Start Again.

"Home is just a word

without a time or place.

I've fallen in and out of love

with the loneliness I've traced."

-Gabrielle Aplin.

The Mondays. What a horrible epidemic that will be never-ending. Great. In order to beat them, here's probably my new favorite song for the week. I'm literally obsessed with this girl and her beautiful, acoustic music. She just makes everything sound so pretty and I love it all and her British-ness. Also, thank you to Skins for having this song on the Pure episode. It's too good, you guys.

Come On Get Higher.

"And I ache to remember

all the violent, sweet

perfect words that you said."

-Matt Nathanson.

Hearing good news about my friends' and family's lives is literally the greatest feeling I will ever know. I get so excited knowing that the people I love are having the best moments happen to them. There is nothing better than the sound of joy in the tone of their voices and it makes my heart melt of pure happiness. Like, I live for their enjoyment of anything. Ah, hence why today has been spectacular.

My grandpa came home after eight days of IVs and blood transfusions. Praise the Lord for his healing. To hear my grandma talk to him and tell him how good he looks after not showering for over a week was literally enough to get me through the next week. I adore their relationship through thick and thin. My family is honestly my number one and I'm almost crying of happiness just blogging about them. I'm SO blessed. Beyond belief, they give me strength. I will never be as good as my family and their love for one another. They are just too much.

Stef got the A-OK to go abroad to London in the fall of 2014. She was close to tears when she found out her mom was giving her the opportunity to do what she wanted. That's why I chose this song today. It came on the radio as the words came out of her mouth and she about had a great emotional breakdown. (More like buildup, I should say.) It's such a huge leap of faith and I'm so stoked she's able to go and explore and discover and just be. That's such a cool thing to do and say.

Lastly, I want to make this point for a guideline to live by for the next week. Midterms are coming up quick and everything seems to be flying by. I feel as if at times, I'm reaching my breaking point and I'm about the fall off the edge of the cliff from having too much to do. But this morning during service, my pastor said something that will stick with me forever...

"Jesus will push you in order for you to be blown away with the power of His grace. Don't lose heart. Trust Him."

Even if you aren't Christian, or religious, or care, but just remember: even when everything seems too much, just trust. Trust yourself. Trust God. Trust a friend. Just have faith in something and you will make it. No matter what.  

Sympathy.

"I'm killing myself

from the inside out

and now my head's

been filled with doubt."

-Goo Goo Dolls.

This weekend is the end all. I'm in love with the weather, the people, the talks, the laughs. It's just been a great one. Quick pic recap of the day.

1. Breakfast consisted of girl talks over pale pink pancakes with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on the side. One of the many reasons I'm obsessed with the most important meal of the day.

2. A Cinderella Story came on TV. Hilary Duff will forever be one of my heroes and idols. She is my queen and I love everything she does. This movie is basically my dream come true, all in one film. And that dress? Definitely getting married in that white ballgown with some Converse. BOOM.

3. JIMMY KELLY'S STEAKHOUSE. I repeat, Jimmy Kelly's Steakhouse. If you have the opportunity to head out to Nashville, please please please go to this restaurant. Probably one of the best cooked steaks I have ever had. And that's saying something. I'm still trying to stay awake after the food coma I have put myself in. Ugh...so good.

4. Update from last night: these dance parties rocked my socks off. Here's some photographic evidence of how wonderful last night was:

5. More of a photo catch-up from the past couple weeks. It's been good, kids. 

September.

"Our hearts were ringing
in the key
that our souls were singing."

-Earth, Wind & Fire.

Oh, man. Tonight was one for the books. My hair is still drenched in sweat and there are black battle lines across my rosy cheeks. My throat is crazy sore and my stomach is in knots. But it's literally one of the best feelings in the world. Tonight was so good. Dancing the night away without a single care is something that should be done more than once in a while.

I know it's Friday, so here it is. FRIDAY FIVE.

Love a good crewneck sweater with a popped-out collar. Chic geek with a girly twist for the win. Perfect for fall.

Flannels and beanies are like my new favorites. Obsessed with this boyish combo, ripped jeans and all.

Like, these sunnies are AMAZING. The cropped striped top and high waisted skinnies ain't too bad, either. Cool girl.

Tomboy dress is my weakness. Nothing beats a crisp graphic tee and leather. If I could dress this rad all the time, I would give anything.

I can't help myself. These skorts are just the absolute greatest. Asymmetrical and edgy should totally be a constant trend.

Burn.

"We, we don't have to

worry 'bout nothing.

Cause we got the fire,

and we're burning 

one hell out of something."

-Ellie Goulding.

It has been one long day over in these woods. I literally spent about nine hours straight sitting at a computer screen and keeping tabs of constant updates. Breaking news is one crazy realm that takes a lot of guts and resilience. Man, I'm mentally exhausted from all that today has put our team to. 

With that in mind, being an adult is tough work. I feel like today was a teaser of what having a job in journalism will look like. Boy, am I in for the most intense career ever! And tomorrow continues the growing up way of life. Grocery shopping, meetings, making phone calls all being balanced with homework and trying to stay sane. What a whirlwind of a life I'm throwing myself into. No wonder older people love vacations. That would be the best at the moment.

After looking at a computer screen all day, I'm really sick of typing all this stuff out. Sad, but true, I just need a quick break. Peace out.

Sober.

"So here I go

with all my thoughts I've been saving.

So here I go

with all my fears weighing on me."

-Kelly Clarkson.

It's only Tuesday and I'm worn out. By all means, it was a relatively good day. But I'm getting to the point where I just need a vacation. Thankfully, fall break is coming soon and that will be my relaxation release. Sometimes, we all need to just get away for a while. Or at least, that's my motto. 

I could also be waiting on going home. Since my grandpa isn't at his best as of late, all I think about is being there with my family. It's one of the biggest downfalls of living far away on my own. I can't see my family when they need help. I'm worried sick about the possibilities of his health and it's eating me up inside. Another bittersweet moment is the fact that one of my closest friends got texting on his cell phone. (Finally!) I just feel a little too far away at this moment. I'm not homesick; I just wish I was there.

If you've never been to where the sun always shines and the waves constantly crash, these are probably some of the questions you're interested in asking me. And the stereotypes make me that much more excited about the golden state of mind I've been born and raised in. BOOM.

 http://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleyperez/21-things-people-always-ask-when-youre-from-california

Tennis Court.

"Pretty soon,

I'll be getting on my first plane.

I'll see the veins of my city

like they do in space."

-Lorde.

The Emmys were on last night. In other words, I was fixated on the television for six hours straight. Analyzing the fashion up and down the red carpet was a tough job last night because I wasn't wowed by many gowns. Despite the lack of amazing pre-show moments, I managed to find a top five for favorites:

When I saw Taylor Schilling hit the carpet, I was floored with how white-hot this gown was. Thakoon did a great job with this piece, slit and neckline in all. What a way to prove white is gorgeous after Labor Day.

Going with my gut on this one. Sure, January Jones is missing boobs, but this Armani Prive number is absolutely DIVINE. Definitely my dream awards show dress.

Va-va-voom! Christina Hendricks looks smokin' in a black Christian Siriano dress. Those lace sleeves and the hourglass figure...stunning.

This just further proves why Rose Byrne is one of my red carpet idols. This blush-colored Calvin Klein Collection is simply beautiful and chic. Gosh, her choices are always perfection.

The picture does not do this multi-red colorblocked gown justice. Michelle Dockery is the epitome of glamour in this Prada confection. Really just love this.

And can I just give a shout out to Allison Janney for being the prettiest over-50 actress EVER?

Mean.

"Someday, I'll be
living in a big, old city..."

-Taylor Swift.

Like I said last night, spontaneous decisions can be somewhat crazy, but it's the best kind of crazy amazing fun you will ever have. Nine hours of asking, $267 dollars and the mindblowing freakout later, I have the pictures and films to prove how great of a night we had. Thank you to Casey James, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift for being the best entertainment on the last night of the Red Tour. It was a magical evening.

I remember it all too well...

Casey James, you guys.

Ed Sheeran is purely perfection.

Special guest? HUNTER HAYES. 

108. Side stage.

State of grace.

The moment we bought the tickets. More like...EXCITEMENT.

The lucky one.

One of those nights...

Taylor sure knows how to put on a show.

B-stage.

WE ARE NEVER, EVER, EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER. BOOM.

I want crazy.

I knew you were trouble.

Love story.

So casually cruel in the name of being honest...

I want can't sleep, can't breathe without your love.

22.

Mean.

The A-Team.

You need me, I don't need you.

Lego house.

And from Taylor's Insta...

Tonight's the night when we forget about the deadlines.

Spontaneity.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post about the wonderful memories you make if you just go out on a limb and live in the moment...

Hold On, We're Going Home.

"I got my eyes on you.

You're everything I see.

I want your hot love and emotion

endlessly."

-Drake.

Literally, this has been playing in my head on repeat for the past week. I wake up and it's the first thing I think of. I drive to the grocery store and it's on the radio. I have it on Spotify on the daily. Maybe my mind is gearing up for the new album coming out on Tuesday, but I gotta give it up to my boy, Drake, for this killer jam.

On this gloomy and rather annoying Friday, I've been pondering what study abroad life in London a year from today would look like. I'm pretty sure it would be a lot colder than the Tennessee autumns and raining every other day, but I'm still stoked beyond belief. I'll have to find a new aesthetic in my fashion identity and I already have an icon to emulate: Miss Alexa Chung.

I'm wrapped up in her boyish yet classic style and I want to use this Friday Five to focus on her best looks.

YES. Femme meets fall. The offset of the black, sheer tights with this delicate, lacy dress is the perfect way to keep warm and cute.

When I think menswear, I immediately channel this outfit. Alexa does the masculine trend in all the right ways with the pilgrim-like bowtie and tuxedo suspenders.

Going for the girly Chanel look, much? I just want to steal this navy bow coat for every occasion and every season and yeah...I'm just basically obsessed with this piece.

No matter where she is, Alexa knows how to rock some cutoffs. And my biggest pleasure? CUTOFFS. Adding her signature sheer tights with a simple button-up is the easiest way to look rad in colder weather.

YAY FOR OVERALLS. Another one of her necessities are one of my latest essentials. I couldn't pick my favorite look out of these, so...BOOM. Rockin' it, girl.

Youth.

"And if you're still breathing,

you're the lucky ones."

-Daughter.

Something about finding new music makes my heart flutter with the greatest happiness alive. I feel as if it's almost a new outlet of figuring myself out and learning the ins and outs of my growth as a person. Deep, but it is what it is.

I've heard of Daughter for a while now, but it took until my last Skins episode (GO WATCH SKINS UK IT'S THE GREATEST) to go out and listen to their stuff. And this tune, by far, is my favorite. The lyrics are haunting, but the melody sticks with you like glue. Can you tell I'm a tad in love with this indie acoustic jam? WELL, I AM.

We made it through this week (almost), every one. Finish it out with this lovely lullaby and always remember...

CHEERS TO THE FREAKING WEEKEND.

Life Is Better With You.

"Thoughts still swimming around in my head

with all the words we've ever said.

My favorites remain, 'I love you.'"

-Michael Franti & Spearhead.

Goodness gracious, God is putting so many heavy things on my heart lately. Times like this make me question His judgment of timing, but I honestly believe it's all for a reason. The stress, the anger, the anxiety...it's all meant for something. I just wish I had the patience to sit through this somewhat misery I'm dealing with as of late in order to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

For a millionth time, study abroad is approaching. Applications must be started and pondering the funds for such an endeavor are causing major freakouts. I know it's worth a lifetime of experience and an innumerable amount of memories, but why does money have to possibly throw away my dream? How can pieces of thin paper determine our lives? I know it shouldn't be the answer, but sometimes, it's the only outlet. Ick.

This is day 3 of my gym/health kick renewal. Due to the fact that I think I look disgusting when I look in the mirror (what's new.), I am carefully counting all calories put into my body and working out as much as possible. Unhealthy, I think not. Just not the way many people go about things. But you want to know my revelation I come upon about once every couple months? 

Comparison is the killer of all joy.

I know that in my head. I have heard it on repeat a million times. The only way to feel better about my body and looks is to fake it. Fake it 'til you make it. Tell myself I'm beautiful even if I think it to be a lie at first. Remind myself of the great things I have in life, like a family and sunshine and food on my table. But when I look at others who are prettier or smarter, those statements all turn into worthless sentences. BUT THEY SHOULD MEAN SO MUCH MORE, IT'S HORRIBLE.

I need to just pray for a while. Can I have, like, a spiritual retreat from school for the next three days? That sounds wonderful to just talk about God's plans and my uncertainty and just having faith. I need to believe and trust. Things are going to be okay. Maybe not right now. Maybe not for the next week.

But ultimately, I'm alive. I'm blessed. I'm loved by Him. And that's the best reassurance I need right now. His love and faith and grace.

Screaming Infidelities.

"I'm missing your laugh.

How did it break?

And when did you eyes

begin to look fake?"

-Dashboard Confessional.

I'm somewhat at a loss for words today. I've been trying to think of original material to post up here, but I'm lacking the inspiration to do so. I guess because this week has been 10x more lax than last week, I have nothing to update on. Life's just a work in progress at this point. 

I feel as if I'm constantly forgetting things: homework, studying, meetings, you name it. As much as that stresses me out in the long run, I kind of like forgetting responsibility. Another attribute of summer that brings me great joy. But summer is now a memory and fall is upon us. Oh, the agony of having to wear layers and hear about everyone making pumpkin flavored fill in the blank. Sure, I love Halloween and the occasional boyfriend sweater, but it's always summer in my soul. Hence my passion for Dashboard Confessional and Iration at the moment.

Well, homework is sadly calling my name and I must ace this mass media test tomorrow after probably bombing the paper I wrote for it. (What is internal citation?!)

Peace out, bro.

Heard 'Em Say.

"They say people in your life are seasons.

And anything that happen is for a reason."

-Kanye West & Adam Levine.

Yoga definitely soothes the soul. Well, my soul at least. So do long drives down back roads to Brentwood with one of the bests. I talked about this last week, but I look forward to it oh so much. Through all the boy problems and embarrassing family moments, the stories are endless and wonderful all the same. 

These yoga dates with Miss Nikki make Mondays worthwhile. I honestly can't wait to road trip to Georgia and Florida with her once again. Great times and good vibes.

That's the motto, for sure.

Oh, then, there's this. Pretty much the best cover I've ever heard. Speechless and blown away by this pretty lady. Check her out. She's sure to be famous any day now.

We Were Us.

"Back when that song was a song

I could sing along

without thinking 'bout you 

every time it came on.

Every beat, every line,

every word, every time."

-Keith Urban & Miranda Lambert.

I don't say y'all very often. But Y'ALL got to hear this song. It is my JAM. Literally, it brings me back to the one-horse town I grew up in and the summer that's slowly fading away into a memory. I hate when nostalgia has to set in and be the pictures in my mind rather than living out my dream of beach days and long nights. Can you tell I miss my California summer sunshine as of late?

So I realized I missed out on the Friday Five. Where has my head been lately? I keep leaving you guys behind and forgetting everything that matters to me. We must fix this. I know it's Sunday, but let's substitute this in for Friday's post.

Lately, I'm loving a jacket/shirt tied around the waist. 90s grunge is my guilty pleasure, for sure. The crisp white button up with a leather wrap-around is just rad in all the right ways.

I need to just splurge and buy me one of these asymmetrical skorts. The angles and edge of this ensemble scream fall transition to a girl like me. Black and cool and yeah.

This corset. Pure perfection in design. Love the modern take and the details to put this top together. Ah, just love.

This collared confection is to die for. Absolutely stunning patterns and tulle. I just can't say enough about the perfection that is this dress. 

STOP IT. This little diva is a fashionista-in-training. Her coat is fabulous and the mini Chanel bag? This will be my child when I get older.