Holiday Gift Guide:For Her 2014

Rebecca Minkoff 'Besties' Tiny Pouch//Kate Spade iPhone 5 &5s Case
Ashley Brooke Designs Mug// Kate Spade TravelMug//Monogram Necklace
BAN.DO iPhone 5 Charger//Oversized Plaid Scarf//Minimergency Kit
Alex and Ani Initial Bangle//Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings//Monogram Jewelry Box

Deborah Lippmann 'Jazz Standards' Duo//Nordstrom Tassel Key Ring

Tory Burch Aviator Sunglasses//Michael Kors Watch//Rifle Paper Co. Notebooks
BAN.DO 'Ooh La La' Key Chain//Natural Life Candle

Shopping for all of the women in your life should be exciting! Essentially, you're just shopping for yourself! That's always fun. If you're a little stumped on gift ideas, hopefully you will find this guide useful. Everything listed above is quite affordable without skimping on quality. This guide is also perfect for getting ideas to let others know what you would like to receive for the holidays, in case you haven't decided. These items, along with any other classic gift ideas, will surely impress the recipient! Always remember, it's the thought that counts!

Stayed tuned for more gift guides to come! 

xo,

Lost in Austin

Sometimes I find it mind blowing how much the great state of Texas has to offer. There are beaches for a tropical vacation, the hill country for a relaxing getaway, and miles of great plains. Living on the coast, I get nothing but the water. Not that I'm complaining. Every once in a while, a change of scenery is much needed. 

Pack Your Bags: For a Wedding!

Vera Bradley Large Duffel/ Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote/ Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Handbag/ Vera Bradley Home and Away Cosmetic Bag


My best friend in the entire world is getting married this weekend! Hip hip hooooray! The biggest struggle has been being so far away, but trying to help out as much as I possibly can. With that being said, I just can't wait to see her on her big day. I've got everything all packed and ready to go. Adventure awaits!

Today, I Choose Happiness.

The one thing I told myself I would never do...has been done. I have neglected my blog! My poor fans! The past couple of weeks have been extremely hectic, but I shouldn't make excuses for my disappearance. I have had so much going on and I deserved a little break to enjoy my life. I honestly think this may be the happiest I've been in a really long time and I want to relish in the moment.

Recently, I've made some major life changes. I'm experiencing new things and I've found someone to share those moments with. As cliché as it may seem, I finally see that all of the decisions I have made in the past have led me to where I am now. Of the million let downs I will go through in life, the few amazing moments lift my spirits and give me hope. Those are the moments we should live for. Do not dwell in the bad, but rejoice in the good.

I have also mended some relationships that fell through the cracks during the year. I had forgotten how important good friends are, and I may have let my pride stand in the way of that. With that being said, I also had to do some cuts that were needed. I want to be able to live a positive life in which I am surrounded by positive people. There is no need for the dramatics and for people who bring you down. "Compliment people. Magnify their strengths, not their weaknesses."

I'm thankful for the good in my life, and I want to continue to appreciate that every single day. Trust your intuition and let God take care of you. If you're going through a hard time, I promise it gets better. The thing is, it usually all happens when you least expect it.

So there's a little update on my whereabouts. Expect to hear from me soon!


xo,

Back to Basics

Top: Forever 21 (similar one here) Jeans: LC Lauren Conrad Sandals: Steven Madden

Handbag: Tory Burch Robinson  Sunglasses: Forever 21 Watch: Michael Kors

There's nothing like going back to the basics. As women, we have a million things happening on a daily basis. We don't all get to just wake up and look fabulous. A lot of work happens behind the scenes in order to look flawless. We highlight and contour our faces, spend half an hour picking out our outfits, and make our hair do things that sometimes defy gravity. There are some days we just want to look effortlessly put together. Throw on a pair of comfy jeans and a basic top and you're good to go! Not only did I wear this simple outfit to work, but I managed to make it work for an impromtu photo shoot afterwards.Your closet should always consist of basics. Invest in timeless, solid colored pieces to add to your wardrobe. If anyone is ever in need of a personal shopper, you know where to find me!

xo,

The Ugly Truth.

I've decided that the subject of love deserves it's own post. As of late, I have encountered some unfortunate luck. Or maybe a blessing in disguise. So let's get real with eachother.

There's something about love that I am having so much trouble explaining. It consumes your entire being, and makes you do unthinkable things. Somtimes a good thing, sometimes a bad thing. Just when you think you've finally got love all figured out, it takes a sharp turn and surprises you. I'm the type of person who loves with all that they have. Which means that when heartache happens, I feel like I have lost everything. I can't help but blame myself. Maybe if I would've done something more. Maybe if I would've yelled a little less. I might still have it all.

As I ponder about that, I'm laughing. I shouldn't be blaming myself for anything! I go above and beyond for anyone who is in my life. I have the biggest heart and I love so much. If there is something I have the ability to do, that will make someone else happy, I'll do it! That's the thing about love. When someone else's happiness trumps your own, I believe that is true love. The thing is, their happiness should cause your happiness. Makes sense right?

Heartache shouldn't make you give up on the idea of love. It's out there, I promise. The butterflies are real. A first kiss does give you a nervous feeling. The stuff you see in movies does happen in real life, for the most part.

So here's some advice, even if I am the only person who reads this.

• Do not settle for less than you deserve. You deserve someone who thinks the world of you. Someone who will always make time for you. You deserve just because flowers and good morning text messages. You should be with someone who would move mountains to be with you.

• "I'm not a stop along the way. I'm a destination" You shouldn't be with someone who is unsure of you, or puts you on the back burner. You should always be a priority, never an option. There is someone out there willing to treat you like a queen. Be patient.

• Never stop being yourself. If someone can't love you for the way you are, then they don't deserve to love you. 

• You're a great catch! Any person out there would be lucky to have you.

If anything, I feel like my experiences have made me so much stronger. I really do believe that we learn things from the people that are/were in our lives. No matter the amount of time they were in if your life, they were there for a reason. Even when you pray for what you think you need, God already has a plan for you.

So as I turn 23 this weekend, I have a new outlook on my life. I do not regret any of my decisions when it comes to my relationships. I am blessed to have been loved the way I was, even when things were tough. Maybe this is my sign to do something spontaneous and adventurous! Who knows what's next for me. You'll just have to stick around to find out.


xo,

"What's My Age Again?" Part 1

With my 23rd birthday quickly approaching, I can't help but reflect on my past. I can't believe how much growing up I've done, literally and mentally. All of those mistakes I made weren't really mistakes after all. They were more like life lessons. The heartaches and disappointments...they all happened for a reason. Come to think of it, even when my mom gave me advice, she always ended up being right. We don't need to let her know I said that. These can't all be coincidences, right?

So let's recap a few things I've accomplished, learned, or that I'm still the process of discovering.

Press Play: Songs for Summer

There's nothing quite as sweet as summertime. There is also nothing more unbearable than the Texas heat during the summer. This week, I figured I would create a play list perfect for rolling down your windows and cranking up the stereo. Of course there is no possible way of listing every song that I'm loving. Be sure to check out all of my playlists on spotify and let me know what you've been listening to this summer. Happy listening!

Summer Jam - Jake Owen ft. Florida Georgia Line

Young Folks - Peter Bjorn And John

Sunshine & Whiskey - Frankie Ballard

The Opposite of Adults - Chiddy Bang

Love- Jana Kramer

She's A Lady - Forever The Sickest Kids

Bad Girls - M.I.A

Dust - Eli Young Band

Fancy - Iggy Azalea 

It Had To Be You - Motion City Soundtrack

Summertime Girl - Aaron Watson

xo,

Pack Your Bag: For Brunch

Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Handbag/ Michael Kors Jet Set Saffiano Zip Around Wallet/  Tory Burch Patent Small Cosmetic Case/ Tory Burch Robinson Zip Coin Case/ Monogrammed Makeup Bag/ Tory Burch Polarized Aviators/ iPad Mini

Oh Tory, how you make me do spontaneous and crazy things! I am obsessed with my latest handbag purchase. It was my souvenir from NYC! I walked into Saks on 5th Ave. right before heading to the airport and just bought the bag on a whim. I'm still not regretting it, though my bank account wasn't too thrilled.

New York Is Always A Good Idea

"I like the feeling of being anonymous in a big city. No one knows me, so it's easier to remember who I am". -Unknown

I wish I knew the author of that quote, because they were able to summarize my entire New York trip with just that. I will admit, I have never been comfortable enough with myself to be alone. Not to be confused with being able to do things for myself, because that's not the issue. I'm not the kind to roam aimlessly, with no purpose. Then New York happened.

Fancy Seeing You Here

Howdy y'all! As a traditionalist, I figure my first blog post should be an introduction. Hi, my name is Mimi and I am in my roaring twenties. I think the twenties are an important time during one's life. It's a time to really find yourself, dip your toes into new water, and just live a little. So far, it seems as if this is the time where I will have the most freedom and least responsibility.  I am going to take advantage of that! Back to my story: I was raised in a quaint beach town along the Texas coast, which may be the reason for my love of the outdoors. Exploring new places and experiencing new adventures is what I'm all about. I also have a love for sports but what southern girl doesn't love a man in uniform? It’s football in the Fall, baseball in the Spring, and basketball...when it's exciting. I would say I’m a well-rounded person and I've got a good head on my shoulders. Wow, it's hard to talk about yourself without sounding so arrogant. Most importantly, my faith in Christ has really shaped the person I am today.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11  

I am a believer in the Golden Rule and that everything happens for a reason. I know, “how cliché,” but really, I think the effort you put into something will be received back. Well, that was my spiel about myself. What do you think? Seems like you're in for quite a ride right? Better buckle up!

xo,