outfit post// christmas pjs

It's officially Christmas season in the Carroll-Scearce-Vega household. We whipped out the Christmas pajama pants! My roommates and I (pictured above) have finally put up most, if not all the Christmas decorations. Even if we are all peacing out before Christmas, it'll add to the holiday spirit! We're going to make our list of Christmas movies to watch soon. We better make time to watch them in the midst of finals, Felicity and trying to keep sane.

[Side note about the picture: At first I hated this one because it's "true to size." I look so short compared to them :( I am 4'11. Anyway, I made them take another one while I stood on a step school but felt dishonest, so I used this one!]

My lovely friend Mary Beth took these photos :] I hate taking photos on campus. Ugh. She said, "Are you going to use these for your blog?" At first I wasn't going to just to spite her but, even deep down I knew I was hehe.

Oh yeah, and it snowed a little here in Boone. No, it wasn't a blizzard (although I'm anticipating when Boone becomes a snow globe on steroids). I'm pretty bi-polar when it comes to snow here in Boone (as you can tell from the pictures). Cold, cold hands, but cute tights. Foggy, wet glasses but wearing coats! My walk to class gains five extra minutes from the wind blowing me back, but snow is beautiful! My car gets stuck every year and I can't even make it up my hill to my house, but watching snow fall from the window with the fire going is one of the most serene feelings.

Sigh, snow snow snow. How to feel about you. Obviously you're a man if you're making me feel this way.

Is it sad to base where you will move to next based on your closet? I just can't live anywhere too warm or without a cold season. I have just too much fall/winter clothing!

Guest post with Beth for "Dot Cuts Back"

Check out my guest post for Beth from dot...in the city! She is having a series of money saving tips for the holiday season. I put in my two cents about ways I save money while being in college, but the tips can be for everyone - in college, not in college and those in between! Be sure to check it out and the other posts as well!

Have a great Monday friends!

Outfit Post // Sisters Edition

Finally! Another outfit post. I'm beginning to enjoy these...especially when I get to take pictures with my younger sister. I decided to do a little photo shoot on Thanksgiving Day. It was less awkward because I wasn't take pictures of just myself this time, but what was awkward was that we took photos in the "Bark Park" of my mom's apartment complex...hmm. Need I say more?

Well blogging world, I introduce to you my little sister Megan. Gorgeous, driven and I hear her older sister rocks ;) Enjoy our little photo-op. A few hours later we stuffed out faces and bellies full of lovely Thanksgiving food. We then proceeded to hang out with our adorably cute cousins and play the best game of Pictionary with everyone I had ever experienced. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Warning: This post is photo heavy. We just had too much fun!

My outfit: Dress//boutique, Shoes// found here - Old Navy, Tights + cardigan//Target, Bracelet//Gift, Purse// Michael Kors, Glasses//found here - BonLook,

Hair inspired by: Sara Lynn Paige
Megan's: Dress//Mom's, Shoes//Charlotte Russe, Blazer//Silvina's, Earrings//found here - Forever 21, Belt//JCPenny, Tights//Mine

PS: Isn't her nail polish adorable?!

Now, are you ready for the self-timer-awkward-but-arguably-cute-photos?

I love this little girl to death. Can't believe she's already 16! Yow-za!

Well, I trek back up the mountain to Boone tomorrow for a few more weeks of fundraising event planning, assignments, papers, exams, group projects, photo editing, work and uh, you know, college stuff. Finals are coming up, so all my college friends, best of luck to you :)

My break home was nothing short of necessary, relaxing and beneficial.
Hope everyone had a wonderfully safe holiday!

thank you notes part II

As part of my monthly goals, I am to write 30 thank you notes in the month of November. So far I've posted about nine of them, and here is the little update of my notes!

My Yes, Teacher! mini-cards ran out, so I did the next thank you notes digitally >>

Nine more thank you notes to go.
What are you thankful for this season?

a little award: Liebster Blog

I've seen this award floating around the blogging world and I am happy that Kirsten from whiskey.tango.foxtrot decided to bless me with this award! The Liebster Blog Award is given to up and coming blogs who have less than 200 followers. Liebster is a German word meaning dear, sweet, kind, nice, good, beloved, lovely, kindly, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

Not only am I supporter or up and coming blogs, but I love to share with others my favorite ones! It's good to support bloggers that are trying to find their little niche in this blogging world. At times its hard because you compare yourself to those with 343454564567 followers, but it's never about numbers :] Ever. So all of you remember that.

How does it work?
1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love too!

So thank you again to Kirsten for this lovely blog award! I want to pass it along to a handful of bloggers that I've loved and adored for quite a while now. I try to spread the love to bloggers I haven't awarded yet and instead of just naming yet, I want to share a little description of why.

1. Melissa from My Soul in the Sky

Not only does she have a rockin' name *wink*, she is stylish, has great hair tutorials, takes beautiful pictures, is ultra sweet and has great recipes. I think I ran across her blog via Gentri (man, she comes up a lot in my posts, hehe) and I'm so happy I did! I always look forward to what she's posting next because she's just ultra stylish and adorable. Oh, and her husband and her are the absolute cutest. Okay, I'll stop being like a complete stalker now. So glad I have met you girl! Seriously. Let's be blogging friends forever!

2. Lauren from Tastes Like Love

Lauren is SUPER sweet! We're sponsors for one another, so it feels kind of nice to showcase her a little on my blog :) She has a great post series on her blog called "Start your week off with..." that features posts from other bloggers she recommends. (She has showcased me a couple of times here and here . I told you she was sweet!) She has does she pretty sweet illustrations. I want one of me so bad! (hint, hint) Just kidding :) But you should check out her blog because it's just crazy if you don't.

3. LauraJane from Little Miss LJ

I am SUPER lucky to have met this wonderful lady through packpage pals. You can see what we gave each other here. She's was the perfect person to exchange packages with :) I got some sa-weet things from California! Her blog is filled with make-up tutorials, cute outfits, YUMMY food and just overall cuteness. I wish I could meet her in real life. I feel like we would be the bestestest friends! I'm going to hire her one day to do my make-up and bake me yummy stuff on the daily :) Can't wait to meet you in person! California, here I come!

4. Megan from ASULike It

Not only do I know Megan in real life so I know that she's just a fabulous person, the concept behind her blog ASULike It is brilliant! She captures the fashion of men and women on the campus of our school, Appalachian State University, through her lens. It's wonderful because you get to see a bit of real life college fashion on the streets of Boone. She even featured me once here and I feel so dang honored! Megan however is one of the most fashionable people I know! I'm going to feature her on here one day because she's also a great model ;) Check out her blog now!

5. Amber from The Owl's Den

She's crafty, cute, an entrepreneur and knows how to find some great vintage things! Seriously. I would totally want her to come with me thrifting because she finds the best stuff. She also has a cute etsy store named Craft'n Bettie that's affordable, cute and fun! I've had my eyes on a few things. I want her to bring back the glasses necklace! (Hint, hint amber!) Anyway, I'm glad the blogging world has brought us together! I hope your etsy shop has extreme success and we can go thrifting together!

There you have it kids! The Liebster award. I went into a little more detail than most, but I just wanted to feature some great bloggers :) Hope you check them out and pass along the award (if you want to). Love you all!

PS: Just entered this lovely giveaway by Miss Indie. If you love camera's you'll love this.
You should too. Maybe not, because I want to win. Kidding :)

Obsessed Series 005: Manchester Orchestra

Nothing like seeing a band live.
Especially when you love them more than you did walking in.

I've always been a fan of Manchester Orchestra, but now it's like I truly fell in love with them. Sure I would listen to the handful songs I had from them recommended from various friends, but now...now it's true love. I've never appreciated them like I do now and all of you, yes all of you need to, too. Andy Hull, singer/songwriter/guitarist, writes some of the most honest lyrics and his voice is so raw and fierce. I went to go see them in Charlotte on a whim and I'm so glad I did. I even walked out with their newest album on vinyl, Simple Math.

 

In other news,

+ I am officially home for the Thanksgiving holiday.

+ I did photography for my first wedding reception. Preview pictures to come!

+ I am looking forward to gaining 10+ pounds this week.
+ I've downloaded some new fonts & gotten new music. Both of which make me extremely happy!

+ I leave you with "Deer" by Manchester Orchestra and you'll understand my love. It is the first song on their new album. [Sorry, no actual music video for this song]

package pals 2011

I am happy to present to you, Package Pals 2011! 

My lovely blogger friend, who is one of the most adorable and friendliest people I know, Gentri, hosted this lovely project that truly brought a lot of bloggers together. I got paired with LauraJane and we were seriously the perfect match! I sent her some love from North Carolina and she sent some love from California. Maybe one day we'll meet up and bake together and she can do my make-up! (She has some great tutorials on her blog!) Here's some photos of what I got/gave. Her package was just filled with love and she knows me so well. Enjoy the pictures :]

I had the absolute best time putting together her package and of course I loved every second opening hers! I nearly ripped the box in half because I was so excited. Every time I picked up something from her package I was like, yes! This is perfect! My roommate was next to me and I could feel her jealous looks, haha. She had the best explanations for my gifts, i.e. giving me the "Awake" Tazo tea because she knows I'm in college and working like three jobs and a Vegan cookbook because I was trying Vegan recipes. Oh! And I don't know if she knows, but she actually sent me my FAVORITE brand of cupcake mix!!

I LOVE the feather headband she made me and my cute yellow pouch!
Ok, there's nothing in that package that I didn't love!

I decided to send her a few of my favorite things as well such as notebooks (because I am forever making lists and doodling), a mix cd (because if I make you a mix cd, you know we're real friends ;]) and I started a little quote book for her to finish. I hope she loved my package :]

Thank you Gentri for hosting this project and a HUGE thank you to LauraJane for one of the best packages I have ever received. So glad we met and look forward to out little blogging friendship!

making a statement

I never intended to make this a "fashion" blog of any sort, but every now and then an outfit post will suffice, especially when it showcases some little goodies I've gotten from giveaways! Maybe I'll start doing more? What do you think?

Again, I feel so silly when I pose with the self-timer. Sorry for my awkward poses...and moments of my camera not focusing. Maybe I should have a post of all the not-so-great camera moments...Never mind, that's too embarrassing. Anyway! On to better things!

Just wanted to give a shout out to Lo, the blogger at Little Somethings by Little Lo Hood and etsy owner of Printed Peaks! Thanks to her and Gentri for hosting such a lovely giveaway, I won this perfect necklace that if I daresay, makes a statement. A great one at that! Love it, love it love it. Another shout out belongs to Amanda, the blogger behind feast.fashion.faves! She hosted a BB Dokota tank giveaway a few weeks ago and I was super lucky to snag this wonderful black tank! It's so comfortable and definitely my style. Thank you both, you ROCK!

The knitted sweater in this photo was bought when I was 16! Can you believe it? It's from a little shop in Arcata, CA (which Boone reminds me of and pretty much why I chose to go to App). I wish I remembered the name of the store because I remember loving it. Hopefully California and I will reunite within the next year [I have some plans in mind ;)].

Wow, I've posted two days in a row. I'm getting a little better keeping up with this blog! I guess it's pretty obvious that school is calming down a little bit...if only for a moment.

Okay, my roommate and I are going to finish The Hills series tonight. BYE!

new glasses, new me

Okay, not really, but I did get new glasses
Thank you BonLook for creating affordable glasses :] I got this pair.

Anyway, I always feel like such an idiot when I take pictures of myself on the porch, but I would feel even more self-conscious making my roommates take them honestly. At least my town home has beautiful wood paneling that I can use as my backdrop...and my back porch is a story or two from ground level, so it's less awkward.

This look is what I call my lounge-around-my-house-writing-a-paper-look. My favorite look! Warm, comfy, neutral and these glasses make me feel extra intelligent [and hipster] so it's no wonder I just wrote a kickbutt paper. Maybe...probably not and it's okay, I will allow you to call me hipster this one time ;)

The cardigan was a hand-me-down along with these black tights (from eighth grade!)
Flannel was JC Penny and knee-high socks are from TJ Maxx. Ralph Lauren I believe?

Anyway, four days until I get a breakity break from school, kind of.
I can't wait!

This weekend includes Manchester Orchestra + Deer Hunter show in Charlotte, shooting my first wedding and HOME. Home sweet home. Look out for my package pal post in a few days :] Can't wait to share what LauraJane got me! Can't wait to see what everyone else got/gave.

Have a great week friends!

laugh list v.1

In the midst of deadlines, over committing my time, stressful environments and no sleep [welcome to college!], it's important to take a breathe and focus on the fun things in life. With this being said, I decided to start compiling a little "laugh list" where I share with you all things that helped me survive my weeks and find joy in the little things in [college] life. It's important to laugh :] Hopefully these things will make you laugh as much as it made me.

+ Barbie & Ken's wedding
Hi-larious! It's hilarious because it's so well done! I know you've probably seen these puppies floating around the internet, but just in case you didn't, I am here to share them with you! Photographer Beatrice de Guigne featured this photo shoot on Rock n Roll Bride.

Guigne quoted, "Barbie was tired of waiting so she asked Ken to get married."


You go girl! *


+ Elf on a Shelf
I was on the blog Run with Scissors and came across these silly little photos of this elf! Who's this elf you ask? He is Santa's helper who keeps an eye on you to determine if you're on the nice or naughty list. They like to play hide and seek, especially with kids! You can read more here for the detailed story. Realistically, parents purchase this elf on the shelf to have fun during the holidays. Some people have come up with hilarious little photo shoots. Hope they make you laugh like I do :)

*

*

You can find some more floating around the internet :]

+ This Haiku, written by Chic on the Cheap
 

Hahahaha it's genius!

+ My friend Cameron's status on Facebook

+ My Dad's comment about "Hoe Cakes"

While we were having a family brunch at a restaurant called Courtney's, on their specials board they had an option called "Hoe Cakes" which apparently are cornmeal pancakes. (Honestly still don't really know what that means).

Anyway, my dad exclaims,

"Does it come with a side of hoochie mamas?"

Yup, my dad said that.
Now you tell me where I get my sense of humor from ....

Gotta love him :]
I sure do 

Ps. I made my little sister a picture of this with my phone haha. Thanks Megan!

What made you laugh this week?

monthly goals update one

I debuted my monthly goals list a handful of months ago, but I don't think anyone read my blog then. Actually, I don't think many people still do, but I love those of you who do read it! Anyway, here's a little update on the month goals and what to expect :]

Monthly goals?
Being the Virgo that I am, I decided to set goals for myself for the next year. I started this past August and so far have completed three months of goals (whoo!), but I do have nine more to go. I think I'm going to do this every year. It's a great way to push yourself to achieve certain goals you've been wanting to for awhile and it keeps life interesting. Here's the little list I compiled last July and more information about the progress I've been making and my experience.

August was quite a hard month! I was in the Philippines (where shopping is a sport) and I was so tempted to buy buy buy. Actually this was probably the perfect month for this goal because it really pushed me.

September was a super fun goal! I FINALLY framed some black and white pictures I've been meaning to for a while. I did a post a while back on it and I even rearranged my room a little bit to showcase my new collage of frames. Check out the post here.

October was a challenge. I've been a Pescatarian (where you are allowed to eat fish/seafood) when I first started college, but that ended when Capone's accidentally put chicken in my pizza (oops!) This month allowed me to try more vegetarian meals with my friend Melissa and it was super fun! Check out what we cooked here and here. I'm definitely meant for meat (that didn't sound right), but vegetarian options are, well, an option! Plus, my wonderful package pal LauraJane got me this great vegan cookbook!

November is a month of thank yous. I've always been a fan of writing thank you notes to family and friends, so I thought this would be the perfect month for this goal. Leah over at thxthxthx.com inspired me to write one everyday in November. Check out her blog. She even has a book, so you know she's legit.

Here's my notes so far -

PS - These note cards were won through a giveaway offered by Lori and Sarah from Yes, Teacher! I absolutely love these mini cards. I thought they would be perfect for this little thank you project. They were my first thank you :] Check our her etsy store for some more of these cute cards! Actually won another giveaway from both of them and ordered the mustache love cards! Just a lucky girl I guess ;]

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! It's almost Rebecca Black day, I mean Friday.

a new bookshelf, kinda

For a couple months now, I've been inspired to redo my bookshelf! There are tons of cute bookshelves on pinterest that continue to inspire me, so I decided to do my own little project. It honestly was a bigger project than I anticipated (mainly because I knew nothing about wallpaper beforehand) but here's a little look into my project :) You should check out Sarah's post from Yes, Teacher! about bookshelf projects that may get you inspired too!

• Project duration: A few weeks [because I'm a college student + it takes me forever to do anything other than school work. True story]
• Cost: $20, I couldn't resist buying the textured wallpaper! I have enough to do my other bookshelf as well, so technically $10 for this project
• Mess factor: Extreme. The glue from wallpaper is ... gross and books all over my floor for weeks, oops!
• Outcome: Much happiness + satisfaction from this college student!

I was able to clear out some books that I wasn't reading anymore and set them aside to resell to a bookstore in Raleigh. Last time I got some good store credit, so I'm hoping to again. These bookshelves were handed down to me and after visiting Ikea a few months ago, I thought I "needed new bookshelves." I was nearly about to drop $100+ on some [ridiculous, I know]. Instead, I redid them and couldn't be more happy! Now these babies will last me (hopefully) awhile!

I love upcycling!
I have a few more diy projects on my list, so as long as I can get through these next few weeks of school, maybe I can actually implement them.

Do you have any upcoming home improvement type diy projects?

Thrifty Seeker

A month ago, I ran across a little website named ThriftySeeker.com where I bought my Pink Lemonade mustard yellow rosette headband! Pictured below. Guess how much I got this headband for? $5. No joke. Now I will share with you how.

ThrifySeeker.com are for those who are always on the lookout for great deals that you just can't beat. Items that are easy on the wallet, but are one-of-a-kind.A few times a week they will post amazing new deals that are always 40-90% off! This website isn't for the consumer, but also for the shop owner. By selling larger quantities than normal, both customers and merchants can benefit.

Okay, but how did you get your headband for $5?!Well, just by signing up, you automatically receive $5 credit! That's how my headband went from $10 to $5. Just can't beat it. You can also earn points for referring friends and by purchasing products.


Other things to note about Thrifty Seeker:

• Thrifty Seeker is a National Group Deal Website
• Are you a shop owner and want to have your product featured? Contact info@thriftyseeker.com and if you want to feature a service, contact mark@dibsondeals.com

For more information on all things thrifty, check out their Facebook and Twitter.

So what ya waiting for? Sign up for your free $5 and check out all the great deals going on right now! Support shop owners and abide by your wallet's rules :]

Disclaimer: I did receive compensation for writing this blog post, however, all opinions are my own.

a letter for November

[ This photo was taken four years ago, right outside my dorm freshman year with my point and shoot camera. I can't believe it's already been four years! Probably one of my favorite photos.]

Dear November,

You are the month that always likes to sneak up on me. I get so preoccupied in the month of October that I almost always forget about you, which is sad because you are a great month - especially this year. I always love when you come around because I get to wear all my favorite coats, which you know I'm obsessed with, and you always make sure I spend time with my family. You are always filled with sales, beautiful drives down the mountain and scarves. This year you have made school a huge priority, but I think it's because you know I'm ready to tackle it! These next two weeks will be pretty hectic and filled with more planning, writing, studying and late nights than ever before, but you know I can handle it :) After that you will reward me with a whooping ten days at home. See, you truly know how to be a great friend.

Stereotypically you are known as the month of giving and giving thanks, but even though you make me realize I need to thank the people around me and the opportunities that have been given to me, I never really get to thank you. So thank you November. You are one of the sweetest months because you always put things in perspective.

As far as the blog goes, look out for some great posts in November. I'm hoping once things settle down a little in the academic world, I will be able to devote a little more time to my blog because I've got some great things in store to share with everyone. Just sit tight. Hopefully November will stay a little longer than usual :]

An aDORAble Halloween!

Finally!
The Halloween costume is revealed! Ta-da! Introducing Dora the Explorer! At first I was going to be Kourtney Kardashian so I could have a reason to wear "classy" clothing and red lipstick, but since I decided to work this weekend, I needed something family friendly, comfortable and inexpensive. The orange shorts and pink shirt was bought at Goodwill, pink socks at Wal-Mart and the backpack was purchased in Charleston this past summer [thanks to my Aunt!]. I just added eyes and a mouth :) All the kids kept saying "Where's map?!" and I had to tell them he was too tired and stayed at home (even though honestly I was too lazy to make one haha)

Enjoy the pictures!
Hope everyone had a wonderfully safe Halloween. Can't wait to see pictures of everyone's holiday.

What has been your favorite Halloween costume?

Giveaways to check out!

+ Gentri is hosting a giveaway from the lovely, "Secret Life of Bees!"

an award or two

Who has the best blogging friends in the world?

I think I do!

Okay, okay. That may have been a little biased.

I truly can't believe how many amazing people I've met through blogs. Those of you who are less excited about the internet and sharing personal information publicly probably wouldn't understand how you could "trust" or find "friendships" through blogging, but I'd beg to differ! Anyway, the point of that was to segway into these two awards that two of my sweet blogging friends (and one of them I actually know - in real life - haha) awarded me! I'm a little late with replying to these but hopefully you'll forgive me :]

Angela from Simply Simple Me was such a sweetheart for extending the "The Kreativ Blogger Award" to me! We're both participating in the Package Pal project hosted by Gentri and if my memory doesn't fail me, I think that's how we met! Can't wait to get to know her a bit better :) We both have a love for food, wine and blogging!

Rules of the award: To share seven things about yourself and award seven more bloggers this award. Be sure to let them know you awarded them so they can pass it on! [Hope I don't bore you with too many random things about me haha]

Seven Things

1. Favorite color: Mustard Yellow
2. I'm a public relations major and love it!
3. I'm "organized chaos."
4. I may or may not have four jobs.
5. I graduate in May [Eeeeek!]
6. I'm going to Thailand on May 20.
7. I am desperately trying to grow out my hair. It has been/will be a long process.

Now to pass on the award to: Danielle, Katia, Isabel, Lauren, Caroline, Sarah and Laura.

These ladies rock and are inspiring. Check out their lovely blogs!

Emily from Life of Emily! has graciously given me the Versatile Blogger award [a month ago] and now I get to share it with other bloggers! Thanks Emily for awarding me this :] You rock as a fellow Her Campus App State member & blogger.

Rules of the award: Just like the Kreativ Blogger Award, you must share seven things about yourself and award seven other lovely bloggers to pass it around! Let your bloggers know you awarded them!


[Another] Seven Things
1. I don't go anywhere without my planner + moleskine.
2. I am constantly making to-do lists.
3. I collect vinyl.
4. My home is made of wood paneling.
5. I am in the process of working on my Flickr account for my photography.
6. I only like to use certain kinds of pens.
7. I don't like colored pencils.

Passing along this award to: Rachel, Ashley, Renee Redd, Lena, Meghan, Beth and Danelle B.



Thanks again to Angela + Emily. Check out their blogs and all the other wonderful bloggers.