this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...

• 5/8 - National Teacher Day
• 5/13 - Mother's Day

SWOON.

Let's Frolic Together via Intimate Weddings

• This at-home California wedding looks so joyful.
• A roundup of modern, elegant card box ideas.
• From A Burst of Beautiful, a pretty centerpiece.

SMILE.

• Desktops: the Everygirl, Cross Cards, Inkstruck.
• Fun: Monica's Friends apartment updated for 2018.

REWIND.

• 2015: TV flashbacks, lemon yellow and rustic wedding inspo, and a day in my life.
• 2014: I shared my past and made predictions about my future.

currently... [december 2017]

Two of my favorite bloggers, Anne from In Residence and Jamie from Perpetual Page-Turner (who became a mom while I was on hiatus! Congratulations Jamie!), have features on their blogs with what they're currently up to, so this month I decided to join in now that I'm back to blogging. 

lighting: an Advent candle every Sunday. One candle, because I went super minimalist this year/never got around to buying additional candles or making a wreath. I ended up popping a pillar candle into an empty glass jar, adding some Epsom salt and glitter "snow," and calling it good - it's the prayer and spiritual preparation for Christmas that count. Ann Voskamp and Tsh Oxenreider have some great Advent resources on their sites if you're interested in starting this spiritual practice but not sure where to begin.

spending: my mornings wondering if I'm going to be sick and late for work or if I'll make it there on time. Thanks, Baby Q. My nausea and morning sickness are definitely less terrible now that I'm in my second trimester, but every now and then the floor tiles start swimming, or I'll start gagging for no apparent reason, and apparently my heartburn is never going away #hairybaby

choosing: Dirty Santa gifts for upcoming celebrations with my Bible study and co-workers. I don't know why a simple party game that's meant to be playful and funny causes me so much anxiety, but I never know what to buy! I don't really want my contribution to be THE gift everyone fights over, but I certainly don't want it to be the one no one wants.

sending: what feels like a million Christmas cards. We did a photo card for the first time ever with one of the pictures from our pregnancy shoot, and I may have gone overboard on the order. I saved money with a coupon from Motherhood Maternity, but as someone who usually just grabs two boxes of cards from the store, there was definite sticker shock.

singing: Hanson and NSYNC Christmas songs - those were the first two holiday albums I ever purchased and they're still the first ones I play every year!

reading: The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines - not super into it so far. I feel like I'm reading a boring e-mail exchange between a married couple.

eating: cookies Mr. Q made with the leftover Halloween Kit-Kats and Reese's we still had in the kitchen. 

wearing: a LuLaRoe Carly dress on a regular basis - it's so perfect for pregnancy, but I still look like I put some effort into my outfit for work. 

watching: Brooklyn Nine-Nine - I started streaming it on Hulu and watch a few episodes a week. Why has it taken me so long to catch on to how great this show is? Also, I think I am Amy Santiago.

waiting on my DVR: several episodes of Saturday Night Live - I haven't been able to stay up very late recently. I think the last SNL I watched was Gal Gadot if that tells you anything.

texting: my sister-in-law and her girlfriend about family Christmas plans.

on my library holds list: Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon - I tried to read it once before and failed, but I really miss the characters so I'm going to give it another try.

on my book to-buy list: Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones for the Creating & Co. virtual book club - have any of you read it? Is it worth paying for?

waiting to be released: Maggie Stiefvater's Dreamer trilogy (the follow-up to the Raven Cycle with Ronan as the main character).

looking forward to: winter break, even though ours is very short this year (our last day of school is December 22nd, and we go back January 2nd).

craving: Cheez Doodles, Doritos, nachos, Amy's macaroni and cheese, etc. - for reasons I will probably never know, powdered/fake cheese seems to be my number one pregnancy craving. Is there some mineral in "cheese product" that my diet is missing?

griping about: our standardized testing schedule. As if testing in and of itself weren't bad enough, we never seem to be very organized ahead of time, and there are two days when I'm going to end up basically babysitting the students who aren't testing. I have put together an awesome activity for the first day, but for the second I am super tempted to pop in a movie.

need to do: finish my Christmas shopping, especially for Mr. Q (does anyone else find that husbands are incredibly difficult to shop for? Why is that man so self-sufficient?)

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
SWOON.

Erin Wilson Photography via Southern Weddings

• A blue and peach Southern Wedding with an ice cream bar.
• An eclectic Houston rental tour from Apartment Therapy.
• An elegant French-inspired wedding from Style Me Pretty.
• In love with this retro bridal shower shoot in Palm Springs.

SMILE.

• Alamo Drafthouse's female-only Wonder Woman screenings.
• Verily's secrets for looking put-together - I've used them all!
• Long-weekend wardrobe inspiration in patriotic stripes.
• The Hollywood Reporter goes behind the scenes at SNL.

FLASHBACK.

• 2013: favorite pieces from Target and Instagrammers to follow.
• 2012: confetti-inspired wedding inspiration.  
• 2011: ideas for signature cocktails.

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.


SWOON.

Jeremiah and Rachel Photography via Style Me Pretty

• From SMP, a romantic blended-family wedding in Montana.
• Colorful Kentucky Derby party ideas from Oh Happy Day.
• Every detail of this workshop shoot from Ruffled is dreamy.
• At Snippet + Ink, a gorgeous interfaith wedding in England.

FYI.

• Desktops: Live Beautifully, Oh So Beautiful, Soggy Musings
• Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale arrives this week on Hulu...
• and Neil Gaiman's American Gods begins on Starz. 
• A different look at planning weekly date nights, from NYT.

SMILE.

• Mashable rounded up the best March for Science pictures.
• These cactus kiss favors would be perfect for Cinco de Mayo.
• From Damask Love, an adorable leather flower purse DIY.
• Stealing this Anthro styling idea for 90's style slip dresses.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: remixed closet staples, seating ideas for spring celebrations, April favorites.
• 2014: a Sunday Social about pet peeves and the best [Mean Girls themed] link-up ever.
• 2013: inspiration for my eternal favorite spring trend: mixed prints.
• 2012: backyard wedding inspiration and ideas for a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

style: favorite 2017 golden globes looks

It's become something of a tradition for me to do a post-award show fashion round-up. I'm no expert, of course, just a regular girl who loves pretty dresses and trying to spot trends. There were definitely some common themes at the Golden Globes this Sunday that can inspire our own spring looks, as well as some fresh looks the likes of wish we haven't seen gracing the red carpet in the last few years. [Image Sources]

The Cutest

The cast of Stranger Things, obviously! Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven on the show, is twelve years old and classier than I have ever been, and I just want to squeeze the little dudes. Their rap/Barb tribute in the show's opener was EVERYTHING.

My Favorite Looks

I'm probably being super predictable with my picks, but I think the two most elegant looks at the Globes took the cake. Emma Stone's star-spangled blush pink Valentino gown was the stuff my fashion dreams are made of, and I've got the Pinterest boards to prove it. I also thought Michelle Williams looked fantastic in her off-the-shoulder lace Louis Vuitton gown. Chokers are a big trend right now and both ladies put their own spin on it.

Honorable Mentions

Plunging necklines were popular on the awards show red carpets last year, and were even more of a Thing this year, with stars like Kristen Bell and Jessica Biel pushing the limits of Hollywood Fashion Tape. My favorite takes on the trend came from Mandy Moore, whose navy dress included a glamorous cape, and Gone Girl's Emily Ratajkowski, who also slayed in the hair and makeup department.

The Hollywood Princesses

Lily Collins could wear a garbage bag and look gorgeous, and her embellished Zuhair Murad Couture dress in a dusty rose hue was one of the most popular looks of the night. I have to admit that I'm not a fan of the ruffle on the train, but the gown looked amazing when she spun around on the red carpet. Hailee Steinfeld was also giving off Disney vibes in lavender Vera Wang cut in a trendy cold-shoulder style. Both starlets kept their hair sleek, brows and lips bold, and wore pastel eye makeup to match their gowns (Lily's was actually lip liner and blush, according to E!)

Color Trend: Primrose Yellow

One of Pantone's color trends for this spring, there was a LOT of primrose yellow on the red carpet! Viola Davis shone in bright yellow, Natalie Portman channeled Jackie O, Reese Witherspoon looked every bit the movie star in Versace, and the embroidery on Busy Philipps' black gown was a fun, folk art inspired touch that suited her bohemian style.

The Living Sculptures

Outlander's Caitriona Balfe's Delpozo dress was one of my favorites of the night because it was so unique (maybe a nod to all of her character Claire's amazing dresses in Paris?). I suppose we should expect nothing less from a supermodel, but I thought Naomi Campbell looked especially awesome in metallic lilac Versace.

Yaass!

Sorry for the cheesy category title, but "outfits I love because they are totally true to the personalities of the women wearing them" was too long. I absolutely love Janelle Monae, and her Armani Privé dress was true to her black and white signature style, and her recent string of crafty hairstyles continues with a pearl-pinned beehive. It made me happy, but I'm having a hard time finding a picture of her smiling, so I'm wondering if it was horribly uncomfortable. On the other hand, Evan Rachel Wood looked super comfortable and confident in her Marlene Dietrich inspired Joseph Altuzarra tuxedo. I loved the reason she gave for wearing it - on the red carpet, she explained that she's been to the Golden Globes six times in dresses and wanted to make sure young girls know they don't have to wear dresses if they don't want to.

What was your favorite red carpet look at this year's Golden Globes? 

Are you an awards show addict like me?

If you'd like to add any of these images to your Pinterest boards or blog, please visit my Pinterest board and pin/save from the original source. Thanks!

fall 2016 tv preview!

fall 2016 tv premieres i'm looking forward to

I'm posting the annual fall TV roundup today because one of my faves, You're the Worst, returns tonight at 10 p.m. Eastern. I love my fall TV, and I'm rounding up the show's I'm either looking forward or just plain curious about here.

sundays

Once Upon a Time (8p, ABC, Sept. 25)

My favorite show really went off the rails in the last season, but I'm hopeful that this one will be better. Lana Parilla, arguably one of the most talented actors on the show, will get to do double duty this season as both Storybrooke mayor Regina Mills and the Evil Queen. Emma and Hook are confirmed true love. The Disney shout-out this season will be Aladdin. Let's focus on the positives and not the potential mess that is the Land of Untold Stories.

mondays

The Big Bang Theory (8p, CBS, Sept. 19, Thursdays starting Oct. 27)

Will watch this season for Katey Segal and Jack McBrayer's appearances as Penny's family members, and pregnant Bernadette.

The Voice (8p, NBC, Sept. 19)

Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys. I'm intrigued.

Supergirl (8p, CW, Oct. 10)

I'm generally not a huge DC Comics fan, but I just can't quit Supergirl - and neither could the CW, which has taken over the show's rights from CBS. Between adorable Kara Danvers and sassy Cat Grant, it's an hour of fun escapism and goofy villains - plus, Superman will be an actual character this season instead of just a guy who texts Kara a lot.

Fresh Off the Boat (9p, ABC, Oct. 11)

I love this show. Jessica Huang is my role model.

The Good Place (10p, NBC, Sept. 19)

I just love Kristen Bell. The premise of this one is really cheesy (bad girl accidentally gets into Heaven), but it looks cute (because Kristen Bell).

Conviction (10p, ABC, Oct. 3)

I'm not going to lie, I'm not psyched about this show's concept (former First Daughter and lawyer with a drug problem takes a job for the New York District Attorney to avoid jail time), but I love Hayley Atwell too much not to tune in. Emily Kinney from the Walking Dead will also be in this one. I wish they could just be Peggy Carter and Beth forever...

Timeless (10p, NBC, Oct. 3)

This is one of the new shows I am most excited about this year - Goran Visnjic (Luka from ER) plays a steals a time machine with the intent of destroying America as we know it. A team consisting of a scientist, a history professor, and a soldier use the machine's prototype to try to stop the criminal. The costumes and sets look beautiful.

tuesdays

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (10p, ABC, Sept. 20)

Last season was full of WTF moments and Fitzsimmons drama and shipping, and I'm looking forward to what's next for my actual favorite Marvel characters. Jason O'Mara is joining the cast as the new director of S.H.I.E.L.D., and the cast has been teasing on social media that the 10:00 time slot will allow for edgier content.

This Is Us (10p, NBC, Sept. 20 / 9p, Oct. 11)

This ensemble piece about characters who share the same birthday and whose lives are entertwined features Mandy Moore, so I am in.

Drunk History (10:30p, Comedy Central, Sept. 27)

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Dave Grohl will both be on the series this season! That's all I need to know.

wednesdays

The Goldbergs (8p, ABC, Sept. 21)

Wednesday fun.

Total Bellas (8p, E!, Oct. 5)

Will this show about twin sisters who are professional wrestlers and the men who love them (made famous by Total Divas, I guess E! figured out that every other character in that show was annoying) be total trash TV? Yes it will. And I will totally watch it.

Speechless (8:30p, ABC, Sept. 21)

I'm intrigued by the concept of a family comedy centering on a teenager with special needs.

You're the Worst (10p, FXX, Aug. 31)

Season 2 of You're the Worst was surprisingly deep and I appreciated the way the show's writers handled Gretchen's clinical depression, including the tense moment when Jimmy finally shouted at her to "snap out of it!" Anyone who has ever dealt with depression knows why that scene crushed me - I vividly remember having to teach Mr. Q how my depression was actually a medical condition and not a bad mood. Then Jimmy built Gretchen a fort and held her through the night and I cried again. This season, Gretchen will enter therapy and Samira Wiley (from OiTNB) will play her therapist. 

thursdays

Pitch (9p, Fox, Sept. 22)

This series about a female pitcher who gets a job in the MLB looks awesome.

Life in Pieces (9:30p, CBS, Oct. 27)

Last year, Mr. Q and I were surprised by how much we liked this show about a big family. It doesn't quite fill the Parenthood gap, leaning more toward Modern Family style comedy than shmaltz, but it's good. Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally will be guest starring in the opening episode of this season, which should be hilarious.

fridays

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (9p, CW, Oct. 21)

I totally love this show and can't wait for another season of zany antics and weird musical numbers. Now that Josh knows everything about why Rebecca moved to West Covina, but she and Greg are clearly meant to be, things should get really awkward - and that's when this show is at its best.

saturdays

Saturday Night Live (NBC, TBA)

It'll be interesting to watch Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon on a post-Ghostbusters SNL!

streaming

Easy (Netflix, Sept. 22)

I haven't heard much about this anthology series, but the cast includes Orlando Bloom, Jake Johnson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Aya Cash, so I'm going to give it a shot.

Luke Cage (Netflix, Sept. 30)

Mike Colter has been fantastic on Jessica Jones, so seeing him get to star in his own series will be great. I know basically nothing about this character.

The Mindy Project (Hulu, Oct. 4)

I can't decide whether I even want Mindy and Danny to be together anymore, but I am looking forward to Mindy's real-life BFF B.J. Novak making another appearance this season.

Good Girls Revolt (Amazon, October 28)

Based on the 1970 sex discrimination suit against Newsweek by 46 female employees including Nora Ephron and starring Anna Camp, I'm hoping to read the Lynn Povich book this is based on before the show premieres.

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (Netflix, Nov. 25)

HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY TO US ALL.

Sources: Metacritic, Screencrush

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
WATCH.

• This might be my favorite Carpool Karaoke yet - it's Britney, bitches! I think my all-time favorite is still "Toxic," but I'm going to picture James from now on when I hear "Hit Me Baby One More Time."

SWOON.

• Pretty burgundy botanical inspiration from 100 Layer Cake.
• From APW, a sweet woodland wedding with lush florals.
• A dreamy boho outdoor movie night from the Everygirl.
• A romantic greenhouse wedding from Henry + Mac.

SMILE.

• Happy birthday to America's National Park Service.
• Sweet: a site that lets little girls design their dresses.
• Erin's to-do list system is similar to my lesson plans.
• So cute: an art exhibition designed for dogs to enjoy.

FLASHBACK.

• 2014: My faves for September and shared a Sunday Social all about the 5's.
• 2013: jewel-toned wardrobe picks, ceremony backdrop ideas, a guide to housewarming gifts, my "House United" wreath for football season, and a Southern game day outfit.
• 2012: end-of-summer Instagrams, orange and blue and apple orchard wedding inspiration, kelly green wardrobe ideas, geometric home and fashion accessories.  
• 2011: the cost breakdown of our DIY wedding flowers, photos from our rehearsal, and my favorite peach pie recipe.

#5FandomFriday: Make-Up Friday - 5 Characters I'd Name My Kids After

5 Fandom Friday is a weekly prompt challenge for female geek bloggers hosted by The Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick. You can learn more about the Female Geek Bloggers group here. This week, I'm catching up with a #5FandomFriday prompt I missed: characters I'd name my (future) kids after.

1. Emma - I've fallen in love with Once Upon a Time over the past couple of years, and while my favorite character was originally Mary Margaret, her daughter Emma Swan has taken first place in my heart. First of all, Jennifer Morrison is beautiful and a wonderful actress who deserves to win all the awards. Emma Swan is tough, clever, and fiercely protective of those she loves, and those are all qualities I would be proud to see in my future daughter. She also shares her name with my favorite Jane Austen novel.

2. Luna - One of my favorite Harry Potter characters by far is dreamy Ravenclaw, Luna Lovegood. Even though she's suffered horrible tragedy followed by being the object of bullying in school, Luna remains sweet, kind, and always willing to help. She is humble and hardworking. In the books, I love the grounding effect she has on Harry, and the way he values her advice and spirit and chooses to be her friend no matter what others may think.

3. Claire - I love escaping into history and romance through the Outlander books, and Claire Randall/Beauchamp/Fraser is one of my favorite narrators of all time. Raised to be strong and confident, she served as a field nurse during World War II, endured all sorts of hardships in 18th century Scotland and France, because a successful doctor in America, and showed herself to be stubborn and brave throughout it all. She's sassy and intelligent and I absolutely adore her.

4. Carter - Carter is basically the best name ever for a baby geek - there's John Carter of Mars, SHIELD director Peggy Carter, and, for country music geeks like me, the Carter family from Virginia. But my first beloved Carter was Dr. John Carter, played by Noah Wyle on E.R. Oh, how I loved that man despite his many flaws. He was patient, kind, and devoted to saving the world in order to fight his inner demons.

5. Sawyer - I love a rogue - think Han Solo, Mal Reynolds, and Killian Jones - and one of my all time favorites is James "Sawyer" Ford from LOST. Even though he did some despicable things, I was rooting for him and the knight in shining armor I knew he could become throughout all the dark and twisty seasons of that crazy show.

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...

Happy August, y'all. This week, I'm focusing on reminding myself to be content with what I have and with my current season in life. Can I get real for a minute? All summer, friends and family members keep asking how the house hunt is going. It's painful to have to say... "it's still going" when in truth we have found a one-of-a-kind home but it is out of our price range. Several friends are mamas-to-be, and I have to remind myself that it's not my time yet. Teachers head back to school today, and there's a part of me that feels like I should be further along, more accomplished in my career. More, more, more.  I often forget that comparison is the thief of joy, until I realize that I've spent fifteen minutes or half an hour scrolling through Instagram or Facebook and feel worse instead of better. Two posts that really resonated with me this week were "The Traps" at The Inspired Room and "Of Elder-flowers and Jealousy" at Design for Mankind.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

SWOON.

• From 100 Layer Cake, a boho wedding's cool ceremony arch.
• A gorgeous interfaith wedding in NYC from Snippet and Ink.
• At Style Me Pretty, a graphic designer's beautiful wedding.
• How cute is this sprinkle-covered pink birthday cake?

SMILE.

• August desktops: Organised Housewife, Smashing, Flipsnack.
• Lunchbox love: Lisa Frank zebra cakes from Studio DIY.
• Girl Meets World's season finale will be a big BMW reunion!
• On my wishlist for fall: J. Crew's cute, colorful signet purse.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: The SC Aquarium, a date night LBD outfit, midsummer in IG, fave fictional pets.
• 2014: My August favorites.
• 2013: The things I can't live without and punchy wardrobe picks.
• 2012: Brazilian pork chops, a hearts of palm and avocado salad, an avocado-coconut milkshake, and an Olympics Ring tie-dyed shirt.
• 2011: Orange wardrobe and home inspiration, rustic and modern fall wedding ideas.