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.)

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...