Holidays.

"If you leave me for the stars,

it's not something I'd ever allow."

-Miami Horror.

A getaway at the beach is always necessary in maintaining the California lifestyle. Even if it requires driving only 25 miles up the 101 North to a beach paradise. 

Nothing beats nightswimming in the pool and letting the high tide roll in on my toes. As much as people can try to convince me that city life is indescribable or that mountain air is the most wonderful thing, but they don't know what it's like to bask in the glowing sun on the beach. I JUST LOVE IT ALL.

Here's to you, home, for giving me a great last week and here's to two more incredible ones. I'm looking to you for it all.

Shotgun Rider.

"No, I don't ever wanna know

no other shotgun rider beside me

singing to the radio."

-Tim McGraw.

Another 2,000 miles more added to the Miata total mileage and another 2,000 laughs added to the friendship between me and Nikki.

Driving through the worst of West Coast storms to eating greasy (yet AMAZING) pizza in the middle of nowhere New Mexico, we made it. From bashing Nick Jonas and Maroon 5 to telling stories about our favorite people, we lived. And I don't think I could imagine the cross-country journey without her.

My Southern-native best friend has grown a liking to the Golden Coast and I definitely don't blame her for that. Her obsession with Santa Barbara's State Street to her newfound love of the Pacific Ocean makes me see my home through new eyes. Being born and raised in the paradise of California made me blind to the fact that I truly do come from this magical place filled with eternal sunshine and lush countryside. 

We may have gained weight from the In-n-Out and Pinkberry stops along the way, but California welcomed us back with open arms. Even though Nikki may have said goodbye for now, I'm hoping this great state doesn't let go of me too soon. Because I need her to make me feel good now more than ever before I fly across the pond to a land of rainy skies and elegant accents.

The OC. For real.

Heeeee.

Thousand Palms. (But actually, that's the town we were in lolz.)

This is Matthew and I love him and his hilarious soul. Best friends 5ever.

PINK. CAKE.

Love you, mean it.

Nashville.

"Tennessee was sweet to me

and said the right things.

Told me I was something

she'd never seen."

-Kel.

It's official. My room is now just four blank walls surrounding me with the only decorations being super-taped shipping boxes and overstuffed carry-on suitcases. Four months seem to have come and gone like a flash before my eyes and the blur could not have been any better. 

I've always heard to say see you later because goodbyes just seem too permanent. And right as I just typed that statement, my heart is beginning to ache for the certainty of not returning to Tennessee for the next semester and the anxiety-filled excitement for the next adventure ahead. I'm scared. I'm happy. I'm nervous. I'm ready. Does that say enough?

Another realization: I have accomplished so much and I'm only 20. That's it. 20 years young. And I'm moving to England for four months. It's all just mind-blowing stuff to me. Even five years ago, I could not imagine the amount of opportunities and experiences I have had and to know I'm spending 16 weeks of time in a whole new continent doesn't even get through to me. Wow.

Of course, California is next on my adventures to explore. Time and time again, my home never disappoints. It will be three weeks filled to the brim of laughter and sunshine. But compared to the past semester and the one coming upon me, that time does not hold a candle to everything else.

Although I am coming back for one more complete year, I've realized in the past two and a half that Nashville has shaken my core to the great extent and been the best journey I've ever gone on. There have been rough patches and dark tunnels, nonetheless, but nothing can replace every memory and moment that this city has engraved into my heart. I could not be more thankful to have had Music City develop into my home away from home and come fall, I will be heading back into routine with a weekly Fido visit and tune-filled drives down neighborhood streets. But for now, I guess it has to be a see you later.

In the words of John Mayer...

"Cause if you never stop when you wave goodbye, you just might find if you give it time, you will wave hello again."

Don't forget about me, Nash. I'll be back soon.

Rich Girl.

"You're a rich girl

and you've gone too far

cause you know it don't matter

anyway."

-Hall & Oates.

Some days, especially during the midst of finals and moving out, you need to spend your Friday nights binge watching The Hills and wishing you had the life of Lauren Conrad. I mean, who doesn't want to be a Teen Vogue intern who styles fashion shows and attends photoshoots while living in glamorous Los Angeles and sunny days every day? Come on. 

T-minus one week until I'm back in the city of angels and I could not be more ready to return to the days of endless summer and salty breezes.

Welcome To New York.

"It's a new soundtrack.

I could dance to this beat

forevermore."

-Taylor Swift.

It really was waiting for me.

Although it had been years since my last visit, New York was just as magical and wonderful as I remembered. While the city is known for its hectic streets and constant buzzing, I have never smiled more than I did last week over the course of six days.

New York is indescribable. I mean, I could try my best to paint a picture with my words to tell you why I believe it to be the greatest city on Earth. It's got way-too-tall buildings that light up the night sky so no street is ever left dim or dark. The mix of street-cart food and emissions don't sound like they smell too great, but trust me it all adds to the atmosphere. The fast pace of the Metrocard lines and the quick walkers in Penn Station revive my adoration toward big city life. Plus, nothing beats the sanctuary we all know and love as Central Park.

While in the Big Apple, I managed to check off some bucket list items: walking the DVF stairs, running around Oheka Castle and looking at the Macy's Christmas window displays in the dead of night. 

New York is that great, crazy, ever-changing love that Taylor Swift definitely covers in her song. And I cannot wait to get back to my favorite place as soon as I possibly can.

Darling, I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream.

So it's gonna be forever...

Three words. Eight letters.

Nice to meet you, where you been.

Where The Tents are.

What a beautiful wedding says the bridesmaid to the waiter...

Cherry lips, crystal skies.

Chuck and Blair 5ever.

Cause we're young and we're reckless.

Oh my gosh, look at that face.

You look like my next mistake.

CHUCK BASS WAS HERE.

Empire state of mind.

Love's a game, wanna play?

I REPEAT. CHUCK BASS WAS HERE.

House of DVF.

I could show you incredible things.

Strawberry fields forever.

Cause you know I love the players and you love the game.

Met Steps.

XOXO.

It'll leave you breathless...

or with a nasty scar.

Concrete jungle where dreams are made of.

Or it's gonna go down in flames.

Ain't it funny, rumors fly.

They'll tell you I'm insane.

Heaven on earth.

Magic, madness, heaven, sin.

And I know you heard about me.

We'll take this way too far.

Gossip girl.

I've got a blank space, baby. And I'll write your name.

Yellow Flicker Beat.

"But I've got my fingers laced together

and I made a little prison.

And I'm locking up everyone

who's ever laid a finger on me."

-Lorde.

Award shows are always my favorite nights. Nothing gets me more pumped than watching red carpets and analyzing the best/worst fashions of the night. Don't get me wrong--I love the performances and speeches and whatnot. But my game is all about the looks of the evening and the AMAs this year is no exception. Here are some of the best from last night's festivities:

Fergie: Classic LBDs always win at life. Fergie-Ferg stands by this glamorous statement in a Halston gown with a long, slim slit and killer gladiator-style sandal heels. 

Kate Beckinsale: This lady can do absolutely no wrong in my book. Not only is she one of the most stunning women in the industry, but she makes the whole winter-white ensemble look completely on point. Kate sizzles in this low-cut Kaufmanfranco number with a slithering serpent neck piece by Bulgari.

Selena Gomez: As always, the princess of Hollywood keeps her head held high and her heels higher. Selena Gomez may have gotten emotional during the show, but I definitely got excitedly emotional when I saw her roll up in this regal backless gown. She also wins for best makeup of the night, with classic features like a pink-red lip and glowing complexion.

Jessie J: Forever in love with women wearing feminine menswear. It absolutely slays me when any girl shows up in a look like Jessie J's and this tailoring is perfection in every sense of the word. She's got legs for days in this crisp pantsuit.

Night Changes.

"She's falling,

doesn't even know it yet.

Having no regrets

is all that she really wants."

-One Direction.

To conclude our #FOUR week, let's just go out with a bang, shall we? I present to you the moment I have been waiting for in this fandom for four years now. A DATE WITH MY BOYS. Okay. Well, kinda a date. Ben Winston definitely read every girl's mind while making this new music video and graced us with the presence of these gentlemen taking us on dates. You may think I'm kidding or a little too hyped on the bleach fumes I just cleaned my bathroom with. But I'm dead serious when I say that for the next four minutes, you will get the chance to go on a nice, little time with all five of the lads.

DREAM. COME. TRUE.

AM I RIIIIIIIGHT?!

Change Your Ticket.

"Come get back in bed.

We've still got time left.

This don't have to be over."

-One Direction.

My favorite boys finally took hint from my favorite band and made quite possibly one of the best songs of the year. This is, hands down, my favorite tunes on the album--in fact, when I heard this hit for the first time, I literally was rolling around my living room floor in pure excitement (and a tad bit of crazy fangirling). I cannot get enough of this jam and it will never, ever get old in my book. I mean, let's be real: who doesn't want Harry Styles telling you not to leave him just quite yet?

Girl Almighty.

"Let's have another toast

to the girl almighty."

-One Direction.

Okay, I'm definitely off by a day. Probably because I thought Monday was Friday and today was Tuesday. Least I could tell you is...this has been the longest week of the semester. It hasn't been rough or anything, but man, it's been dragging.

To make up for my lost track of days, here's a Want Wednesday on a Thursday. So weird.

If you know me at all (or read this blog), you are well aware of my tomboy-menswear for women obsession. I do enjoy a pretty dress here and there, but give me jeans or cutoffs and I'm sold before anything frilly. Combining this with my new love of longline/duster coats, I'm pretty sure I've found my staple London look for next semester. Because nothing says effortlessly cool like a pair of rolled-up boyfriend Levi jeans with black leather oxford loafers and a grey overcoat. Who's the girl almighty now? (Okay, I really need to restrain myself on these ridiculous puns.)

Stockholm Syndrome.

"Who's that shadow holding me hostage?

I've been here for days.

Who's this whisper telling me that

I'm never gonna get away?"

-One Direction.

To me, this song sounds like a combination of a Christmas song, "Everybody Wants To Rule The World," and an '80s jam. While that may sound like a complete and utter disaster, it quite possibly could be considered one of the best songs on the album. Plus, my boy, Harry is the main writer of the track from the band themselves. Four points for you, H. 

(See what I did there? Four...'cos of the album name...hahaha. Okay, I need to get a life.)

No Control.

"In the heat

where you lay

I could stay right here

and burn in it all day."

-One Direction.

Another week, another amazing new album.

And of course, this one's from my favorite boys on the block. 

But this is no ordinary boy band, bubblegum pop album. I'm not saying that as a fan, but as a true believer in new music. This is a HUGE step up from anything they have ever done. I can genuinely say I think people of all kinds could find a song they love on this record. No doubt in my mind is the writing and production simplistic yet stellar in its own respect. And getting to see the progression of their career to this point makes me a proud fan at least. So stoked for what the next year brings these lads.

They deserve the best they can get. 

Boss.

"C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T.

That's me, I'm confident.

Don't want your compliments,

use common sense."

-Fifth Harmony.

I have no idea why, but I am in this listening to tween girl music mode. Like, you know. My playlist right now consists of Little Mix, Becky G and Zendaya. Maybe because I pretend to be a 14-year-old in a 20-year-old's body. I swear I'm younger than people tell me and my birth certificate is a lie. Because also at the moment, I just want some Sour Fun Dip (is that even a thing?) and I'm in polka dot pants. 

But, oh well. It's Monday and I'm allowed to pretend like I don't have responsibilities, right? 

HAHAHAHAHA wait. I'm in college. That's not real.

So, I'm going to go do my coursework. But before I sign off, here's just another sign of my immaturity displayed in a GIF that continues to make me cry laughing every time I see it:

Heartbeat.

"Nashville is burning tonight.

You turn me right round, baby,

like a 45."

-Mat Kearney.

Been waiting way too long for some new beats from this dude. His last album defined a lot of my senior year of high school and I can't wait for him to reign again through my world in the very near future.

Smokin' and Drinkin'.

"It was one of those times.

What a real good time.

Felt like a long time ago."

-Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town.

Tonight was a dream and a half. Never did I really think I'd be going to an Awards Show, especially one such as the 48th Annual CMA Awards. All for free, nonetheless. I braved the rainy night and the cold air to sit in an arena filled with country music fans alike, singing along to "Drunk On A Plane" or "American Kids." 

Like whoa. What is my life?!