The Simple things.

I've realized recently that it's truly the simple things in life that make it so wonderful.

It's things like the ongoing game of Word's with Friends that my fiance´and I have been playing for about two weeks. Or the feeling I get when I know I'm going to see him in three or four days ( I always have a little mental countdown going on inside my brain). I like the feeling I get when I finish running- not that I won't feel guilty, but that I'm helping my body stay healthy and fit.

I love anticipation. I'm not a die-hard fan of challenge, but I do love anticipating exciting things in the future. I like thinking about the run I'm preparing to do in November ( my first 5K ever!!), pepping myself up ahead of time always makes me feel emotionally/ mentally prepared for something and  I always do better. I've been in wedding daydream land ever since February when we got engaged. No doubt I've been through the ceremony about 50 times in my head already ( we still have a good 8 months).

I'm excited that I'm finally chipping slowly but surely away at my Bachelor's degree. Class by class, I'm eventually going to get there! I'm so proud of my dear fiance´ for all of his work as well. I thank the Lord all the time for giving me such a hard-working, gifted man.

I cannot really say much else except for I am blessed. In this exact moment in my life I have much free time. Lots of free time. 6/7 days my schedule is as free as the wind. It's weird. I still can't get totally used to it, and I've been doing it for a month now. I know my schedule will not stay like this forever. Come June I will jump straight into married life, a full-time job, new church, new place, and online school. I already feel the chaos building up! I'm doing my best to enjoy and appreciate the place God has put me in now, and I'm trying to learn all He will teach me.

Fall is here.

Fall is here at last! Here are a few of my favorite fallish things:

Pumpkin Spice Latte. I consume way too many hot drinks during the colder seasons! Luckily I have a strict workout schedule, so hopefully that will ward off the excess lbs.

She Crab Bisque. I had a bowl of bisque at Copper River Grille last night. It was so yum! 

bonfires. I love being outdoors around a fire in the colder months, especially with my lovely fiance´

Zara metallic flats. I hate to diss products, but I'm just not a fan of Tom's shoes. I can't convince myself to like their shape. THey are a little too peter pan for me. These ones by Zara are so cute and would be totally versatile for any outfit.

I love Chanel's fall collection polishes. They are so understated and would go with any outfit.

All images via pinterest

Plum Glitter manicure

I realize this is the second manicure post I've done in a row. Reason? I'm not really sure. Just experimenting a lot lately with different things.

I started with a double base coat of Revlon's (799) Plum Night, Be sure to let this dry completely, or else the glitter coat will pick it up and ruin the manicure. Then, Apply 1-2 coats of Wet n Wild's (237) Glitz, depending on how much sparkle you want. I applied the glitter coat about 2-3 times per nail, since I like my glitter thick. No gloss coat is needed, plus I think the gloss would act weirdly with the glitter. 

While I was painting, I did my toes in this cute Gum Drop shade by Revlon. ( It even smells like gum drops!)

Manicure.

I experimented a lot with the Crackle products when they first came out. At first, I thought they were super awesome! Then the thrill faded and I got sick of the gloopy, thick texture of the polish. Applying that type of polish takes patience, and purely an adventurous attitude. I was totally "over" that trend when my sister purchased a bottle of OPI's Shattered version. I cracked it open yesterday and did a little test run with Finger Paint's Art Nouv- Yellow beneath. I was pleasantly surprised by the end result:

Our Engagement Photos

faves:

(dressed down maxi dresses.)

(dressy ruffles.)

( any place appropriate boots.)

( hassle free waves.)

( super bright lips.)

( dark, sultry nails.)

Pics courtesy of Pinterest. 

weekly obsessions:

gelato. I've been working steadily through my pint of chocolate this week. The texture is so much smoother and creamier than regular ice cream. And the big chocolate chunks aren't too bad either.

I ordered 3 gluten free cookbooks this week, and I am dying to start testing them out. This one came in the mail today; I've already started paging through it. 

I really buckled down on my fitness routine this week. Started out with an hour long zumba class, then went to yoga the following day, then ran a good three miles yesterday. I can tell a huge change in my appetite, body, and eating patterns already. I feel so much better! I think it's key to push yourself to workout, even when you don't feel like it. I always feel better after a workout than before.

Pinterest has given me so many tasty ideas to try. This nutella bread is at the top of my list!!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!