More Happy Than Not

Have you heard of the recently released novel, More Happy Than Not?  Based on this review, it sounds like a thought-provoking, emotional, and (at times) funny read.  I learned about the book from Selah who has tagged me to list ten things that make me more happy than not.

Since there are so many things in life that make me smile, I've decided to make this the:

More Happy Than Not: Alexandria, Virginia Edition

1.  The charm of my sweet apartment, just south of Old Town.

2.  Being greeted by my favorite servers and splitting a bottle of wine at Grape and Bean.

3.  Flowering trees in the springtime against the backdrop of the old brick buildings.

4.  Happy hour nachos at Virtue Feed and Grain.

5.  Driving home down a stretch of the George Washington Parkway with a view of the river.

6.  Veggie Spring Rolls, Drunken Noodles and a Thai Iced Tea delivered to my door from Mai Thai.

7.  The smell of wood-burning fires as I walk the bricked streets of Old Town in the fall.

8.  Fun accessory shopping at She's Unique and Lou Lou.

9.  Being able to walk to the grocery store, post office, pharmacy, Starbucks and Indian restaurant.

10.  Countless happy hours and brunches with my sweet friends!  

Alright, what makes you more happy than not?

Danielle of A Little Bit of Wowe

Carrie of A Lovely Little Wardrobe

Brynn of Brynnash

Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

Blogging Besties: Printed Dress

Hello, dear readers! Happy Friday! It's the end of another long work week for me--I am finishing up my third week of training as an Orientation Assistant, and on Tuesday, we will hold our first Orientation session for incoming students at KU! I'm so jazzed, even though it means I'll be trading in my cardigans and blouses for polos every day. 

Last week, Whitney SLAYED in a coral printed dress, denim vest, and sandals!

For this week, I "passed on" the printed dress, because I was just so excited to wear this dress I snagged at Clothes Mentor last weekend! I love the fierce printed pattern and the colors--plus it's surprisingly comfy! I paired my dress with wedge sandals and a statement necklace for church.

Dress: London Times, thrifted (similar, similar, similar)

Wedges: Versona (similar, similar, similar)

Necklace: Walmart (similar, similar, similar)

The elements of this outfit are: printed dress, statement necklace, summer wedges, florals, cobalt blue, and hot pink! 

What did you "pass on" from Whitney's look last week? Link up below:

An InLinkz Link-up

Currently: June

playing: the Sam Hunt station on Pandora.  I'm always up for a little country music, but there is something about summer that makes me want to roll my windows down and turn up the country tunes!  I can't get enough of Sam Hunt's Take Your Time.

going: to Myrtle Beach at the end of the month with my friend Deanna.  I'm leaving a few days after school ends and I think it will be the perfect way to unwind.  Let the summer commence!

wearing: this high-waisted bikini.  I ordered it in February when beach weather was just a dream...and now it's time to bare this body!  Anyone up for a round of crunches??

sipping: a Bloody Mary.  Or perhaps a few.  I just can't get enough of these lately!  In the Lansing, MI area?  Try the BM from Tavern on the Tap.  Or maybe Alexandria, VA is more your style?  Virtue Feed and Grain has my favorite!

reading: Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson.  Typically non-fiction books don't make it onto my pleasure reading list.  But this is my second read by Erik Larson.  He writes non-fiction in a way that makes you feel like you are reading a story, not just a list of facts.  I would definitely recommend checking him out at your local library.

Linking-up with Anne and Jenna for Currently.

May Budget

Wow!  As of this post, I have been sharing my clothing purchases and budgets with you for a year!  While I'm still not a perfect budgeter (see below), I have definitely learned to be more intentional about my spending and I don't binge shop like I used to.

I seem to have been drawn towards neutrals this month with the exception of a very bright dress (which made for the perfect birthday ensemble).  I added the black counterpart to this dress to my closet because I loved the polka dot version so well.  I stepped outside my comfort zone by purchasing my very first romper.  It is so comfortable that I'm never turning back!  And finally, these elastic-waisted, printed shorts are perfect for staying cool during the summer months!

1.  Milly Dress: Original Price- $68  Price Spent- $52.20

2.  Old Navy Jersey Fit and Flare Dress: Original Price- $24.95  Price Spent- $24.94

3.  H&M Romper: Original Price- $17.95  Price Spent- $17.95

4.  Old Navy Shorts: Original Price- $24.95  Price Spent- $24

Total Remaining from First Quarter- $20.08

Total Spent May- $119.10

Total Spent this Quarter- $259.05

Total Saved this Quarter- $79.55

Total Remaining- -$9.05

So I went about ten dollars over my quarterly budget.  No big deal, right?  Well, I also splurged and bought a few things for my birthday (that I will feature in a different post).  Birthday coupons were my budget downfall last year as well.  What I'm learning is that perhaps I should set a few extra dollars aside every May to treat myself.  What do you think?

Linking-up with Fran's Budgeting Bloggers!

Blogging Besties: Sandals

Happy Friday, friends!  Did you have a wonderful week?  I've had so much fun celebrating my birthday with friends and family...for once I'm not ready for the week to be over!

Last week Alex looked so put together in her all-neutral ensemble:

I chose to go with an entirely different look and only passed-on a pair of sandals.  This post is a minor fail because you can't even see my sandals in these pictures...but I promise they are there!

A few weeks ago I reviewed my first Le Tote experience.  This dress arrived in my second "tote" and I love it!  I'm not yet thrilled with every piece I've received but I'm enjoying the service enough to continue with it.  I will keep you posted!

Here are your elements to pass-on for next week: a printed dress, a denim vest, sandals, or something borrowed!

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: c/o Le Tote (similar, similar)

Vest: Old Navy (similar)

Sandals: Boutique (similar)

What did you pass-on from Alex's look last week?

An InLinkz Link-up

Birthday Dress

Alright dear blogging friends, have a glass of champagne and a cupcake for me...because today is my birthday!  I feel blessed to be celebrating all week long in my beloved state of Michigan with friends and family.  On Tuesday, my handsome man took me on a surprise birthday date.  My only request of him was that I would get to wear a dress and heels!

He obliged!  He took me out for a romantic dinner overlooking a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset.  And I got to wear my new Milly by Kohl's dress with some hot pink pumps!

Merci, mon amour!

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: Kohl's (exact)

Heels: Old (similar, similar)

Blogging Besties: All Neutrals

Hi, all! On Monday, I started my summer job and am now wrapping my first-ever 40(+) hour work week, so truly I say--TGIF! I'm so ready to relax and unwind with my family over this long Memorial Day weekend and get ready to do it all again on Tuesday!

Last week, Whitney wore a fun all-neutral summer look with a black tee, patterned shorts and an open chambray!

Since I don't own patterned shorts and wedges aren't appropriate for my job, I decided to go with all neutrals! I wish I could have worn a fun summery look like Whitney, but it's been chilly and rainy here all week (hence the hair issues in these photos--my deepest apologies.)

Top: JC Penney (similar, similar, similar)

Cardigan: LOFT (similar, similar, similar)

Jeans: LOFT (exact, similar, similar)

Sandals: Jack Rogers (similar)

The elements of this outfit are: all neutrals, lace tee, cardigan, relaxed jeans, sandals, and a pendant necklace! What did you pass on from Whitney's look last week?

An InLinkz Link-up