11.30.2017

November / the year's last, loveliest smile

Priya the Blog, Nashville lifestyle blog, November 2017
+ Life | I know that, as a general rule, time just flies, but I sat down to write this post and could not BELIEVE November was over. Where did the month go?? Upon further investigation (looked in my planner) I realized I had two whirlwind long weekend trips (Britney in Vegas & NY marathon / Thanksgiving), and in between that, two crazy busy weeks at work. So there we go. Case closed.


+ In My Cart | Stay tuned for how epically I did NOT stick to a budget. Cyber Monday amiright!?
In Vegas I bought Spanx out of necessity & a couple new bralettes (velvet / seamless) (also out of necessity)
I also ordered these Britney Spears leggings as I left Vegas (seriously, and no regrets!)
In a pre-office-holiday-party-panic last week I ordered this top, this jumpsuit, this midi dress, this swing dress, and these pants ALL VELVET and all Old Navy. I'll keep you posted on what I decide to keep.
Finally, my Cyber Monday purchases! This calf hair clutch from Madewell, that I've wanted foreverr, and three blouses from J.Crew Factory: pink bell sleeved, printed bell sleeve, and a VERY cute purple pleated blouse that is sold out. All linked above!
On My Face | Aside from my incred BoxyCharm, I wanted to spotlight some e.l.f products I've been loving:
Mad for Matte palette- a serious blank space in my collection was non-neutral mattes. Ta-dah!
HD Lifting Concealer- YouTube told me this was a perfect affordable concealer and it IS!
Blush & Bronzer duo- perfect for a subtle contour on the go! I have Turks & Caicos.
Slightly cheating because I've ordered these but haven't tried them yet: Tinted Lip Oil (can't WAIT to try this) Crease Brush (supposed to be great for small eyelids!) Lip Exfoliator (this is genius.)

+ In my Earbuds | Sam Smith is still heartbroken and crooning in his sophomore album The Thrill of it All. I was so excited for this release! Favorite tracks so far: Say it First, Baby, You Make Me Crazy. 
On that note, I could really use some new music recs. Let's connect on Spotify!

+ On my TV | I wish I had more to tell you. I blazed through Stranger Things season two, and while I'm JUST as obsessed with the cast, the 2nd season really didn't hold my attention like the first one.

+ In my Nashville | Nothing exciting here either! I did go to Far East the other night, so there's a vouch for very solid pho. After a carb-laden Thanksgiving the first thing I ate in town was half a Lucayan salad from Calypso Cafe which never disappoints! OH I've now been to Cafe Roze twice, and boy is it cute (I'm about to plan a blog shoot around it, for real.) Most recently I had steak frites and an Aperol Spritz, A+!

How was your month? Share your November favorites with me below!! 
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11.29.2017

Weekend Update: Thanksgiving 2017

Priya the Blog, Nashville lifestyle blog, Thanksgiving in the Bay Area, California
Priya the Blog, Nashville lifestyle blog, Thanksgiving in the Bay Area, CaliforniaPriya the Blog, Nashville lifestyle blog, Thanksgiving in the Bay Area, CaliforniaPriya the Blog, Nashville lifestyle blog, Thanksgiving in the Bay Area, California
Priya the Blog, Nashville lifestyle blog, Thanksgiving in the Bay Area, California
I think I'm going to go ahead and claim Thanksgiving as my favorite holiday. It's the only one where the requirements are just hanging out with people you love (and delicious food, of course!) No pressure around gifts, a costume, an epic party, a romantic date...it's just a good, cozy hang. I really had an amazing Thanksgiving weekend!

I was in California from Tuesday night until Monday morning, running from one thing to the next, staying up LATE and waking up as early as I could muster, and squeezing in as much fun as possible...but I wouldn't have it any other way!

The BIGGEST news is probably- Coren & Marisol are expecting a lil Pappu!!!! I bullied them into telling me found out on accident about a week before they told the whole family, and, I deserve a freaking medal because I actually kept the secret! I'm going to be Auntie Blogger come May 2018!

Not pictured: a dinner party with my best girlfriends where I cry-laughed, an entire Wednesday spent hanging with my Mom, our Thanksgiving Ping-Pong Doubles Tournament, lots of Monopoly Deal, a Christmas tree lot in San Francisco, and I couldn't possibly have included all the details or extra special friends that were part of our "wine-tasting" Saturday in Healdsburg & beyond (but i HAD to include that Amir and I wore watching outfits, duh.)

Thankful for family, friends that are like family, and a forever home in Northern California! 
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11.28.2017

Theme Dinner

Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Fall fashion, Fall outfit with flared jeans, Madewell Flea Market Flares, velvet choker, gray sweater and flared jeans
Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Fall fashion, Fall outfit with flared jeans, Madewell Flea Market Flares, velvet choker, gray sweater and flared jeansPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Fall fashion, Fall outfit with flared jeans, Madewell Flea Market Flares, velvet choker, gray sweater and flared jeans Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Fall fashion, Fall outfit with flared jeans, Madewell Flea Market Flares, velvet choker, gray sweater and flared jeansPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Fall fashion, Fall outfit with flared jeans, Madewell Flea Market Flares, velvet choker, gray sweater and flared jeansPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Fall fashion, Fall outfit with flared jeans, Madewell Flea Market Flares, velvet choker, gray sweater and flared jeansPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Fall fashion, Fall outfit with flared jeans, Madewell Flea Market Flares, velvet choker, gray sweater and flared jeansPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Fall fashion, Fall outfit with flared jeans, Madewell Flea Market Flares, velvet choker, gray sweater and flared jeansPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Fall fashion, Fall outfit with flared jeans, Madewell Flea Market Flares, velvet choker, gray sweater and flared jeans
| sunnies: Target {similar} | choker: H&M | lipstick: Urban Decay Vice lipstick in Tampered | sweater: H&M | jeans: Madewell via Poshmark {similar} | clogs: Target {similar} | mani: Butter London |

click the item name for alternate wears on the blog & brand to shop exact or similar!
Hi everyone!! I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend. I really did. Hoping to share some photos later this week! For now I'm just slowly easing back in to real life. *sigh*

I actually wore this outfit on the day I flew to California last week, and both of these pieces interchangeably throughout the XL weekend.

Though this actual combination might be a bit too chunky, I loved wearing this sweater (still available!) over a dress for a day of wine tasting, and these jeans that I am *obsessed* with for dinner with my best girlfriends. I was actually walking out the door of my parents house in these jeans + clogs + a choker + a center part + this oversized floral blouse when my older brother commented "Oh is this a theme dinner? Did you buy those pants just for this?" And with an eye roll I had to vehemently defend that "anything you could wear in the 70's is back in style now!" Brothers!

If you ever find yourself saying "I wish blank still made/carried blank" STOP everything and check Poshmark (and sign up with code PRIYAPAPPU for a credit!) Like these Madewell Flea Market Flares- Madewell only makes cropped versions these days for SOME reason, but there are plenty of pairs available on Poshmark. I have a black pair that I absolutely love, and really wanted a regular blue pair (scored these for $30 AND they had been hemmed!)


So who's ready for Christmas??? Ha. Ha. Meeeee neither. Though I did pass out holiday party invitations today at work in a gingerbreadwoman costume. You just never know what the day will hold. 

P.S. Do you like my new phone case?? File under "other things my family made fun of me for." 
PriyaPappu_7 photos by Miles Price
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11.23.2017

Thankful Thursday #10

Priya the Blog, Nashville lifestyle blog, Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday is my lil gratitude project that I've somewhat abandoned and seem to pick up every year at Thanksgiving. Which, is honestly quite fitting. Some of these things are tiny (hard boiled eggs!) some of these are huge (good health!) but all of them I am truly thankful for today and everyday. 26 of them today which feels right, but check out my entire list (so far) below!

59. direct flights to the Bay
60. giant cozy sweaters
61. good health!
62. my very extra phone case that makes me happy
63. hot tea
64. the ability to work remotely
65. dogs
66. the outdoors in California, specifically
67. stuffing!
68. pie!
69. old family photos
70. dinner parties with girlfriends
71. my standing desk
72. hard boiled eggs (this is so weird, sorry)
73. the island of Sardinia
74. my sweet mother
75. having drinks with an old friend
76. books that you can't put down
77. my Kindle!
78. Monopoly Deal
79. leaves in the Fall
80. Finnish sweet buns
81. vintage Mid-Century modern furniture
82. my roommate, Emily
83. San Francisco
84. chai

HAPPY happy Thanksgiving, one and all. I hope yours is cozy and restful. Thankful for you guys!


All the Thankful Thursdays of all time live right here.
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11.21.2017

Classic Swing

Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, camel floppy hat, black swing dress, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, Fall outfit with floppy hat
Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, camel floppy hat, black swing dress, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, Fall outfit with floppy hatPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, camel floppy hat, black swing dress, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, Fall outfit with floppy hatPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, camel floppy hat, black swing dress, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, Fall outfit with floppy hatPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, camel floppy hat, black swing dress, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, Fall outfit with floppy hat
| hat: Old Navy {similar} | dress: Old Navy {really similar- long sleeves!} | purse: Kate Spade {similar} | lipstick: Wet n Wild LiquidCatsuit in Video Vixen (the perfect vampy Fall lip!) | booties: Rag & Bone
Y'ALL! Things feel different than when we last spoke and I can't quite put my finger on it...

Isn't this a pretty wall? It reminds me of this candy from when I was a kid (searched in vain for it online...anyone know what I mean? Little colored tablets that you punched out of like a pill sheet? It sounds really not kid-friendly now that I'm describing it.) These pictures are from about a month ago on a quick Fall weekend getaway to Chattanooga. I love Chattanooga so much. It is the perfect weekend trip from Nashville!

I have nothing to say about this outfit other than I loved wearing it! These simple swing dresses from Old Navy are still SO good (I also have an orange one but this black one feels a lot more classic.) And you bet my trusty Rag & Bone booties are in my suitcase for Thanksgiving right now.

Super short post today, because I already have one foot out the door and vacation mode activated.  I am headed to California this evening and it can't come any sooner! Technically I am working tomorrow...but I mean working from my parent's couch while my mom brings me coffee, so, more like twerking. I can't W A I T to snuggle with my family and best friends.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING! With love, cornucoPriya
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11.18.2017

November Boxycharm Review

Happy beauty day! Last month I jumped back into the world of subscription services with my first Boxycharm. I was blown away by the total value of my first box, and got several amazing products, and well- this month's is even better! 

Boxycharm, as far as I know, is in a league of its' own, sending you 5ish FULL-SIZED products for about $20 a month. As you'll see below- the total price of the box is usually the cost of ONE product. Pretty sweet deal. 

If you're not into beauty products at all, or want to be, and don't know where to start- I can't recommend a subscription service enough! They're a fantastic way to try out a BUNCH of new products, and build up a nice little collection. I was subscribed to ipsy and Birchbox for a while (so many product reviews behind that link!) and now I'm just subscribed to Boxycharm and loving it, but don't take my word for it! 

Priya the blog, Nashville beauty blog, Boxycharm, Boxycharm November 2017 review, beauty review, Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray, Luxie Beauty Quad Eye Travel Set, LAQA & CO. Cloud Lips, Winkylux Kitten Palette, KNC Beauty Collagen Lip Mask
I frequently work out in the middle of the day and I'm always looking for ways to make my make-up last. I've used this setting spray a few times now, and while I can't say I've noticed a huge difference yet, I'm happy to use it all the same. Cover FX is a brand I've heard a lot about on YouTube, and this is a $31 product, cool! 

+ KNC Collagen Lip Mask (3) | Retail: $15
These fun little jelly masks promise to hydrate, moisturize, and plump your pout. Well, I tried one last night and looked like Effie Trinket! Did I notice any differences afterwards? Not really. Maybe right afterwards my lips looked slightly fuller, but that was gone by morning. Would I buy them for myself? Probably not. But I'm always down to try any method of pampering. 

+ Winkylux Kitten Palette | Retail: $25
This palette you guys! I was SO excited about this! Several of these shimmers are just plain gorgeous. I'm also in love with the color palette- perfect for a Fall eye look. You'll see in the swatches below that the mattes aren't the best (pretty chalky). However, that's outweighed by the fact that this palette is travel sized AND a mix of mattes/shimmers, which was a conundrum in the past (pack two palettes for one weekend? One matte and one shimmer? Just mattes? Just shimmers?) I've already created a couple looks with this and WILL be packing it for my Thanksgiving trip home. 

I was familiar with this brand, having received a couple "lip lubes" (not the best name, but the product is great- like a glossy crayon!) The color, smell, and formula initially (& that rose gold metallic tube- hello!) are all fantastic, but I didn't find that this lasted as well as a matte liquid lipstick, or even another matte lipstick.

My favorite blush and highlighter brush are both Luxie (via ipsy) so I was excited to try these! My travel brush "set" at this point is a bit haphazard, so it was so so perfect to receive a set of travel eyeshadow brushes (and with a travel sized palette, to boot. Genius!) These are not my favorite shadow brushes to use, but they are pretty dang cute and handy for traveling. 

COST ME: $20
TOTAL VALUE: $120 !
Priya the blog, Nashville beauty blog, Boxycharm, Boxycharm November 2017 review, beauty review, Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray, Luxie Beauty Quad Eye Travel Set, LAQA & CO. Cloud Lips, Winkylux Kitten Palette, KNC Beauty Collagen Lip Mask
Priya the blog, Nashville beauty blog, Boxycharm, Boxycharm November 2017 review, beauty review, Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray, Luxie Beauty Quad Eye Travel Set, LAQA & CO. Cloud Lips, Winkylux Kitten Palette, KNC Beauty Collagen Lip MaskI even swatched the setting spray, right at the top of my wrist, hah. Followed by the cloud lips, and then the palette left to right starting with the top row. Could you DIE over that goldy shadow??

Once again I am SUPER impressed by the value of this box and the products in it! I said last month I only signed up for 3 months and planned to cancel... .... ...but I'm really diggin it.

--> Sign up for Boxycharm for $20/month! <-- 

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11.15.2017

My 3 Go-To Outfit Formulas For Fall

I don't know about you, but the number one reason I read any blogs is for some real-time advice on getting dressed in the morning. More than just pretty pictures (THOUGH, I enjoy a gorgeous styled theme-y post, trust & believe) I look for outfits that I can easily re-create with pieces I have in my own closet. Because more often that not (yikes!) I find myself rushing out the door, frantically trying to assemble a look that will keep me comfortable, work together cohesively, and just maybe, look stylish? 

Having pre-set formulas ready in my mind makes getting dressed in the morning SO much easier. With no guess-work, I know that one of these outfits (or a variation) will have me feeling put-together and walking out the door in 5 minutes, flat. 
Priya the Blog, Nashville style blog, 3 Go-To Outfit Formulas for Fall, Fall fashion, outfit formulas, Fall outfit ideas, Sweater top, vintage denim jacket, oversized sweater, Zara leggings,
These are the combinations I have found myself reaching for time and time again over the last few months.

Click through my exact items for plenty of similar options to shop for each piece! 
Priya the Blog, Nashville style blog, 3 Go-To Outfit Formulas for Fall, Fall fashion, outfit formulas, Fall outfit ideas, Sweater top, vintage denim jacket, oversized sweater, Zara leggings, sweater top + jeans + trainers

A short-sleeve sweater top is THE transitional piece that everybody needs to have in their closet. They're perfect for early Fall, when you're dying to wear a sweater, but the temperature is still jumping into the 80's mid-day. Plus they're a fuzzy, cozy option for the early morning chill, and a seriously chic upgrade from a t-shirt. I have a sweater top in black, tan, and gray, so literally any time I would wear a neutral t-shirt, I can swap in a sweater instead! 

The shoes & jeans that you pick are irrelevant- though I love a trainer to downplay any "twinset" vibes, and a trendy girlfriend jean to keep me from looking like an 80's secretary on my lunch break. Full outfit here! 
Priya the Blog, Nashville style blog, 3 Go-To Outfit Formulas for Fall, Fall fashion, outfit formulas, Fall outfit ideas, Sweater top, vintage denim jacket, oversized sweater, Zara leggings,
oversized denim jacket + tee + black jeans

This is, to me, the quintessential "cool girl" uniform of the moment. Vintage (or, "vintage", also ok) denim jacket, ripped black jeans: a blank canvas for so. many. looks! With a little bit of layering (or a long-sleeve t-shirt?) this can easily take you into true Fall and Winter as well. 

I like to style mine with plenty of funky pins, a quirky graphic tee (mine is so random/stolen from my brother but i LOVE that Michael Jackson option!) and maybe a pair of flats or oxfords that don't quite go; just to make sure I have a little personality showing. Full outfit here (one of my all-time favorites!)
Priya the Blog, Nashville style blog, 3 Go-To Outfit Formulas for Fall, Fall fashion, outfit formulas, Fall outfit ideas, Sweater top, vintage denim jacket, oversized sweater, Zara leggings,
oversized sweater + structured leggings + booties
Three pieces that couldn't be easier to pull together. Works best on a freezing day where you can't get out of bed, a Monday when you don't want to wear real pants, or the day after you went a liiitle too hard last night and want to live inside a giant sweater. 

I purchased my giant red sweater recently (still available!) at H&M with this exact combination in mind! I say "structured leggings" (see: Ponte knit) because that makes it feel more like a "look", instead of, a sloppy alternative to pajamas. You'll definitely want the added height from booties to balance out a big chunky sweater, and I can't recommend the Rag & Bone Harrow booties highly enough! They are pricey, but gorgeous, and worth every penny! --> Full Outfit! <-- 


There you have what I'm living in and living FOR during Fall 2017. 

What are your fail-proof combinations for Autumn? I would looove to get a few more in to my rotation. Share with me in the comments! 


all photos by Miles Price
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11.10.2017

Weekend Update: Britney & LPFC



Once a year or so, a weekend comes along that takes you until about the next weekend to recover from. Though honestly, it's been a busy week both personally and professionally (and some professional-meets-personal) sooo I'm still not quite there and I want to sleep all weekend!

So originally, after debating back and forth all year if I should go to the show or not, my sister was supposed to meet me for a quick > 24 hours, just to see the show and then get out of Vegas as soon as possible (not my steez.) Well, spoiler alert, she was able to run the New York Marathon, that Sunday and therefore, couldn't go to the show.

Not to be deterred from seeing Britney, I asked around a little bit. I was literally sending a text that was like "heyyy do you want to go to Vegas for about 18 hours?" This actually worked out perfectly (I love it when this happensss!) Stephanie agreed to go and then spend the weekend with her best friend, Julie (who I also know from high school and hadn't seen in about as long!) Bingo!

So I got to Vegas Friday afternoon, all hyped up on Britney - self-titled, and was immediately overstimulated and overwhelmed and reminded of just how weird Las Vegas really is. Mind you- I had not been since my 21st birthday trip (I don't think this post has the pics, but, still the mems) but that's a different story. And I say all this and I am totally planning a trip back to hang with Steph & Julie (and her friend Gurpreet) and maybe, finally see Celine Dion and/or Backstreet Boys!?

After a whirlwind afternoon of pre-show insanity (including an expedition to the Spanx store and packaging lamb shanks TO GO to eat cold in my room after the show, yes, really) it was truly, finally time for **the show**. I'm seriously kicking around an entire blog post in my brain that's called "What Britney Spears Means to Me." But in the meantime I'll just say, in the year 2017, I have become what I'm calling "a late-in-life Spearsophile" and while it was honestly not the best vocal concerto I have ever been to, it was a really FUN show and not disappointing to see her perform in person. And then we went out and saw Martin Garrix :D

And then I was sssooo proud of myself for being an adult and going to bed and getting up bright eyed and bushy tailed to fly to NYC (Vegas - 1, Priya - 1.) After flying across the country, I had just enough time to get two slices of that NY za and tuck Carina in before she said "go be friends!" to me and Michael. And so, minutes after meeting her new boyfriend, I was accompanying him to his best friend's wife's birthday outing (just in time to make a toast! SERIOUSLY. Life is fun.)

The marathon was incredible- truly an operational feat with 60,000 runners, 120 countries represented, and the most amazing fans lining the entire course (I say that like I was running. I was not.) Aided by Taylor Swift Inspired signs and Little Peanut Fan Club t-shirts, Carina ran her personal best AND qualified for Boston! I was so proud of her!!!

And then, we hugged goodbye and Carina said "sorry we didn't get to hang out this weekend." But I did make a new buddy who is seriously in contention for boyfriend of the year.

Now I love a crazy weekend (see: 36 Hours In...), but this one was wild even for me. But I'm really super thankful to be able to make trips like this, and have friends that will cater to my crazy whims and meet me AND fly me out to cheer them on :) sorry that is post is INSANE too, but, accurate vibe for last weekend!
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11.08.2017

The Red Sweater

Priya the Blog, Nashville style blog, red chunky sweater, Zara leggings, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, chunky red H&M sweater, Fall outfit, Fall outfit with chunky sweater
Priya the Blog, Nashville style blog, red chunky sweater, Zara leggings, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, chunky red H&M sweater, Fall outfit, Fall outfit with chunky sweaterPriya the Blog, Nashville style blog, red chunky sweater, Zara leggings, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, chunky red H&M sweater, Fall outfit, Fall outfit with chunky sweaterPriya the Blog, Nashville style blog, red chunky sweater, Zara leggings, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, chunky red H&M sweater, Fall outfit, Fall outfit with chunky sweaterPriya the Blog, Nashville style blog, red chunky sweater, Zara leggings, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, chunky red H&M sweater, Fall outfit, Fall outfit with chunky sweaterPriya the Blog, Nashville style blog, red chunky sweater, Zara leggings, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, chunky red H&M sweater, Fall outfit, Fall outfit with chunky sweaterPriya the Blog, Nashville style blog, red chunky sweater, Zara leggings, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, chunky red H&M sweater, Fall outfit, Fall outfit with chunky sweaterPriya the Blog, Nashville style blog, red chunky sweater, Zara leggings, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, chunky red H&M sweater, Fall outfit, Fall outfit with chunky sweaterPriya the Blog, Nashville style blog, red chunky sweater, Zara leggings, black Rag & Bone Harrow booties, chunky red H&M sweater, Fall outfit, Fall outfit with chunky sweater
| sweater: H&M | sunnies: Primark {similar} | lipstick: Maybelline Colorsensational in Rubylicious | earrings: Zara {similar} | leggings: Zara {similar} | tote: gift (Nordstrom - still available & in more colors!) |
booties: Rag & Bone |

There was no appropriate title for this post other than "RED SWEATER!" That's literally the only thing I can see in these photos (oh, and that spiderweb, we shot these on Halloween!) but I'm not mad about it! This sweater is delicious and I want to live inside of it. I don't know what your personal ethos about fast-fashion is (and whatever it is...you do you, I pass no judgement) but H&M really is THE place to get knit sweaters of all cuts, sizes, colors, and fabrics (they even carry cashmere!) I picked up a few last month. 

I think I mentioned already that I wanted one of my Fall uniforms to be oversized sweater + leggings + booties, and here we areeee! Stay tuned, because I'm getting a post together about my three outfit formulas for Fall. I would love to hear yours, if you have any?

I've wanted a pair of these exact Zara leggings since I saw them on my boss years ago. I don't know if you can tell exactly how perfect they are- ponte knit, high-waisted (with a sturdy waistband), and the moto/ribbed knee detailing makes them extra cool! I've been very awkwardly cuffing them to be the right length with booties, but I should probably be an adult and get them hemmed. I lived in these leggings all weekend, on flights from Nashville to Vegas and then Vegas to NYC- they are the standard for chic-but-still-comfortable airport attire! 

And speaking of this weekend- I will definitely be sharing pictures/tales from what was probably the most epic weekend of my life...but honestly, I'm still recovering after hitting the ground running Monday morning after a delayed flight Sunday night. I recently realized I get over-stimulated very easily, so I'm still processing! But all in good time!  

photos by Miles Price
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11.06.2017

Small Goals / November 2017

Central Park this weekend!

I've only consistently adopted the "small goals" practice this year (with Nicole as my inspo), and I haven't really been blogging about mine, because I've found them to be too insignificant, too boring, or too personal. Well, I've had a lot going on lately, and this is a pretty great way to keep yourself on track!

Here are my small goals from October + my report card:

1. Catch up on my phone bill | DONE! I'm still on a family plan, which comes with the luxury of sometimes slipping behind. I paid my *increased bill (I'm paying for my new phone now, too) through the year's end!
2. Badass costume | Done-ish. I did actually dress up for Halloween for the first time in years (besides our haunted house), but my Little Mac costume was not my best work. I'm giving partial credit on this one.
3. Festive activities! | DONE! I could write a post about the festive things I did this month- carved a pumpkin, made soup, watched a scary movie, created/spooked in a haunted house, lit some festive candles...I keep saying it was the best Halloween in recent years and I know this was part of it!
4. Make a budget & stick to it | I haven't talked about this yet- I'm starting with a strict # for clothes/make-up, and while I didn't shop a lot, I didn't quite stick to it this month. Rolling this into November.
5. Make Thanksgiving plans & book flight | DONE! I am so so so excited about this. I still have some details to finalize (read on) but I at least have flights and an outline of plans. It can't come soon enough!

Here's what I'm working on in November:

1. Find & go to the Dentist | Since getting on my own health insurance back in June, I haven't been due for a dentist's appointment, until now! I've actually been going to a dentist in Nashville for a bit so I'm hoping this is an easy switch.
2. Stick to clothing/make-up budget | I am easing myself into a real life adult budget by starting with the expendables. Would you believe me if I told you 6 days into the month I've already spent it all..?
3. Plan wine tasting trip | It's nearly time for the annual Pappu & Friends Post-Thanksgiving Wine Tasting Trip. And of course I'm planning it.
4. Mini cleanse | Lol, back to back with ^ lots of events, traveling, Halloween, etc. have left me feeling like it's time for another food & drink cleanse. Probably just a small one before Thanksgiving. I just bought a new cookbook that I think will really help with this!
5. Closet swap & clean-out | This was a Halloweekend goal that didn't happen. It's time! To swap Summer clothes out for Fall, and simultaneously clean out my closet, tossing things I don't wear, don't need, or that don't align with my style currently. I also have lots to list on Poshmark. This is kind a big project that I look forward to twice/year.

Linking up with Nicole at writes like a girl
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11.02.2017

Oktober / the pumpkin spice of life

Priya the Blog, Nashville lifestyle blog, October, Fall
I'm breaking this post up a bit, because it was getting so LONG. Stay tuned for my report of my small goals in October, and what I'm working on in November.

+ Life | October is my favorite month of the year, always! It's the highlight of the most magical season. This October was filled with weekend getaways, concerts, volunteer projects, and general ~festivities~.

+ Blogged | Hello Fall fashion, and everything I bought last month & can finally wear!
+ I've been living in this fuzzy cardigan and my Birkenstocks (before the temp dropped), I wore a jumpsuit to beat the Tuesday Blues, the least spooky outfit with my pink clogs, a new pin, I actually took pics at a pumpkin patch, the sweetest little vintage bandana, and my favorite Scooby Doo t-shirt!
+ Also blogged this month: a festive weekend, my epic Halloweekend, & pics from Katie's wedding in May!

Beauty | I've been LOVING the ^ Wet n Wild Metallic LiquidCatsuit in Harbor a Crush (wearing it here.) I love this formula already, but they updated the product into an on-trend metallic, in a shade that's not too much of a statement. (Check out my October Boxycharm review for more of the latest beauty buzz!)

Shopping | After solidifying my Fall wardrobe updates last month, I took it pretty easy in October.
+ I had Poshmark credit, & ordered a blue pair of Madewell Flea Market Flares because I love these so much.
+ I've been in the market for a new carry-on suitcase since mine bit the dust in Italy, & my sister shared this Away + Gray Malin one with me. The lining is a photograph by Gray Malin, and I had to have it!
+ I found myself at the mall completing my Halloween costume last minute, & also picked up some accessories at H&M: velvet chokerssheer tights, a pretty bralette, & lavender slides on mega sale.
+ Same story, I found part of my costume at Forever 21, came across this dress, and was instantly obsessed.

+ Music | SO much good new music out! I can't believe how many artists I love recently released albums.
+ Now - Shania Twain | Listen: Who's Gonna Be Your Girl (a song SO nostalgic Shania Twain I nearly cried.)
+ Younger Now - Miley Cyrus | A new sound for Miley! Listen: Week Without You (& Younger Now.)
+ Tell Me You Love Me - Demi Lovato | I think Demi is really coming into her own. Listen: Daddy Issues 
+ Flicker - Niall Horan | Niall's post 1D debut & I am here for it! Listen to: Seeing Blind (with Maren Morris!)
Let's get connected on Spotify!

+ Podcasts | I listened to Dirty John this month and really enjoyed it! It was less gory/disturbing and more intriguing true crime, and the ending totally took me by surprise! It's also 6 episodes that you can easily get through (as opposed to Up & Vanished which I FINALLY finished!) I also started Someone Knows Something, per Kate's recommendation (she has a great post about podcasts!)

+ TV | I really need a recommendation for a good, TV drama to get into. Maybe NOT true crime? What was the last show you watched and loved? My viewing has been all over the place!
+ The only thing worth mentioning is Gaga 5'2", the Lady Gaga documentary on Netflix. It was SO GOOD, you guys! I am a bigger Gaga fan than ever! I wish they would do these for every celebrity.

+ Nashville | I visited 404 Kitchen for a grown up Halloween/special occasion dinner, and boy was it fancy! I had Salmon Crudo, Burrata, and chicken so good it tasted like beef (<-- I'm not a food critic.) This is THE spot for whiskey lovers (they have one of the largest selections in town!) and with only 45 seats, it feels very cozy and intimate. I think this is the perfect spot for celebrating!
Priya the Blog, Nashville lifestyle blog, October, Fall Tell me about your October! I'm always looking for music, book, TV, shopping, podcast, make-up etc. recommendations, so hit me with them in the comments! 
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