YES), and so much more. 

// walking around downtown//

Isn't the skyline pretty? It was a perfectly overcast day and the temperature outside was such a relieving break from the hot, hot weather we've been having in Texas. There was even a breeze!!!

THE KING!

We also went to this super awesome (super hipster) coffee shop/ breakfast joint. It was just so cool! It took forever to get through the line, but it was so worth it. They had homemade pastries and danishes, MACARONS, fresh teas, and so much more. I had a whiskey caramel iced coffee, and a sausage biscuit with a mandarin marmalade! The coffee was incredible, and clearly so were our biscuits...

(I was clearly WAY too excited and hungry to get a before picture, lol)

// jenis jenis JENIS (AKA the BEST ice cream)//

Overall, my weekend with John was perfection. I don't think I could name a favorite day or moment, I'm just thankful for the time we got to spend together. If you're reading this, John, thank you so very much for being the absolute sweetest :) I cannot wait until next time.

This was definitely from my last trip to Nash before this one, but I wanted to share since I'm such a dork and didn't get a pic together this time. Next time I won't make such a rookie mistake ;)

oh snapper

Earlier this week I did something I've never done before. I went fishing...okay, let's backtrack a bit. I've been fishing before, but I was seven and it was off of a wimpy little pier. This. This was some real fishing. I'm talking getting on a well-stocked fishing boat, heading out to a sweet spot, and reeling in some honkers.

So I lathered on my sunscreen, threw on my boating shoes, and wore an obligatory Columbia.

I'm not gonna lie, I kinda looked "frat" with that polo hat...

My mother, step-dad Benny, our friend Richard (who's actually a boat captain for a living) and I headed out early, and made our way out to do some gulf fishing! I was worried I would get bored on the ride out there, and brought a book, but there was definitely no need to. The ride, the company, the view, was all too perfect!

//look how blue the water was//

As soon as we baited our poles and threw out our lines, we were grabbing bites! I cannot explain the insane amount of excitement (an exhaustion) that came with reeling in the prize. I caught the first one, and he was beautiful! A red snapper. The coolest thing was watching him come up beneath the sapphire blue water, his scales reflecting a brilliant pink and silver sheen from several feet below. That moment for me was comparable to my first (and only) visit to Disney world. lol. 

By the end of our adventure, we left with our limit (and some tasty dinner). I learned so many incredible things about the ocean and everything it encompasses. This world is such a captivating place. I wouldn't have wanted to spend this day anywhere else. 

holy snapperrrrrrrrrrr

-AMB