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.

J is for June 2013

1. Back when Bradley Cooper fish (WHO TURNED TWO YEARS OLD ON JUNE 30. Along with my boyf, who turned 20, not 2. But like, who cares about boyf when I have a goldfish living for that long. You know?) lived with me. Those days were great. I had to move him back to the OC in fear of my landlord. 2. E and I walked (drove, whatever) to the Griffith Observatory. I still can't handle the view. It's great. 3. We also decorated our fridge with film strips, inspirational quotes and Jennifer Lawrence because, why not? 4. I swear if she didn't cook for me, I'd be dead. 5. Same goes for boyf. He came and made us breakfast, which makes my heart crumble in a love way. 6. Speaking of love, my Mom sent me snail mail and a gas gift card. I MEAN. 7. Even more love, my sister FINALLY came up to see my new apartment. And of course we went to Umami Burger because it's the best ever. 8. I spent the most perfect Sunday funday with Ali at the Rose Bowl Flea Market.

9. AHHH. This sequin vintage dress was only $8 at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. I knew if I didn't buy it, I'd regret it for the rest of my living days. 10. When boyf and sister came up (see #6) they stole a Polaroid, which obviously made it onto the fridge. 11. I won Miss USA. You didn't hear? Yep, it was a great time of swimsuit competitions and baton twirling. Okay, JK. A girl named Erin Brady won and I took credit. Nick Jonas Tweeted me along with a bunch of other people who can't read that I live in Los Angeles/wasn't in town for the show. Silly fans, I love them either way. 12. HAWAII. The view from our hotel was ridiculous. 13. This was taken on the plane on the way to Hawaii. Shortly after it was taken I passed out because I can't stay awake on planes, I find it horrible. 14. I heart Hawaii. 15. Oh just Polaroiding at a hidden beach. 16. Seriously, it was stunning. Man I miss it already...

17. Mama and I. 18. & 19. Guys I miss Hawaii so much! 20. More cousin Polaroids on a secret beach. 21. Courtney and I went paddleboarding and didn't fall once! We were freakishly proud and surprised with ourselves and wanted to do it again, but didn't. 22. This is the one part of Kona I remember from my trip 6 years ago. Ugh, I love it. 23. Leis are mandatory in Hawaii, even if we didn't go to a luau. 24. More beaches. I don't even. 

25. I know, more beaches. Leave me alone. 26. We went completely off-roading Indiana Jones style and literally giggled the entire way. It was amazing. 27. Another day of giggles with the cousins, Mama and aunt. 28. Seriously stunning. 29. My favorite humans, I swear. 30. I adore the Place of Refuge. It's so pretty! We saw and swam-ish with turtles. 31. My dream of becoming a mermaid finally came true... 32. I really did not want to go home. So sad. I miss you, Hawaii. I miss you so. You guys, can I go back on vacation yet?!

A is for April & M is for May

My past couple of months have been absolutely crazy, stressful and exciting all at the same time. Since I last checked in, I've turned 23 and I've been living in an apartment in LA with my sweet friend Elizabeth. Like WHAT. It's kind of crazytown but we are doing kind of amazing so far. The whole "we're adults and have bills to pay" thing is going to make a great chapter in our future memoir/Lifetime movie, let me tell you. This weekend we also began "Nashville" because it's summer time and we needed a show. Watching ABC dramas with cute boys and Connie Britton is kind of a dream and the best roomie bonding time ever. (I only added that because we are most definitely watching some episodes right now and I'm mentally planning a trip to Nashville. For sure.)

April 2013  

1. Boyf & I running around parking structures. Naturally. 2. The same day E, Boyf & I went to LA to look at Mario Testino's photos in a museum. 3. I went to the Easter service alone & it was grand. 4. Megan & I bought these weird confetti eggs at Target & threw them all over the street. 5. I took the boyf to a hockey game for Valentine's Day. 6. There is a macaroon store right by work & if you know me, you know how happy that makes my heart & my stomach.

7. Mom & I attended the baby shower/going away party for my God Sister. It's a mix of happy & sad. 8. The girls at work took me to Benihana, where I drank out of a Buddha. It was mandatory. 9. For my birthday I went bowling with some of my favorite humans. 10. For my actual birthday, Riley, Elizabeth & I spent the whole day at Disneyland. 11. More from my birthday bowling extravaganza. 12. E & I had a "WE HAVE AN APARTMENT" celebratory dinner at some random Mexican restaurant. So exciting, I can't deal. 

May 2013

1. I miss living with Courtney. I came home to a belated birthday Funfetti cake. 2. Target may or may not have a hooded Batman towel & we definitely bought it. 3. & 4. I'm officially at the age where my friends are all getting married. It's so weird. 5. Watching the MET Gala at work because it's my job. 6. LA has some real pretty moments. 

7. Court & I spent a Mother's Day breakfast with the aunts & Grandma by taking pictures, as always. 8. We spent Mother's Day at the MV Lake & I didn't have a bathing suit, which just meant snow cones. Ya dig? 9. B Coops getting all ready for our big move. 10. MY NEW ADDRESS. 11. On our first night, E & I went searching for the perfect pizza place because we have priorities. 12. We also went to the Farmer's Market & got fresh flowers for our living room.

13. This is my new view, every morning I can't even believe it. 14. Mandatory Rite Aid ice cream runs with the roomie. 15. My Grandma died this past Monday & Tuesday was the 13th anniversary of my Daddy's death (Memorial Day is the worst), so E took me to brunch at Toast Bakery. It was super cute & delicious. 16. It took me a couple weeks to realize that our last names are on the directory by our mail boxes. Say what?! 17. On Wednesday, I went to 1642, which ended up being THE greatest bar. It was completely hidden & jazz night. I loved it. 18. Riley also brought us peonies. What a great house guest. 

So far, April, May and the 2 days of June so far, have been pretty life changing and great. Here's to more wonderful memories in this new place with all my great friends & family. And more blog posts, because I have priorities. Obviously.

B is for Birthday List

You guys, the time has come. MY BIRTHDAY IS 20 DAYS AWAY. In 20 days, I will no longer connect (On a soul sister level) with Taylor Swift's song, "22." This is something I am most sad about. I have loved being 22 though, a lot of great and absolutely wonderful things have happened in my 22nd year of life. I graduated, I got a real job, I have perfect friends and an almost perfect boyfriend. (That was a joke. I love you, Matt.) So, let's get shopping, friends!

I blame my friend Riley for my obsession with Kate Spade wallets. She has an amazing one. I would like the Cobble Hill Lacey wallet in black, please. (Available on katespade.com)

This gold Ampersand ring from CatbirdNYC is THE BEST. I love it. I love it so much. Size 6.5, please. (Available on Catbird NYC)

I've been dying over this cursive gold name ring from Silver Promo. I want it in gold, in a size 6.5, please. And I mean, obviously saying "Erin." I figured that was a given, but you never know. (Available on Silver Promo)

Henri Bendel's Vanilla Bean fragrance is one of my favorite fragrances. I ADORE it. I would like the Vanilla Bean Signature Reed, please. (Available in stores and online at Henri Bendel)

It upsets me that my dream gold pig is on yet ANOTHER gift list of mine. Like, yeah, I know that I could buy it myself, but principle. You know? I need this Gold Pig Bookend from CB2. I'm looking for an apartment right now and this is very necessary. (Available in stores and online at CB2)

I adore this Silk Maxidress in Laceprint from Madewell. I think I need it? Yep. Yes, I do. In a Medium, please. (Available in stores and online at Madewell)

I have this Shoulder Bag from H&M in black and I think it's mandatory that I have it in white too. It's the most perfect bag. And I believe in having more than one of a favorite item. Yeah? (Available in stores and online at H&M)

I know, I know. I'm asking for TENNIS SHOES PEOPLE. But these Keds + Kate Spade tennis shoes are the cutest ever. I wear a size 8 1/2. (Available on Keds.com)

I'm not sure why I don't have this Macaron stationary from Paper Source already. If you get them for me, I'll write you a pretty little thank you note with one of them. (Available in stores and online at Paper Source)

I'm aware that this is LITERALLY the most boring gift to ask for, but since I'm doing the whole "renting my first apartment" thing, I am having a love affair with Ikea, so this would be a huge help.

A is for A Year in Review 2012

Somehow we are already 6 days into 2013, which is just beyond me. But that's given me a lot of time to reflect on just how great my 2012 was. Because let's face it, it was pretty stinkin' great.

1. In January, the family and I drove to Vegas for the weekend to see Celine Dion. It was probably one of my favorite memories from 2012, mostly because it was the first thing we could cross off my Mom's bucket list and that's cute. 2. Megan and I saw a lot of movies together, but seeing "Titanic 3D" in theatres was the best. 3. 4th of July with my dearest Elizabeth, Riley and lots of sparklers. 4. Courtney and I stalked Joe Jonas at The Grove. Story of my gosh darn life, right?/5. I heart San Francisco and I heart my sister. 6. Remember when Tali and I stumbled upon the "Rock of Ages" LA premiere and then got tickets to see the movie with the cast of the movie? Because I do and it was awesome. 7. I hung out with Megan a lot apparently. 8. Oh, just a screening and Q&A with the cast of "Pitch Perfect." Elizabeth Banks is more perfect in real life. She's also really tiny./9. Dinner for my Mom and Aunt's birthday. My family is so cute, it hurts. 10. I finally went to the Getty Villa with Megan, Courtney, my aunt and uncle. It was stunning. I highly recommend running around there when you get a chance. 11. Mumford & Sons with the boyfriend was also kind of perfect. 12. My psycho cousins on Thanksgiving./13. Sarah, Riley and Elizabeth came out to my senior portfolio night, which made me feel so loved. 14. Oh, just running around Central Park with Tali. It was the most spur-of-the-moment trips I've ever taken and I loved every single second of it. 15. Lauren and I went to a Jonas Brothers concert in November and we're not even sorry about it. 16. I GRADUATED COLLEGE. It still hasn't set in. I can't talk about it without getting overwhelmed.

Bring it, 2013.

C is for Christmas List 2012

THE TIME IS HERE, MY FRIENDS. My annual Christmas list has arrived. I'm not going to lie to you, I'm even more excited about Christmas this year (for a lot of reasons) but for some reason compiling this list has been extra difficult this time around. I don't know why, it makes my Christmas-loving heart kind of sad. But have no fear, I recommend you put some Frank Sinatra Christmas music on and get shopping. Not too much though, because I'm sure I'll think of more stuff later.

A different version of Madewell's adorable flats have been on my birthday and Christmas list for the past few years, I just haven't received them yet. Hint hint. I would love the Sidewalk Skimmer in Calf Hair in a size 8, please. They are available online or in-stores. 

Okay, I know that asking for this $100+ sweater is a little steep, but LOOK AT THE CUTE SHEEP. I am lusting after Madwell's Counting Sheep Sweater in a size Medium, please. Available online or in-stores. 

2012 has been a huge year for me, what with graduating from college and whatnot, so I think it's only fitting that another diamond ring be added to my gorgeous collection. Granted, multiple people have been asking if I'm married (I'm not, you would know. Believe me. Wow, can you imagine the wedding wish list I'll post?...) but whatever. At least my pretty rings grab their attention. I wear a size 6.5. Just in case you were wondering. Disclaimer: The Tiffany & Co. ring shown here is just an example. I don't think you need to spend $10,100 on me. I mean, unless you love me that much.

No joke. Every single time I walk into Henri Bendel, I pick up the Peony candle, smell it about 5 times, contemplate finally purchasing it and then leave without it. It's an endless game. I hate it. So, to sum that up, I really want this Peony candle please. Available online or in-stores.

I have a sick obsession with J.Crew iPhone 4 cases. I love them. I have had my eye on this cheetah print one for the longest time. When you pick this up for me (Thanks in advance, you're a doll.) you should pick one up for yourself too. They're THAT great. Available online or in-stores.

This gift, in particular, is nearest and dearest to my heart. I know y'all know about my absolute ridiculous obsession with "Titanic." The movie AND the actual historical event. I'm obsessed. I blame it partially on my love of 1997 Leonardo DiCaprio and partially on my weird obsession with horrific disasters in history. Anyway, I know what you're thinking "Erin Michelle Brady, you are crazy. You already own "Titanic" on DVD." And you're right. I do own it on DVD. I do not, however, own the Blu-Ray 3D, Blu-Ray 2D, Digital Copy AND 2 1/2+ hours of never-before-seen footage though. Deal-breaker. I must have this, please. It's available at Target, online and in-stores. Believe me. I've checked a billion times.

 

Real talk. "Moonrise Kingdom" was one of my favorite movies of 2012. Oh, you didn't see it? Here, let's make a deal. You buy it for me for Christmas and then we can watch it together? Perfect. I look forward to this. It's available at Target, online or in-stores. But, if and when given the choice to go to Target, always choose in-store. I mean, it's Target. Also, it's important that I get the Blu-Ray and DVD combo. Just FYI.

I am being 100% serious when I tell you that I have been coveting these Gold Pig Bookends from CB2 for WAY too long. I need this little piggy in my life to survive. Or to be chic. But that's like, life or death pretty much, right? I mean, since no one will buy me a real micropig, I've told you about Madeline before, this will have to do. It's available online and in-store. And just remember, you'll be making my dreams come true. Yeah, I'mma guilt trip you into getting this for me.

Don't be surprised by all the cheetah print going on this year. I am in LOVE with this Leopard Print and Color Block Coat from Zara. Yeah, it's a little pricey, but you guys, look at it. I'm in love, I'm in love! I'd like it in a size Medium or Large. It's also available online and in-stores.

Okay, but this Spangled Sea Walrus ornament from Anthropologie is ACTUALLY to die for. Oh my gosh, look how cute he is! This little guy is available online and in-stores.