Monthly Goals, April

From that same neighborhood walk, a few weeks ago. I love anything heart-shaped and couldn't believe these leaves!

No really, crazy as it looks, I am posting twice in one day. Kinda because I've been trying to be more organized about blogging, and I had a "list of posts" to write for the month and this was on it; and kinda because I am keeping track of my resolutions for the year, by month. And April is over?

It felt like a notably long month, and I completely attribute that to my one-word-motto of presence (I wrote more about that here.) Constantly reminding myself to simply "be here now" has made the last few weeks feel full and longer than normal. I'd say this is the best I've done with a one-word-motto so far...

And I've slacked pretty well on my other goals for the month. I DID see a couple family members (Amir for Easter weekend and Galina last weekend), I DID enjoy live music (at Robert's Western World which I'm counting, and I went there three times this month!), I DID host a dinner at my house (technically Hunter made it...), and I DID write a thank you card (for our sweet Easter lunch hosts.) And in full-disclosure: I have not read one single book so far this year. EEP. 

There is definitely room to grow, as I haven't gotten a 100% for any month yet. But I've still got seven tries! I'm looking forward to May, as it ends with the bookend of the start of Summer, and I've already got my one-word-motto in mind. Also- KBYE Nashville April showers!

[EDIT: my wbfflirl Art (who might be reading this sometime, yikes?) kindly pointed out that I saw T-Pain a few weeks ago which totally counts as live music in April, because he knows me better than I know myself. Thanks pal!] 

And now I'm truly off to pack and head to California for some bachelorette festivities for the weekend. Be back Tuesday, talk to ya next month!! 

I'm Sprung (again.)

| necklace: Target (giveaway win) | t-shirt: H&M from Carina | skirt: handmade | flats: Old Navy |

Life is wild. Here's why: a few weeks ago, I titled a post "I'm Sprung", featuring the most Spring-y outfit I could muster, and a discussion of how much I love T-Pain (enough to use his lyrics as a blog post title.) Fast-forward to a couple weeks ago, where in a simple twist of fate- I GOT TO SEE T-PAIN in concert (long-story short: my friend had a ticket to Vanderbilt's Spring show that he gave me.) As I was standing there, overdressed in my velvet leggings, in a throng of underage, raucous college students, the air thick with smoke and Spring air, and he (they?) played this song, I was thinking about my BLOG and feeling old. How providential was that?!

The show was fun. I can't really confirm that T-Pain was there, I couldn't see very well and there were 20+ people on stage. Hype men are a real thing. I live-tweeted the whole thing and that was probably the funnest part, laughing at my own jokes since '91.

OH- I've now worn this outfit twice this Spring, and felt very Sprung both times. Got me doin' things I'll never do if u ain't been I'm tellin' you go ahead and enjoy that song and think of me!!

EDIT: I have to add that this skirt was handmade by Andrea's wonderful grandmother, not me! I can't take credit for her talent! 

Weekend Update: A marathon chill sistah hang.

   
   

My sister was here this past weekend! I am so thankful for a constant flow of visitors from home; it leaves me feeling a little worn out at times, but also makes home always feel close.

This trip seemed more relaxed than previous ones, which was welcome indeed! After a very chill Friday night (being snuggled up on the couch with Galina was all I wanted and more), she ran the Music City Marathon Saturday morning. Saturday had a steady stream of planned activity after the race; post-marathon fair, showers for all, queso for all, Galina's fancy "my hair stylist lives in Nashville" appointment, and then a wonderful evening of grilling out and hanging in Andrea's backyard.

Sunday we did a lot but all at a lackadaisical pace; church, brunch, walking to shops, finding Galina cowboy boots at the Nashville Flea (the ONLY place to get them, I'm telling you!), small naps and Footloose on the couch, too much Pho and sushi, and then Broadway on a Sunday night which ended up being totally alright. It is so fun to watch your boyfriend get starstruck- we saw the entire Nashville Predators hockey team out at The Stage, I kept saying, "Hunter, be cool!"

Monday after one last hurrah lunch (Martin's is the best BBQ in Nashville. Yeah, I said it.) Galina headed home. But it's really ok because I'll be seeing her again in a few days. I didn't even hug her goodbye, just opened her door and pushed her out... ;)

Let me back up--Weekend Update on a Wednesday (has never happened in the history of perfectly P) because we are hosting a conference at work this week, which will end in me flying to California Friday morning (in the 5am range) for Jenae's bachelorette weekend. Which I guarantee I will over-share about later, but if you must know, the hashtags we are working with are #JenaesLastLuau and #SheDunnGood.

SO. Not much else is getting done this week. Really excited for that bachelorette party which I can't even think about until the conference is through. Fingers crossed for me that I make it on that plane Friday morning after some loooooong workdays.

But the POINT of this post is- I am a lucky girl to spend a weekend with my sis who flys in just to see me! Love you, Galina, and your happiness makes me happy!

Ok, I can't wait to catch up with everyone. Soon. And thanks for reading in the meantime! 

Thankful Thursday #5

It's Thankful Thursday time, y'all! Things are mostly good, besides an insane allergy attack today. I feel like a leaky faucet. TMI? Anyway, I'll kick off TTh with...

25. Spring flowers. Especially when I can see them on a walk around my neighborhood, in front of beautiful homes. ^^^

26. Lunch dates with Huntee. I should add, during the workweek, which never happens. I had an errand to run this afternoon and combined it with meeting him for lunch. We met at a girly place and finished with cookies, white chocolate macadamia for him, molasses for me, and it was lovely!

27. Fun-size 100 Grand Bars. And whoever stocked their office candy dish with 'em. BEST.

28. My lucky pants. Especially when I wear them after a long time, and the dad of the new family I babysat for (yesterday) said, "Nice to meet you, cool pants!"

29. Being in constant contact with best friends. Brought to you by a group message and Bachelorette Party planning. Also counting down until next weekend when I get to hang with Jenae and Steph for an entire weekend, which again, never happens now that we're adults!

30. Galina! Who is coming into town late tonight! She's running the Music City Marathon Saturday morning, and we'll spend the rest of the weekend eating and doing our favorite sister things. So mostly eating. Be back Monday!!

I'm up to 30! View the complete Thankful Thursday list: 4 // 3 // 2 // 1

Charmed!

If there’s one thing I still can’t resist, it’s charm bracelets (two things: charm bracelets and stickers. Three things: charm bracelets, stickers, and bake sales.) That’s why I was pretty excited when the kind folks at Soufeel reached out about sending me a bracelet with charms- that I got to pick out myself!

| jacket: Gap | dress: Old Navy | flats: H&M (super old!) | bracelet: c/o Soufeel |

Soufeel has so many great charms to choose from- I picked a crown, a champagne bucket, and  an airstream trailer; I think it’s the perfect statement for me, as if to say “I love being glam and going on adventures.” I found all the charms to be great quality, with sparkly details- like the diamond "ice" in the champagne bucket! The bracelet itself is really classy looking, but still has the fun, whimsical feeling that we all love about charms. 

The charms are made of out of sterling silver, and can fit onto Pandora or Chamilia bracelets as well; at half the price! Soufeel offers free shipping worldwide with orders over $50, and a 365 day return and exchange guarantee. 

Head on over to Soufeel to check out their new arrivals for Spring, and pick out your customized charm bracelet! When you register as a new user, you'll get 20 points automatically (these can be redeemed for $2 towards your purchase.)

Use the discount code Priya5 for your purchase! A bracelet would make an awesome gift for Mother's Day, or you know, a gift for yourself ;)

I received the bracelet as a complimentary item from Soufeel, but all opinions are my own!

ipsy vs. Birchbox, March

ipsy vs. Birchbox time! Originally I was trying to pick one instead of being subscribed to both; but for now, I'm enjoying experimenting with and reviewing a load of new beauty products every month. Getting a sub in the mail makes me giddy!

If this series feels a bit tiresome, I have to say: it certainly puts a fire under my butt to try out everything I receive so I can review it, and as long as I do that, I'm allowing myself to keep both.

On to the goods of the month!

And here's: February // January // December // November

ipsy (left to right)

skyn Iceland Eye Gels- These are supposed to help with puffiness/redness, which I have pretty much constantly right now due to insane allergies. I tried a set on one evening, they felt nice but also pretty weird. My under eyes looked good afterwards, but I didn't notice a huge difference. It's nice that they included two packs in the bag though.

*Milani Nail Lacquer in Peri-Wink-* I'm so happy I got this! Some of my fellow ipsy girls in the office received a similar color in months past and I really liked it. This was the perfect shade for an Easter mani, the pigment I wanted took four coats. I love love the color, but the polish started chipping in under a week. 

NYX butter lipstick in Little Susie- This is the third NYX butter lip color I have (balm here, and a gloss I got from a friend.) I think they're great! The color is just so creamy. This lipstick goes on more like a balm and stays looking freshly applied. This is a new shade for me too, and I wore it here. 

Equitance Brightening Serum & Spot Corrector- I don't even know what this is for. Dark spots from what? My biggest complaint with both subs is the age serum corrector gloop I keep getting. Sure, maybe I should start early and be taking better care of my face now, but I can't even tell a difference after sampling this. 

Evelyn Iona concealer- I'm just about done with my current concealer, so YAY. I thought this was eye base at first, so I wore it on/under my eyelids. Really helped my eyeshadow stay in place on a long day. This stuff goes on smooth and the shade was great. 

*Favorite of the month. One thing I'm constantly suckered into buying is new nail polish, you can alwayssss find a color you don't have. I was so happy to receive this periwinkle shade! 

This bag is pretty cute! I would say as far as florals go, they could have done better; but still very Spring appropriate and fun. I've been toting this around for make-up on the go lately. 

Birchbox (left to right)

Amika Blowout Spray- I'm not the best judge of this because I generally don't like and don't use hair products. I also tried this out when I didn't blow dry my hair, but I noticed the description says it can be used on dry hair as well as texturizing spray. I didn't like the way it felt after it dried in my wet hair at all. 

*Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo-* My hair is super thick, and to get a good wash in the shower, I have to wash my hair twice, and in two separate sections. I was in desperate need of clarifying shampoo to get rid of that dry shampoo build-up, so I was so excited to receive this! Unforunately, I don't think it worked well. But I did try this paired with the hair masque (conditioner) it came with, so maybe that was the problem.

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Serum- Right? Why do I keep getting stuff like this? I've used it a couple times, can't report on how it works, but it smells nice (like plants!)

Jelly Pong Pong Highlighter- I'm just a baby when it comes to highlighting/contouring, so I looked forward to trying this out. Super weird that it looks just like nail polish, down to the applicator brush. I liked the shimmer, but it was difficult to apply and blend, pretty splotchy.

Harvey Prince Signature- I may be the only one who loves perfume samples! I ran out of my go-to perfume a few months ago and still haven't picked out a new one. These are the perfect size for stashing in my desk at work, for an after-lunch-workout refresher! This perfume smells classy and slightly floral, I would wear it! 

*Favorite of the month. I'm open to trying this again and giving my hair a really good wash, because if it does what it's supposed to, I'll be thrilled! This wins because I really needed clarifying shampoo and there it was. 

This box! Is so cute! Sure, a box is less functional then a pouch, but the last 4 boxes I've recieved have been so, so cute. I feel silly keeping any of them, but Kelley suggested I use them on a bookshelf which is GENIUS. I've been messing around with them on the shelves in my apartment, and it looks great! Bonus that I could stash anything in them and it would still be cute! 

Victor for February: ipsy, fosho. None of the Birchbox items were stand-outs for me this month, whereas ipsy had a few (nail polish, concealer, lip stick.)

I'm realizing that at any given point, I typically have anywhere from 2-5 different shades and types of lip color on me. Do I have a problem? I mean, it helps that between these two subs I get a new one every month. 

It takes me WAY back to 7th grade, where my middle school best friend Lauren & I used to be obsessed with lip gloss. Bonnebell, Lip Smackers, you name it, we had it. We used to bring a different one to school every day and compare and ask, "What do you have on you today?" and I got busted in science glass for re-applying (whatever Miss Schlink, science is for shmucks!), and one time in class we even started a collection (it was more of a minstrel-type situation) for change to buy new gloss! We were influencers, for sure. And this is where my lip color complex has it's roots.

Any fellow subscribers to ipsy or Birchbox (or something else?!) out there? How were your subscriptions for the month; am I missing out on something, or using a product incorrectly?

As always, you can sign up for ipsy or Birchbox (or both, it's not like, the worst thing that happens to me every month), by using my referral links right here: ipsy // Birchbox. 

Have a happy Saturday everyone, and don't forget: tomorrow is beauty day! Time to use up all those new products. I just recieved my subs for April, eeeeee. Thanks for reading! 

Four Seasons, One Dress: Spring

It's a BIG day around here, y'all. Today marks the finale of the Four Seasons, One Dress series with Danielle! We've now styled our buddy dress for every season, Summer // Fall // Winter; so, ok, I guess I'll keep it since it's THAT versatile.

This might be my favorite look of Danielle's, actually! Those shoes are killer! This would be a fun outfit for brunch, or any outside activity because yay it's finally warm enough to hang outside again! I just "invested" (on Amazon so I could get free shipping, also, #accessoryrule) in a straw hat like this, and I love how it pairs with the dress. Will be copying asap!

| jacket: Gap | dress: Gap Factory | belt: thrifted in Finland | flats: Old Navy | 

I tried to go just as quintessential to every season as I could while styling this dress. If I could turn back time, if I could find a way, I would switch out my clogs for sandals from the "Summer" outfit and wear them here instead! Still, flats (with no tights) feel very Spring-y, as does a jean jacket for the morning chill, as does this green belt that is always on heavy rotation around here.

Here's a whammy of a collage of every way Danielle and I wore this Gap Factory G-E-M this year!

View the full posts here: Summer // Fall // Winter

After looking at this collage my main takeaways are: I belted my dress in two outfits (having previously never belted it before, since it has an elasti-waist) after Danielle did it first for Summer; I would really like to raid her closet :); and I never thought I had a "good side" when taking photos, but I always seem to turn the same way, huh? Also I have to say I enjoyed seeing my "hair timeline" here!

I think the look that turned out best for me was the Winter one- the layering makes it more visually interesting, as opposed to the rest which are pretty simple; and the tights make this almost-too-short-for-work dress fit just right. 

Danielle looks super fab, but I have to say- the accessories in the Spring look just do it for me.

A big ol' THANK YOU to Danielle for collaborating with me (and having such great style ;); the series may be over, but you can check out her fabulous, affordable outfits right here! Thanks also to all of you, for following along throughout the seasons. 

So how'd we do? Which look is your favorite, or seems most appropriate for the season?

My leopard tuxedo

| blouse: J.Crew from Carina | jeans: Gap Factory | heels: J.Crew from Carina | lip color: NYX in Little Susie | 

I have this thing with "making" tuxedos, apparently.

I'm having a good day for no apparent reason! It's still total gloom and doom in Nashville, but it's not so bad. I've spent the last two nights watching Parks and Rec with Huntee after being super productive and doing laundry, etc. My weekend plans to go see Amir in NC just got scrapped which feels...actually relaxing? I practically have a free weekend to look forward to. Whatever will I do?!


Thoughts about this outfit:

- I need a normal black belt. There is a marvelous blooper I didn't include that features me hoisting up my jeans, and if that isn't reason enough, I just think the outfit would look better with it.

- I love this lighting! Took these photos over the weekend, wore this outfit a few weeks ago.

- This top is yet another magnificent hand-me-down from my sister, Carina. I love how luxe this tuxedo blouse looks and feels, especially when paired with my boyfriend jeans.

- The shoes make me feel like a winnah. Here's the first time I wore them.


Tune in tomorrow for the FINALE of Four Seasons, One Dress; a series I've been doing for nearly a year with the lovely Danielle of Goodwillista. We made a fancy collage for the whole year and everything, and you'll get to see my face side by side four times! Maybe more! 

Weekend Update: Masters Party!

It was a party Saturday, for sure.

I write about Huntee on here sometimes, but I don't know if I've mentioned how much he loves SPORTS. Playing them, following them, watching them, ALL of them. Anybody resonate with that? So Huntee knew the only way to get me to watch the Masters with him this weekend (ALL WEEKEND) was by throwing a: theme party! I think theme parties are my love language, seriously. 

We had a small Masters party last year where we had pimento cheese sandwiches and wore golf-y outfits, but definitely took it up a notch this year, with a better food and drink spread, decor, larger guest list, etc. I was texting Huntee about it last week and I said "I want centerpieces!" somewhat jokingly, and he replied "Oh I know, I am going to fill a vase up with golf balls." Heart-eye emoji! This dude is his mother's son, I'll tell you what.

We had a blast! (I only managed to get a couple iPhone snaps of me and my co-host!)

Even the newlyweds came out (and they both had legit Masters t-shirts. Okay guys.) Also this hat looks so weird on me!

After this party we went to two birthday parties: a rowdy 60th backyard bash, and more of a chill, hipster 35th. And then I swan-dived into my bed, you know the drill ;) even this party animal has about a three party max per day. 

I spent the majority of Sunday shopping, prepping, and cooking for my lunch bunch at work. Also managed to get my oil changed and go out for dinner with Hunter, as soon as Jordan got the green jacket, and I was getting hangry. Oh no, is my blog becoming like my journal, a detailed commentary on my to-do list??

I hope you all are having a lovely week so far! We had gorgeousss Spring weather this weekend (can you tell from these pictures?) but so far this week it's been rainy and gloomy. Perfect "cleaning my neglected apartment" weather. Talk to you soon! 

I'm Sprung!

iPhone pics taken by Kelley, edited with VSCOCam

| top: Anthro from Carina | skirt: vintage from Mal | clogs: Old Navy | lipstick: Coral Cutie by e.l.f. | 

Any T-Pain fans out there? If you are specifically NOT a T-Pain fan, maybe reconsider after you watch this video of him singing sans auto tune in an NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert. How could you NOT love him with lyrics like "she got me doin' the dishes / anything she wants for them kisses" ?  ANYway...

I could not put together a more quintessential Spring outfit if I tried! This combo initially came together as I was packing for this trip. Since I decided to stick to three tops total, this one stayed home, but I kept the outfit in mind to wear asap. I wore it to work on one of the first nice Spring days, walked to tacos for lunch with my friend, and generally enjoyed the day, and this combo! Oh, and this really good hair day. I swear to you my hair could not be more hit or miss, especially with this shorter haircut. Today it is looking roughhhh. 

Oh yeah, this is not the first time I've worn these clogs with gingham, and it will not be the last. 

Any fun plans for this weekend? I'll be doing a little babysitting, a little partying (for the Masters and two birthdays!) and a little cooking for my lunch group at work on Monday. And hopefully a LOT of sleeping and maxin' relaxin'. Getting through the end of this week after the craziness of last "weekend" has been a little rough. Thanks for reading guys, have a great one! 

Weekend Update: friendbender weekend

I know, I know, Weekend Update on a Wednesday? Well, trust me, it's felt like the longest weekend EVER, since I've been hanging out with friends in town late into the night every day since last Thursday. At some point during the weekend I thought to myself, this just feels like one long bender...of friendship. So, I'm calling this "Friendbender" weekend. 

Thursday afternoon I got my turn to host my sweetest friend Ashley (who is a teacher, on Spring Break in Nashville for the week, bouncing around from friend to friend.) She met me after work, we had a raincheck run at the Y, walked to Rosepepper for margs & Mexican food, came back to my apartment and did our nails while watching Dirty Dancing. It was a perfect evening that, I know, basically didn't exist because we didn't take any pictures, sorry Ashley, not sure how that happened!!

Friday afternoon after an incredible Good Friday service, I rushed to pick up Amir who had hitched a ride for Easter weekend with some friends from school. We went straight to Hunter's, where we had a fancy dinner/hang with friends. Shout-out to Kris. 

Saturday morning the boys and I ran separately, and then went to Christine (my work-mom/boss)'s birthday brunch where we hung out most of the day. Shout-out to Sam & Christopher who ask me at work every single day if they can be on my blog. You know that awkward moment where your blog life and real life collide?? Welcome to the blog gentlemen! 

That night Amir had his first hot chicken AND Broadway in Nashville experience. He decided it wasn't his scene, but enjoyed checking it out nonetheless. 

Sunday Amir and I went to an awesome Easter service, got adopted for an Easter lunch with these cuties, went on a quick hike to Beaman Park, then to dinner at Edley's and dirty Melrose for ping-pong. Oh- Hunter brought us BOTH Easter baskets. 

Monday- I went to work, Amir hung out, we met up in the afternoon and proceeded to watch the game and eat pizza in my apartment. Laaaate that night Jenae & Daniel arrived and I again stayed up way too late because !best friend sleeping over at my apartment and we had everything to talk about! These two. Oh man. They are perfect.

Tuesday morning Amir had to go, I met Jenae & Daniel at Hot Diggity Dog for lunch, and they checked out the Nashville Zoo. That evening we hung out a bit, then went downtown for dinner and drinks and wedding talk.

Finally, this morning Jenae, Daniel and I had one last hurrah breakfast before they hit the road, Charleston, SC bound. And that is probably more than you cared to know about how friendbender weekend went down!

Which brings us right up to now, I am deliriously tired but happy. Life rocks. So thankful my buddy Amir could fill my family quota for Easter weekend, and that I could hang with Jenae & Daniel before their wedding festivities begin (kicking off with Jenae's bach the first weekend in May.) Now if only they would just move to Nashville...

I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend (or otherwise) as well! I'm off to sleeeeep off this bender, man! 

presence

  And so, my one-word motto for April is: presence.

I consider myself a chronic multi-tasker, so this might literally be the hardest challenge for me yet! 

In six days of this challenge, you know what I've already realized? You notice so many things when you're only thinking about the present moment. 

Things I've noticed so far: the sound of the pouring rain on my office roof, how everyone's laugh sounds different, how middle TN is all rolling hills and huge trees, and what my first thought is in the morning. 

Also, I think your undivided presence is the best gift you can give someone.   

Ever go on a trip or have a visitor, and later feel like you missed it completely? I hope that the constant reminder of presence helps me better enjoy time spent with people, especially those I don't see often.

How I'm doing it- very deliberately, until it becomes a habit. Re-directing every thought, as soon as my mind begins to wander, with the very simple mantra, "Be here now!" I've also experimented with                                                                                                 writing on my hand, and may try a certain piece of "reminder jewelry." 

I wrote more about this idea here.

In case you're interested, my mottoes for the year (with varying levels of success) have been: organize // love // discipline.

How do you exercise presence in your daily life? With 24 days left of this motto to go, I could use the tips, if you have 'em!

Cherry Blossoms? Elementary!

| t-shirt: secondhand from Shel | necklace: ? | skirt: H&M | pumps: J.Crew from Carina | 

lip color: Cynthia Rowley creamy lip stain in Heartthrob

So I'm not buying clothing this year, (hold on: I realize I say this in every. single. blog post! Sorry! That's just the thought behind every single outfit these days because I'm like "What can I wear that will feel new?") But before you think too highly of me, it's been manageable when I'm still getting new stuff. Loveliest example lately: theseeeee shoessssss. 

I think I was standing over Carina's shoulder, cheering her on, as she bought these online when we were in Austin. Who doesn't need a pair of leopard pumps, that's my question. They were on final sale at J.Crew, which, as you probably know, means an awesome price AND makes them not returnable. Turns out this 6.5 was a little smaller than a standard J.Crew 6.5, aaand you probably know where this is going. When I went home at the beginning of March, these bad boys came back to Nashville with me. Providence, friends. It's is a beautiful thing. So are sisters with impeccable taste.

One more quick example of this: Lauren is a dear and sent me a sweater I've been living in and living for. It hasn't resulted in any cute outfits yet, because I've just been wearing it to be cozy, but expect it on the blog soon. Oh, and shout-out to Lauren, who I know will be reading this. You. ROCK.  

Other notes on this outfit: this skirt is gorgeous but usually a fail for me. I always feel like it's just a little too long. But, I wore it anyway because it's nice and it cost like $40 dollars and normally just sits in my closet. And graphic tees forever. That's all! 

My lip color is a Birchbox sample from a few months ago (full review of that box and this product here.) I had actually stashed this in my gym bag and forgotten about it, but when I ran out the door that morning without lip color (!) it worked perfectly. I would like to add to the review that the super creamy texture and lasting pigment is awesome. This might be weird, but the texture is exactly like one of those Whipped yogurts you can buy- anyone know what I mean? And I would like to maintain from that review that the sample was tiny and after three uses, I'm out!

ONE more thing- cherry blossoms. Everywhere! They are beautiful! I feel like I am just seeing them for the first time! Spring can do these things to you. I wore this on Monday to work, then Huntee & I went to Thai food, before visiting Amanda in her newlywed pad.