How appropriate is it that I make a post about where you can find me in between posts after going well over two weeks in between this post and the last? I totally planned this all just to prove my point.
....Right.

It is that time of the Spring Semester, y'all. I am burning out quick but still chugging along.

In the meantime, however, I now have an Instagram. I got my first smart phone almost a week ago, so I am proud to annouce that I am now mobile and in the 21st Century. ;)

bulldogs at myrtle beach.

UNCA's Men's Basketball made it to the Big South Conference Championship at Myrtle Beach, so the committee members of Bulldog Nation went down to support our beloved Bulldogs. Do NOT ask me how the game went, but I will give thanks for a nice weekend spent at the beach over Spring Break. The mini vacay was exactly what I needed to transition from the stress of school to the long week spent relaxing at home and catching up with friends and family.

pinterest favorites: spring break.

palm trees | juice recipes | tasty design | luggage | poolside | citron dress

I am not feeling this week. I am not feeling midterms.

This is actually a really good illustration of how I feel.

I'm definitely ready for something exciting, vibrant, and fresh. I'm ready for a much-needed Spring Break.

my Pinterest.

self-love and 15 ways to shake loneliness.

Without going into anything too much, I'm currently going through a break up. I'm okay, but I've been spending a lot of time alone. However, I truly believe that it doesn't have to be a bad thing. I think loving oneself is so important, so I'm finding ways to treat myself and take care of myself now that I have the time to do so.

Here are a few of my no-fail methods to shake the blahs and enjoy time spent alone:

1. Indulge in a guilty pleasure. (or two. or three. mine are currently Rich Kids of Beverly Hills and hazelnut lattes.)
2. Spend time outside. Walk around a local park or your neighborhood. Get some sun on your face.
3. Curl up with a blanket and a good book.
4. Better yet, take a bubble bath.
5. Spend quiet time alone drinking tea or coffee. Do nothing else. Enjoy the silence. Embrace it.
6. Take a yoga or spin class. Go for a run. Try something new. Sweat a little.
7. Eat fruit. You'll feel better afterward, trust me.
8. Journal. Paint. Make something. Blog. Get what's inside of you out.
9. Call an old friend or a relative. You will always feel better afterward. (also, did you know that talking to your mom on the phone is proven to actually reduce stress? It's true.)
10. Purge your closet. Figure out what your wardrobe is lacking and start saving and shopping.
11. Watch your favorite movie, or an old movie you've never seen but have always been meaning to. A Sunday night spent in bed watching Some Like It Hot is a Sunday night well spent.
12. Gather inspiration. Peruse Pinterest or buy prints to create a gallery wall. Cut up magazines and throw up some pictures and quotes on a bulletin board.
13. Make a new playlist with songs that inspire you.
14. Sleep in on a Saturday morning. Eat breakfast in bed. Take your time getting ready. Put on a face mask. Paint your nails. Do not rush.
15. Wear that lipstick. Wear those shoes. Wear it and own it. Life is short.

shrimp and grits and surprises.

So a while back, my dad, brother, and brother's girlfriend drove up to visit me. The plan was to get breakfast and then look at potential cars for me, because my family and I have been talking about getting me a car some time this year.

After a delicious breakfast at Early Girl Eatery, my dad parks next to this car in the student parking lot. He proceeds to look at it, asking me if I was interested in something like this. I obviously liked it, but I thought it was a student's because it had a UNCA plate already on it. He opens it to look at the interior and I freak out thinking he's breaking into someone else's unlocked car. After literally walking away and begging him to stop, he tells me the car is mine. Commence immediate tears of joy and laughter at my own stupidity. I seriously can't believe I fell for it, and I still can't believe the car is mine. 

It is so perfect, and I am so amazed and grateful that it's mine.
2010 Hyundai Accent Hatchback. Excuse the really quick picture of it, I think I was still in shock. Also, I am posting this about a month later because I wanted to have some better pictures taken of it, but we've had so much snow lately that I haven't really been that mobile, so this will have to do.
So far 2014 has really been my year. I am loving absolutely every minute of it, and I am so grateful for what has come my way and equally excited for what's ahead.