Easter and Pearls

This fashionista is in some desperate need of some Chanel but will be left to fake it until she makes it. 

(Glasses: F21 $3, Long Sleeve: Target $7, Skirt: Nordstrom Rack $8, Necklace: Gift $0, and Clutch Nordstrom Rack $15. Not bad for $33 bucks)

I had a romantic and feminine Easter outfit planned out in my head that didn't exactly translate into real life. Over the past month I collected some killer pieces but made the mistake of not assembling them until this morning and 15 minutes before I needed to leave to church. BIG fail. In my moment of panic I decided to channel my style icon, Coco Chanel since it was the only way I can justify wearing black on a day ruled by pastels.

Normal eggs are so last year.

I hope your Easter was well spent sipping some bubbles and chatting with family. I treasure and enjoy celebrating the relationship I have with my man. We fell asleep last night sipping chocolate, peanut butter, and banana beer on the sofa and woke up with the excitement of Christmas morning to exchange Easter baskets. You are never too old for plastic eggs filled with reese cups.

Live and Love passionately!

sunday style

INSTA-awesome

*Disclaimer: My blog is now more of a diary and if you decide to stay around these parts be prepared for lengthier posts that ramble on to no ends.

This is the last week of my life according to my cell phone and Instagram. While Matt was rocking Vegas for his bachelor party I got my own groove on back home. 

Starburst and Wine- Favorites colors and flavors!

If I used the acronym YOLO (I don't know why I'm so against it) I'd use it to describe this photo and night. Sometimes evenings come along that you least expected and your reminded that you haven't been celebrating life loudly enough. When was the last time you felt unstoppable?

I think I went to Target 4 times in the past week. It is my favorite black hole to get sucked into. I roam the $1- $3 section and pull out a whole bunch of nonsense (Ex. Cat face chip clips, mini mouse stickers, and stationary I won't use) and then I patrol  the ends of aisles hunting for red sticker treasures. At the end of my hour long expedition I finally pick up the single bottle of needed shampoo that prompted the whole trip.

When you host an adult sleep over Porto's is the only way to nurse your soar stomach from all the laughter and booze. If you are ever in the area get yourself a potato ball. This little ball of heaven includes mashed potatoes filled with seasoned beef, breaded and fried to perfection. Mmmm I want one now.

<3

 I'm so lucky to be entering this new phase of life and adulthood with the support of so many life long friends. In my young group of friends so many of us are already married, starting families, taking big jobs, and moving far away. All the recent wedding festivities and this sleepover gave me a chance to hold to everyone for a little bit longer. I know growing apart and moving on is natural but I'll never get use to it.

Minor event: I got a new car! Right before Matt left for his trip my current car died and the only hope for resurrection was to pay 1,500 bucks and hope for the best. We decided it was best to invest in a new vehicle so with further adieu I present you with Jefferson, the Jeep Patriot. He is tough but cute and everything this girl needs.

Lastly, I'm getting married in 35 days! I went and visited the location and loved seeing the grounds so green and full of blooming flowers. We are in home stretch and are starting to feel the pressures of the day closing in. It is time to saddle up because things are about to get crazy.

Nature Hike

"This is what heathy people do, you want to be heathy right?" 

This is the conversation I had with myself as I rolled out of bed at 7am to prepare for a hike.

I'm not exactly Miss Fitness but I've been very aggressive with my efforts to lose weight and eat cleaner. While working out at the gym I often find it difficult to stay motivated and entertained. I call it "hamster syndrome"  because feeling like a critter trapped on a spinning wheel is enough to make anyone go crazy. I live near several great trails and have made it a personal mission to get out in the fresh air and experience them. My friend who is familiar with this trail guided we through one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on. He is among the first people I met when moving to the area and I adore our lengthy conversations about controversial documentaries, zombies, dirty hippies, historical figures, current issues, and life aspirations. When we are in one another's company life is anything but dull.

This trail is only 20 mins from my home and I can't believe it's taken my lazy bum a year and a half to experience it. Matt grew up in this area and over his lunch break shared stories of the times he spent here with his father. They would go for long runs and when it was time to collect bugs for his science project they left no rocks unturned. It's nice to know that he has so many fond memories of this place and I can't wait to return together.

Breakfast At Tiffany's Bridal Shower

With the help of my amazing bridal party, my two best friends/Maids of Honor put together a girl's dream bridal shower. Do you see those amazing decorations, bows, food, and treats? Gorgeous! I've always loved themed parties and after attending a 50's housewife shower I knew I wanted to come up with something as equally creative. Since I adore all things classy, dainty, and ladylike a Breakfast at Tiffany's shower was a natural choice. The invite included specific directions for all guests to wear their favorite little black dress paired with pearls or diamonds. I couldn't be more pleased with the lengths everyone took to follow the theme. Thanks to the ladies who this day so memorable!

I have a friend who is an amazing baker and made these cupcakes from champagne, strawberries, and creme.

Games and sign-in table

Speaking of games my friend Christa put together her own version of the Newly Wed Game and it was a huge hit! She came up with a bunch of questions she had Matt answer first and then in front of the entire party I guessed his responses. It was absolutely hilarious and everyone laughing and gasping for air. I think my next post needs to show case all the questions and answers.

The bridal party looking FABULOUS!

All of the attendees!

It was overwhelming to have such great company gather and extend sweet wishes to me. I began tearing up at least a dozen times while reading all my cards and opening gifts. I was gifted everything from home essentials and lingerie to boardgames and some of my grandmother's beautiful jewelry. The wedding is only 46 days away and this shower made it more real than ever. I feel like I'm exactly where I need to be and surrounded by all the right people. I couldn't be more blessed to have such a strong community of friends and family.

My lovely friends I met in Elementary and Jr. High School!

Cousins and Aunties

Sister, Yvette and Mom

Future Mother In-law and Mom

Him & Her

Him: Weight Lifter

Her: Runner

Him: Business

Her: Fashion

Him: Fried Chicken

Her: French Fries

Him: Tiger

Her: Minnie Mouse

Him: Grilling

Her: Microwaving 

Him: Ice Cream

Her: Cupcakes

Him: Cats 

Her: Cats

www.harleyandjane.com

Love YEAH!

One of things that makes me fond of living in Los Angeles is the weekend swap meets. There are only so many things that will make this girl rise from her deep slumber on a Sunday and this is without question one of them. With the wedding, work, and school competing so heavily for our time it was a absolute treat to have a morning to enjoy with by ourselves. The Rose Bowl Swap Meet in Pasadena, CA is the Great Bambino, colossus of clout, sultan of swat, the king of crash...currently watching Sandlot and I'm taking a cue from them to drive home my point that there is no greater swap meet in all the land:) I always find a variety of nic-nacs and vintage jewelry like the babes above for something crazy like TWO BUCKS and Matt typically finds sports memorabilia and advertising signs. We typically leave with our arms full, wallets empty, and stomachs bursting with breakfast burritos (Nom nom, just how we like it). Our hunting extravaganza was short lived because I had to scurry off to campus to complete a group project and then finish up the rest of the night at work. I have a year left of school and I can't wait to have the availability to secure a Monday through Friday job. For those of you who work similar schedules as me, do you ever feel the desire to reclaim and take back your weekends? Do you ever wonder if you'll one day regret the weekend trips you didn't take or the family parties you missed out on? I sure do. My mom is worse than the paparazzi on Oscar night when it comes to taking pictures of her family. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that it hurts my heart to find myself so sparingly among the hundreds of pictures she takes. Sorry for being a Debbie downer but it is something I constantly think about and have anxiety over. This past Sunday was a great reminder of the purpose of creating goals and that sometimes we have to give up what feels like everything in order to achieve them.  

Cloud NINE

Nine reasons I'm floating so high:

Love those heels:)

1. I got dressed today! Haha! But really, this quarter has kicked my booty and I've been living in my school hoodie, jeans, and the same pair of worn out flats for too long.

2. Matt and I decided to hope on the heathy train and lose some weight. I'm super proud to announce that I've lost 13 pounds and hope to double that in the coming months. I decided that just because we are happy and settled doesn't give us an excuse to be fluffy.

3. I've met a lot of great people through blogging and I'm excited that some of their work and creations will be apart of my coming wedding! If you're an avid Etsy shopper make sure you check out the wedding accessories by Doe Eyed Dear!

4. I've been blessed with an open heart and a desire to explore my faith. Do you ever fill like things just fall into place?

5. Easy one: The BIG day is less than two months away! I'm over whelmed with the love and help that we've been given from our friends and family. I'm such an emotional cheese ball and find myself going over everything in my head and getting super sappy.

6. For our wedding we are taking off 2.5 weeks to get hitched, honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, and come home and have a few local adventures. So far on our list is Raging Waters and Santa Barbara...can you guess who picked what?

7. I have a new favorite quote,“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!” - Dr. Seuss

8. I add a color run and a tuff mudder race to my bucket list!

9. I think this post means I'm back to blogging:)

Good day my friends!

Wedding Date

I've been asked a number of times why I've chosen to get hitched, tie the knot, jump ship, and attach my ball and chain on of all days, May 3rd. Believe it or not the date has significance and doesn't just belong to one of those protected months were mother nature and earth bust out their secret hand shake and agree not to spew out buckets of rain and nature disasters... and if for some reason they decide to lay a fat doo doo on me I have arranged to have my entirely outdoor wedding to be fully tented (take THAT skies of gray, you won't be taking my sunshine away)! All rambles aside Matt and I went on our first date on May 1st and despite living an hour apart we spent the next 14 days straight together! Ahhhhhh the magic that can happen when your irresponsible, skip classes and call out of work multiple times all in the name of love! HA! But really, that was the cooooooooolest two weeks of my life and it is only fitting. In addition, we'll be near Matt's parent's anniversary who I owe the world to for raising a gentlemen who witnessed their love and works to make our own romance endless. We have exactly two months until the BIG day and I couldn't be happier. I will finally get to rock my rocks everyday rather than the times I sneaky pull them out of the box and pretend. Happy Sunday and tell someone you love them!