independence day

The Fourth of July is just around the corner and I am more prepared than ever to participate in the celebration of our nation's independence. I mean, we are lucky enough to live in the greatest country in the world, WHY WOULDN'T WE CELEBRATE? With parades, barbeques, and fireworks galore, it's pretty difficult to sit back and watch everyone else have fun without being tempted to join in...right?!

BUT, it's important to keep in mind that the Fourth is not ONLY about fun and games. The Fourth of July was made a national holiday to commemorate our independence from Great Britain. Without this independence we may not necessarily be known as the "land of the free and the home of the brave." So, while you're out enjoying this glorious day, remember to take a minute to recognize how lucky we are to call the U.S. our home, and be thankful for those who have served in our military to keep our home independent, free, and safe.

All right, enough of the lecturing. One of my favorite parts about celebrating the Fourth is sporting that red, white, and blue! Don't get me wrong, I wear most of my patriotic pieces all throughout the year, but it is on this day that I can wear them all at the same time and look fairly normal. This is what I've got planned...

As of now, my friends and I plan to spend most of the day either at the res or the creek, both of which are water oriented, so a swim suit is a must! I got both of these pieces at Target - the bottoms were even on clearance for $6.00! Obviously, the two weren't initially meant to go together, BUT I loved the color and texture combination. The top is just an average navy and white striped bandeau and the bottoms incorporate a red crocheted fabric. Red? Check! White? Check! Blue? Check!

Eventually the day will transition to night and I'll be in need of some actual clothing. I bought this top at Forever 21 for around $20! The shorts are from American Eagle and cost a bit more, probably about $40. Not only does the outfit incorporate the red, white, and blue, but it also has stars and stripes!

Last, but most certainly not least...you'll need something to hold all of your things. Sunglasses, credit cards, cash, ID, chapstick, and the list goes on. Usually this "something" would be a purse, but on a hot and sunny day full of action and activities, the last thing you want to do is lug a purse around. Have no fear, the fanny pack is here; complete with the American flag! I found this little gem on amazon.com for just $13.

If you are looking to put together a special Fourth of July outfit, I would definitely suggest checking out Forever 21 - they generally have an uber patriotic section, as well as places like Target and Old Navy for inexpensive red, white, and blue finds. I hope you all have a great time celebrating on the Fourth!

a bit of a pick-me-up

I've been told by some friends on several different occasions that I am someone they consider to be genuinely happy a majority of the time. The more I have thought about it, the more I realize that this seems to be a pretty accurate statement. I really do like to be happy, I mean, who doesn't? I've found that when I am happy and upbeat, I can make those around me feel just a bit better as well. To be honest, I really appreciate my friends telling me this, because I consider it to be a desirable quality for someone to have!

But, like any normal human being, I have my less than happy-go-lucky days where something just doesn't feel right. It's on those kinds of days that a little pick-me-up is just what I need to get me feeling like myself again. So, if you're having one of those days today, here are a few things that I've found make me smile or feel happy. Hopefully they can brighten your day aswell, even if it's just for a moment. Enjoy!



So much truth in this quote!



Summer + barefoot + balloons = happiness



Such a precious idea. Even something as simple as this could really brighten someone's day!



If this adorable kitten doesn't make you happy...

I believe that happiness comes from loving yourself first.

 I hope you all have a great day (and rest of the weekend) filled with smiles and happiness!

guilty pleasures

I've recently become aware of a number of things, people, or activities that I would consider my own guilty pleasures. Now, I'm not necessarily ashamed of them or feel guilty that I enjoy them, BUT I feel like others would expect me to! Here's why...

1. TABLOID MAGAZINES - I've been scoffed at numerous times for my obsession with tabloids and celebrity culture. But, you know what? I love indulging in a People, Star, or OK magazine every now and then...or every other day.

2. ELABORATE COFFEE DRINKS - I understand they are expensive, I mean $6.00 for a coffee is a bit absurd. I admit it. But they are delicious. And who cares if I splurge every now and then for a wondrous skinny caramel macchiato from Starbucks?

3. RERUNS - My parents and siblings are always making fun of me for watching the same episodes over and over. But let's be honest, every episode of That 70s Show and Friends is a good one.

4. HANDBAGS, HANDBAGS, HANDBAGS! - It's not an obsession or an addiction, it's more of a hobby. I say you can never have too many, but I've been told the opposite more than once.

5. MUSIC FROM THE 2000s - I don't care what you say, music from the early 2000s was and still is the best music of all time.

These are just a handful of my own guilty pleasures...what are yours?

if you could pick one person...

I have absolutely no idea what made me think of this post idea, but I'm really excited to write it and hopefully get some interesting feedback! To start things off, we all know what "ice breakers" are, right? You know, those painfully awkward questions that, for some unknown reason, are deemed necessary in unfamiliar social situations? Well, I absolutely dread the "ice breaker" question for many reasons, I think they are pointless. But, I came across an "ice breaker" a while back that I found somewhat interesting. So interesting in fact, that I actually put time and effort into a response via this post! The question went something like this: "If you were given the opportunity to have dinner with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?" After thinking for a moment or two, this is who I came up with....

ADUREY HEPBURN

I adore everything I have ever seen, read, or heard concerning Audrey Hepburn. From what I've learned, she seems to have been a true class act in every sense of the phrase. Although she has passed, Audrey Hepburn continues to be a wonderful role model for women across the world.

Fashion

Before I had truly known anything about who Audrey Hepburn was, I was already obsessed with her sense of style. She is and most likely always will be one of Hollywood's greatest fashion icons. In fact, she was included within the International Best Dressed List in 1961! Here's a little peek at some of her most memorable fashion moments...

CAREER
Not only was Audrey Hepburn an incredibly fashionable woman, but she was also an incredibly talented woman. She is one of very few actresses to win an Emmy, Tony, Grammy, AND Academy Award. For those who are unaware, an Emmy is an award given in recognition of superiority or excellence in the television industry, a Tony for the theater industry, a Grammy for the music industry, and an Academy award for the movie industry. My favorite film of Hepburn's is Breakfast at Tiffany's, but I also adore her performance in the movie musical My Fair Lady. Audrey Hepburn has also starred in Sabrina, Roman Holiday, War and Peace, and Wait Until Dark. The simple fact that Hepburn won such a variety of prestigious awards attests to her incredible talent not only in television and film, but also in theater and music. She could sing and act, and even dance a bit - talk about a true triple threat!

HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS
On top of being incredibly gorgeous and unbelieveably talented, Audrey Hepburn was a sincere, compassionate, and giving individual. After acheiving great success, acting, music, and the like ended up taking a back seat to her work with children. In the late 1980s, Hepburn became an International Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. As an ambassador, Audrey Hepburn traveled to over 20 different countries and repeatedly witnessed the struggle to survive that plagued millions of innocent children. In turn, she reported these happenings to government leaders and the international media in an effort to bring to attention the life threatening issues that were (and still are) affecting children all around the world. Hepburn's incredible humanitarian efforts were recognized in 1992 when she was granted the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In true Audrey Hepburn fashion, she continued her work with UNICEF until she ultimately lost her battle with cancer on January 20th, 1993. [All information mentioned in regards to Hepburn's mission work was found at Audrey Hepburn Memorial Fund and UNICEF]

Audrey Hepburn's sense of style, outstanding career, and incredible humanitarian efforts are just a few reasons why I would absolutely love to have dinner with her if I was given the opportunity. I can only assume I would go wild with questions, hoping to get a glimpse into the life of a woman who I believe to be one of the most beautiful and fascinating individuals to have not only been succesful in Hollywood, but to also remember her roots, to stay grounded, and give back to those in need.

I'll leave you all with a few of my favorite quotes from Audrey Hepburn herself...

"People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Never throw out anyone."

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."

"The best thing to hold on to in life is each other."

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life - be happy - that's all that matters."

There is my answer! WHO WOULD YOU CHOSE?