Sunday, November 27, 2011

Floating....and giveaway

Ever feel like you're just floating along? Not doing the things most important to you or accomplishing anything? I wish that I could change things. Volunteer. Help. Make a difference. I'm vowing to start. It seems early to make a new years resolution.... but that needs to be mine. I used to have such a pure kind heart. Somehow through heartbreak and hurt i feel like i've lost myself and the person i was striving to become. Just a small difference would mean so much to me.
Just a thought.

I'm working on a Christmas giveaway with some of my favorite things.... Happening soon so stay tuned!


Lauren

Friday, November 25, 2011

Thankful for him....

I am so blessed to be spending my 2nd holiday season with my amazing boyfriend Justin. I love his style, his humor, and his heart. He is one of the kindest people I have ever met.






He's a little quirky, eccentric, and way fun!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

There. Is. An. Accessary. God.

I found this little beauty on sale for $79.99 at TJ MAXX.



It was on the lust list for Christmas retailing around $200. Boy did that make my Friday. Working the new job like crazy... Mom and I are headed to the Lou to shop Tuesday!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Sadness

My Grandfather passed away on 11-12-11. He lost his battle with cancer and his memory will always live on in our family. Today we went to the cremation. Probably one of the strangest things I've ever done. Probably the best closure I've ever had. Visitation is tomorrow... So many things to blog about. Promise I'll be back soon :)

http://roy-roderick.last-memories.com/


XOXO
Lauren

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Lifelong Musts.... Okay so maybe not lifelong

In absolutely no particular order these are the things that I cannot live without on a daily basis..... Ever. They are my basics to getting out the door on a busy morning in an hour.

The naked palet is one of the best I've ever seen. I was strictly a bare esscentials girl until I randomly saw this bad boy in a sephora and bought it on impulse.


Hello cheekbones! Highlight, highlight, highlight!


Nars ORGASM. Enough said. Best color out there.


Nars Laguna Bronzer. I wear it all year around and manages to always make me look natural.


HD Foundation for true coverage. Sometimes I cake it on. Sometimes I put it on so lightly you can't see it... But believe me it works miracles in photos.


Clinique: Something my mother uses. Except..... for this amazing invention. I tried it at her house one time and could not get enough... Especially in the cold months ahead!


Never dries my hair out. I really am a true Paul Mitchell believer. Now i don't use his shampoo and conditioner all the time but I buy it for my bf.... He seems to like it.


PAUL MITCHELL > CHI any day.


When I died my hair dark ( a horrible mistake) I wanted it back to blond. Its good now but to keep it healthy I go with this stuff. THe most amazing spray in conditioner ever. PS buy it now and I think you can still get it at WALMART in PINK for Breast cancer awareness month!

Hope You enjoy!!
XOXO
Lauren

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Prayers, Hospice, and Strikes

I've been busy lately. I can't remember the last time I truly prayed until this week. I have some big things happening in my life and you see, I know I can't do it alone. So I pray after being stubborn and thinking I can do it on my own I came to my senses and I've been on my knees ever since. I'm in the middle of a job change its very stressful. It came to me that I was praying but not preparing for God's gifts that would be given unto me. I wasn't fully trusting God with my heart. Sometimes I worry; I worry so much I make myself sick.... rather than trusting in God's plans for me.
After getting all that off my chest I feel selfish and guilty for not first mentioning my grandfather who started hospice care today. It's very hard to see it happen in our house, but he's ready and comfortable here.... He's always been one of those people with an old soul. They type who never say a foul thing about anyone and always go with the flow. Its so hard to see him and the rest of the family hurting at this time.
SIUC is officially dealing with a faculty strike as of today. If they do not come to a compromise in the next two weeks our whole semester will have been a waste and will not count. I feel so bad for all of the students out there stressing about that. I know I am.
I leave my current job on Tuesday and don't actually know whether I will have a new job. I'm still waiting on background and reference checks to go through at the new place. Its a very scary thought in this economy.
I want to leave one final note about the "Occupy" revolution across the country. I pray no more disputes break out. I pray for the damage that has been done. I pray for clarity in their hearts about their beliefs whatever they may be.
xoxo
Lauren

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Changes

Sometimes things don't always end up the way you planned. I didn't get my big girl job at 22 with no debt... single and ready for fun. I will get my degree at 26 after a messy divorce and some college debt. I get angry sometimes when I think about how that is.... What I could have done. Stressing over the 4 years that I'm behind. I try to put it into perspective and realize that I learned so much from 19-25. I learned humility, I learned to stand up for myself, I learned how to truly care for someone rather than just myself. I got a big girl job this year, while still going to college working 50 hours a week. I hated it. So I put in my 2 weeks with a company I've been with for 3 1/2 years. It was a huge decision, but for some reason as soon as I made it I felt a weight lifted. I felt excitement I haven't felt for a long time. I felt a drive and need to perform again. SO on November 9 I will go back to serving people. I will make more money doing this than any professional career and I will love it. I'm excited and nervous for the future all at one time. At least I don't feel like I'm stuck in a black hole with no feeling or drive. The place I am going to work at is called Walker's Bluff. It's fine dining like I've never done. It's a winery with outdoor ice skating in the winter, carriage rides in the fall, and some amazing concerts. I'm nervous and excited and this will be great experience for when I can go to culinary school. To check it out go to walkersbluff.com.
xoxo
Lauren

Thursday, October 13, 2011

The Pumpkin Patch

My best friend Jasper and I take her daughter Merritt to a pumpkin patch near my hometown every year. It's beautiful and has been featured in more magazines to count including Martha Stewart!






Everyone should take at least one trip to the pumpkin patch each year!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Epic Moments Summer '11

Fun facts of Summer 2011....

I got my first semi big girl job..... 50 hours a week is hard work!

I started my last year of school (Hopefully with 50 hrs a week of work who knows!)

I moved to a new town.

My bf and i got a house together.

I've been antiquing like crazy!

I've been to too many wineries to count.

I shopped.... a lot.... a new house and a new job= new clothes and housewares :)

I just started Pinterest! ljyork6 is what they call me :)

xoxo
I'll be posting pics soon :)

Thursday, June 9, 2011

I've finally had to start.....Plus Prayers!

DIETING and EXERCISING!! I have officially gained 36 lbs since starting my JOB 3 years ago so this weekend while i was home with the bf for my bday i bought running shoes.... and sports bras.... and a cooler. So far it's jumpstarted the workout process and i'm on my way out the door to run around the lake!

In other news I have a job interview this week so please pray for me!

XOXO
Lauren

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Here's to an amazing SUMMER weekend

This weekend was a blast. I worked a lot more than I had planned on, but still got to fit in beach time, fishing, an Easton Corbin Concert, and Delicious food! I have tomorrow off before I go out of town for work for awhile so I plan on working on my tan!




Easton Corbin is so cute! I could just eat him up. He put on a great performance! With tickets at only 15 bucks it was a great night out with my bestie :)



How was your holiday weekend with all this HEAT?

Thursday, May 12, 2011

I don't know about you all but it's been HOT here! I've finally had to give in and buy more shorts!!( Mine are all too small from all the winter eating.) I've started a new diet, and hopefully will get a bit darker (lookin' mighty white these days) I came home for a few days since i finished all my finals but it's time to go back to work! All I want is a few afternoons to lay out and enjoy the amazing warmth! I went shopping when I got to town yesterday.... We have a Von Maur here which i cannot live without i must say! Here are a few of the things i purchased.....


I just love hats in the summer. I never do my hair and always want to look cute on the way to the pool and beach. The perfect solution!


I bought this shirt for the boy! He's a huge white sox fan!


These shorts are so comfy i bought two pairs. They aren't ridiculously short but not MOM long either. Hard to find recently!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Everyone needs a weekend away......

Last weekend I took a LAST minute road trip up to Chicago...My ex prom date was turning 25 and all of our college friends would be getting together to celebrate! I couldn't miss the chance to have some fun with old friends.

I stayed with my bestie from my freshman year of college! It was a great reunion! Like no time had ever passed! Of course we had to start with a couple margaritas at a nearby mexican joint. We caught up a bit and then she gave me the basic "tour" of Libertyville.


What kind of trip would it be without a visit to the local flea market. ( I mean who can resist amazing finds and great photo ops!)


One of my favorite things to do is look at the jewelry and vintage buttons.


I'm redoing an old mirror right now! I'm dying to post pics but I have to wait until its totally done!


This purse seemed a bit creepy but still appealing? if it hadn't had such a steep price tag I would have walked home with it for sure. :(

My friend Erin that I was visiting owns and runs a flower shop called "Twigs" with her Mom! I'd heard quite a bit about it but hadn't been able to see it so here's a few pics of the shoppe when we went to take a look!


Isn't it just adorable?


We met the birthday boy, his gf, and some other friends out at the The Cubby Bear in Lincolnshire. Some of my friends obviously couldn't get off the dance floor!


The birthday boy Chris and I posing for the camera! Just like prom 7 years ago! Okay so maybe we were a bit less intoxicated and a bit more innocent back then, but so what.


After the crazy night we all went and had brunch the next morning, then Erin and I did a bit of shopping and I made my 6 hour trip back down to the 'dale. ( Not without a trip to the COACH outlet where I found the cutest handbag down from 479 to 111. I'll try and remember to post pics ASAP)

XOXO

Thursday, March 31, 2011

I'm Back!

Ladies, I am back to the blogging world. Hopefully with a vengeance! I've missed you all dearly. I've been swamped with work and school. Now is the season where it all happens! I've also started another blog! It's a special blog about my desires and wants as a young SINGLE woman! Check it out! It's called myperfectvow.blogspot.com
Be patient because I've done nothing but write on that bad boy yet!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

A NEW YEAR.....

BACK! It's been months and months since I've written! I've missed you guys so much! I have been dating a new guy, working another job, and doing tons of schoolwork! My goal for the new year is to blog way more and cook way more.... all while drinking a bit less!



I got some amazing gifts to kick off my cleaning, baking, and cooking resolution! I've been wanting a Kitchen Aid Mixer for so long! Finally got one. It's something I know I will keep and use for years to come.



In my dreams did I get a dyson! I want one so bad! Someday.... but for now I did get a new vacuum. LOL. I've been living in an apartment that didn't have good internet, so i was barely ever on. I finally moved into my own place and love it! There's nothing better than having your own space to do as you please... not to mention shop for things to decorate with. I feel so connected to the world again! I'm obsessed with my new apple tv! If you've never heard of it, you have to check it out. I stream my internet and netflix right to my tv no problem, and it's reasonably priced with no monthly fees!



What have you all been up to? What are your new year's resolutions?