Jan 22, 2015

Are You Serious Right Now?!



My day was absolutely made when I finally decided to check my ever so slightly neglected Instagram account yesterday!  Kelsey from The Young & Wild Wife nominated me and ol' Pretty Little Pursuits for a Liebster Award.  I am beyond honored that she chose me for such a special award.  For those of you that may need to GTS (google that sh**), I will go ahead and save you some time! A Liebster Award is passed among bloggers to highlight and introduce new blogs as well as encourage bloggers to share a little more about themselves.  I will answer 11 fun questions that Kelsey asked, nominate 11 other bloggers, and then ask them my own questions.   I have several blogs that I read on the reg, and I love supporting and uplifting my fellow blogger gfs so I cannot wait to introduce them to y'all! 

1.  What was the inspiration that led you to start your blog?

I have always loved everything about fashion, especially the fact that you can reinvent yourself through your outfit choices.  I so truly wish that my life looked like something out Sex and the City, and I could just prance around New York in the latest and greatest fashion trends.  I reality however, I choose my clothes for work by deciding which pieces in my closet are my least favorite- knowing the only new accessory I will be coming home with at the end of the day will be snot, paint, glue, chalk, or something unidentifiable.  Oh the fabulous life of teaching!  So in an attempt to keep my sanity, have a reason to wear the cute part of my closet, and relieve some stress, Pretty Little Pursuits was created! Holla! 

2.  What is your favorite aspect of blogging?

I can say hands down that my favorite aspect of blogging is all of the amazing friendships and people I have met along the way.  When I first started blogging, I expected it to be a world of catty women. Oh boy was I wrong! I have met the most inspiring and uplifting group of people through blogging.  For example: Little Miss Kelsey from The Young & Wild Wife! She is the absolute sweetest, and always brightens my day with the sweet little comments she leaves on my IG. 

3.  What is one of your New Year's Resolutions? How are you doing so far?

Getting that handsome fiancé of mine to still want to walk down the aisle with me after having to deal with a crazy woman until July!  I have never had as much on my plate as I do at this very moment.  I promised myself it wouldn't get the best of me, and so far so good.  Okay I can't completely lie, I did have one tiny nervous breakdown that involved not sleeping for 24 hours.  But hey.. my mom got me a wedding planner so all is good now! 

4.  What inspires you?

Oh my goodness... this is a tough one.  I would have to say other people.  I love chatting and getting new ideas from any and everyone! 

5.  What is your favorite place you've ever visited and why?

I would have to say my past trip to California would have to be my favorite place I have ever visited. I have been to several different countries, states, islands, etc. but visiting California with Jon was absolutely amazing! I had been to LA, San Diego, and Santa Barbara before, but this trip was so different.  I got to meet Jon's grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and spend time with his amazing parents.  It was so wonderful hearing stories, looking through old photo albums, and creating memories.  As soon as I walked through his grandparents' doors I felt as if I was with my very own family and as if I have known them forever.  I cannot wait to create more memories with his family.  I am beyond lucky to be marrying such an amazing man, and it is even sweeter that his family is as amazing as he is. 

6.  What, besides blogging, are you passionate about?

Education, FOOD, fashion, traveling.

7.  Where have you travelled lately?

I have been to Arizona, California, Mexico, and heading to Vegas for my Birthday in a few weeks! 

8.  Muffin or Donut?

Who would say muffin?! Donut is clearly the correct answer here! In college, Jon bought me a donut maker and my roommate and I spent days trying to perfect the tiny donut.  Let's just say we will leave that to the donut professionals.  

9.  What is your favorite book?

I love to read.  The only problem is I will not put the book down until it is done! This usually involves me locking myself in my room for two days so no one can interrupt my legit reading technique.  I cannot choose a favorite book, but my most recent reads are: Gone Girl, Beautiful Disaster,  and Sycamore Row.  All great reads! 

10.  What is your favorite piece in your closet?

If my closet were on fire, I would jump in there and rescue my little "Louis V".  

11.  Where is your favorite place to shop?

Oh this is so hard because I have quite the shopping problem!  I love to online shop, and I am always looking for a deal! It makes me cringe inside to pay full price for something.  Yes, odd for a fashion blogger I know!  If I had unlimited funds however, I would shop at Tory Burch daily.  

I now nominate:
Kirby from Southern Accents
Rachelle from Pink Sole
Rach from RDS Obessions
Kelsie from Design Life Diaries
Cynthia from Sensibly Sharp
Becky from Made In the Shade
Laura from Louella Reese
Emily M. from The Emily's Post
Audrey from Audrey's Apron
Jessica from Newly Loved

Questions for my nominees:
1.  How did you decide on the name for your blog?
2.  What is something you cannot go a day without?
3.  What is your favorite accessory that will dress up any outfit?
4.  Lipstick or Mascara?
5.  If you could travel to any place in the world, where would you go and why?
6.  What are your top three Instagrams to follow?
7.  What is your favorite post you have done so far?  Please provide the link so we can see!
8.  If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
9.  Favorite fashion icon?
10.  What is your favorite cocktail/drink?
11.  If you could trade places with one person for a day, who would it be and why?

Now nominate your favorite 11 blogs with under 3, 000 followers to keep the chain going and ask then 11 questions. 


Jan 12, 2015

Winter Wonderland Wishing

In order to truly appreciate these pictures,  I must tell you the story behind them. 

My little sister is an extremely talented artist and photographer.  When she has some free time in her busy schedule, she often takes pictures for the blog.  So naturally, we wanted her to take our engagement photos.  All I could picture for the setting was snow and a picnic.  Crazy, I know!   Snow would be close to impossible, so instead we settled for a picnic in the red rocks.  Since my parents live in Sedona, AZ,  we decided to wait to take our photos over the Christmas break.  We knew we were pushing it because we needed them for our Save the Date and according to all of the wedding planning websites, those were suppose to go out 6-7 months before the wedding... Hmm..  

We get to Arizona, and decided to take a little hike up the red rocks in Sedona for our pictures.  We got some really gorgeous shots, but we didn't get the picnic shots that I had stuck in my head.  We planned on going out the next day, but my poor little sis got sick, and then left for Italy the following day.  Panic set in and I remembered my older sister having gorgeous engagement photos in the Sedona area, so I had her contact her photographer.  Our fingers were crossed that she would be open and willing to do it with a four or so day notice.  Thankfully she is absolutely amazing and fit us in before a wedding she was shooting.  

Fast forward to two days before...a "freak" snowstorm hits Sedona!  Even better- Michelle told us it would be nearly impossible to get some of the pictures we wanted because Crescent Moon Ranch always extremely crowded as it was one of the most photographed places in the southwest.  But guess what?  When we got there, it was EMPTY! Not one person was there.  

I honestly do not know how we got so lucky.  To be even more honest, everything with our wedding seems to be going this way.  (I better knock on some wood.)

Michelle from Michelle Lee Photography was absolutely amazing to work with and made us feel extremely comfortable.  We wanted to be taken back to that day of laughter and happiness every time we looked at our photos.  We have no doubt in our mind that for years to come these photos will do just that.  We could not be any happier.  They surpassed anything we could have even imagined.  

ALERT: Picture overload!  Y'all I just could not decide!  Also, visit Michelle's blog if you would like to view even more! 






























I was going to wait to post these until everyone received their Save the Date, but I just couldn't wait to share them!! Save the Dates have been ordered, and will be in the mail soon!

Sorry for all of the rambling and extremely long post today!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Jan 9, 2015

Hello Beautiful!



Happy Friday you pretty little things! I think Karma is getting me back.  You see, I never had the teenage struggle of skin issues, acne, breakouts, oily skin, etc.  Not so fast- Don't get jealous just yet! Like I said, Karma is kicking my skins butt lately!  I am not sure what in the world is going on, but I am have an adult acne fight on my hands!  I have tried soooooo many different beauty products lately and I wanted to share my absolute favorites with you!

SKIN:  My precious sister  seester forced me to try her skin corrector from Lancome.  It is quite pricey so I refused to try it because if I liked it, I would be stuck buying it.  Well, she gave me a bottle soooo I am forced to try it, love it, and buy it! Girls, it works absolute wonders!  It corrects dry skin, dark spots, controls oils, and prevents/reduces wrinkles! YES it does all of that, while making your face feel extremely soft!! And as for the big lovely zits that decide to pop up and ruin your day, try the Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish stick.  It will dry it up overnight- I promise!! IT DOES WONDERS! If you buy anything on this list and struggle from acne, you want to try this out!


MAKEUP: Of course, I am a huge MAC anything fan (which some say is where the acne problem stems from-but I refuse to believe so).  The lipsticks, fluid line, and the concealer are three things I will always splurge on and buy from MAC. They are all extremely long lasting which is so important to me because I never get a chance to reapply throughout the day.

FRAGRANCE:  Flowerbomb is the bomb.com!  It smells amazing, and I have gotten so many compliments!!


If you have any questions about any of my beauty favorites let me know, and I will try to answer them! Also, ladies if you have amazing products you swear by PLEASE fill me in on your beauty secrets!

Thanks for stopping by loves! 
Happy Weekending!
xo,

Jan 7, 2015

Engagement Sneak Peek

While we were in Arizona for Christmas, we got so so so lucky and got to do our engagement shoot in the SNOW!  I first had a tiny skirt, and lace top picked out for our photo shoot considering when we got to AZ it was sunny and warm! However, by the time we were to take our pictures the temperature dropped and snow was covering the ground.  I was beyond excited to have a winter wonderland engagement shoot, but this also meant I needed to come up with an alternate outfit.  So..  I have not gotten all of my pictures back yet, but I wanted to give you a sneak peak of the shoot and my outfit details.  Don't worry as soon as I get our pictures back, I will post immediately!! :) 





Outfit Deets:

























SKIRT: LuLu's TOP: Marshalls, Similar  SUNNIES: Karen Walker EARRINGS: Heirloom Finds  c/o BRACELET:  Heirloom Finds c/o

Shop the look below: 


xo,

Jan 5, 2015

Stop Slouching!









SWEATER: Sold out, Similar  LEGGINGS:  Similar  SOCKS: Similar BOOTS: Frye  CROSS BODY: Tory Burch  EARRINGS: Heirloom Finds c/o SUNNIES: Karen Walker WATCH: Michael Kors  

Shop the look below: 


I am in love with slouchy over sized sweaters, leggings, and boot socks.  Layering is one of my absolute favorite trends.  You can remain comfy, while still looking like you put some effort into your outfit.    I found this sweater in Flagstaff, AZ while on vacation and had to cram it in my suitcase to bring it home with me.  It has the prettiest neutral colors with a slash of gold thread! Can you say AMAZING?!    

Ps. Don't forget to enter the $500 Shop Bop giveaway on my Instagram!

Happy Monday lovelies!
xo,


 
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