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.)

N is for November 2013

Oh my goodness, you guys. How is November already over & December (almost) halfway over as well? I swear, I don't know where this year has gone, but I am real excited to start a new year. (But more on my entire year in a next post.) November is obviously the month of Thanksgiving & I have a lot to be thankful for. I'm surrounded by the most amazing, loving & supportive friends & family. I have my health, a great job & the cutest little apartment in a great area of Los Angeles. I could go on, believe me. But for now, I'll recap my sweet November. Also, it should be noted that November is the beginning/continuation of all Christmas Instagrams all the time. Sorry I'm not that sorry. 'Tis the season, you know?

1. STARBUCKS CHRISTMAS CUPS, Y'ALL. They aren't as cute as they could've been, but I mean, I'm not really complaining. 2. My sweet Mama came up to LA for a lunch break. I get in the car to go to Lemonade, my Mom points to a Gap bag on the floor & tells me to open it. In the bag were these gold glittery loafers (as seen on my Christmas list) for no reason. She's really the sweetest. I love her. 3. It's Christmastime at The Grove! Rejoice, rejoice! 4. Concert of the month: Selena Gomez. I have no shame, I love her like a love song.//5. I didn't go to Selena alone, I was joined by my cousin & sister. We were such goobers, it was way too much fun. 6. Boyf & I went to the pet store & fell in serious love with this kitten. He was so silly & stupid. We can't stop talking about him. Darn his kitten allergies... 7. More Christmas goodness! Junior Mints Peppermint Crunch are here & they are glorious! I may or may not be munching on them right now. While typing & watching "Law & Order." Multi-tasking at it's finest, my friends. 8. Megan is my favorite, I am so thankful that she is my cousin. She is really my sister, if we're being honest. I adore her & all the time I spend with her. I am also thankful that she shares my love of Christmas & Target. Here we are exploring Target. As per usual. Later that night we decorated her room with Christmas lights. As one does.//9. I finally got a tiny gold disco ball! Everyone says I need a bigger one, but the fact that it's so small makes it less gaudy & just silly to me. Every time I look up at my ceiling, I giggle. It makes me happy. 10. I got sick in the middle of the month, but made it out for a sister date in Newport Beach. We got our nails done, went to Starbucks & she bought me a succulent as a housewarming gift. Late, but so appreciated. Whenever I look at it, I think of her. 11. Little Bradley Cooper Fish is still alive & swimming! I so wish he could stay with me in my apartment. 12. I had a rough week, but putting my snowflake lights up made it a little better.//13. Boyf came up to LA for the midnight premiere of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." It was everything we wanted it to be & more! It was definitely worth the wait as well. 14. I came home to a piggy ornament & a birthday card from my Mom because "birthdays should be celebrated everyday." Seriously, you guys. She is the best! 15. My sweet Courtney came home for Thanksgiving! Of course we took that as an opportunity to see "Catching Fire" again. They are seriously my favorite humans. 16. I've been feeling pretty homesick, especially during the holiday season, so I treasure my time at home. Dave made a fire & I got to cuddle with my Mom. It's funny how the second I move out on my own, I miss her more. I actually spend most of my time missing my loved ones. I can't wait for Christmas break.//17. Boyf & I took his brother to Disneyland. I mean, I am not usually a fan of "It's a Small World" but if we're being honest, when you throw Christmas lights on something, I'll probably find a way to love it. 18. More sister dates! I went to Disneyland twice during my 4 day Thanksgiving break. Sister & I ran around taking pictures & catching up. Along with my Mom, step-dad, boyfriend & the rest of my family, I miss sister the most. 19. Enjoying the faux snow at Disneyland. Ah, magic. Can you tell it's my favorite time of year?! 20. I closed out the month by celebrating my Grandma's birthday & joining my family in decorating her house for Christmas. Time very well spent.

The next time I check in with you, it will be 2014. WHAT.

I can't wait.

O is for October 2013

YOU. GUYS. I am writing this in November. NOVEMBER. Can you believe it? I honestly can't. Last time I checked it was at least August. Maybe mid September. But then I blink & Halloween is gone & the red cups at Starbucks are already here. Gosh, I'm so excited for Christmas I can't even stand it. Heck, I'm actually even excited for Thanksgiving. The holidays give me a warm feeling in my soul that I just can't explain. Let's look at my October in a nutshell.

1. Riley sent me a little postcard in the mail. Snail mail has become one of my new favorite things, let me just tell you. It's fantastic. 2. Boyf & I took our weekly Target trip & there were extra precautions when it came to strapping in his prized JT vinyl. He has priorities, I don't over-think it but I do Instagram it. 3. We were in a Mexican food coma. I tell ya, LA has some good food.//4. & 5. Megan & I went to a P!nk concert with my aunt & uncle. I know what you're probably thinking "P!ink, really?" I mean, it was suite seats at the Staples Center. Only a fool would say "no" to that. But much to all our surprise, she put on one dang good show. I was thoroughly entertained & impressed. 6. There really is nothing better than a fresh new gel manicure. My sister & I had a mani-pedi date, it was much needed & much loved.//7. I attended my first rooftop pool party for work. It was a success, I just HAD to document it. 8. I refuse to say this is a throwback, but I couldn't resist this old picture of Megan, Lauren & I at Halloween. Megan is Belle, I'm a bride (Yeah, I don't know...) and Lauren is a kitten. It should be noted that Lauren is also wearing jellies. I giggled hysterically. 9. Not only does Target have Christmas stuff creeping up onto their shelves, but they have a CHRISTMAS PIG. Oh man, you are witnessing real love & emotion in this picture.

10. I went sunglasses shopping with/for my Mom & fell absolutely in love with these Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses. There was glitter on the inside! I die. I left the store without them, but they will always be in my heart. 11. More snail mail! My Mom is the best. 12. Boyf & I at the Kanye West concert, which was RIDICULOUS by the way. I'm not 100% certain what I witnessed, but I do know that it was amazing.//13. More Kanye, because... It's Kanye. 14. The other weekend was just filled with concerts. First there was Kanye at the Staples Center, then the complete opposite with Portugal. The Man at The Observatory. Like it could not have been more opposite. But it was dang fun. I had blisters on my feet & my entire body ached on Monday. It was such a successful & fun weekend. 15. As you know, my half-birthday was October 28. I am now, I regret to inform you, 23 1/2 years old. Oh gosh. I love my birthday, but I don't like that my age keeps going up. The struggle with birthdays, am I right? Anyway, I received half a cupcake at work. It was delicious.//16. I faced my intense & very real fear last week & went to a Halloween store. Gosh I HATE Halloween & I HATE Halloween stores even more. They all smell like scary rubber masks & they're the opposite of happiness. 17. Speaking of happiness, it was National Cat Day last week & while I can't have cats in my apartment, they roam around tugging at my heart strings. I've already named this one. I want to bring him home! 18. I closed off the month with a selfie. I wore this cat mask (Hence why I forced myself to go to the Halloween store of doom & fear.) to work & figured it should be documented in some way. I spent the rest of Halloween night with some of my favorite people, watching "Pretty Little Liars," talking & eating pizza. As one does.

Seriously, I can't believe we're in November already. Expect a whole bunch of Christmas talk from now until January 15ish. You've been warned.

C is for Christmas List 2013

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN. Yep, I'm using unnecessary CAPS Lock and yep, I'm making my annual Christmas list. I LOVE Christmas. If you have learned anything from reading this blog and/or talking to me in person, you know that by now. But for emphasis I feel I should reiterate it year after year. It just makes my heart so warm and full. I saw Christmas (Perhaps Halloween, for I have yet to meet someone in Los Angeles who loves Christmas as much as me. But for happiness sake, let's call say Christmas.) lights on an apartment today and my eyes filled with happy tears. Sigh. I am so excited, I just can't deal. Can you tell? EEK.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Film Camera In pink, pretty please. I need this camera in my life, for instant pictures are 10x better than digital. ALSO I hate waiting for my pictures to be sent in the mail and I like decorating my new, very bare and sad, bedroom walls. I'd also like some film, please and thank you. (Amazon)

Heart of Gold Screen Printed Poster I have a print of gold lips above my bed and think this would make a PERFECT addition. (Etsy)

Bistro Dress in Ridgestripe I've had my eye on this Madewell dress for MONTHS. That's not an exaggeration of time or an inappropriate use of CAPS Lock. I've seriously been eying it forever. Now that it's on sale, it'd really just be silly NOT to get it. You know? Size 6, please. Or 8, because I guess 6 doesn't exist in the black and white version. Oh well. (Madewell)

Gallerist Ponte Dress Hi, my name is Erin and I'm obsessed with Madewell's dresses. They just fit so well and 9 times out of 10 there are hidden pockets. WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR? (Madewell)

Paw Prints Juice Glass(es) I would like 2 of these cat-dorable (Ugh, that was awful. It sounded good in my head. My bad.) glasses. They melt my heart. I have a new-found love for kittens. The fact that I can't have one in my apartment makes me all kinds of sad. So this will have to do. (Anthropologie)

Mairhead Tin - Vanilla & Cedar I know I'm a sucker for pretty much any candle at Anthropologie (Except for the really fruity or mango-y (It's a word) ones. They're yucky.) but this Vanilla & Cedar one is INCREDIBLE. One whiff and I was in love. It reminded me of Christmas and my childhood. (Anthropologie)

Handbag - Golden Brown I've owned a large handful of purses from H&M and out of that large handful, only ONE has broken. Okay, actually two, but the second one was my fault. I put too much crap in it. My bad... (H&M)

Pattern-Weave Skirt This skirt is currently featured in the November issue of Redbook and I gasped at the sight of it. I mean, granted, Hannah Simone is wearing it and she looks gorgeous in everything, but I have faith that I could make it work. And by "make it work" I mean, it looks like a good skirt to twirl in. Size 6. (H&M)

Top in Slub Jersey - Gray I don't know what "slub jersey" is, it sounds like a messy sub sandwich. But I DO know that I love me a basic tee and I love me some gray. Do with that what you will. But do it in a Medium please! (H&M)

Stacking Ring - Crystal Quartz Gemstone in 18K Gold This is so dainty and so dang cute. So, it's pretty much everything I want in a ring. Size 6.5, please. (Etsy)

Vogue US This is one of those obligatory "I should've purchased this months ago, but then rent is due" Christmas list posts. I need to renew my subscription to Vogue. (Vogue)

Metallic Loafers - Gold Ah GAP. How I miss you(r) discount so. I will not miss pretending to fold clothes while flirting with my fellow employee/boyfriend. I will also not miss the mean customers or pretending to offer people GAP cards. I will, however, miss my discount this season. Oh, the discount... Where was I? Yes. Shoes. I like these loafers. Size 8! (GAP)

Two-Tone Cowl Infinity Scarf - Heather Gray I've had a love affair with GAP's infinity scarves way before I became an employee. Oh my gosh, they are the warmest and most comfortable things I've ever worn in my entire 23 years of life. I love this gray one. It looks so cuddly. (GAP)

Starbucks Gift Card I mean, don't even pretend you're surprised by this point. You know? (Starbucks)

Gold iPhone 5s Yep, I'm sticking with a gold theme this year. Blair, my current iPhone, is very slow and sassy. Like, annoyingly slow and sassy. She also is a 16 GB, making her very fragile and weak. I am asking for a gold iPhone 5s (32 GB), pretty please with a cherry (or Apple. Tee hee.) on top. (Apple)

S is for September 2013

1. My life-long (Okay, not life-long, but whatever) dream of seeing a movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery finally came true! I saw "The Breakfast Club" with the girls from work & it was lovely. 2. I will never get sick of "I love you & stuff" flowers from the boyfriend. It's my favorite. 3. Riley came & interned for me one week. It was so much fun to have her there with me. Then we went to dinner because we like each other so! 4. My Mama went to Hong Kong with work, they're opening a church over there, & as sad as I was to see her go, I was 10x more excited for her. She had a blast.//5. Boyfriend & I dancing at my friends' wedding from August. Official pictures came out & I adore them. 6. Boyf surprised me with Backstreet Boys tickets. There were choreographed dance moves & matching outfits. So yeah, we had fun. 7. I went to Lemonade with my friend Sarah for the first time & enjoyed the BIGGEST macaron I've ever seen. Goodness. 8. Bradley Cooper fish is still alive & swimming. Can you believe it?! He's still at my house & I miss him.//9. I was feeling sick, so "Friends" & yummy candles soothed my sickness. 10. I was having a bad day & boyf (Geez, apparently I only Instagram when he's around. I'll work on that.) surprised me by leaving flowers at my door. Then he came in & surprised me with a Starbucks gift card. It's the little things. 11. I may or may not have seen the One Direction movie with the boyfriend. He wanted to see it as bad, if not more, than I did. True story, he doesn't deny it. We sang to their songs & he spoke in bad British accent the rest of the night. As one would expect. 12. My boss surprised me with a macaron wine. I've never been more convinced a product was made exclusively for me until now. CRAZY. I still haven't tasted it yet, I should probably do that.//13. My Mama brought back mailbox magnets from Hong Kong. They're so cute & detailed. I love them. 14. Boyfriend came & helped me put together an Ikea table. Yes, I'm capable alone but it's so cute to see him do things like this for/with me. 15. We had a surprise guest in our apartment! I named this little guy Hugh. Last week I found him again (He was missing for a week, how he survived I'll never know.) & he was set free. I regret it because he was so cute & tiny, but also when he was hiding I was constantly on edge. So I guess it's for the best. 16. Justin Timberlake & Jimmy Kimmel shut down Hollywood Blvd. for a JT performance. I won tickets to go. We were WAY far back & probably not on TV, but it was worth it. Free JT? Yes please, always!//17. Bedazzled collars. Need I say more? So dang cute. 18. Boyf & I found the cutest old diner near my apartment. I'm glad I found a milkshake place close to me. It was becoming an issue. 19. Sister & I were planning on going to dinner, but at the last minute decided California Adventure sounded more fun. Spur of the moment trips are my favorite. She's my favorite too. 20. Boyf (Yes, again. Leave me alone. I have friends, I SWEAR.) witnessed my annual "It's Christmas at Target already!" freakout. He was concerned, I almost cried I got so excited. The best is yet to come...

A is for August 2013

 

1. My sweet Courtney left for college & it makes my heart so confused. I'm so sad that she's gone & no longer 25 minutes away, but I'm so proud of her & excited to hear stories. She had one last sleepover at my house. We saw the Backstreet Boys & had girl talk. It was the best. She's the best. 2. It was a birthday at the office, so ridiculously sugary fatty cupcakes were an obvious must-have. 3. "Sleepless in Seattle" is the best, not only for the love story, "An Affair to Remember" reference or Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks' wonderful chemistry, but Annie's pink kitchen. It's my new dream kitchen. 4. My Mom had a sleepover with me & we played with the "Skyview Free" app. We layed in my bed & watched the stars. Technology is weird & great.//5. Boyf & I roadtripped to Big Bear for one of my closest friends' weddings. Our roadtrip consisted of lots of loud singing. As pictured. 6 - 8. Wedding festivities galore! I love my friends & I love weddings.//9. The cutest little cabin I've ever stayed in. Ever. 10. Vogue. Jennifer Lawrence. September issue. Enough said. 11. Boyfriend & I being cute at the wedding. I missed it. And him. 12. I got to hang out & have sister talk. It was much needed & much loved.//13. I'm still unpacking boxes in my room, I know shut up, & I found an old Polaroid my best friend gave me when she was studying abroad. It's most definitely hanging up on my wall now. 14-15. Sarah & I had an epiphany the other week & thought to ourselves "We should rock climb." It came out of nowhere & after doing some Groupon exploration, we climbed our way up scary rocks. Sarah was a natural, but I struggled. We ended the adventurous day with a pedicure because that's just how we do. 16. I went to my first drive-thru car wash with my Mama. It was magical, colorful & so fun!//17. August 25 marked the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of boyfriend & I. I can't believe it's been 1 year already. I'm very in like with him. (That's all I'm saying on that matter.) 18. Megan & I took a mid-week trip to California Adventure, where I got to hang out with her after her 2 week stay in Rwanda. LOVE. 19. Thanks to a wonderful deal on Snapfish (shoutout!) I got 20 free pictures. I printed out all of my favorite memories as of late. I have such great people surrounding me, I really am so blessed. 20. I ended the month celebrating my Mom & Aunt's birthday. They're my favorite twins. Okay, let's face it. They're just my favorite people in general.

August was fantastic, but let's be real. I'm not in love with this whole "sweat everytime I walk outside" situation. Fall & cold weather could not come any faster.

J is for July 2013

1. Boyf and I being all cute and whatnot on the 4th of July. 2. My Mom and step-family went camping. I did not join them, as I think camping is something one is forced to do for all of eternity in Hell, but I did drive up and go on a bike ride with my Mom. Because hanging out in nature for a few hours is a good thing sometimes. 3. I may or may not have JUST finished my Donkey Balls (Look them up, it's chocolate, not what you may think) and it makes me miss Hawaii (and my family) so incredibly much. 4. I miss the 4th of July already. Or still. Or both?//5. I had a rough week, so my Mom sent me snail mail. Isn't she the cutest? 6. Rite Aid sells their Thrifty ice cream in pints. Seriously the best decision ever. Worst decision ever is eating it in bed on top of my white comforter. Oops. 7. A memorial service was held for my beloved Grandma Bette. She was stunning, I hope to look half as beautiful when I grow up. 8. My boss bought me shoes and I adore them.//9. The roomie and I found a really inexpensive (but not "I'm going to vomit" inexpensive) sushi place right by our apartment. 10. Boyf and I went to the cutest theatre by my house. I adore it. The theatres are so small and have twinkly star lights on the ceiling. Sidenote: We saw "The Way Way Back" and it was definitely the best movie I've seen all year. 11. I AM SO OBSESSED WITH THE ROYAL BABY IT'S ALL I THINK/TWEET/FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM ABOUT. Okay, that's being dramatic but I am really obsessed. 12-15. Two weekends ago my best girlfriends and I celebrated a Bachelorette party for our sweet Alli in Palm Springs. It was the best weekend I've had in awhile. I love them all a stupid amount. 16. To end my perfect Palm Springs weekend, boyf and I saw Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z at the Rose Bowl. It. Was. Everything.