Snow(y) Days...

Last week: sunny, warm Orlando.  This past week: cold, snowy Iowa.  I'm not really complaining though... there is nothing quite like a white Christmas. It's snowing again now, and it looks so beautiful and white.  I know in January I'll be sick of it, but for now, I'm just going to enjoy the weather. 

I had a great Christmas with my family, and I've been fortunate enough to have seen some of my friends from high school for coffee or lunch in town. 

Here are some pictures from break so far:

Our car after coming back from Orlando...

Christmas card for next year? Please no. 

Goofing around...

My gifts!

Gifts from Santa... :)

I liked that a lot of my gifts this year are USEFUL.  As I get older, I realize that I need less crap and more things that I can use.  Hence why I like the fanny pack for running, the 2013 planner (semester at Purdue...come at me, bro), and the Vera Bradley duffel bag.  They're cute and fun gifts, but I'll be toting them everywhere this coming year... which is great!

Anyway, have a fabulous New Years Eve, and stay safe and warm :)

Saying goodbye is the hardest part...

I can't believe it's that time of the semester already... time for the end-of-tour dinner at Saltgrass Steakhouse.  All the co-ops dressed classy and ate delicious food.  We started a new tradition too: co-op awards.  That was a blast... I wrote all the awards on notecards, but a friend came up with most of the clever ones. 

Anyways, I was at Kohl's earlier during the day, and I fell in love with the black, polka-dotted top... I had to buy it after I tried it on.  I can dress it down with jeans and flats or dress it up with black slacks or a skirt.  I plan on wearing it for some KKY stuff this spring. 

I also curled my hair for the first time in... well, a long time anyways.  It took me forever, and it was pretty much gone by the time I got to dinner, but it was fun and a nice change of pace. I thought the black top and flats, dark skinny jeans, and gold jewelry were sophisticated, but the red nails added some edge.  

The outfit... head to toe! 

I don't usually do selfies in the mirror, but I wanted to show off my hair!

Boys in sweaters... definitely the best thing ever ;)

The dinner was fun despite the fact I didn't get to sit by a certain someone... I was slightly disappointed about that.  But I just held my head up and enjoyed the people I sat by.  Trying to live in the moment and enjoy every minute of every day.  These tours are going by too quickly to not appreciate all the people and memories!

Next time I write, I'll be home in Iowa.  Texas, it's been real :)

Work hard, play hard

I can't believe my second co-op tour ends on Friday.  It amazes me how quickly time flies by...  I think the best advice I could give myself would be to enjoy every minute of every day.  While I need to take care of chores and work and such, I need to make time to enjoy the blessings I've been given :)

I've been spending a lot of time with a certain guy, but I'm not sure where things are going... work has prevented me from really having time to think about things before we talk again.  I plan on making some time today to get my thoughts down on paper (probably in my journal).  

Anyways, I have a lot of chores to do before dinner at a friend's house.  Right now Kirstyn, Sarah, and Becca are planning our Christmas party for next week.  I was invited, but I need some 'me time'.  Here's to getting lots done and seizing the day. 

The following two pics are from when it was actually a little chillier.  However, the grey sweater from H&M sheds everywhere... I had to de-fuzz my shirt multiple times during the day... which is a shame since I love the rhinestones.

Another grey-sweater-black-shirt outfit.  I just think the colors are so chic.  Especially with my grey-and-black pumps and my white watch and pearl earrings.  Classy.  

Of course, some days I get to wear jeans, so I go for a lot more laid-back style.  I wore this to work one Friday.  I think it's still grown-up, but the light pink and the floral-print shoes are girly.

I hope you have a week full of peppermint mochas, sunshine, and Christmas music. :)