Casual Friday.

Today is a great day for one of these outfits. 

Happy Friday!

Images

My World Lately...

Whats going on! Yes, I know you haven't seen me around here in about 5 months. Life has been busy and no that is not my excuse it's just how it is. Totally left you guys hanging and probably wondering if I would return. Of course I couldn't leave this space forever. This where I get to share my thoughts on anything and everything while adding gorgeous photos full of style.

I won't go into detail of what has occupied my time over the last several months because quite frankly I am sure you won't care all that much. Nothing too exciting other than our trip to Hawaii which was AMAZING! Other than that this is what I have been up to lately...

Getting back into the decorating mode and loving these pendants. 

*Mental note to get one for our entryway!*

Been doing LOTS of this lately. You may think it's because it's swimsuit season. For me it's because this is the only time I can get out of my head and stop thinking about chores, work, and everything that is life.

Really would like to get some printed leggings...haven't jumped on that bandwagon yet. Maybe when Houston weather isn't 102 everyday. 

Ever since I my guy bought me an iPad I have started a very extensive book collection on it. Still I will always want my own library in my house...even if I am reading on my iPad while sitting in there. 

Loving everything about this room. 

Starting to buy a bouquet every Sunday to brighten up the house with color and wonderful smell!

Addicted to this color for my nails. It screams summer!

And I will leave you with one of the best excursions I have been on. Hiking through a rainforest while jumping off waterfalls. I would do it again in a heartbeat! 

Best. Destination. Wedding. Ever.

Is It An Apparition?

Nope! It is most definitely not...I have just been a tad busy at work. My 8-5 job as well as Drake Men. Being away for so long does allow me to write a rather lengthy post about all the things that have been catching my eye.

Some of you guys are currently stuck in a blizzard where as, us in Houston, are feeling Spring fever already. For someone who loves the colder season I am actually very happy to feel the 70 degree weather outside. It's getting me into the mood of cleaning out my closet, donating clothes, to make room for new and interesting pieces from Spring collections. I will get back to that in a moment, for now here are a few things that have been holding my interest.

Have you seen this clip?! OMG, I have probably watched this at least five times. The title of it being "The most honest three minutes in TV history". Umm yeah, totally agree, 100%. It captivated me the minute I started watching it. I might have to start watching The Newsroom on HBO and I will have this clip to thank.

With every changing season comes a rotation in the handbag department. Unfortunately, for my husband, I am not satisfied with any of mine for this Spring season. So...that means a new bag right? Yes. I will be perfectly happy with either of these gorgeous bags from Madewell.

Now I know that I am stretching here. My hair will never look this hot and sexy but a girl can dream right? For the last few weeks now I have been thinking of chopping my hair off. I could give myself 6 more months and I will be able to practically sit on my hair. For someone who l.o.v.e.s long hair this is a big step for me. Looking at photos with girls that have short hair...I just can't help myself but think hell yes please!

What about you? Short vs. long hair...

Have you seen the Oscar nominated animated short film, The Paperman? If you have about 5 minutes I highly recommend it. It is romantic, funny, and so well made. I hope it takes the win.

Okay now back to my closet cleaning process. Zara's new Spring collection has me drooling. The structured, colorful, sexy pieces are so gorgeous. I would gladly donate most of my wardrobe just so my husband would give me the green light to purchase every single piece. Granted I don't have to ask permission to buy anything but this might be a several hundred dollar trip. I have to be respectful enough to inform him of what may happen-right?

I Almost Forgot!

My guy has been asking me since December 31 what my new years resolutions are. Usually I am really into this and make all kinds of 'resolutions' which most never get completed. Hate to say it but it's true.

For some reason I get exhausted when I think about making them for 2013. For the last seven days I couldn't put my finger on it. Granted part of me was thinking "Don't you dare make those same cliche ones". We all know what I am talking about- loose weight, read more, travel more, etc.

As I was in the shower I had a thought. Instead of making the cliche resolutions that are pointless because they will never get done, make a few new resolutions while keeping the ones that I did actually do in 2012.

Keepin' It Going In 2013

Boom. Let's go.

Show appreciation to my guy.

He truly does so much for me.

Running is the answer the everything.

I found that this truly helped me like nothing else. For 30 min I could forget everything.

Date nights are a must.

Pulling out our fancy pants and having great conversation over drinks and food. Duh.

Spoling my nieces and nephew.

Thinking about them brightens my day. The are my little bambinos.

Stepping out of my comfort zone.

2012 was all about me having to step outside of that zone...and I loved it.

2013 Resolutions

Bring it 2013.

See the positives more than the negatives.

Isn't life better that way? So I have heard.

Work harder.

We can always work harder, longer, and better. I know I can.

Make more time for my girlfriends.

No more excuses. Plus, we always have so much fun together. 

Get fit.

Yes I am going there. In September I was 5 lb. from my ultimate goal weight and feeling fantastic.

I would like to get back there. And I will. 

Learn Spanish

This would make my life easier as well as my husbands family. :)

So there you have it. This list is short but I can say with confidence that I see myself fulfilling each one. It is only January 6 and I have already had 2 nights that were spent with wonderful friends and have a dinner this week with a group of girls that make me laugh. Those are really the best kind. 

I am also thinking about writing my future self a letter. I read about it over on Jess Lively's blog and thought that's something I could do. Yes, I believe I will be doing that. Have you made your resolutions for 2013?

HI! It's Been A While...

Hello there! It has been SO long...3 weeks long. So much has happened. A wonderful job, the holiday season, Santa came, and another year ended while a new and excited one started.

How was everyone's holiday and new year?! Mine was fantastic. Lots of amazing gifts, amazing food, and a little too much of a good time-if you know what I mean. For the first time my guy and I spent NYE in Dallas and went on a little bar crawl. We walked up and down the town and stopped in bars that looked like fun. We ended up at The Old Monk to ring in the new year with a free bottle of Champagne, a few beers, loud 90's music blaring, and tons of friendly people. One of the best NYE my guy and I have had probably.

Now on to 2013. I am going to make this year one of my best. I think most of us say that every new year but this year I really, really mean it. I have ideas, goals, and plans on how to get there and I couldn't be more excited about them.

One thing that I will see out is finishing the house. Yes, it has been a 3 year in the making process. I don't know if it's because its a new year or what but I am loving gold. Strange for me to say this because I have always been the girl that talks about it behind it's back. True story. I always hated gold. The yellow look to it, old feel it brought to an outfit or house, but now I am loving it because of those reasons. Go figure.

Gorgeous right? 

"What to say?"...

I am sure I am not alone when I say that I still cannot fathom what happened. A mix of emotions ran through my mind. I could not, and still can't, believe what happened. Those beautiful, innocent children that were probably looking forward to hanging out with their friends at recess that day never got a chance to.

Anger and sadness overwhelmed as I read the ages of the children. My mind immediately went to my nephew. As I thought about the times I hang out with him and how young and carefree they are at that age. Not a care in the world. He loves when I tickle him to the point of him struggling to breath, he runs every chance he gets just to see me chase after him, and when he whispers to me "Aunt Shannon I have a secret to tell you" just so he can tell me he loves me in my ear. 

I cannot wait to see him grow up. See him play sports in school. Go to homecomings. Ask me to drive my car. Meet his first girlfriend. Graduate from high school and visit him at college. See him fall in love. Marry and have children and watch him raise his little ones. 

Me being an Aunt, I can't even imagine how a mother would feel. The sadness knowing that those parents had all that taken away from them pulls at my heart. It angers me just as much as I am saddened by it. 

It made me look a little differently at my nieces and nephew. I will hug them a little tighter, kiss them a little more-even if my nephew is too cool for that while he says "gross" and pull away from me while laughing. It really makes you think how short life is. 

New Week, New Day, New Job...

This new Winter like weather is a wonderful thing to wake up to this morning. I have waited for this for so long! I think I can speak on behalf of all Houstonians when I say that the 80 degrees was really uncalled for, unfair, and needed to get the heck out of here. *Do I hear applause?! :)

Along with this wonderfully chilly weather comes with a new job! Don't worry, Drake Men is not going anywhere. Something that I have realized over the last two weeks is that being an adult comes with lots of responsibility. Now this is nothing new to me but as I have been avoiding looking at our bank account it was certainly not avoiding me. After much debate, talking, and trying to figure out a plan it was decided that the only way I could really help out around here was to get a j-o-b. 

Part of me is very excited to go back to a 8-5 job. I am a crazy person that likes to have a structured, busy schedule. It's when I am the happiest and tend to get many more things done. Sounds strange but true story. 

I am in no way letting Drake Men sit on the sidelines! It is still here and fully intact. New and exciting things will be happening over the next few months. As I build back up our bank account, I will still be establishing Drake Men's reputation in this crazy fashion world. It will definitely become more challenging as the only time I will have to work on it will be night time and the weekends. Like I said when I have more on my plate I tend to be more efficient and things get done better and faster. I think it's all the temptations that sometimes gets the best of me. But hey I never said I was perfect nor do I aspire to be. I am ever growing and evolving. 

So as you are all reading this from your comfy couch with coffee in hand or sitting at your desk procrastinating at work I will be going through the first day preparations at the new j-o-b! Now get back to work and I will see you back here tomorrow morning!

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