Cute and Casual- Amanda

As you can probably tell from my bio, I LOVE fashion. I am in no way a fashionista, but I like to think I have a great style. I thought I would start off with a fun little post that includes my pick for “Outfit of the Day”, five of my spring fashion must-have, and a cute outfit for a night out.

My featured outfit of the week comes from our own Catherine’s little sister, Margaret.

Margaret’s outfit is cute and comfy and SO easy to try yourself. Start off with your favorite pair of jeans then add a cute patterned tank. On top of your tank add a ¾ length sleeved cardigan and a floral scarf. As for shoes, add a cute pair of comfy and warm furry boots and there you go. Special thanks to Margaret for letting us use her for our first ever “Outfit of the Day”.

Up next, I have an outfit for every girl to try! This outfit is so cute and casual, but it can also be perfect for a fashionable girl (like yourself).  There are five key pieces to this outfit: a blue button up, dark skinny jeans, brown knee high boots, a brown belt, and a brown hobo bag. Pictured below are my picks for this outfit. The shirt, jeans, and belt are from Forever 21. The riding boots are from Zappos.com and the brown hobo bag is from American Eagle. I find that light blue works best with this outfit because you don’t want the outfit to be too dark overall. You should try to keep the browns around the same shade, but that can be difficult sometimes and it really isn’t that big of a deal. Another thing that you have to determine is the type of bag that fits you. The hobo bag is a great bag to have in general, but for some girls it’s just too big. If you find that you’re not big on that bag, swap it out for something smaller, like a cross-body bag or a clutch, but make sure that it’s in the same shade of brown as your boots and belt. Another tip I have for this outfit is to keep it simple. I personally don’t add accessories to this outfit because it looks great without, but if you find that you want to add some jewelry, I say gold accessories on this one. Most brown boots will have gold metal details (if any) and the belts I looked at all had a gold finish on the buckle, so you’ll want everything to look uniform. This outfit is definitely an easy one to imitate and you can easily swap out items for pieces that are more your taste. This is the perfect simple, clean, and tasteful outfit for any night out.  Happy Shopping and remember less is more. Stay Classy. :)

Finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… Amanda’s Five Spring Fashion Must-Haves!

#1. Striped Blazer. Perfect for layering and can be business or casual.  

(Forever 21)

#2. Floral Scarf. This is my favorite must-have because it’s great to pair with any outfit, so fun and most of all girly.

(Forever 21)

#3. Oversized Print Tee. Perfect for spring because it’s so fun and will definitely help you stand out this season.

(Forever 21)

#4.  Lace ballet flats. This is a trend that I love right now. If you buy these in a cream color you can wear them with tons of different outfits, but they also come in fun colors.

(Forever 21)

#5. Bright color twist lock cross-body. Bright colors are so in this spring, so pick up my #5 pick and stay up on the trend.

 

(Forever 21)

Well that’s all for now. I hope you’ve enjoyed my first fashion post. Be Strong, Bold, and Brave. -Amanda

Valentine's Post

My Valentine
PS I apologize to everyone for thinking I know how to use the internet... and then continually failing at using the internet.

Beware...

Beware...

The Boyfriend Complex

So, it’s Valentine’s Day. For many lucky people, it’s a time to celebrate their beautiful, God-given relationships. For others, it’s a time for a lot of movies and chocolate and tissues.  Personally, I think both things are good. Seriously.

But what I don’t think is good is an obsession I see creeping into feminine culture everywhere I look: the boyfriend complex. If you don’t have a boyfriend this Valentine’s Day, chances are you’re feeling pretty crappy about yourself, no matter how many of your girlfriends are watching She’s the Man with you. And believe me, I understand that. Girls, especially nice, intelligent, modest girls, also, for some reason, tend to think that they need a boyfriend. That’s the one thing that’s missing!!! Only he can make life perfect!!!! As long as he professes his undying love for you and you can go on dates at Olive Garden and have matching Halloween costumes, everything will be great! Everyone will be jealous of you! And also somehow you’ll be prettier and smarter than ever before! Well this is what I think about that:

Amanda Bynes says it best.

As soon as you start thinking this way (and really, who doesn’t?) you start thinking about how boring and sad your life is now. You might even think that no one could possibly ever fall in love with you. Maybe there’s a boy that you see on the bus every day that’s really cute—do you ask yourself every day why he doesn’t talk to you? This, my friends, is the boyfriend complex, and I’m sick of it.

Here’s the truth—boyfriends are awesome. When you meet someone who really does love you for who you are, you do feel changed. But here’s the key: he loves you for who you are. I know that sounds cliché, but hear me out. It’s not about “finding” the right boy. It’s not about shopping around, or dressing so boys notice you, or somehow attracting “the right one.” It will happen, all by itself.

And in the mean time, when it isn’t happening, take some time to get to know yourself. Because that’s the person that he’s going to fall for. He’s going to fall for your laugh, your dignity, and your intelligence. Won’t it be painful if you’ve forgotten about those things along the way?

I guess I sound kind of annoying, giving all of this advice out of nowhere. But I’ve been through this, and honestly, I don’t think I’ve met a girl who hasn’t. This is important! Every time I see a girl putting on an act for a guy she thinks will love her, I want to hug her. Because I know that if you put on an act long enough, you start to believe it. And that’s the worst feeling in the world.

On a related note, I also think the boyfriend complex degrades our male counterparts. They aren’t toys or trophies, and you can’t somehow “trick” one into loving you. When you fall for each other, there isn’t going to be any artifice. Seriously!!!

Justin agrees.

So let’s wave goodbye to the boyfriend complex! Justin is busy this Valentine’s Day so I expect I’ll be watching Downton Abbey.  (WHICH IS AN AWESOME SHOW.) Hope to see you there :)

They Judge it Like They Know About Me and You - Amanda

The reason I love Valentine’s Day is just that. LOVE. A whole day dedicated to the most wonderful and special feeling in the entire world. Okay, I understand why some people hate Valentine’s Day. Trust me, I get it, but they must not have the most amazing and perfect guy in 

whole world’s heart. Oh wait… they couldn’t possibly because I do.

Valentine’s Day is such a wonderful day because I have a wonderful guy to celebrate it with. As much as I love Valentine’s though, I don’t need it. I don’t need a holiday to tell Scott how much I love him. He definitely knows. (Sorry, you’re boyfriend’s probably nice too, but mine’s PERFECT.) With Scott and I timing was everything. Literally we had the same best friend for four years and never met once, but when we finally did meet everything was absolutely perfect. I chalk it up to fate, but he’s still mad that I didn’t go to that Halloween party freshman year where’s he’s convinced we would have fallen in love four years early (Not that I don’t agree, but falling in love after high school was perfectly fine with me). While I may have missed out on four whole years of not knowing the love of my life, I have had the best 1 year and 7 months that I ever could have imagine. And honestly it doesn’t even feel like a little more than a year and a half. It feels like a lifetime.

In honor of Valentine’s Day I’ve put together a little playlist of songs that I love because they feel like they were written for Scott and I. Here’s a little summary of why I love these songs and even if you’re not a country song give this playlist a try. I made it with love. ;)

Ours- Taylor Swift

This is a recent addition to songs I’m obsessed with. First off, whether or not you like T. Swift you have to admit she writes some catchy songs especially for those who love love songs (like me). This song is absolutely one hundred percent written for me. The one line that I love is “Seems like there’s always someone who disapproves. They’ll judge it like they know about me and you. And the verdict comes from those with nothing else to do. The jury’s out, my choice is you.” There’s nothing that bothers me more than people who think they know about my relationship or that my relationship is their choice. Because it’s not. It’s my choice. And that choice will always and forever be Scott.

Take Me There- Rascal Flatts

This song in general is so amazing. It just a beautiful song about loving someone so much you want to know everything about them. And who doesn’t love Rascal Flatts?! I mean really…

I Love You This Big- Scotty McCreery

This song gives me chills. I absolutely love it. My favorite part, “I love you to the moon and back. I love you all the time. Deeper than the ocean. And higher than the pines.” No other way to describe it. That is how you should feel about the person you spend forever with.

All Your Life- The Band Perry

This song is so beautiful. Being willing to do anything for the one you love and knowing that you are the only one that they love and that’s all you ever want.

She’s Everything- Brad Paisley

Oh Brad Paisley… I don’t even know what to say about this song. I think Brad knows Scott and I because this is about us. Completely (and kind of creepy).

You- Chris Young

Chris Young is a lyrical genius (If he even wrote this song… Sorry, I have no clue). Summary of me and my boy, “I never found anything that makes me feel like I do about you.”

A Woman Like You- Lee Brice

OHMYGOSH. I love this song. It’s so cute. It’s just so perfect. It will make smile even if you’re a Valentine’s Scrooge.

Without You- Keith Urban

Keith Urban. What can I say about this song? …perfection. Once again, this is how you should feel about the person you are going to spend the rest of your life with. I think the most amazing line and one of my favorite lines of all time is, “Without you I’d survive. But I’d have to have the notion. That I could live this life. Just going through the motions.” That line gets me every single time and I think it’s because I know exactly what he’s saying here. I could survive without the one I love, but it wouldn’t really be surviving. Life would just be going through life with a meaning or a purpose.

**I know I didn’t include every song on my Spotify playlist, but just trust me they are all worth the listen. **

Link to my playlist: Enjoy <3

http://open.spotify.com/user/129462494/playlist/3fdgO0EYFyvPwiY6ahLLJL

Happy Valentine’s Day. Know that no matter if you have a valentine or not, you are always loved even if it may not feel like it. And in the words of Lee Brice, “Be a best friend, tell the truth. And overuse “I love you”. Go to work, do your best. Don’t outsmart your common sense. Never let your prayin’ knees get lazy. And love like crazy.”

And finally to Scott,

Amanda

My name is Amanda. I’m 20 years old and currently a sophomore in college. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. I’m a Psychology major with a passion for babies and dogs. I hope to open my own private practice and be a clinical psychologist. I love country music, fashion, and anything that sparkles, as well as, soft serve ice cream, Vera Bradley, and the color yellow. I enjoy wearing sweaters, spending my time on Pinterest, and staying classy. I wish I could live in clothing from Victoria’s Secret and jewelry from Marc Jacobs and have a person to do my hair and makeup every morning (a girl can dream). I’m obsessed with my niece and nephew, Facebook, Nicholas Sparks’ movies and buying clothing and accessories. I love my boyfriend, my family, my friends, and my faith. I hope that this blog brings you courage and a true feeling that you are unconditionally and forever loved.

Hi, everyone! My name is Caty (pronounced Kay-tee, not Caddy like people mistakenly say in Mean Girls) and I am a student preparing for the wonderful career of being a nurse. I love movies and television and great conversation. Name anything from Gone with the Wind to Star Wars to (500) Days of Summer to The Artist, and I have probably seen it and can quote something from it. Despite the fact that I spend a lot of my time studying, I am always down for a Doctor Who or Arrested Development marathon. Proudly, I am a geek and a sucker for pictures of cute animals and memes featuring babies as well as breathtaking nature scenes and portraits. Art, literature, and children inspire me most in life, which is why I would like to work with children in the future. Through my love of art I would really like to explore the idea of beauty and show all of you how life truly is beautiful from every angle. I experience my life deeply and intensely because of my amazing boyfriend, friends, and family who always remind me that I am unique, respected, influential, and loved.