3.31.2017

MARCH / out like a lamb

+ Hi! It’s the very end of March! Which means we’re nearly in the clear for warm weather and my birthday season and all those goodies. I had a pretty chill month, really, just in time for things to pick up: two bachelorette parties in two weeks is the name of this episode of my life. How was your month?

+ I was super excited to finally share the pictures my friend Steph took for me back in January: featuring a new yellow coat, my uniform this Winter, a mini skirt and OTK boots, and my favorite item in my closet right now! I blogged about my quick weekend trip to Miami (including an outfit for a night out in Wynwood and a day in South Beach), my second attempt at styling my culottes, and six productivity tips (as I focused on my time management skills.) 

TUNES: what I’ve been jammin’ to lately!
+ The Staves | This happens a lot- I make a rec, THEN go see a show & really get into it. Per my sister’s advice I saw The Staves in concert & omg- obsessed with everything about them! Haunting harmonies, charming accents, talented musicians- you won’t regret a listen (esp. if you’re a fan of Haim or Joseph.) Listen to: No Me, No You, No More
+ Tame Impala | We all know the hits from 2015’s Currents, but just a reminder that this entire album is actually fantastic and perfect for a Saturday morning coffee kitchen dance-off (tested!) New favorite: The Moment 
- Childish Gambino | Honestly I need to spend a lot more time listening to the entirety  of “Awaken, My Love!” but hot damn if Redbone isn’t the slaps of 2017 so far. Cannot get enough. Listen to: Redbone
+ John Mayer | After 15+ years of listening along, I doubt I’ll ever NOT be a fan of his. The Search for Everything drops on April 14th, but there’s been a few mini releases that are whimsical and perfect. Listen to: Love on the Weekend and Still Feel Like Your Man (rumored to be about Katy Perry!) 
+ Jimmy Eat World | I started listening to JEW in middle school & finally saw them in concert. These guys still sound and look great, especially considering the longevity of their career. They also seem like genuinely nice people. I cried more than once but less than three times. New fave: Sure and Certain Old fave: (so many great options…) Work

You love Michael Bolton. I love Michael Bolton. Let’s connect on Spotify! 

+ I once again made a goal to make some healthy recipes and once again did not. I’ll be honest- when I cook for just myself, I eat very simply and healthily (and usually standing up!) However, I did make this rosemary chicken with portabella mushrooms that was pretty delicious.

+ Speaking of failed goals, in conjunction with my running and Bikini Body Guide (I’m on Week 7 those workouts are getting SO REAL, guys!) I really wanted to do some yoga this month. Well, I went to one Restorative Yoga class. It was nice, but kinda reaffirmed why I don’t do yoga unless I have tons of time on my hands.
BEAUTY: my new favorites from the past month!
+ OPI RapidDry Top Coat | This has changed the #nailpolishchallenge for me (nothing too crazy- I’m just wearing every single shade of polish I own, and documenting on Twitter, for the most part.) This top coat is super glossy, dries quickly (seriously- no pillow lines!), and makes even cheap polish look luxe and last!  
+ Wet n Wild LiquidCatsuit lipstick | My boss and I have this thing with cheap beauty dupes- y’all know I love a liquid lipstick, and this stuff is SO great (and $5 a pop!) We’re obsessed with Gimme Mocha (rust red-brown) and Rebel Rose (cool tone pink.) 
+ Becca Cosmetics highlighter in Champagne Pop | I am still milking my Miami tan by using this highlighter, daily! This was a birthday gift last year from a very knowledgeable friend, and it gives the most perfect glow! 
+ Scuni Rubber hair ties | Working out is hard enough as is, and I just can’t deal with a lemon of a hair tie. I have super heavy, thick hair that just doesn’t stay put while I’m jumping around. These rubber hair ties are awesome and hold so well- just be careful when you’re taking your hair out. 

+ New favorite place in Nashville: Henrietta Red! I’m not super into oysters, honestly, but I had some pretty tasty ones here! Plus the cocktails and classy but coastal vibe alone did it for me. 

+ I've loved my evenings on the couch watching Big Little Lies - have you been watching?? Even after reading the book (and knowing the plot) it has completely drawn me in. I think it’s really well done- and the finale is THIS Sunday!
SHOPPING: so, I actually bought a bunch of new stuff this month...
+ Doc Martens | No regrets about these, at ALL. Haven't been on the blog yet, but I’ve been wearing them non-stop! 
+ vintage blouse | Been a while since I went vintage shopping, but I finally went into this great little shop in my neighborhood and picked up the most beautiful purple silk blouse. 
+ Target bralettes | I’m having a bralette Summer, who’s with me?? Target has some amazing options right now (this one is SO comfy / great racerback option.) 
+ Target “lace-up” dress | Went to Target a couple times…I love this color & I can never have enough day dresses! 
+ running shoes | not exciting, but totally necessary. I picked up some new (purple) Asics trainers at Nordstrom’s Rack (I believe they are these ones.)
+ Report heels | the next day I went back for these heels, already proved invaluable for work or a bach weekend. 
+ Vinnie & Louise dress | Another favorite local boutique, this 90’s-inspired white day dress will be on the blog, soon. 
+ boutique romper & dress | Love language: boutique shopping. I found an great navy romper & bell sleeved dress! 
+ Jimmy Eat World band tee | I can't resist a graphic tee and picked this one up at the merch table at their show because it's actually really cool looking! 

Yeah, I’ll consider this my Spring wardrobe refresh. 

+ Would love to hear what you’ve been getting into, working on, listening to & wearing this month! Share below! 

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3.29.2017

Spring Flare

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| hat: Old Navy {similar} | lip: Urban Decay Vice in Venom | sweater: H&M {similar} | jeans: Madewell via Poshmark {similar} | socks: Target {similar} | clog sandals: Target {similar} |

Bad thing from today: I can either afford to a) pay my rent next month or b) get a crown put on my tooth.

Great thing from today: I was asked to be a stage host at our big conference in a few weeks! Lights, camera, PRIYA. 

Another GREAT thing- these pictures! This is my favorite look and overall set of photos that Stephanie took, back when she came to town in January, and I've been dying to post them! She killed it with the composition and editing, huh? Check out our other looks from that weekend, right here!

Even though we took these pictures in January, I just love how Springy the vibe is! It couldn't be more perfect for life right now. Is it perfectly Springy where you are, too? 

Everything about this outfit (floppy hat, dark lipstick, mega-flared jeans) is a little more dramatic and romantic than normal for me, but I love it. I have another floppy hat that I break out about once every Winter, but this one transitions so nicely into Spring. Quick shout-out to this lip color, Urban Decay Vice lipstick in Venom, originally a random gift to me, now one of my favorite lip products ever. I found these jeans super randomly on Poshmark last Fall and though they were included in my Fall Un-Capsule, this is their blog debut! They are the Madewell Flea Market Flare, which normally go for about $130- I got mine for $20 in the steal of the century. As soon as I bought them I texted my sister and said "you will think my new jeans are so ridic" but you know, they are one of my favorite things to wear right now. "Anything for a laugh, anything for a 'look'."

And if you're wondering if I only have one pair of shoes tall enough to wear with these jeans, the answer is yes:
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Just keeping it real with a little BTS for you. Though it looks a little ridiculous, I actually love wearing socks with clogs and I don't care who knows it!

shop the look below!

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3.23.2017

Flannel & Wool

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| sunnies: Target {similar} | lip: Urban Decay Vice lipstick in Tampered | flannel: stolen from my brother (Urban Outfitter's) {similar} | skirt: Madewell via Carina {similar} | tights: Target | boots: Target {similar} | 

I am just about wrapping up the last of my Winter outfits around here, before I transition into Spring (psst: did you know you can view each of my outfits by season? Check it out —> Winter / Spring / Summer / Fall.)

Stephanie killed it with these pictures, didn't she? I was so lucky to have my talented best friend come visit me back in January (and the pictures did not hurt!) Did you catch the first and second outfits from my shoots with her? We took these just down the street from my house in my neighborhood "strip mall" - using the term loosely, because, while strip malls are usually sterile and suburban, this little one is made up of old colored brick buildings! I don't know if I've mentioned lately that where I've been living in Nashville (for going on two years now) is my favorite place I've ever lived in the entire city. And let me tell you, I have done my homework, living in virtually every part of town. I guess I shouldn't hand out my address, but let me know if you want to hear more about that. :)

So this outfit is definitely one of my favorite looks of the season! I just can't get enough of my OTK boots, and to think I avoided them initially because I didn't think they were my style. Pairing them with a mini-skirt was even more of a step outside of my comfort zone, but Steph assured me, and hey, it works! I think the combination of OTK boots + tights + a mini at my natural waist actually looks pretty elongating, which is my end game any time I get dressed (short legs, right here.) 

This decent pair from Target appears to be sold out (boo!) but I've linked to the dreamy #bestlife Stuart Weitzman's. Quick poll: should I use my entire tax return to buy a pair? (Kidding, mom!)

This flannel is one of maybe three that I own, and I stole it from my little brother years ago (thanks Tup!) But anyone in my family/friend/boyfriend circle KNOWS that at any time, an item in their closet may appear on my blog. It comes with the territory. 

But for real, this button-up is a great reminder to me that it is way better to have a couple of something you really love, instead of six of something you don't really care for. And THAT is a lesson you can apply anywhere in your life! There you go, an outfit and some real life advice. Don't say I never did nothin' for ya.
 

shop the look below!photos by Stephanie B Photography
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3.22.2017

Uniforms

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| coat: Old Navy {similar} | glasses: ban.do | scarf: gift (Madewell) | tee: Old Navy | purse: Kate Spade {similar} | pants: Old Navy {similar} | booties: Steven by Steve Madden via Carina {similar} |

If you wanna talk "uniforms" lately, here's mine! Before we hit these legendary thunderstorms and mild Spring days, we had a couple weeks of *super* cold weather, the coldest of the year so far, in fact. I lived inside this coat for days at a time (only kinda joking.) It's the warmest coat I own, and has served me super well for the past few years- in Finland, in freezing Nashville, in rain, in snow, you name it! I got mine at Old Navy a few years ago, but they sell this style pretty much every season. There are so many similar options out there- I would completely recommend a "parka" style coat!

The tee + drawstring pants combo has really become a go-to as well, I wear this to work about once a week. Perfect for pretending you're still wearing pajamas. How fun are these sunglasses? I am obsessed with all things ban.do, and these were a free giftie when I bought some Christmas presents back in December. And lastly, this fabulous blanket scarf was a gift from my sister-in-law, thanks, SIS! It's been my favorite of the season. 

And this is the second set of photos I took with my bffl Steph, when she came to town back in January (first set, coming right up!) We spent the last half day they were here wandering around shops in 12 South, and grabbing tacos at Bar Taco, and it was pretty perfect. 

Apart from normal work stuff, I'm having a pretty chill week for a change. I've actually challenged myself to get a little bored in the evenings, for the first time in...six years? It's been a real treat. I am also MEGA feeling the Spring Break Blues (or maybe, lack of Spring Break Blues?) so I'm planning to take Friday off, maybe a staycation, maybe just a Priya day, we'll see! 

shop the look below!
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3.20.2017

6 Quick Tips For Productivity

After several weeks straight of living in the anxious mindset, "I just wish there were more hours in the day!" I finally said to myself, Priya, you don't need more hours in the day, you just need to be better at managing your time. For the last couple weeks, I have really made a conscious effort to pay attention to my time management, both at work and home (though mostly at work.) And boy, do I waste a lot of time!

I just wanted to share a few quick and easy things that I've already found have made a huge difference in my day, and overall productivity!

1.  Do this first! | I find that my most unproductive time of the day is when I get to work in the morning. There I am, easing into the day, drinking coffee, catching up with co-workers, when all of a sudden- it's 9:30am and I've barely done a thing! To combat this, I've started leaving a post-it on my desk of the first task I should do right when I get to the office. It can be any size, but the point is, you hit the ground running by knocking something off your list, first! 
2. Put your phone away | Hand your phone to a friend, lock it in a drawer, turn on "Do Not Disturb" mode, whatever you need to do to make it a little harder to get to. We all know that "checking one thing on your phone real quick" can easily turn into 30 minutes of scrolling (I am so guilty of this!) Simply having your phone out of arms reach will make you think twice (Wait, where is my phone? Oh yeah, productivity.) when you're looking for it. 
3. Know your workflow | If I ever get into something tedious, I like to put my hair up (with one of these), pop my headphones in, and alert my team that "I'm flowin." That's just what works for me. My point is to know your own workflow. Whether you're blogging, working, or doing your taxes, find what works for you and stick to it! 
4. Reward yourself | This is so important, guys! Remember that at a certain point of pushing yourself all day, your quality of work is likely going down. In college I used to study in 20 minute increments (yeah, I have a very short attention span) and then paint my nails or watch a music video. Nowadays, it's a little more task-oriented (and I don't paint my nails in the office...) but I do have a good system of checks & balances. The irony is not lost on me that I'm telling you to waste time to be productive, but when used appropriately, it can motivate you to do some great work! 
5. Scenery / stand | The literal quickest fix for when you're staring at something that you just can't get through: find a place to stand and work. And give yourself a change of scenery. Fresh air and natural light can do wonders for your brain (this is like, science.) 
6. And in the words of Nike...| Laila has aptly named this "the Tove rule": sometimes you just have to DO IT. In the past few weeks, I've honestly transcribed "call the dentist" onto several different to-do lists instead of just picking up the phone and doing it. This is really dumb. Tasks that are that quick don't even need to be written (unless it's just to cross them off your list!)

I am not a life-coach (ahahaha), and many of these may seem like no-brainers, but, I figure some of you know exactly where I'm coming from, and maybe struggle with similar things!

What are your tried & true tips for being productive?
And what's your favorite way to chill out, when you feel like you just don't have enough hours in the day?

I would love to hear your tips as well, share below! And Happy Monday :)
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3.17.2017

Marigold

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| lip: Urban Decay Vice in Tampered | scarf: gift (Madewell) | tee: Old Navy | coat: gift (J.Crew Majesty Pea coat) {similar} | jeans: Old Navy | booties: Rag & Bone via Carina | 

Remember when my besties came to town in January, and I said, we took a load of pictures, just wait for it? I am so super excited to share the first set I took with my very talented (and very long-time, like 3rd grade) friend, Stephanie (she has been all over this blog, just take a look.) 

We spent the first afternoon when they were in town (while Jenae took a little post-conference nap, haha) going around my neighborhood to showcase some of my favorite recent outfits. 

This outfit is made out of some pretty amazing Christmas presents. I don't know if you recall my favorite chartreuse coat that disappeared, somehow? Well THIS perfect Marigold coat was gifted to me by someone very thoughtful, as a replacement for that coat. And I just love how well it pairs with navy, which is the point behind this whole look. This scarf, gifted to me by my sweetest little brother, Amir, and the best Rag & Bone booties that I would love to have in every color, that were borrowed-given to me by my sister Carina

I really don't have anything else to say about it (are you shocked?) but I can see this exact outfit, and definitely formula (tee + scarf + coat + jeans + booties) being very easily repeatable. 

And happy FRIDAY- we made it! I have to say, this week absolutely flew by, but that doesn't make me any less excited that it's the weekend. No huge plans, but I am cooking dinner tonight- wish me luck! 

shop the look below! 
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3.13.2017

Culottes, Take 2

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| earrings: Nashville Flea Market | sunnies: secondhand Banana Republic {similar} | lipstick: Urban Decay Vice in Temper | blouse: Forever21 via Carina {similar} | culottes: Old Navy {similar} |
 | wedges: secondhand via Carina {similar} |

Was my first attempt at styling these culottes a success? I'll let you be the judge of that. To be clear, I knew they would look the best with bare legs, but I had to make it work so I could wear them in the Winter, I was too excited to wait! 

While I knew my first styling attempt would be a stretch, this felt right just as soon as I put it on. It actually worked out quite well in the middle of an insane morning (like, this was my third attempt at getting dressed and I needed something NOW.) 

In fact, throughout the day, this became one of my new favorite outfits! The white top with these culottes will be the color combo to beat, it's just so crisp! I also loved the pop of red, and how well even the style of these shoes complimented the overall vibe. I used to wear my hair like this a lot when I ran/played soccer, and turns out it works just as well for when you really needed to wash your hair but you...didn't. Which happens to me weekly!

We are absolutely in the throes of Spring in Nashville! When I wore this outfit to work last week, the high was 75. And over the course of less than a week, we had a couple inches of snow on Saturday morning (so magical- but melted by like 10am) and it is forecasted to be 23 when I wake up tomorrow! Talk about running the gamut. Definitely a chance for some last minute Winter styles before the weather warms up for good.
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Did you guys have a good weekend? I kicked mine off with a run on my favorite greenway, straight from the office on Friday afternoon. As I was finishing up, I actually gasped because the sunset was so incredible. When I got up the hill to where my car was parked, the sky literally looked purple (tried to capture it with my phone, right as it died.) I don’t *actually* believe in signs, but it can’t be a bad thing if the sky is lit up in my favorite color to start the weekend. Like I said, “Purple sky at night, Priya’s ultimate weekend ahead, I think that’s how the saying goes.”

It was a great weekend: I saw a Beatle’s cover band on Friday night (I love the Beatles anyway but was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the show), was basically worthless on Saturday, read Gillian Flynn’s latest short story The Grownup, talked to my mom, did a literal mountain on laundry, met up with an old friend that was in town, and got to hang with some of my favorite babes, L & MC. We’ve been friends since they were literally babies, but things are getting serious, they wanted to see pictures and learn the names of every member of my family. 

Hope your weekend was a good one and that this week has been lucky so far, it does culminate in St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, after all!

shop the look below! 

thanks to sweet baby T for taking these pics for me! 
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3.09.2017

Pineapple Swing

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| sunnies: stall in London {similar} | hoops: Target {similar} | dress: Poshmark (via Nicole!) {similar: splurge / save} | purse: Marc Jacobs via Carina {similar} | slides: Madewell via Poshmark {similar} | mani: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Poppin' Paprika | 

*This title totally derived from my favorite Coldplay song

Happy sunny little Friday, everyone! I can hardly believe we've blazed through another week. I frequently find myself thinking, "It's always the weekend and the weekend's always over." Not the worst mindset for when things are dragging.

It's still fair for me to share an outfit from my trip to Miami, right? I figure that as long as I'm still suffering through the aftermath of a terrible sunburn, the trip is still relevant. Just like I'll probably keep using my college ID/discount until people stop asking me if I'm still in high school (only kinda joking, Mom!) 

Like I mentioned about my first Miami outfit, I wanted to pack smart for my trip, but it didn't really matter for just two days. I was super excited to purchase and receive this dress from Nicole, just in time for my trip! I had long admired it on her, and then in her Poshmark shop, and finally decided I loved it too much (plus, happy to support my girl.) Could you die at how adorable this print is? The fit and fabric are equally super breezy and comfortable. 

This outfit was pretty perfect for strolling around the South Beach area, stumbling into an antiques street fair (I found some amazing vintage jewelry & pins!), and enjoying some yummy Cuban food and mojitos. When in Miami. 

Though my new slides (another Poshmark find!) completely ripped up my heels, ouch. At least they're broken in to be my perfect Summer shoe! I try not to let myself buy a lot on Poshmark, since I use it mostly to sell (--> check out my closet <--) but it is SUCH a great resource for finding sold out/last season's items. I think I was falling asleep one night and realized how similar these slides are to a pair of cut-out flats I had and wore right through. All it took was a quick search + filter to find these, basically brand new, for a steal! And yes, sometimes that's what I think about when I'm falling asleep. Shoes I've loved and lost.

Well, hope it's been a fabulous week for you! Any big weekend plans? I will literally be doing everything I didn't do last weekend, when I planned to "chill" and then totally didn't. It's time for some me time 4REAL.

shop the look below!
thanks to Carina for snapping these pics for me!
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3.06.2017

Wynning!

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| sunnies: stall in London {similar} | hoops: Target | lip: e.l.f. lipstick in Coral Cutie | dress: Old Navy {similar} | heels: Anthropologie {similar} | clutch: ipsy {similar- so cute!} | bangles: gift {these are so pretty!} |  

Just over a week later, I am still totally enchanted by the murals my sister & I saw in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami. The whole trip was pretty dreamy (more about it here!) but strolling around before dinner on Saturday night was probably my highlight of the whole trip. If you're a blogger, run, don't walk, and just try to narrow it down to one backdrop. Naturally we took a bunch ;) these turned out the best, but below is my favorite mural (that I saw.) 

Packing for this quick trip was super fun, because I got to break out my warm weather clothes and shove everything that seemed "Miami" into a duffel bag. The pièce de résistance being this off the shoulder chambray dress! I loved everything about this look, actually; from the heels I randomly found in Anthropologie in December, to my ipsy bag that I've wanted to use as a clutch since I got it. This look was easy breezy for the end of a day spent in the sun!

And if I look really super dark- it's because I was. And trrust me, I'm still peeling. 

I hope your week is off to a great start! Shaping up to be a busy one for me with work + life but, that's how I like it. Thanks for reading! 
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shop the look below!special thanks to my sister for allowing this trip to turn into a blogcation & snapping these pics!
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3.02.2017

Weekend Update: 36 Hours in Miami

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My sister Carina and I like to do crazy things like meet up in a brand new city for 36 hours.

I should rephrase that, giving credit where it's due, and say my sister makes it possible for us to do things like that, when we haven't seen each other since Thanksgiving. So next up in our "36 Hours In..." series is sunny Miami, Florida!

On Saturday morning I woke up at 4:30am to hop on a plane- and let me be clear that a tropical adventure with my little Peanut is maybe the ONLY reason I will wake up at that un-godly hour. Carina had a brief detour to Tampa (and I had a mini freak-out) but eventually found me poolside and {probably} already sunburnt at The Standard Hotel. Which I can’t recommend enough, by the way! In fact, we barely left the hotel (or really the pool) the entire weekend. The Standard Hotel Miami was originally the Lido Spa back in the 70’s and has kept the hippie botanical motel by the ocean vibes, with a serious upgrade. Every inch of it is thoughtful and colorful!

We barely did the South Beach thing- we walked down there a couple times- mostly looking for someone rollerblading in hi-cut neon bikini bottoms- but we discovered that Bacardi Fest was happening on the beach (not our liquor, not our crowd), and headed back to The Standard. Where Miami by Will Smith was on repeat (in my brain, n e way!)

The highlight of my weekend, which narrowly outranks stumbling into the South Beach antiques fair, splitting a pitcher of Pamplemousse Rose, and sleeping for ten hours, was exploring the Wynwood neighborhood, both for dinner and murals. We had dinner at Alter, which was incredible (only the best from my little foodie Peanut. I’m in great hands.) HOLY murals, Wynwood is a blogger paradise.

Miami is kinda a dreamy paradise as a whole, and I can’t wait to go back. It was such a tropical tease, like I’m ready to spend ten days in the sun now that I have my base tan ;) And it was so good to chat with my sister for hours on end. I start to get restless when I’ve gone too long without her insulting me in person, you know? Thanks Peanut for showing me Miami! Where to next, I’ll meet you there!
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