Y is for Year in Review: 2014

Happy (almost) New Year! 2014 has been bananas, hasn't it?! So much has happened in these short twelve months that I continually find myself thanking the Lord for a) Helping me keep it together (Kind of... I've had my fair share of dance it out/cry it out moments.) and b) Blessing me with amazing friends, family, etc. I don't deserve even half of it, but I am really thankful nonetheless. This year, I became Mother to the most perfect kitten in all of history, Miss Olivia Pope. (I also bingewatched and fell in love with "Scandal." Hence kitten's name.) She is so cute and so sassy. I never saw myself as a "cat lady" but OH how the tables have turned. (It should be noted that as I was typing this, she crawled up onto the couch and plopped herself on my lap.) Livvy melts my heart in all the ways. Boyfriend moved to LA, as did many of my friends. It's really just a party, when we're not all exhausted from working our little butts off. I also moved into my own studio apartment - an apartment that quite honestly just fell into my lap. Living alone (Olivia not included) has been one of the best things for me. I'm 97% happier (All the cockroaches take me down 3%.) and I'm allowed to decorate how I want! Which just means lots of glitter, pink, gold and Polaroids everywhere. This year was definitely challenging as well, but that's just life in general. I'm really looking forward to 2015, despite the fact I'll be turning TWENTY FIVE. Ugh. Either way, my fingers are crossed it tops this year. Now here are all my favorite memories/pictures from 2014, which is mostly kittens and a random Joe Jonas appearance. I think that sums it up pretty nicely.

XO

C is for Christmas 2014

Okay, so I'm really struggling this year with my Christmas list. I've had a list together since very early October, but I had a TERRIFYING cockroach in my laptop keyboard incident (Seriously, even typing out that it happened makes me feel like it's on me. @#*$()@#$! Vom.) and I've been scared of my laptop for a few weeks. I love everything about my apartment, except that. But, my new kitten, Olivia Pope, has taken a liking to eating them, so I'm really going to be okay. (Thanks Livvy. More on her later. Spoiler, she's the best thing to happen to Boyf and I this year.) Now that I've totally grossed you out, here's my Christmas list. WOO. Can you believe Christmas is already here?! Also, can we talk about how disappointing shopping has been so far? I've been really unsuccessful. I've only purchased 3 items and wrapping paper. I'm working backwards. Ha. Wish me luck, guys.

1. Up in the Air Somewhere - Kitten Keepy Ring Dish from Catbird. Side note: The word "keepy" made me giggle way harder than it should've. This is adorable. Cats + Gold = Love. (www.catbirdnyc.com $22)// 2. Animal Face Bowl from Urban Outfitters. I mostly want this so I can use it as Olivia's food and water bowls. The mental picture I have is kind of adorable. (www.urbanoutfitters.com $10)// 3. Cat Eye Mask from Catbird. I haven't had a good eye mask in a long while. So I figure, I should get a new one. It should be black. It should have cat ears. And it should be pretty. (www.catbirdnyc.com $24)// 4. New Look Wide Fit Capital Heeled Chelsea Boots from ASOS. I broke the heel on my other black booties at a Beyoncé concert the other month. I'm mad about my shoe, but I have a good story, so it kind of evens out. Size 8 or 8 1/2. I'll really take any that look like this one. (us.asos.com $47.36)// 5. Fortune Cookie Box from Shopbop. I like gold. I like fortune cookies. It just makes sense. Plus, I'm in serious need of knick-knacks for the ole' apartment. (www.shopbop.com $25)// 6. Women's Faux-Leather Crossbody Purse from Old Navy. I love me a crossbody purse. Also, I realized I don't have a tan one. Insanity, I know! (www.oldnavy.gap.com $26.94)// 7. Pavé Pearl 360 Studs from BaubleBar. Are these not the cutest things you've ever seen?! I'm on board with double-sided earrings. 100%. (www.baublebar.com $28)// 8. Home is Where Your Pet Is Print by Cristina Martinez. If I receive nothing else but this, I'd be content. Ish... (www.cristinamartinezpaz.com $17)// 9. Tocca Eau De Parfum in Liliana from Anthropologie. Okay, I am OBSESSED with this scent and it's so dang hard to find. I have a rollerball in my purse and use it everyday. It's been a struggle to hunt down, so I'm super duper excited about this. I'll take either size of this. But you know, bigger IS better. Plus, it's the only fragrance that actually lasts all day. Magic in a bottle, my friends. (www.anthropologie.com $68)

10. Pave Pig Key Fob from Henri Bendel. I have had a Henri-Bendel-Piggy-Keychain-Obsession for the last couple of years and have yet to receive one for my birthday and/or Christmas. Now, I'm not complaining, as I know it's expensive, but I'm just saying. Black Friday AND Cyber Monday are coming up... Do with that what you will. (www.henribendel.com $58)// 11. Mia Ankle Straps Pointed Flats from Golden Ponies. I came across this Instagram on accident and I'm obsessed. Gold flats scream my name. "Erin!!!" You heard that too, right? ;) Size 8 or 8 1/2, please. (www.goldenponies.com $48)// 12. Vanilla Bean Travel Candle from Henri Bendel. If I had to have one candle for the rest of my life, I'd choose this one. I love it so much, it's stupid. (www.henribedel.com $15)// 13. Crazy Cat Lady Embroidery Hoop from Etsy. I know, I know. In an attempt to NOT be the crazy cat lady, I'm still asking for this. It's so cute! And it can be ironic. Right? (I feel like a hypocrite with Liv sitting in my lap as I type this. Oh well.) Also, the one shown seems to be gone from the Etsy shop now, or I'm just blind, but anyone will do. (www.etsy.com $27)// 14. Marc by Marc Jacobs Salty Pretzel Stud Earrings from Shopbop. I MEAN. (www.shopbop.com $48)// 15. Embroidered Mini Banner HAPPY PLACE from Etsy. So dang cute, I can't handle it. (www.etsy.com $27)// 16. Tick-Tock Clock from Anthropologie. Ugh, I've had my eyes on this for a long while, you guys. I still haven't checked to see if it has a loud tick. If it does, no thank you. When I was little, I had a pink Roxy clock that would tick and wake me up in the middle of the night (If you know me, you know how hard it is for me to wake up in the middle of the night. So that's saying something...) so I'd have to get up and hide it in a closet. Such a hassle. Anyway... (www.anthropologie.com $24)// 17. Women's Chunky Ombre Infinity Scarf from Old Navy. Another year, another infinity scarf... I love them. (www.oldnavy.gap.com $19)// 18. Heathered Double-Sleeve Cocoon Coat from Forever21. I am lusting after all the coats this year. From mint green to gray to light pink. I want them ALL. (www.forever21.com $47.84)

Those are my top picks for this year. I'm still embarrassed that it took me this long to compile. If you want more suggestions - for me or yourself (There are some good things up there, if I may say so myself.) - check out my Christmas 2014 Pinterest Board. So many gold/kitten items. Oops. Merry Christmas, you guys!

A is for August 2014

It's finally September! Which means, it's almost Fall. Which means, I can start buying Christmas scented candles and decorating for the most wonderful time of the year. I mean, what? I'm not getting ahead of myself. Not one bit. August was a long tough month, but I am thankful for my friends, family and kittens for making it a little less tough. Ahh, Fall... I can't wait to cuddle up with you.

1. New shoes & a new month. Two of my favorite things. Also, I am 100% certain that the cuter the shoe, the more painful the process to break them in. Geez. 2. & 3. At 11:30 AM on the day of the the Beyoncé & Jay Z concert, Megan & I decided we HAD to be there. So we bought tickets & danced our booties off. It was the best decision of the month. I'm pretty sure. 4. My sweet Courtney left again for college. Ugh I miss her bunches. (She was also at Beyoncé.)//5. Ikea catalogues are my favorite. 6. Work has it's perks! Flower crowns & manicures. Yes, please. 7. I have a new fish friend! Meet Fishgerald Grant. Yes, his name is based off "Scandal's" Fitzgerald Grant. Gosh, I love him. The character & my fish. He's a feisty one though. 8. Matt & I spent a Sunday getting bagels, going to Ikea & picking out paint swatches at Home Depot for our apartments. I chose pink, naturally. He chose boy colors for his. I like being an old married couple sometimes, it's nice.//9. FISHGERALD GRANT! Still sassy & Still alive. 10. My kitchen has the most cockroaches, but it's pretty cute either way. 11. A sweet makeup artist at work gave me perhaps one of my favorite gifts... A Burke Williams gift certificate. Yes, please!! 12. I'm kind of obsessed with Judy Greer. Also, I have a fun story: I ran into Judy Greer in a Starbucks & watched a flustered barista go "OMG, I know you! Where do I know you from?" (I mentally listed half my favorite movies. Hello, "27 Dresses!") Judy (first name basis) proceeded to shrug, laugh & say "I don't know, I'm sorry." So, moral of the story, I feel like I was a part of naming her book "I Don't Know Where You Know Me From." Ah, celebrity friendships.

13. August 20 is my Daddy's birthday. Even though he's not around to celebrate it anymore, I still like to think he's in Heaven celebrating like nobody's business. 14. I got dinner with Sister on my Dad's birthday. I love her so much, it's silly. 15. My Mom, Dave, Aunt, Uncle & I drove up to Napa to surprise Courtney for her Volleyball game. We drove up at 5 AM & ran around vineyards, ate dinner & then surprised Courtney. 16. She had no idea we were coming & that made the long drive worth it.//17. Napa is gorgeous! I want to move into castles. Yes, multiple. 18. August 25 was our 2nd Anniversary. While 2 years is a long time, it also feels like it's been longer. He's the best. 19. More proof as to why he's the best. 20. So... the end of August really turned around BECAUSE kittens. Always kittens. Someone my Aunt knows found 4 kittens abandoned at a construction site. Currently they are being bottle fed (Yes. BOTTLE FED. Bottle fed kittens are my new favorite thing. Better than hugs & coffee.)//21. Meet Olivia Pope, my new kitten. I may be biased, but she's the cutest kitten ever. I absolutely adore her. She is being taken care of by her loving Great-Grandma & Auntie. 22. Meggy & I went to the first football game of the season. WOOOOO. 23. Get used to seeing a lot of Olivia around here. I cannot wait to take her home. 24. I celebrated my Mama's birthday with Ruth's Chris & lots of giggles. 

August was really stressful & though I gained two pretty amazing pets, I am glad it's over & really looking forward to September. By September, you know I mean Christmas. Gosh dang, did I mention I was excited?!  

J is for July 2014

Now that July is over & we're sweltering in this disgusting California Summer heat, I'm ready for Fall. I'm ready for boots, Christmas decorations at Target, Christmas cups at Starbucks, infinity scarves from Gap, cuddling, lighting candles... Okay, I guess I'm mostly just excited for Christmas. IS IT CHRISTMAS YET? While I count down the days, let's recap my July adventures.

1. My Mom & sister came up to visit me after work on a Friday. It was so special. We went to dinner, walked around & my sister finally saw my new apartment. Goodness, I love them both so much it hurts my heart. 2. & 3. I spent the 4th of July with Riley & Matt. We went to Griffith Park, had a picnic & threw poppers everywhere! Later we took the subway downtown & watched the fireworks from a parking lot. It was the greatest view & so much fun. 4. Saturday is my favorite day of the week.//5. After work I decided to treat myself to a massage. Best idea I've had all year, I'd say. 6. On my lunch break, & just in general, I like looking at houses I can never afford. It's really fun. 7. More flowers from my man. 8. I'd never participated in 7/11's July 11th "free slurpee" day, so I figured I'd treat myself. I like free things & colorful cups!//8. I came home & stayed in my old room. (It's weird to call it my "old" room. It makes me sad, but that's a different story.) & found a bunch of Girl Scout patches. I don't remember doing half the stuff I received a badge for. Ah, memories. 9. I met up for brunch & gossip with my friends from high school. It's so crazy that more than half of them are married now. I still feel 13 years old about 90% of the time. (But maybe that's just me...) 10. MORE FLOWERS. These may be some of my favorites I've ever received. 11. On a random Tuesday, the friends & I decided to go out. I may or may not have (but definitely did) ordered an alcoholic snow cone. I told you, I may be 13 years old! 

12. My Grandma & Grandpa celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. SIXTIETH! That's insane. Also, their wedding picture is my favorite wedding picture ever in the history of wedding pictures. 13. Riley met me for a pedicure during my lunch break. Best lunch break ever! 14. & 15. So, a few years ago I mentioned to my Grandma, super casually, "You need to have a party for your 60th wedding anniversary." I tend to just say things & most people nod along, but ignore me later. My Grandma is not "most people" for she not only remembered I had said that, but followed through! It was worth it & my random rambling turned out to make a great party. The moral of that story is: My Grandma is the best & people should start listening to me. ;)//16. I recently started watching "Scandal" & I can't stop. It takes up 65% of my thoughts & I'm seriously considering naming my firstborn Olivia Pope. Also, I think I want to work in the White House now, because between "Scandal" & "House of Cards," I'd like to think I know a thing or two about the "frowned upon" things that happen in politics. 17. I went to Target just for funsies & came out with a light up arrow. Target is my weakness, people! 18. My Mom & I took a weekend trip to Santa Barbara, where we stayed at the cutest bed & breakfast. We stayed in the penthouse & had the most relaxing time. 19. If you're ever in Santa Barbara, you MUST go to the Santa Barbara Public Market. We went there both days & fell in love! The first night, we had some of the most delicious homemade pasta. I miss it already.//20. The bed & breakfast we stayed at had lots of narrow staircases. This painting of a girl & her book was at the top of the first staircase. It reminded my Mom & I of "The Little Princess" & we named her Nellie. 21. The patio to our penthouse was SO gorgeous. 22. I love my Mama to pieces. 23. We ended our trip by going down to the pier.

24. After being gone from Matt for a weekend, we reunited by using the huge poppers we got in Chinatown last month. So. Much. Confetti. I couldn't stop giggling. 25. I've been stressed for no reason & every reason the past couple weeks, but hanging out with my cousins made that stress disappear for a little bit. 26. Apparently National Lipstick Day is a thing?? 27. I'm kind of obsessed with my Beyoncé print from Oh Gosh, Cindy! on Etsy. Even though she kind of looks like Ciara, I'm in love. Plus, it has my favorite Beyoncé lyrics: "I woke up like this... Flawless." DEAD.

J is for June 2014

So, 2014 is halfway over already. I can't figure out if I'm super excited (CHRISTMAS, duh!) or super freaked out. Time goes by so fast, I can't even deal. June was pretty great though. Let's look back at my month in pictures.

1. I am kind of in love with my mini-fridge. And yes, there is a picture of Louis from One Direction & a macaron magnet. I love her. (My fridge is so tiny & petite, it's obviously a lady fridge.) 2. Yep, still going through my flower phase. 3. The friends & I went rollerblading just for funsies. When I went for my birthday, I fell a bazillion times & have serious bruises from falling still, but this time I didn't fall once! It was magic. 4. I drove down to Newport Beach to have dinner with my sister & my Mom. It was so special, I cried the entire way home from happiness. I miss them so much.//5. Peony season has already come & gone! It makes me sad, but I took full advantage of them when it was their time. 6. I finally bought myself the Jenny Bevlin "Life is short... eat more macarons!" print. It fits perfectly in my kitchen & I love it so. 7. More of sister's kittens. I. AM. OBSESSED. 8. I went to Olive & June nail salon with my bestie Ali & it was the most expensive, most beautiful manicure I've ever received.//9. Matt (Said "boyfriend" in my previous posts. I guess I'll call him by his name now. Ha!) & I went on a spontaneous bowling date after the most delicious dinner EVER. We also danced throughout the bowling alleys, because why not?! 10. Matt also made me breakfast - a breakfast burrito - while I was wearing egg socks. I mean, could that be more perfect?! 11. The couple that mustaches together, shaves together. I mean, stays together. 12. I ordered more prints for my house. Eek! This time from Sweet Peony Press. Love. 

13. My sweet cousin Courtney is back from college! We got breakfast for Father's Day & danced in the parking lot. Because I just like to dance everywhere & anywhere. 14. & 15. More from our Father's Day breakfast. 16. For actual Father's Day, I spent part of the day with my Mom & my step-Dad at the beach.//17. Megan, Courtney & I saw "The Fault In Our Stars" & even after crying from the movie, we just HAD to take a picture in the photobooth. You guys, I cannot say "no" to a photobooth. I just can't. 18. Matt & I took a trip during the week to Vegas for his Mom's wedding. He's the CUTEST. He was so excited about the plane, I couldn't stop giggling. 19. Our Vegas adventuring from the first night. Buffets & walks around downtown Vegas. 20. Love me some wedding day Polaroids!//21. & 22. The day after the wedding, we got to hang out by the pool cabanas. Ah. I miss it already. 23. & 24. Oh just a little more from our adventuring.

25. UGH seriously he's precious. He stared out the window during the entire flight. So naturally I had to take sneaky pictures of his cuteness. 26. The weekend after Vegas, we decided we weren't done adventuring so we took a subway adventure all over LA. 27. I WANT A BABY TURTLE FROM CHINATOWN. Oh my crap. One day I will get one. I promise. 28. More from our adventures!//29. My sweet Riley had another birthday! Crazy how that happens, right? We went to dinner to celebrate her birth. I love her so. 30. Matt loves him some "Dad jokes." He told some & cracked himself right up. Gosh, the cuteness. 31. I ordered this AMAZING kitten glitter dress & I am so heartbroken that it doesn't fit. It was a disgusting polyester fabric, so back to the store it went. That's the struggle with online shopping, my friends. 32. I got such a fun manicure at the salon by my house. Half moons, glitter & pink? I die.//33. Two words: Pink. Goldfish. The flavor is "princess," I think they were made for me. 34. As if I didn't go on enough adventures, I went to Palm Springs with my Mom & Courtney. It was so relaxing, I miss it already! 35. - 38. More from Palm Springs! I am now tan & so excited about it. 39. Matt's 21st birthday was on June 30 & right at midnight, we took him to a bar for his first "legal" drink. As friends do! 40. More birthday celebrations! 

Ah I love June. July has been pretty great too though, so I'm not complaining! 

A is for April & M is for May 2014

Holy goodness! So much has happened since my last post, it's crazy! I'm now 24 years old, a fact I keep "accidentally" forgetting. Boyfriend reminded me I'm no longer 23 anymore & I'll admit, I got kind of sad. As much as I adore every part of my birthday, I do not adore getting older. (Yes, I realize how silly that sounds.) In other news, 24 year old Erin moved. I know, right? FINALLY.  I am 10x happier at my new place. It's cleaner, quieter & I can hang things on the wall! I can also get a kitten, I'm most looking forward to that. So yeah, you know, just some minor life changes happening over here. June has been pretty great too, but let's focus on the past 2 months for now.

APRIL: 1. April greeted me with a violent stomach flu. But my room was just so pretty, so that helped a little. 2. I love my Meggy. 3. I started a short-lived Instagram series called "Things I'll Miss About My Old Apartment." This cute building was one of them. 4. I think it's mandatory to put on a fake mustache whilst celebrating a birthday at a Mexican restaurant. Right?//5. I love having fresh flowers in my home. It makes me so happy. 6. It was National Sibling Day. I love my sister with all my heart. 7. The main (and only) thing I miss about my old apartment is my pool. It's a shame I only swam in it twice. 8. My Mom surprised me with an early Easter present... JELLY SHOES. Oh nostalgia. My feet have never been happier.//9. Boyfriend & I redeemed his Christmas present, which was "The Book of Mormon" tickets. Because I'm poor, we sat at the very last row in the Pantages, making all the people on stage look like blurry dots, but we enjoyed it nonetheless! 10. My Aunt sent me a chocolate bunny in the mail. Could she BE any cuter? Nope. My Aunt is the best. 11. & 12. My friend Tali randomly called me on a Thursday night asking what I was doing. I said "Nothing" & ended up going to a party with her, Solange & my celeb crush Joe Jonas. Oh yeah, that's Joe Jonas. We interacted on Instagram later. It made my night. Yes, I know that's embarrassing, but sometimes I have to let my inner 17 year old self have some fun! I have no regrets about that. 

13. I surprised even myself by saying "yes" to Coachella this year. I'd never been & told myself I wanted to go at least once just to say I'd been. Turns out Coachella is awesome. I had a stupid amount of fun. I even survived camping! Outdoors! In NATURE. Granted, I did get to shower, but still. I camped. That's big for Miss Erin Brady. 14. First selfie of Coachella. We were already sweaty as all heck. 15. The astronaut was the best, they moved him around the field every so often & he was just so ridiculous. 16. My bestie Riley was working at her friend's popsicle stand, which meant nice refreshing popsicles AND friend time with Riley. Win-win! 17. & 18. I take too many pictures & that's quite alright by me. 19. Lorde was AMAZING. I adore her. She wore a giant gold cape & had a huge chandelier on stage. Ugh. I die. 19. The one con of Coachella was that I spent my Easter out there instead of with my family. But oh gosh, it was fun. 20. & 21. & 22. I have never danced so much in my life. I realized I dance like someone on drugs. Having never done drugs, but having been surrounded by lots of people on drugs at the festival, I came to that conclusion by the end of the first day. 23. I have one rule when I go to Palm Springs. It's that we MUST stop to take a picture with the dinosaurs. So Boyfriend & his friend let me do just that. I'm quite easy to please, you see. 

24. This was my "Praise Jesus, I officially have an apartment!" picture. 25. I love street art & I love Audrey Hepburn. Put those together & I'm the happiest! 26. & 27. I adore my cousin Megan. One of my favorite things about her is that I can call her ANYTIME & she is down for an adventure. We explored the Ace Hotel (& took advantage of the old Photobooth. $15 well spent, my friends.) & ate our way through the dessert at Bottega Louie. I have so much fun with that girl.// 28. I postponed my birthday party plans due to the fact that a majority of my friends couldn't make it that night. To make up for it, Sarah & Riley went out for delicious Italian food & ice cream. They are the greatest. 29. & 30. I celebrated my birthday early with my family at Buca di Beppo. More dancing was involved. Obviously. 31. Birthday orchids are the best orchids. 32. My sister bought 2 kittens. I have never been more in love with an animal (besides Bradley Cooper Fish, RIP) in my life. This is Kona. She's feisty, but I love her. I mean, look at her...// MAY: 33. My Aunt made me the most beautiful bouquet for my birthday. Look at that! Gorgeous. I told you, I'm going through a "fresh flower" phase. 34. Boyfriend & I have a new obsession with the tiny movie theatre by both our apartments. One of them only shows one movie for a week. We saw "The Amazing Spiderman 2" & I cried my little eyeballs out. It was so wonderful. 35. I celebrated my belated birthday at my new favorite roller rink with some of my favorite people! I also realized I'm not very good at roller skating. Evidently ice skating is where I'm most gifted. I know, I'm better at skating on ice than actual flooring. It baffles me too.

36. & 37. Boyfriend & I got to meet Sister's kittens. My kitten nephew & niece are so cute I cannot handle it. OH MY CUTENESS. 38. The keys to my new apartment, which I appropriately named "The One Without The Roommate" for 1. I am without a roommate. Thank goodness. 2. I was watching "Friends," trying to think of a fun name for my apartment when I noticed that Monica & Rachel's apartment number is 20. As I'm sure you know, every title of a "Friends" episode begins with "The One..." so I mean, I had no other choice. "The One Without The Roommate" it is! I was pretty proud of myself for thinking of that. But I can't take all the credit, thanks Monica & Rachel. 39. Megan & I went to LA Live in Downtown LA to watch "Clueless" with the cast of the movie. It was kind of the best thing ever! And it was free, which made it 10x better.// 40. Baby Sister turned 21! 41. For Baby Sister's birthday, Boyfriend & I drove down & surprised her for dinner. She's so special to me & although she had a feeling we were coming (or so she says) we still surprised her. 42. Of course we couldn't leave without visiting the kittens again! 43. Megan & I helped our Mom, Aunt & Grandma celebrate Mother's Day early! I love them all so much.// 44. Packing up my old room was a struggle in a half. It took so long. 45. Happy Mother's Day, Mama! I love her so much. She sacrifices so much, I can't thank her enough. A good example of that is that she spent her actual Mother's Day helping me pack up my old apartment & began helping me move into my new one. Ugh, so much love for that woman. 46. & 47. For work we attended a Benefit Cosmetics party. Such hard work, I know! I even brought my own personal makeup artist ;) 

48. More from the Benefit Cosmetics party! LA is so pretty sometimes. Okay, most of the time. Sometimes I still can't believe I live here. 49. I spent my second to last day at my apartment enjoying my pool. Seriously, I miss it so much. 50. At the last minute I joined my Aunt, Uncle, Megan & her Grandparents for delicious french dipped sandwiches at Philippe's. 51. Afterwards, Megan spent the night & helped me move the next morning, so we joined Boyfriend for some frozen yogurt. Seriously, isn't Megan the best ever?!// 52. MY NEW APARTMENT. Isn't she so pretty?! 53. My job in christening my kitchen was to make the 90 second rice in the microwave. Boyfriend actually cooked. This of course had to be documented via Polaroids. 54. Boyfriend gave me "You have a new apartment!" flowers. The best kind, if you ask me. 55. My flower obsession continues...// 56. My motto for life. "What Would Blair Waldorf Do?" 57. I'm against food pictures, unless it's dessert, but my Summer Fridays started at work which means I get out early. So I broke my "no food pictures" rule to celebrate freedom! Or you know, potato skins for lunch. Same thing. 58. I am so thankful for this one. He's my favorite. 59. We spent that weekend watching our very own "Friends" marathon. Of course!

60. Boyfriend & I finished our relaxing "Friends" marathon weekend with a double feature of "Indiana Jones" movies at a local movie theatre. Okay, we only stayed for the first one, but still. I'm a sucker for old movies being played at movie theatres. I own half the movies I go back to watch, but it's so much more fun this way. 61. Peonies are hands down my favorite flower on this planet. The fact that peony season is already over makes me sad. 62. May 28 is my least favorite day ever ever ever. It will be for the rest of my life. I can't believe it's been 14 years since my Daddy passed away. I cried most of the day this year, like I always do, but for some reason this year was even harder. The one thing I'm thankful for is my friends on this day, they always reach out & remind me that they love me & they're here for me. I cannot thank them enough. Typing that out just made my eyes tear up a bit. I have the greatest friends, I don't even deserve them, but I'm so thankful they're mine. 63. Oh just Boyfriend dancing around my apartment in shorts & a superhero blanket. The usual. 

M is for March 2014

March seriously flew by & now my beloved birthday month is finally here! I am so excited! (As I'm sure you gathered through my annual birthday list below.) March was so much fun & April has already been a hoot. Yes, I said "hoot" & I only just barely regret doing so... So far it's only been full of a stomach flu, but I am looking past it & hoping for an incredible weekend & an even better month.

1. March started off strong with the Oscars. While Leo, my love, did not win his Oscar (I swear, it will happen one day...) he did look quite handsome as a lad (lad?) in waiting. I don't know what that means. But he was attractive. As always. 2. I spent my Oscar night with my cousin, aunt, uncle & a family friend. We drank champagne, Tweeted until our thumbs hurt, ate churros & taco salad & shared equally hilarious commentary. If you ever get a chance to watch the Oscar's with my family, I highly suggest it. 3. I'm still into the whole "buying myself flowers because I can" thing. 4. There's the cutest black cat that watches me as I walk to my car in the morning. I don't see it as bad luck. I do see it as dangerous though, because everytime I see it, I want a kitten more & more.//5. My Mama came up for a sleepover, dinner & some shopping. Good gracious, I miss her so. 6. Riley finally had her housewarming party. Only a few months late, but fashionably late is better than never. I love those friends of mine dearly! We hung out until 4 AM (& watched the clocks spring forward - thanks Daylight Saving). 7. I bought myself a cactus & named her Reese. As one does... 8. Boyf officially lives in LA!!! The view from his window is ridiculous! You can see so much. You have to ignore the rude, ugly powerline though. That ruins the magic a tad.//9. How bright is too bright when it comes to Chanel lipstick? I was fearful of how vibrant this pink was, but it was surprisingly wonderful on. 10. Sister came up for a sushi dinner, where we ate way too much & then thought we saw Alan Rickman. Unfortunately, it wasn't Snape, but for the 13 minutes that we thought it was, it was really great. 11. For St. Patrick's Day, Boyf & I went to a random bar to watch small & (pretty much) unknown bands play. Oh, then the clock struck midnight & my guilty pleasure celebrity crush, Joe Jonas, came out to DJ. He was awful & we left, but it was fun to stare at him in person. 12. Alright, I know this is the Russian Orthodox church, but Boyf & I call it Aladdin's house because... I mean... Uncanny.

1. During a grocery store run, I ran into a neon burger & pizza sign. Never had I had such an immediate love for a neon sign before. I must have those one day. 2. Boyf & I saw "The Grand Budapest Hotel" at the Arclight. First off, it was AMAZING. I absolutely loved it. Second, I add that we saw it at the Arclight, because they had The Grand Budapest Hotel model in the lobby. It was so cute & intricate. I want to live in it. It reminded me of a dollhouse & that made me feel all warm & fuzzy inside. Ah, nostalgia. 3. The next day, I went to FIDM with my Mom, aunt, uncle & cousins to look at costumes from Oscar (& non-Oscar) nominated movies from the past year. My favorite was obviously Leo's suit from "The Great Gatsby." 4. Of course when I hang out with the cousins, there's an inevitable photoshoot.//5. Sundays are so relaxing & pretty. Now that Boyf is in LA, I'm going home less & learning how to relax the entire weekend. Crazy idea, huh? 6. I got an iPhone 5S! A gold one, to be exact. Blair 2.0 is so much better than Blair 1.0. She's faster, lighter & GOLD. I'm still so excited. 7. A piglet in heart sunglasses. I MEAN. 8. Funnily enough, the day after I post that, my sister sends me a picture of the charm she just ordered for me. She knows me well!//9. A coworker left at work & a macaron run was just the perfect way to say goodbye. 10. I took a selfie. I'm ashamed. Last Friday, while I waited for Boyf to get off work, I treated myself to a gel mani & then put on lipstick for no reason & started taking pictures. I'm a really fun date. 11. Boyf surprised me with "just because" roses, which is just my favorite. Then he told me to Instagram them because "What else are you supposed to do?" I mean, I would've anyway, but I think he wanted to show off ;) 12. Another perk of Boyf living in LA is that he can meet me for lunch at work. We've designated Mondays as our lunch days. This Monday he came to pick me up & this is what I came back to on my computer desktop. So sneaky, that one... 

B is for Birthday List 2014

It's that time again! Time for another list of things I've been lusting after since Christmas, but have been too lazy and/or poor (Thanks rent & Starbucks - don't judge me!) to buy. Yes, now it's time for my birthday list. I will be turning 24 (Ugh, sweet youth. I miss you already...) and I don't know if this is just a part of growing up or if I'm just used to buying myself things, but this year my birthday list has been EXTREMELY and UNCHARACTERISTICALLY difficult to put together. If this is growing up, I would like to take Peter Pan's route, please...

1. The Mini Lion Head from White Faux Taxidermy. It's tiny & precious, but not too precious where it still appears to be guarding my apartment. You know? 2. Starlight Posts from Anthropologie. Because these are the cutest little arrow earrings ever. 3. ASOS Satchel Bag with Scallop Bar Detail from, you guessed it, ASOS. This is actually the cutest purse I've seen in a while. It's so practical, I love the scallop & it's my ideal bag size. 4. Macaron Foil Print from Jenny Bevlin. I have been lusting after this for MONTHS. Months, I tell you! I would prefer it in a 5 x 7 & gold foil, please. 5. I have a Pinterest board, as does every female age 13 - 50+ & I can't stop staring at all these delicate rings. I don't have a source, but my best bet is Etsy OR you can take me on a fun trip to LA's Jewelry Mart, where my gift will be a new diamond band as well as some quality time together. Now that's a win-win, my friends. 6. Crochet Trimmed Romper from Forever 21. While I'm not 100% my body loves rompers or that rompers love my body quite yet, I do know that this is adorable & I love it. 7. I have never loved a candle more than I love the Vanilla Bean candle at Henri Bendel. AH. So worth $30 just to let it burn & fill the room with sweet, vanilla goodness. 8. Plum & Bow Apartment Sweet Apartment Handmade Mat from Urban Outfitters. Because, first, it's adorable & second, the doormat at my apartment was the gross one left by the last tenant. It's dirty & brown & just a sad excuse for a doormat. 9. I have been searching high & low for a new vase. Little did I know, all I had to do was go to Target. I'm in like with this Clear Cylinder Vase 10" from Target.

F is for February 2014

I just re-read my last month's photo round-up (Or whatever you want to call it - preferably something less embarrassing than what I just referred to it as) & it was quite negative. For that, I apologize. The Vicks & annoying neighbors were clearly getting to me. With that being said, & I know I say this everytime, I cannot BELIEVE another month has passed. Crazy how time continues to do that, right? Let's take a look at my February, shall we?

1. & 2. My cousin & I went to the Diane Von Furstenberg exhibit at LACMA. If you have an Instagram account, I am 100% positive you've seen multiple pictures by these walls. They are fantastic. The prints are things straight out of my dreams, especially the cheetah wall. We ran around taking pictures until they practically had to drag us out at closing time. It was so great. 3. The next day was Megan's birthday & since I take the most pictures with her, how else was I supposed to celebrate? 4. On a whim one Friday night, I found myself at a concert in Hollywood with some of my favorite humans. I was sick, but somehow forgot about my sickness & danced like a crazy person with my friends. It's like they knew that's what I needed to stop stressing/stop focusing on my sickness.//5. More from our "on a whim" concert night. 6. GIRL SCOUT COOKIES. Although, I have a bone to pick with the Girl Scouts because they changed distributors & the Thin Mints don't taste the same. I am very disappointed as a former Girl Scout & lover of cookies. 7. I turned into a Valentine's Day monster one night & I'm not even sorry. Valentine's Day is the cutest & Target fueled my crazy. 8. Best Friend + Sprinkles Cupcake ATM = Best Night Ever//9. I came into my office on Valentine's Day to a huge heart shaped box of chocolate from my boss. So cute. 10. Then I came home to roses from the boyfriend, my real Valentine. Also, so cute. 11. After weeks of not seeing my favorite sister, she greets me wearing the same exact Gap shirt I am & hands me a succulent. I don't see her as much as I should, so I treasure every second with her. She's the best. 12. I mean, yeah, maybe I went to the Miley Cyrus concert with my work. It was amazing & ridiculous all at the same time. I've never done drugs, but I can imagine her concert was similar to doing said drugs. Scary & fascinating all at the same time. But girl is definitely talented.//13. I got sick again (Yep, twice in one month. I was really stressed/don't think my body ever fully recovered), so I decided to treat myself with macarons. I'm pretty sure that's what a doctor would've ordered too. I'm pretty sure... 14. I went to a Chanel party with work & was gifted with a stupid amount of Chanel makeup. I've given some to my best friends & my Mom because I am just so overwhelmed & grateful, I don't know what to do with everything. I mean, I only have one face. I can't possibly use all this makeup in one lifetime. Plus, I love giving people little gifts. It gives me warm fuzzy feelings inside. Especially since when I gave it to one of my best friends, she started crying a little bit. It was the greatest moment. 15. I can't remember the source, but someone sketched up all the Academy Award Best Actress winner's gowns. It was the cutest thing I'd seen all day. Plus, give me fashion & give me the Oscar's & you have my full attention. 16. Because throwbacks are silly, but this picture of my sister & I was too good not to post. This picture gives me all the giggles in the world.

J is for January 2014

It's crazy that January is already gone & the first week of February is almost over! January was a weird month for me. I've been in a personal funk for a majority of it, which is so annoying. I don't mean to be in said funk, but I want it gone. With that being said, I did have some good times in January too. I have to remind myself that I am so blessed to be surrounded by such incredible people. (Also, another resolution I've made is to try to stop saying "I" so much. It's especially hard not to use the word "I" whilst trying to write a personal blog. THE STRUGGLES. Also, my thoughts aren't translating well due to the fact that it's late & I'm getting a cold, so I'm all lathered up with Vicks. Plus, I wanted to be asleep, but my apartment walls are thin & people are loud & inconsiderate.) Anyway, let's look at my fun January memories.

 

1. I spent New Year's Eve/New Year's Day with some of my favorite friends & my favorite boyfriend. I know the polariods are small, but can I point out that I loved my dress so much? Because I did. Gosh it was fun to wear. A friend said I looked like Grace Kelly & that's pretty much the best compliment ever. I'm holding onto it forever. 2. I had a 2 week break from work, in which I hugged my family a lot & hung out with my dog. Yes, I have a dog. Contrary to popular belief, he is alive, well & quite loved. 3. My Mama & I went on a little shopping spree, where we both got little booties. SO comfortable, but so hard to wear with tight jeans. 4. Yep. Target convinced me to buy Valentine's Day crap in the first week of January. It's like they're selling directly to me, Erin. I swear. I don't know how they do it, but they do it well.//5. To end my long break from work, Boyfriend & I had a staycation in LA. It was relaxing & full of giggles. As always. 6. The day before I went back to work, I decided to buy myself flowers. That's my new thing, buying myself flowers for my room when I get sad or lonely. Which, is all too often during the weekdays. 7. Awards season has officially started, but we got cupcakes delivered to work, which helped the stress & hives go away a little bit. 8. I'm obsessed with my new "bonjour" bracelet. It's so pretty & it makes my wrist feel really small.//9. My sweet Sarah & I went to Downtown Disney for delicious beignets. She's my favorite. Beignets are a close second. 10. A perk of staying in your childhood room during the weekends are tattoo necklaces & Gameboys. Now if I could only find my games... 11. Oh, the Golden Globes. They were really entertaining, as always. In the midst of the craziness, my ultimate celebrity crushes Leonardo DiCaprio & Bradley Cooper gave each other a red carpet hug. Obviously I had to document it. Oh to be in the middle of that... 12. When I get stressed or annoyed, my go-to relaxer is to clean. Yeah, I'm not sure where that came from, but I don't mind it.//13. During work, I got to visit the Bollare offices & have my hair played with. 14. My Grandma got around to putting old pictures on a CD. Not only am I proud of her for that, but I can't stop looking at the pictures of her, my Grandpa, Uncle, Mom & Aunt. I am obsessed. 15. One Direction Valentine's Day cards at, where else?, Target. I live in those stores, I swear. 16. I had a bad week & looked up & realized it was a pretty day, so I took a picture & willed myself to have a positive attitude & a good day. I called my Mom later & she casually asked "Why'd you take a picture of a palm tree?" It made me laugh, so I added it. I love that precious Mom of mine.//17. We had a family birthday celebration & my cousin introduced me to the app game "Heads Up." I've seen people play it at Disneyland before, but just thought they looked silly. Oh no, it's such a fun game. I can't even begin to tell you. Playing with my family was some kind of interesting. 18. Yep. More flowers. This time they had glitter on them. First off, I didn't know that existed. Second, I know that's cheesy & lame but I'm not one to turn down glitter. Ever. 19. My Polaroid camera was by far my favorite Christmas present this year. My loved ones are even cuter all tiny. 20. Last week I went to a last minute King's game with my Aunt, Uncle & cousin at the Staple's Center. They have a suite & I'm not one to say "No" to hanging out with them. Or free suite seats.

I'm praying for a less stressful & happier February.

2014 Resolutions

(Via Pinterest)

Let me start by saying I still can't believe it's 2014. That is crazy. 2013 went by SO fast! I know I've said that 100,000,000 times already, but it's true. 2013 taught me a lot about myself, the people around me and reminded me what's really important. I know, so cheesy you probably just threw up in your mouth. I don't care! 2013 was crazy difficult, crazy rewarding and just plain crazy all at the same time. I did things I never dreamed I would do and went through experiences I never imagined. Crazy is the only word I can find to describe it. Now I can't remember the resolutions I made last year, I don't know if I made any, but last night at dinner my boyfriend asked what I want to do this year. Thus prompting my 2014 resolutions.
1. Stop worrying & stress less! 
"Never worry about anything..." Phillippians 4:6 is one of my favorite reminder verses. I have it posted on my closet as a daily reminder. Now, I don't always listen to it, but I really need to remember this. I get stressed and worried so easily, it's really awful.
2. Travel more! 
I hate this one because it sounds so unoriginal, but my boyfriend and I discussed wanting to travel more. Taking day or weekend trips, staycations, etc. I really only see him on weekends so I treasure every moment together. Plus, day trips are the best.
3. Write more letters! 
Not to toot my own horn - or whatever that saying is - but I've actually been pretty good about this one. Since I moved to LA in May, I've written a lot of letters and have a few pen pals. Okay, those pen pals are my cousins and sister, but still. I think writing and receiving letters is just the best thing ever.
4. Quiet times! 
I suck at quiet times. I always get distracted and preoccupied by something else, usually my phone or computer, so this I really need to work on.
5. Sleep more! 
I definitely need to sleep more and wake up on time. Ha. The second part of that is just laughable, but hey, it's just a resolution...
6. Be on time! 
Because being fashionably late is so 2013. Right? Ugh I'm so bad at being on time it's embarrassing and something I'm really not proud of. Maybe I should've combined 5 & 6 into "time management." Oh well.
7. Spend more time with loved ones! 
I feel like I'm good at doing this during the weekends, but with 2 of my best friends in LA, my boyfriend almost in LA and one of my cousins 30 minutes away, I need to find time to see them during the weekdays too.
8. Save money! 
This has been a struggle since I moved, well actually since I got my first job (Hey Bath & Body Works!). My Mom gave some tips to help manage money, so let's see how that goes. On the bright side, being poor has made me lose weight, so that's nice and kind of concerning at the same time.
9. Stay positive! 
I go through my weekly, sometimes biweekly, "I'm so stressed and homesick" phases and hate it. I constantly have to remind myself that I am so freaking blessed, it's ridiculous.
10. Stay happy! 
This seems redundant and so stupid, but really necessary. 2013 had some low points, but I spent a large portion of the year so happy. I'd like to continue that, thanks.

Gosh, wish me luck.

D is for December 2013

The fact that I'm typing this in 2014 is CRAZY. Where on Earth did the year 2013 go? Honestly. More on my year in review later, because my year was ridiculous, but right now let's talk about the fact that December (My favorite month) is over. Until next year, December. You're the best, never change.

1. I finally set up my baby Christmas tree at my apartment! It took me forever to take my ornaments, decorations, etc. from my car to my apartment. There are a lot of steps in between, I swear. I also ran out of table tops to put it on, so it has been sitting on a stack of magazines. That's just how I do. 2. I attended a NYLON party for Demi Lovato. I KNOW. How is that sentence even coming out of my mouth? I still don't feel "cool" enough. It was hosted by McDonald's, so I let myself eat McDonald's french fries while mingling with famous people. I later found out Joe Jonas was at the party, which makes me cry a little inside each time I think about it. Le sigh. Next time, babes! 3. My monthly "I'm so homesick" was right on cue. To fix it, I drank Starbucks coffee, lit a candle, turned on my sparkly snowflake lights & watched "White Christmas," as one does. 4. My Mom & I had a gift wrapping extravaganza. A couple, actually. I just couldn't stop buying presents.//5. I went to Disneyland for the last time. I didn't know it would be my last time, I just never got to go after. So sad. I miss my Disneyland pass already. 6. During work my coworker & I got to run the greatest errand of buying a real wreath & garland. Dang, I miss Christmas already. 7. I was lucky enough to attend my step-niece's performance of "The Nutcracker." She played a mouse & an angel & she was seriously the cutest thing ever. 8. I bought the cutest Christmas postcards this year. Did I mention I miss Christmas already? ;)//9. BRADLEY COOPER FISH DIED. Ugh. I am so heartbroken. I walked into my room & he was unresponsive. He would've been 2 1/2 on December 30th. I saw him & immediately broke down in tears. I didn't think I'd react that way, I took it really hard, which is silly because he was just a fish but he was honestly the BEST fish. Boyf & sister have already offered to buy me a new fishy friend. 10. - 12. Christmas cookie time!! We missed last year & told ourselves we had to do it this year. The cousins & I had new cookie cutters & my Mom & Grandma made new colors of frosting. It was fantastic, we all went into cookie overload, for sure.//13. Not spending my Christmas Eve in retail this year is kind of the best thing ever. To celebrate, I watched "The Muppet Christmas Carol" with my Mom & stepdad. 14. Boyf came over on Christmas Eve to give me a gift. By "a gift" I mean one of the best presents I received. ONE DIRECTION CONCERT TICKETS. Oh, & a princess crown & a One Direction Barbie doll. You know, regular "I love you, Merry Christmas" gifts. 15. & 16. I received the pink Polaroid camera off my Christmas list & already put it to great use photographing way too many things on Christmas Day. I love my friends & family so much. I am seriously so dang blessed, it's silly.//17. Because I still can't get enough of my favorite cousins, we took a LA adventure. First to the Griffith Park Merry-go-round, who knew, right?! 18. Then we went to Pershing Square for some outdoor ice skating. We missed out on this last year too. I'm really glad we got to squeeze everything in. Christmas cousin traditions are my absolute favorite. 19. More cuteness with my Courtney. 20. My year in review! I'll talk more about that later because there are way too many pictures there, but it made this even & y'all know how weird I get about even numbers.

HAPPY 2014. I love you all. (By "all," I am probably only talking to my Mom & Aunt. Hi guys.)