What I'm Loving

Happy Wednesday!

I'm linking up with Jamie today to share what I'm loving!

 

Today I'm loving...

[one.]

all of you.

I can't even begin to express how much your sweet comments meant to me on my post Monday night. I've had such an emotional week, and the encouragement was very much needed. Blogging is such an incredible thing to be a part of, and I give thanks for being able to know all of you!

[two.]

I'm going to see Sarah this weekend.

I'm so excited to meet her fiance, since I have YET to do so. AND see that pretty ring in person! We're going thrifting... (one of my favorite things ever) and I couldn't be more excited. 

[three.]

My Biochem Exam is over.

holy smokes. 

talk about RELIEF.

but the studying is not over... I still have another test tomorrow AND a paper due. 

does it ever end?! 

;)

[four.]

this meme I saw on facebook.

pretty accurate description of a lot of college students.

and with that, I'm off to work.

Hope y'all are having a wonderful week!

and Happy Leap Day!

Sophia Grace & Rosie.

Can I have a tutu-wearing, rapping little British girl with Princess Swag, please?

 Seriously. These little girls just get cuter and cuter.

Ellen struck a gold mine when she got these two on her show.. and I can't get enough of their interviews & stylish tutus.

Check out their new original song they performed today on ellen.

and now I've got some Biochem to study study study!!

Words can't express how thankful I am for all of your sweet comments on yesterday's post. A full thank you will be on it's way in tomorrow's post. But in the meantime... enjoy this video!

 

Pharmacy.

I want to be a pharmacist.

with all of my heart, I know I want to be a pharmacist.

And being in the pre-pharmacy phase of working TOWARDS being a pharmacy student is one of the most draining things ever. It's so hard when all of my friends are working towards their actual degree and profession with every class they take, and they have a target date for graduation.. 

Meanwhile, I work and work and work... and don't know if it's even going to be good enough to get into the program for the career I want. I'm tired of constantly feeling like I'm not good enough. The classes I'm in are designed to weed people out, and it's so hard to stay positive and keep trucking through lately. I know I'm not a dumb person, I graduated in the top 10 of my class in high school.. but the past year and a half has been so trying on me. My GPA is worse than I need for it to be, and I know I worked hard in my classes.. but it feels like it doesn't even show. I know Organic Chemistry like the back of my hand, I know the ins and  outs of it... and all the Pharmacy Schools will see is a letter grade. I hate that.

I just want to make A's again. I'm tired of C's.. and failing tests after studying for nights on end. I'm tired of the uncertainty of WHEN I'll be accepted to Pharmacy school.. or IF anyone will even want me. 

And I know I shouldn't think this way, but at a point you just break down. I'm emotionally exhausted, and just spent.

I love the Pharmacy profession without a doubt, and I refuse to give up until I am accepted to Pharmacy school. I'm just ready to go NOW, I'm tired of waiting. I want to be working towards my dream profession, instead of being in limbo about when I'll be able to do it. 

Working in a Pharmacy has given me so much motivation, and taught me SO much more about the profession. I'm so grateful to have been given the chance to work there, and going to work doesn't even feel like a job because I love seeing our patients every day. I love that we have such a direct impact on people's lives on a daily basis. I love that we can help people understand the importance of their health. I love that we can help someone feel better, and ease the pain for them just a little so that they can enjoy every day THAT much better. I love how rewarding it feels when a patient comes in and tells us how much they appreciate and love us for everything we do to help them through their healthcare crises. I just feel like I'm in my element when I'm in the Pharmacy, and I'm ready to be more than the Over-The-Counter/Phone-Answering Specialist. ;) 

A few weeks ago I found out that I've been granted an interview with UGA's College of Pharmacy for their PharmD program. I'm beyond grateful, and so incredibly excited that I've been given the opportunity to interview. Something I didn't even expect to be granted when I applied this year, but it's hard to fully enjoy it all because I don't want to get my hopes up. Based on the stats of last year's accepted applicants I know I'm in the lower end of the range, and I know I have room for improvement in my PCAT scores.. and my GPA. So keep me in your prayers over the next month, it's going to be a rollercoaster of emotions while I try to prepare for the interview... but also prepare myself for if I'm not accepted. 

And in the meantime I've been trying to focus on encouraging bible verses to ease my worrisome self. 

Jeremiah 29:11

Sugar Baby

Let's talk Sugar Daddies

and no, I don't mean the candy.

Last week in small group, one of the girls told us about this "Sugar Daddy/ Sugar Baby" escort service that some girls are using to pay their way through college. Apparently our college paper had an article on it back in the Fall, and I had NOT heard of this! 

You can read the article HERE.

 (and please do, it will blow your mind.)

I had no idea this sort of stuff was even legal, and the whole thing just really bothers me. I cannot imagine abandoning my morals THAT much for money. The girl in the article talks about getting $10,000 a month deposited in her bank account for hanging out with this older man. What?! 

Honestly, that amount of money is pretty tempting. But I would NEVER submit myself to offering a service like that. Ever.  It says "sex" isn't in the job description, you can choose what you deem off limits with your "Sugar Daddy," but if a man is paying you a couple thousand dollars a month... he expects it. Let's be real.

And what is so wrong with the guy that he has to PAY a girl to even hang out with him?? That's a warning sign in itself. 

I feel like you're asking to be on a real-life CSI episode with this junk.

One of the girls in my small group has a friend who knows someone who does this. She said that the girl's Sugar Daddy is in Washington D.C.. She just texts him, and he deposits $2,000 in her bank account a month. Is this not the craziest thing you've ever heard of?

Do y'all know anyone who does this? Had you heard of it? 

I mean, I want to hear y'alls opinion on this craziness.

and I'm not gonna lie, I did check out the website. #noshame

I had to see what this place had to say for themselves.. and you can see the Sugar Daddy and Sugar Babies listed. 

go check it out... You know you want to see it.

OOTD

I've failed at taking OOTD pictures each day..

so instead I'm just doing a theme with a hand full from the past two weeks. 

 

OOTD theme: vest obsession.

 apparently I have a serious love for vests.

and I also need more color in my life.

 

[vest one.]

for my work day. 

fur vest: Belk's 

necklace: Belk's

khakis: American Eagle

shoes: Old Navy

[vest two.]

vest: Target, then monogrammed

jeans: express

[vest three.]

vest: Patagonia Retro Vest

shirt: LL Bean Comfort Corduroy Big Shirt 

jeans: Jolt denim 

boots: Frye 

Go link up with Rachel and share your Outfits!

How to Make a Mantel into a Headboard

As most of you know,

I undertook a big project over the summer when deciding what to do for a headboard in my room. I wanted to do something different, and finally decided upon turning a fireplace mantel into a headboard after finding this amazing crackled yellow mantle in a local antique shop. 

After scouring the internet for how-to's of mantle/headboard crafting.. we discovered there are hardly any tutorials. So I thought, why not share how we made mine!

First, we sealed the mantle with some polycrylic from Ace Hardware. I used a semi-gloss so it had a slightly glossy finish.. but go for matte if that's your style. ;) I painted two coats to make sure it was gooooood and covered.

Next, have a piece of plywood cut to fit inside the "fireplace" opening of the mantle. With a few inches overlap so that you can actually attach it to the mantle. We did about two inches on each side. 

I upholstered this piece of wood, and attached buttons for the "puckers." So measure out where you want the puckers to be on the back side of the plywood. I did 3 along the top, 2 in the middle, and 3 along the bottom.

We used upholstery thread, you can find it at JoAnn fabrics or Hobby Lobby, and it's strong enough to do the job.

Next, drill holes in the back according to your measurements so you have a spot to thread the needle through to your button.

Then, take a 1-inch thick roll of foam and cut it to fit the "fireplace" insert of your mantle. Using spray adhesive, attach it to the plywood. (Remember not to attach it to the "overlap" areas of the plywood.)

After using adhesive to attach the foam, stretch your fabric over the foam and using a staple gun.. attach it to the plywood.

Using your upholstery needles and thread, thread through the holes you drilled to attach your buttons. Pull TIGHT in order to create the "pucker" look.

A view of the back:

Then attach the insert to your mantle... with antique mantles you don't always know what you might find... so it can be tricky!

And boom!

 

We then attached it to a basic Queen bed frame with some ghetto-rigged nonsense. We got some brackets.. lumber... screws... bolts... and the good Lord knows what else, but it's sturdy and it WORKS. 

and it loooooks like....

I need to take more recent pictures, because I've added to the trinkets along the top since this was taken.

 I love having a unique headboard, and it makes it so much more special that I antique'd and crafted it up to make it what it is. 

So get out there and make a project! I love seeing DIY tutorials!

WILW

Joining Jamie for What I'm loving Wednesday today!

Today I'm loving...

[one.]

nights out in ATH with the girls!

 last night we went out for FAT TUESDAY.. and barhopped the mess out of Athens. We visited more bars last night than I have all year. Nuts.

 

 

[two.]

that tonight I'm going to dinner with Ally!

We've hardly seen each other this year and it breaks my heart.

 

[three.]

Life.

I am just loving life right now.

Despite the stress of school, and balancing work with everything else..

I'm feeling so blessed with great friendships, and just all of the little things that make me smile on a daily basis. This semester I've tried to be more proactive in recognizing and giving thanks for the simple joys of daily life... and it has made me more positive. Count your blessings girls, we are lucky people! 

 

 

Link up and share what you're loving!

Comfort Food.

Yesterday I went all out for myself cooking dinner.

I even splurged on some flowers for the table.

and some wine. ;)

on the menu?

stove top chicken pot pie

served over

open-faced buttermilk biscuits.

Recipe courtesy of Southern Living.

  

They tell you to use frozen buttermilk biscuits, but woah. I was born and raised in the South, so frozen is unacceptable. Buttermilk biscuits should be made from scratch.

Buttermilk Biscuits

[best recipe out there.]

 2 1/4 cups Self-Rising Flour

1/2 cup cold butter

1 1/4 cup buttermilk

self-rising flour for kneading dough

Cut butter into flour until crumbly. Cover and chill 10 minutes. Add buttermilk, stirring until just moistened. Turn dough onto floured board. Knead dough 3-4 times, adding flour as needed. Flatten dough out with floured hands, and then fold dough onto itself. Sprinkle top with flour and flatten out again. Fold dough on itself once again. Repeat once more. Roll dough into 1/2 " thickness. Cut with biscuit cutter and place on greased pan. Bake at 450˚ for 13-15 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.

Stove-Top Chicken Pie

Buttermilk Biscuits

1 small sweet onion, diced

1 Tbsp Canola Oil

1- 80z package sliced fresh mushrooms

4 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 (10 3/4 oz) can reduced fat Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 cup low-sodium Chicken Broth

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese; cubed

1/2 (0.7 oz) Envelope Italian Dressing Mix (about 2 tsp) 

1 cup Frozen baby peas; thawed

1. Bake Biscuits.

2. Saute onion in hot oil in large skillet over medium/high heat 5 minutes, or until golden. Add mushrooms and saute until tender. Stir in chicken and next 5 ingredients. Cook, stirring frequently, 5 minutes or until cream cheese is melted and mixture is thoroughly heated. Stir in peas, and cook 2 minutes. Spoon chicken mixture over hot split biscuits.   

**I used a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, and didn't add the mushrooms (not a mushroom fan). It would also be good with carrots added in. Quick easy supper, that I highly recommend if you love some good Southern comfort food!**

Plus, cooking with wine is wonderful.. because you can enjoy a glass while you cook.

and YES, I did have both a glass of wine and a glass of sweet tea with my dinner. don't hate. ;)

love.

For Valentine's Day my sweet Mama ordered me the matching ottoman for my chair.

and it arrived yesterday.

Ohhhh... I am in LOOOOVE.

It completes the room, plus I love propping my feet up. 

 

One of these days I'm going to take "Apartment Tour" pictures since I have YET to do so.

Happy Weekend sweet friends!

Sister Hazel

Georgia Theatre.

an Athens landmark.

and my favorite concert venue. 

   last Thursday night we went to see Sister Hazel, and it was an incredible concert.

This school year I've been making an effort to go see more concerts, and Athens always has bands playing so it's been fun to go to shows!

but we  apparently looked like the "aisle" all night because we kept getting shoved by people trying to walk past. #annoying

If Sister Hazel comes to a city near you I definitely recommend going to see them! They were great live!

WILW

Today I'm linking up with the sweet and beautiful Jamie for What I'm loving Wednesday!

[one.]

That my bff/roommate Jasmine started a blog.

after much convincing.

go welcome her to the blogging community to show her how amazing it is!!! ;)

  [two.]
my new jam.
this song makes me look forward to the weekends.
loooove it.


[three.]
all of you.
Neely's amazing link-up made my week.
I loved finding new blogging friends!
Makes. My. Life. Complete.
Boom!

[four.]
my Valentine's Date with myself.
snuggled up in PJs, flickering candles, catching up with my DVR, and a fabulous drink.
that's what I'm talkin about.
;)

what are YOU loving today?

Shoe Addict.

I love shoes.

and own WAY too many.

but that didn't stop me from snagging these beauties at Old Navy for 6 dollars!!! 

Man, I love a good deal.

  I'm slightly obsessed with glitzy glam. 

Sparkles? Can't get enough.

Sequins? Give me more.

So in a nutshell, I'm loving the fashion trends right now.

and I'm loving that these shoes are both sparkly aaaaand metallic.

Keep Calm, and Sparkle On.

Meet the Author.

The oh so wonderful Neely is having a link-up today to share your blog, so I'm participating... and you should too. ;)

A 21-year old,

pre-pharmacy student at UGA.

I started my blog after reading blogs for a while, and as a way to document life's happenings as I go through my 20's (and whatever comes next in life).

I love spending time with friends, cooking, going to concerts, spending time at the lake, shopping, reading good books, and being a complete dork.

You'll read a lot about those things on here.

I like to think I'm a positive person, and I believe in the power of a good Thank You note. I love nights out on the town, but enjoy lounging in my PJ's watching a good movie JUST as much.

oh, and I have the cutest puppy in the whole wide world. ;)

You can check out some of my popular posts below:
Be You.
Blessed.
An embarrassing post.
My room.

I'm so excited Neely is hosting this link up, because I absolutely love finding new blogs! If you're new, I hope you'll stick around and follow my lovely nonsense life.. and comment so I can follow you back!

Movie Night.

We're lame.

but we're okay with it.

Especially when it's in the TEENS outside. 

Georgia weather, you are cray cray.

Last night Jasmine and I had a movie night. We lounged in our PJs, ate apple pies from McDonald's, pinterest-ed, got our blog on, and watched Bridesmaids AND Bad Teacher. Productive? I think yes.

I'm not a big fan of Cameron Diaz.

and Bad Teacher was an awful movie!

Don't rent it.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend so far! Enjoy your Sunday!

OOTD

Well I failed in epic proportion this week at taking OOTD pictures... so I took extra on Wednesday to make up for it. Seriously, I don't even remember what I wore Monday or Tuesday... so I guess it wasn't too spectacular.

[wednesday.]

Top: Francesca's [stole from my little sis ;) ]

Vest: Old Navy Clearance. [I'm so proud of this vest! remember it from this post?]  

Black Leggings: Trouve from Nordstrom.  

(everyone should own a pair of these leggings, they're really thick so you can T-Totally get away with wearing them as pants; I got mine for like 20 bucks, and live in these babies.)

Boots: Frye

and all put together.... DUN, DUN, DUNNNNN...




[thursday.]
shirt: Target (Men's)
vest: Patagonia retro vest
jeans: Jolt Jeggings
 

please pardon our frame that we need to hang.. it's just chillin in the background. ;)
and today.. I'm running out the door, yet again. So no picture!

Go link up with Rachel and share your OOTD pictures!