Santa Fe, NM

Spent the day in Santa Fe, NM yesterday with my family.  We had a great time around the plaza shopping and taking in the sites.  Below are a few things I picked up on the plaza...

On the left is a Baja Jacket I picked up for $15 for the winter months (my husband and brother bought one as well).  They sure is nice and warm.

On the right is a unique statement necklace I bought from a French women for $25,  I couldn't pass this one up, it is unlike anything I have ever seen.

I bought these 2 charms at a shop that was selling everything dirt cheap because they are going out of business and closing in 3 weeks.  Normally these 2 charms (with the silver chain included) would be about $600 and I got them both for ~$100 (my anniversary present!) The kokopelli is pure silver and the bear is silver with opal and onyx. I am excited because I have always wanted a kokopelli necklace AND a bear...I am in love with these 2!  Thanks Jason :)

Colorado Rocky Mountain High

I have spent the last few days in the wilderness hiking across the Continental Divide in Colorado near Pagosa Springs. Today, we decided to take a trip out to Durango, CO for some good food and brews....

Below is what I wore out to Durango, followed by a couple of pics from our 7 mile, strenuous hike along a section of the Continental Divide Trail.

Top-American Eagle (HERE)
Shorts-Gap (HERE)
Necklace-Old Navy (HERE)
Shoes-Minnetonka (HERE)

I actually received quite a few complements on my necklace while out and about in Durango.

Pagosa Springs,CO

Drove up to Pagosa Springs, CO for some family time and hiking in the mountains. (2 1/2 hour dive from my new house). Went on a fantastic hike yesterday to the top of Alberta Peak, almost 12,000 ft elevation. It was tough but rewarding. We have another hike planned for tomorrow in the highlands that should be gorgeous as well.

Below are a few pictures... 2 pics are from the hike and the other is my outfit I wore to church today.  (sorry can't see my shoes very well)

Dress-Forever21 (Similar style)
Blazer-Maurice's (Similar)
Necklace-eBay (HERE)
Shoes- Minnetonka (HERE)

Los Alamos!

We are all moved in to our new house in Los Alamos, NM!  I wore this outfit today while running around town....finding a new bank, stopping by the hardware and grocery store.   I had a job interview this morning at Mountain Elementary School for an instructional assistant job...and I GOT IT!  The principal said they will work 100% with my college class schedule.  I actually wore this same top/cardigan with dress pants to my interview and switched to shorts when I got home.

Top-Old Navy (HERE)

Cardigan-Ann Taylor (similar)

Shorts-American Eagle (HERE)

Necklace- Old Navy (similar) (similar)

Purse-American Eagle (similar)

My shoes are black Chaco sandals (not pictured)

Tomorrow I take off to join my family in Pagosa Springs, CO for a week of hiking in the mountains!

I <3 Neon!
I was out running errands today getting last minute things done before the trek out west! The moving truck has already left with my husband and his parents...I am following a day behind with my mom, brothers and my 2 dogs, we are heading out tomorrow.  This is my outfit for the day!  I love neon, especially with a nice beach tan.  This season, it seems to be all about bright colors.  Neon or colored shorts, bright tops, colorblocking, ect.  These neon green shorts from Gap are very fun and comfy.

Top- American Eagle (HERE)

Shorts- Gap (HERE)

Necklace- Old Navy (HERE)

Shoes-Minnetonka (HERE) or (HERE)

I have received many complements on my shoes...as you can see, even the puggle approves!

We're Moving!!!

It has been quick, but we are just about all packed up and ready to head out to New Mexico!! The last couple days have been crazy! We will arrive at out new place sometime Tuesday...I actually have a job interview Wednesday, then leave from there to go to Colorado with my family.

Here are some packing pictures:

Last Day on the Beach

Enjoying one last day of beach time before traveling home and facing the reality of moving.  When we get home we will have about 3 days to get EVERYTHING packed, fixed, squared away, sold, thrown out, paid for, ect before the big move out to Los Alamos, NM.

I have been dying to break out the lace shorts, but until now I have been worried that they would cause my legs to look pale.  After a few days of laying out on the beach and working on my tan, I decided now was the perfect time to give them a go!

Top- Forever21 (HERE)

Shorts- Forever21 (HERE) (similar in orange!) (similar in black!)

Necklace- Forever21 (similar)

I have been in LOVE with lace shorts ever since I first laid eyes on them via Pinterest.  I love the dainty look of these tier lace shorts (or squort) paired with an oversized top!

Beach Time=Fun Time

Got some beach time in this morning and plenty of sun this afternoon!  The waves have calmed down a little from the storm.  We are heading out for dinner at DeSoto's for some seafood. (Coconut Shrimp! My favorite!!)  I thought I would wear a fun dress to dinner.  This dress is a little bohemian, flowy and all around fun dress to wear.  I love the pattern of this dress, it's a paisley pattern paired with my favorite colors...Purple, blue, and red.  I paired it with a jade color beaded statement necklace and a gold cuff along with a fun geometric ring.

Dress- American Eagle (HERE)
Shoes- Sam Edelman for American Eagle (similar)(similar)
Necklace- Forever 21 (similar)
Belt- American Eagle
Cuff- Forever 21 (HERE)
Ring- Forever 21 (similar)

Earlier today, rockin' out my straw fedora on the beach....

Fedora- Old Navy (old) (similar)

There was a 100% chance of rain yesterday here in Gulf Shores, AL...and the storm ended up going around us.  Sun all day at the beach!  I started working on my tan and it was a successful day!  There is a slight cloud cover this morning, going to take a walk down to the pier and back and hopefully the sun will come out for the day.  Here are a few pictures from my morning walk yesterday (you can see the storm clouds in the sky)

Gulf Shores!!

Made it to Gulf Shores, AL today!  Unfortunately, it was raining when we arrived but it let up in the evening and we were able to go for a walk at sunset. Just the sound of the waves crashing on the shore as I am typing this very post relaxes me.  There is much to be done before the big move to Los Alamos, but it will just have to wait for now!!

Here are a few pictures of this evenings beach walk:

Coral Top- Forever 21
Jacket- American Eagle
Shorts- American Eagle

Beach Time!!

I am currently on my way to Gulf Shores, AL for some relaxing beach time. While sitting here in  my hotel room I thought to myself...what better time to do a blog poast on beachwear!!  Below are some fun beach looks I adore...

#1.  Mix and match 2 piece swimsuits 
I love the possibilities of mixing and matching colors and patterns to create your own unique swimsuit.

Check out LANDSEND for mixing and matching swimsuits for just about all body shapes.

Victoria's Secret has a mix and match selection

www.athleta.gap.com also has a FANTASTIC mix and match tool to help you create your perfect swimsuit. Tankini's as well.  Click HERE





#2.  Trendy and cute swimsuit cover up and beach dresses

The cover-up shown is extremely cute on it's own over a swimsuit or could be paired with a pair of Capri's and warn as a tunic for a quick off-the-beach look.  The cover up shown is from Victoria's Secret. Click HERE for Victoria's Secrets full selection (and they are mostly on sale!)

www.kohls.com also had a few cute cover ups HERE

www.amazon.com also had a nice selection of cover ups and beach dresses..HERE

 #3. Straw Fedora
I love the straw fedora for the beach.  Very cute and classy.

Here is a straw fedora from Urban Outfitters- more of a classic look

Here is more of a beach looking loose woven straw fedora from Forever 21.  www.forever21.com has a very large (and cheap) selection of beach hats and quite a few fedora's as well. (HERE)

#4. The Beach Bag

This beach bag is very trendy and has a great print. You've got to have a beach bag to carry your snacks, sunscreen, magazines, ect...so why not make it a cute beach bag like this O'Neil bag pictured?!

O'Neil Bag from www.6pm.com (HERE)

A few other cute beach bags I love are:
Bag from Zappos 
Bags from Target

#5.  Last but not least....SUNGLASSES!!
My favorite type of sunglasses are aviators, and will probably always be aviators because that is what looks best on my face shape.  The type of frame you select needs to fit your face type.  It's all about trying on multiple pairs of sunglasses and it is always great to get a second opinion! Sunglasses Buying Guide from overstock.com

I don't know about you...but I am all about cheap sunglasses.  I am constantly scratching, breaking, bending, losing my sunglasses and I do NOT want to invest money in something that may not be around for a while.

The aviators I normally wear are a $5 Walmart pair, although it is always better to go for a pair with UV protection when         choosing a pair of sunglasses.  Check out these cute sunglasses WITH UV protection (HERE)(HERE)(HERE for a large selection at www.amazon.com)

Amarillo by Mornin'

Journeying back to Arkansas. My husband, Jason accepted the job in Los Alamos, NM. Just got to find a place to live, pack, ect.

Stopped outside Amarillo, TX at the Cadillacs in the ground.

Top-American Eagle
Shorts- American Eagle
Shoes- American Eagle
Necklace- Forever 21

Land of Enchantment Part Dos

Woke up a little after 9am and went out to the Canyon Rim walking trail. It was gorgeous, definitely a place I would walk my dogs everyday. Ran into some locals on the trail who told us all about the town. It sounds like an awesome community (especially if you enjoy the outdoors).

***Jason was offered the job! I had a meeting at Brown Mackie college in Albuquerque. The school looks great and I could have my OTA in possibly a year after starting.***

My Top today blends in with the scenery somewhat. I am going for a desert look.

Top: Love 21

Jeans-Miss Me

Shoes: Chaco www.ebay.com (great for lots of outdoor walking)

Necklace- Forever 21 (similar)

Ring-Forever 21 (similar)

Bag- American Eagle (southwestern purse)

Land of Enchantment

Left early this morning headed towards New Mexico (from Arkansas). It will be a quick there and back type of trip for my husbands interview at the public schools. Wish us luck! This could be a cool opportunity to move to a place we have always dreamed of living!

My outfit is very southwestern inspired for our southwestern journey. I love chambray shirts, they have the appeal of being rustic and yet they can look classy at the same time. Not to mention chambray is very versatile and can be warn multiple ways. Sounds like a good investment to me!!

Chambray Top- American Eagle

Shorts-American Eagle

Shoes- American Eagle

Necklace-Forever 21 (similar)

Whirlwind of a Day

I woke up this morning to my husband telling me he has an interview in Los Alamos, NM this Thursday! Talk about last minute packing...we leave for the beach Saturday so had to go ahead and pack for that as well. I had to call around to the universities in NM to make sure I can even get into an OT program out there. Turns out I can go for my OTA if we end up moving west.

Crazy day... Travel pictures and updates to come; stay tuned!!!

Quick thrown together travel outfit:
Top and shorts- American Eagle
Necklace-Old Navy
Bag-American Eagle
Flip Flops- Yellowbox

Rainy Day Turned Sunny

Top: American Eagle (similar, similar @ Urban Outfitters, similar @Dillards )

Bottom: Miss Me Jeans www.ebay.com (Miss Me Jeans @ buckle)

Shoes: Steve Madden www.ebay.com (similar, similar) 

Bracelet: American Eagle (similar @ Forever 21, similar @ Dillards)

Necklace: Forever 21 (similar, similar @ Forever 21)

Proof I Belong in Santa Fe...

I have recently started looking at UNM for grad school and my husband has applied for a job in Los Alamos!!!! I really want to move to New Mexico!!

Going out to eat some sushi and then to my husbands symphony concert and this is what I am wearing....

Dress, jacket, belt and shoes are American Eagle (www.ae.com).... Bracelet is Forever 21 and necklace from Old Navy.

Boat Shoe Love!

A Look back at the last couple days... (I know my room is a mess, I am currently packing)

Today I decided to go for a simple relaxed look for running errands...

Top: AE feather light T from www.ae.com (HERE)

Jeans: Miss Me Jeans with studs on the pockets www.ebay.com (Used)

Shoes: American Eagle Boat Shoe 

Ring: www.modtoast.ecrater.com

Here is a shot of my gold boat shoes!  I absolutely LOVE them, and they are comfortable to boot...

(similar shoe @ Zappos)(similar shoe @ Old Navy)

My outfit yesterday....

Top: American Eagle Outlet 

Bottoms: American Eagle colored jeans

Shoes: Sam Edelman for American Eagle