Just the Best

Every year I look forward to the Budweiser Clydesdale commercials because they are so well thought out and cute with the most adorable horses. This year was no exception and the commercial was probably one of the only good ones on the whole time, in my opinion.

And who doesn't want to watch a hot guy with a horse? Seriously. I was all in.

via

Also it was set in Chicago. Good job Budweiser!

In other news, it was  fun win for the Ravens! Whenever I don't really know a team I always go for the underdogs, so that was definitely a fun win. Beyoncé did not disappoint and my favorite part of her show was the Destiny's Child reunion performance. Loved it! On top of eating a few too many chicken wings, tortilla chips and yummy carrot cake, my friends and I had a great time! How was your Super Bowl celebration?

What Would You Do?

Ok, I simply ask because I need advice. Nothing serious, I promise you! But during the winter months, I have been wearing boots to work. Mind you, I work at a preschool where we're outside and on our feet quite a bit all day and I like my feet to be warm! I've been rotating with three pairs of boots, but I don't like to overwear any of them because I don't want to trash them up, especially my one really nice pair with leather soles. My brown pair with rubber soles that I've had for three years now are showing a bit of wear. They need new soles, probably new heels, and one zipper broke. I know what you're thinking, they should just bite the dust. But I just love them so much! They're the perfect fit at the bottom and have the space at the top that I love. This would be the second time that I would be getting this pair fixed and I don't know how much more money I should put into a pair of boots that weren't cheap, but nothing too unique that I couldn't find for a cheaper price (especially with all these sales right now!). So what would you do?

image via

Right now, I...

Happy Tuesday ladies! Here are a few things that are making me smile on this chilly fall morning:

 Essie Little Brown Dress is on my nails. I just love how dark it is and it goes with everything!

 I love my new lucite pencil holder, which I've used for jewels, from Design Darling! I won Ashlyn's giveaway (thanks Ashlyn!) and I just love it on my ledge.

 My newest knitting project: a dimple hat from Purl Bee. I absolutely love the patterns on that website! The directions are so well written and step by step and the results are always fantastic!

 Some fun new sparkle from Charming Charlie! I love this bib necklace and it adds just the right amount of sparkle to any outfit (and the price was fantastic!)

 and speaking of fantastic prices, check out this top from LOFT that I got for just $3.88! Yes. That was the price. and I just love it!

and finally I'm loving this look from last year's Nordstrom November catalogue. Definitely a look that could go this season, yes?

Happy Election Day! Go out and vote if you can!

Thursday Thoughts: you can be good

Source: observando.net via Susan on Pinterest

I swear, sometimes my Pinterest and I must share the same brain, because literally when I stumbled across this pin, I couldn't believe the irony of it.

My mom and I were just talking about this topic the other night and I couldn't help but pass it on to all of the other perfectionists out there.

Now, I would never consider myself a perfectionist. I'm not a neat freak, and I don't always strive to beat my best mile time, but this year, I have held my expectations for myself way higher than I ever have in my life. Expectations that are almost unattainable. I don't know why this is either. (Now I think it's good to have high expectations, but not higher than what is humanly possible for you)

I've been comparing myself to others, also not a "me" trait, but for some reason I just have. I feel the need to compete with the level that they are at, or achieve just as much as they have. I've spent the last nine months worrying about achieving these standards for myself that are just too darn high, and after chatting with my mom, and other important people in my life, I've realized that you don't have to perfect (I know, what a shocker!).

This is probably one of the most cliché messages ever, so I'm sorry if you're disappointed reading this today. But I think that just being good makes being perfect look bad. There's something sweet about being good and I've definitely lost sight of that. So here's to just being plain good! I think people notice that goodness more, and that just kicks perfection to the back of the line.

Don't be like me ladies. Be good! (or great, great works too. Do you think Steinbeck would mind if I changed the quote? Just kidding!)

Happy Thursday!

~Susan

Thursday Thoughts: no worries

Source: instagr.am via Susan on Pinterest

Happy Thursday friends! Sorry I've been pretty invisible this week. Life happens! But I really wanted to thank all of you ladies for the well wishes on my interview on Monday! You guys are the sweetest. I think it went pretty well, so I'll wait till next week so see if I get to be interviewed again. Now I just play that fun waiting game.

Which leads me to this Thursday Thought. Now there are several things in my life that I just wish would just disappear (hello giant research paper. Let's be done now!) But then I finally stumbled upon this a few weeks ago and decided to come back to it.

Why have I never been this wise? Seriously worrying doesn't change the outcome, in fact it probably even makes the outcome seem worse because we worried so much. Now, I've never been a huge worrier, but I still worry. We always have to keep the faith knowing that our energy would have been better spent on something else. Of course, we can always hope for the best and know that everything happens for a reason to combat our worrying nature. I think we are all meant for more than worrying about the things we can or even cannot control.

So don't worry! I know, easier said than done. Always hope for the best, stay positive and remember that everything happens for a reason! Work as hard as you can, pray as hard as you can, use others to help you through and realize that the worrying was never meant to be.

Happy Thursday! (and hopefully this weekend I'll be able to catch up on life with all of you!)

~Susan

Sometimes when life gets tough...

...I wish I could just pack up a take a trip! Maybe here?

Source: snapfish.com via Brandi on Pinterest

I wish I could just stop whatever I'm doing and just knit for awhile.

Source: thesartorialist.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I wish I could just go out with friends and just have some coffee and maybe a croissant! (or cookies, those work too!)

Source: citified.blogspot.com via Vikie on Pinterest

I wish I could just read a book, any book! (although from what I've been told, I really need to read this!)

Source: barnesandnoble.com via Emily on Pinterest

Some days I wish I could just magically check everything off of my to-do list, stop life for awhile and just be. If you could just be right now, what do you wish you could do?

But unfortunately, we can't always do that. Life's not always that way. Wishes are always good things to hold onto and it's fun to think about those little things. With Valentine's Day come and gone, it's time to set our sites on the next little thing worth celebrating! Whether it's some more love, a birthday, a promotion, or an end to a difficult week, I'm going to try to keep my eye on something set to celebrate by the end of this week. When did more celebrating ever hurt anyone? With job apps, projects, and never ending research, sometimes it feels like I just want to run. But I won't. I'm going to stay put and keeping pushing through! (and maybe one of my little wishes can come true! Probably the coffee one. No complaints there!).

and I'm sorry for the venting, and mindless thoughts in this post. Sometimes a girl just needs to get it out there!

I hope you all enjoyed your Valentine's Days!! Keep that love going everyday, you never have too many chances to tell all those people in your life that you love them!

~Susan

Thursday Thoughts: Smile!

image via pinterest

Happy Thursday friends! I hope you are all having wonderful weeks. As winter, or whatever we're calling this season, progresses, we often find ourselves in a lull. It gets tough at times, and yes a little depressing. But I hope we're all finding reasons to smile this week! Here's a few reasons why I'm smiling (little things count!):

a smile from me to you!

I got a new nail polish! Essie olé caliente! Hot huh? I love it! It's going to be my essential spring color (I've already decided!) It's the perfect mix between orange and pink! I'm in! (although it looks red in  this picture. It's not)

I got to hear the wonderful and inspiring Sr. Helen Prejean speak about her journey counseling criminals on death row (the movie Dead Man Walking was based on her book, Susan Sarandon played her in the movie). She is truly an inspiration and I am so lucky to have heard her speak about social justice and her thoughts on the world. Here's some more words that she left that really struck me: "We are all worth more than the worst thing we ever did in our life." It was powerful ladies.

I'm in full swing getting ready for my half marathon! Stephanie has been so supportive and has given me so much advice :)

I'm catching up on Pan Am! Such a good show! Does anyone else watch it?

One of my best friends' birthday is today! We're celebrating a little bit later :) This same friend is also going to be playing an amazing beautiful piano concerto in a big concert tomorrow and I'm so excited to see her shine!

So many wonderful people have been aiding me in my job search! From all of the emails and everything that people have been helping me with, I think things are looking up!

Emails with Carly about teaching!

Though I am making most of my cards, I did find a few that Hallmark had me beat! I hope these people like them :)

Hot chocolate for dessert!

What has you smiling this week ladies? I'd love to know!

~Susan

Thursday Thoughts: I'm Possible!

image via pinterest

Has anyone ever seen this before? I really don't know why I've never heard of this, noticed it or even seen it before. But I think it's very true.

Some of us have probably gone full force on our New Year's resolutions already and probably some of us are thinking that they've gotten the better of us. Has this happened to you? We're probably thinking that some of them are impossible. Or even the tasks that this New Year has brought us. Let's face it, we all have our challenges and our "impossibilities."

We can't let ourselves get sucked into what is impossible, although I know how easy that can be (I felt this way just last week). We have to remember that we are possible and worth enough to handle whatever is put in front of us. We are possible in order to conquer feats, help others and even help ourselves.

Remember that you are possible! It may be difficult and though it is easy to doubt, we have to remember that we are here to be the possibility!

Have a wonderful Thursday!

~Susan

Those busy Tuesdays...

Ahh I ran out of time to finish what I wanted to write for today! So I'll just leave you with some words for today.

Source: etsy.com via Susan on Pinterest

This kind of goes without saying, but many times we sometimes forget to do good for ourselves and for others. It's tough because we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our lives. I need this reminder that I am here to do good things not only for myself, but for my family and for others.
 Who do you do good for?

 ~Susan

P.S. Last night I rediscovered my love for You've Got Mail! It's so so so 90s! But I seriously love it!

Thursday Thoughts

Source: moneysavingmom.com via Susan on Pinterest

This is a thought that crosses my mind throughout the holidays and also is going to be my mantra for the New Year. I think resolutions are not always followed, so if I take this one phrase, I think I can apply it to many aspects of my life.

Over the holidays, we tend to stretch ourselves in a thousand different directions. Again, we need to pick what's important.

We can do anything we want, but we can't do everything. This is something that I really, really need to work on: starting with the holidays and into the new year.

What about you? Do you feel this way? Maybe this can help all of us enjoy the holidays a bit more!

~Susan

The art of the note

Christmas is almost here! I love the spirit, the food, the family, the giving, and yes, I enjoy receiving as well. This is my public service announcement to all:

Remember to write your thank you notes!

I can't emphasize this enough. I'm sure you ladies already do this, but maybe pass it on to someone who wants to start. 

My mother was recently at a tea with some older ladies who said that people in "our generation" are no longer writing thank you notes and do not know if people in their lives even receive, yet alone appreciate the gifts they give. To me, this was very sad. We grew up writing thank you notes for everything we received, even if it was as small as someone coming over and giving us a piece of advice! To this day, we still all write thank you notes and I cannot imagine not writing them. A handwritten note says a lot about you and shows the person that you really care. 

We all tend to receive plenty this time of year and many times are notes tend to go to the wayside. Let's not let that happen! I'm sure we all have thank you notes that are our "go to," whether it's personalized stationary, or fun holiday themed cards. 

Here's a few I'm loving this year (caution: I like Paper Source thank yous...)

Source: paper-source.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: paper-source.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: paper-source.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: paper-source.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: paper-source.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: paper-source.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: paper-source.com via Susan on Pinterest

Ok, I'm (pin)spired! There's just something about writing a note that never gets old to me. I absolutely love writing them because I'm truly thankful that someone thought of me so much to give something to me. I know that you all probably feel the same.

 Happy four days before Christmas!

 ~Susan

Lighten your load

I am probably the worst example of saying no. I don't say it. I think it's really never been in my vocabulary because I am such a people pleaser! (all you people pleasers out there raise their hands!). Especially around the holidays though I thought it would be important to tell everyone to lighten their loads.

Source: acquiredobjects.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

We are all so concerned about the rush, about doing our best, making this the "best year ever" and thinking that the world is going to end if we don't find the perfect gift, have the perfect meal, or help every single person we can think of that has ever asked for a favor. I am a prime example of this. I'm always needing to stretch myself in ten million different directions, being pulled thinner and thinner and thinner every time that eventually I snap! (which is why I'm sitting here, sick with lots of Vicks Vapo Rub, orange juice, cheap Walgreen's cough drops...and OC reruns. Guilty pleasures get me every time!).

I get sick, tired, and definitely not myself.

I can't do it anymore.

We carry too much on our backs all the time, and we like to show that we can handle it, but after awhile, it just wears us down like a ton of heavy packages. I know you all know the feeling, so here's what I plan to do:

This next year, I'm letting people know that I need to care just as much about myself as I do about helping them. I want to be sure that I am getting my own needs accomplished in addition to being the best I can be for others.

What I'm saying is, lighten your load.

Recognize what's really important and embrace that to its fullest.

I'm not saying not to help others that need you. That's definitely not what I'm saying. If I didn't do favors for others and make that a priority in my life, I probably wouldn't be standing. But I know that everyone needs to lighten their loads and realize what's truly worth it.

I could name a whole slew of things that I could be lightening my load with. What would you choose? Have your ever thought about this before? Now more than ever, make  a priority for you!

Just some thoughts for your Hump Day. Hope everyone gets through it alright!

~Susan

Fashion Confession

Ok, well this isn't my deepest, darkest confession, but I still think it's kind of silly that I do not possess these.

I do not own any skinny jeans.

Zippo.

Nada.

Never have.

Actually it is kind of sad, right? Skinny jeans have been popular for like what 5 years and I'm still behind on the curve! I am just the hardest jean shopper on the planet. It's almost as if jeans aren't meant to fit me right. So my question to all: where did you begin?

I'll take any advice I can get! Truly, this isn't a life or death situation at all. But after seeing lots of pinspiration and all of you beautiful bloggers rocking your skinnies, I need to finally bite the bullet and get a pair! Where did you get your favorite pair?

Here's some inspiration that really is making me want to put a pair at the top of my wish list:

Source: wherethesidewalkbegins.blogspot.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: onehundredinspirations.blogspot.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: bexastylediary.blogspot.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: celebinspire.tumblr.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via cornflake on Pinterest

Ahh the inspiration!! Can you believe I've waited this long to not have a pair? I'll take that advice! What's the comfiest, most flattering pair?

 Happy Tuesday!

 ~Susan

24 thankful things...

Thanksgiving is tomorrow on the 24th, so here are 24 things I'm thankful for this year (little things included), since we all need to reflect on them!

1. The support of my family, friends, teachers and colleagues. I'd be nowhere without their support. 
2. Long phone chats with Mom and Dad
3. Coming home again
4. Long runs and having the ability to run (despite my pace)
5. Such a wonderful class to have and learn from. 
6. Pianos at my disposal and lessons I love so much. 
7. Late night chick flicks with my friends, mom and sisters
8. Delicious food to eat
9. A roof over my head even in my small hole in the wall. 
10. Comfy, cozy sweaters with lots of coffee and hot chocolate
11. My faith, my church and the support of everyone there. 
12. Articles my grandpa sends me in the mail
13. Blogging and the support of bloggers all over the country. It's so much fun to communicate with you all!
14. Trips with my family. This year we headed to Colorado!
15. Homemade goodies
16. Warm blankets. 
17. Nights alone to relax. 
18. Nights out with friends that I'll never forget
19. Knitting and taking time for me. 
20. Milkshake nights with Ellen, Cody, and Mary. 
21. Classical music nights with Dad. Someday we will see Michael Tilson Thomas actually conduct for real!
22. Advice from friends I am so blessed to have. Honestly, I don't deserve all the people in my life that make me, me. I love all the laughs, advice, fun nights and phone calls. So so good. 
23. An education and the ability to want to learn more. 
24. Long days spent with the people that I love most. I cannot wait for this Thanksgiving. So that made me think of something like this:

Source: sunnydaystarrynight.blogspot.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: daniellescraziness.blogspot.com via Susan on Pinterest

I'm so thankful for everything I'm given. I'm so blessed to have what I have and I try to take advantage of all the little things that mean so much to me. What are little things you're thankful for? I'm headed home tomorrow and we're cooking for 16 of us, which is big for our family. Did I mention that our main refrigerator broke? Yes, not fun. I can't wait to start cooking! Seriously.can't.wait.

Happy Thanksgiving Eve all!

~Susan

Thoughtful Thursday

I'm thankful and blessed that I've got these traits. It's so true, we do have to just start where we are and just keep going. It can be so hard sometimes. Sometimes all we want to do is go backwards and not focus on where we need to go. We need to do what we do wholeheartedly no matter how hard that is. We just have to keep going. I believe we can all do this, even when it's hard.  I'm also glad that I have this wisdom and positivity that Mrs. Washington talked about oh so long ago. I'm thankful I have my attitude and my positivity. Without it, I probably would not be where I am right now. I'm truly thankful for that. 

What are your thoughts on this Thursday? 

Weekend's almost here! Thanksgiving is officially 7 days away!! AHH the joy!

~Susan

Happy November!

Happy November! Seriously I can't believe that it has come, it's ridiculous that it's finally here. Also, in addition to one of my favorite holidays being seriously right around the corner, Thanksgiving, it is also birthday month for me! I've got awhile (it's on November 30th, so trust me we have some time and you'll be hearing about it! I love birthdays, not just for me but being able to celebrate with people I love is probably my favorite part about them.

But really, Thanksgiving!! How quickly has this fall gone? I feel like we've barely had fall (maybe because I've been too busy to notice!). But here's some things I've been enjoying as of late:

Visits with family. Like I said Ellen and Cody came down last weekend and we had a blast. I wish we had more than just one weekend.

Source: ebm.cheetahmail.com via Erin on Pinterest

Still getting Halloween gifts from my aunt. Mmmmm Starbucks! Who's excited for those holiday cups and soon to come peppermint mochas? McDonald's has already started making theirs, I noticed the other day when I popped in there. Seems a little early McDonald's, but I can't wait to get in the holiday spirit.

Josh Groban's pandora station. Yes, call me a sap. But honestly, that voice makes me melt. On it also you will find Michael Buble and instrumental piano music. Again, like I said I'm a sap but I don't care. Oh also, side note but Michael Buble's new Christmas CD is out. Guess what is on this girl's birthday wish list?

Source: jcrew.com via Claire on Pinterest

Bringing out the puffy vest. It's been my perfect outer layer over my merino wool sweaters.

75% off candy at the grocery store. Bring on Junior Mints and M&Ms that I will be enjoying for a long while. (I freeze my chocolate so it lasts longer! It's a good trick for all you chocoholics out there like myself!)

Fall bandy bark! Maybe I should take my candy and put it to good use with this!

Source: annies-eats.net via Nicole on Pinterest

And here's what I've really been wanting to enjoy:

Actually having time to watch TV. Man it's been so long I don't even know what's happening in anything anymore. I can't wait for Thanksgiving break. Serious catch up time for this girl. I am wanting some serious TLC tv time, as well as Pan Am, X Factor, Glee, and I even have yet to watch the finale of Project Runway! Don't tell me who won please!

Source: bloomingdales.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Knitting. I haven't picked up the needles in about a month. Ahhhhhh I'm dying here! Maybe this weekend this will have to be mandatory. I need to keep going with all of those Christmas gifts I'm planning on making! Aren't those scarves gorgeous??

Source: katespade.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Source: katespade.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

 I have a few thank you notes to write and I absolutely love stationary and writing letters. I better get on these before I fall into "bad manners" territory!

Long phone calls with my girlfriends. Seriously, I can't go this long without those amazing phone calls. If any of you are reading this, I promise I'll call you!!

So there's a little catch up on what I've been up to lately. What have you been up to? I'm so out of touch and miss commenting on everybody's beautiful blogs!

Happy Thursday!

~Susan