2014: The Year of Change

The view out my window today. The first snow of the winter season sure has made its presence known. 

Today is the last day of 2014. A year that I will always remember, and will reflect back on for a number of reasons. It's the year where I really started to discover myself and grow up. After a chapter in my life closed early in the year, a new chapter opened, and I've enjoyed writing each sentence. This year I've been blessed with so many things. I made this move up north and haven't regretted the decision once. Life isn't always perfect, and I feel that I've had too much heartache this year but I've learned that if you work hard enough and keep your chin up, good things will happen.

My adventures and wonderful memories this year have included

• Trips to Salt Lake City, Vegas, Denver, the Grand Canyon and several trips to Tempe
• Working at Salon Tru Blu for a few weeks until I got my first post grad job, and eventually becoming full time with benefits and PTO
•  A new apartment that I've been able to decorate however I want. It is girly and I love everything about it. 
• Getting Oskar and Olive back after being away for nearly 6 months
• Visits from my grandparents, Christina, Priscilla and Michelle (thanks for coming up!) 
• Lots of skype dates with April and Grandma
• My first blind date (it was absolutely awful, but a memory. lol) 
• Celebrating Christmas with my mom for the first time in four years
• I gave myself a pretty sweet Thanksgiving/Christmas present of a brand new 2015 Toyota Corolla.

R.I.P My sweet Cody and Oskar

2014 you were a bitch, but you were also one of the best years of my life.

What I'm Watching: Netflix Documentaries

       1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Netflix has been on it's A game lately and I've been loving every minute of it. I recently finished How I Met Your Mother, and haven't started any new shows yet. Because of that I've been enjoying some of the many documentaries that Netflix has to offer. Some are hits and some are misses but these four above were enjoyable and interesting for a number of different reasons.

Alive Inside- This incredible documentary brought tears to my eyes for nearly the entire movie. It's about a man who goes into nursing homes and provides the residents with ipods that have some of their favorite songs put on it. The documentary does profiles of residents so you can see their behaviors on a daily basis, and then shows you what the music does; and boy does it change them. Residents who haven't walked or talked in months start to sing and dance, the music moves them in such a way. I texted my mom when I watched it and told her it was a must see and also plan on watching it with my grandma.

Advanced Style-A fun documentary that focuses on women over 65 or 70 and their eclectic style. I found it inspiring that like young women these senior citizens use the streets of New York as their own private runway.

Schooled: The Price of College Sports- What a stirring and eye opening documentary. I learned a lot of things about the NCAA that I had never known before, and that I would venture to say a lot of people don't know. I always naively assumed that student athletes received a stipend for playing sports at the University, because as a student government President I received a small but extremely helpful stipend each semester. I understand that they are considered 'amateurs' but what is most confusing is the large amount of revenue that they provide for the University (the staggering number are detailed in the documentary) and that they aren't able to make any commission off of that. I could go on and on about my thoughts on this documentary, but would absolutely recommend it to any college student, and alumni who want these players to win championships.  

Burt's Buzz-As a huge fan of the lip balm (I refuse to use anything else) I thought that this documentary would be interesting. It gives  you a look into Burt's lifestyle which is surprisingly just what we would all think it would be. He lives in a small home, not some lavish mansion and he's very private. In this documentary the most surprising thing for me was how his company came to produce it's large numbers and grow like it did. It wasn't the wish for Burt, but his power hungry wife (now ex) who made the company grow like it did. Overall, the documentary ended up being different than I thought it would be, as it focuses on Burt and his current lifestyle with a little bit of how the company came to be; but nonetheless it's still worthy of watching.

Oskar

Rest in Peace my sweet Oskar

04/22/2011-12/10/2014

You were the sweetest cat, always loving and purring. You loved to play fetch with the small mice toys, you absolutely loved tuna/wet food, you were always happiest in my lap while I was on the computer, or curled up with Olive on the blanket near my legs. This year was rough, but you made it back home with me and I'm forever grateful for the time we had together. 

You left us entirely too soon, and you will not be forgotten. We love you.

Gift Guide: For Her

jimmy choo purfume / necklace / ugg slippers / pretzel earrings / kate spade wallet / clarisonic brush / benebalm /i'll give you the sun  / sunglasses /

It's been too long since I've put together a mood board and I always love it when I do. A gift guide for the lady in your life.Who doesn't love a good book, cute accessories, the perfect lip balm, comfy feet, clean skin, and a fresh scent? 

Denver

I'm not really sure how it has been over a month since Denver. I think I've put off these posts because I'm dying to go back to that short weekend. The food, drinks, streets, sights, bars, so much fun. Just looking at these pictures makes me want to hop on that short plane ride again and take in the city for a second time.

Currently: Pumpkins and Gone Girl

follow along at @alexisandher on instagram 

The weather has officially started to cool off and I'm loving my first fall outside of southern Arizona. The leaves are changing and I'm starting to bust out long sleeved tops and cardigans and can't wait for some scarves and beanies. My favorite season will always be summer, but a close second is definitely fall. I love the candles at bath and body works: leaves and pumpkin pecan waffles (seriously go buy them now). Pumpkins are finally everywhere, all over grocery stores, instagram and in our drinks. It's a wonderful feeling, even though I'm not that big of a fan of the flavor and can't wait for the more exciting flavor for winter: peppermint. Gone girl tickets!!! For more on that see below. Denver Microbrew Tour Tickets that arrived in the mail a few days ago. I leave for Denver on Saturday for a quick girls trip with Christina and Priscilla. I plan on taking my heavy duty camera for some pictures, and am excited for a getaway that will require only shopping, sight seeing, and drinking some beer. Lastly, a selfie with my new haircut and yes I'm aware you can't see the cut, but it has layers and holds curls and I'm a happy girl.

Now for some Gone Girl talk

When I finished the book this summer I immediately wanted to gush about the entire book to everyone I knew and anyone who was curious about it. The book is SO good, but so hard to describe because there are so many small details that are so important. Well as we all know the movie came out two weeks ago and I waited to write a review so I could do a book/movie combo. First off, I thought that the casting was perfect. I can't think of anyone else who would have fit better or anyone that I was upset to see. I was really happy they went with Rosamund Pike over other choices. I don't know who was in the running but from Google images it looks like Reese Witherspoon was a hot pick and I'm so thankful it wasn't her. Ben Affleck is great for the "has always had it easy handsome, clueless husband" and other supporting roles were on point.

I was surprised by how well the movie followed the book. People often complain that there are so many differences but I didn't feel that that was the case with Gone Girl. Although that is not to say that portions or characters weren't missing, I just didn't think it was an issue come movie time. Ah! And now that's all that I feel I can say, too many details and so much to love. I have now seen it twice, once with my mom who read the book and once with a friend who hadn't and it was great both times. I obviously caught more details the second time, and only left the theater thinking how great it was. If you're looking for a great read or a great movie, pick this bad boy up!

Twenty Four

I didn't think it would feel different to celebrate my birthday this year...I guess I shouldn't say that. I knew it would be different, I would be alone, or at least I thought I would. For the few days before and after my birthday I was surrounded by my wonderful family, co-workers and friends. I was reminded that I am definitely NOT alone, and that there are so many people that care about me. It started with lots of early morning phone calls and texts, two beautiful flower deliveries at work (making it so much easier to work on my birthday), cupcakes and food provided by co-workers, dinner with my mom and step-dad, and ending with one of my favorite weekends so far in Tempe with the girls above; who treated me to dancing, drinks, makeup, cat poem books, chocolate covered cheesecake and the best bundt cake money can buy (do these girls know me or what?)

If this birthday is a taste of what my 24th year is going to be...I may never want it to end!!

Boss Lady

That's right I said it. After months of working hard and putting in 50+ hour work weeks I've been promoted to management at work and finally have my first real 'full time, benefits, paid time off' job. What a relief! And you know what? I did it all on my own. I've had a rough year, and this moment feels so great, I haven't stopped smiling since I got the call :)  

Happy Birthday Mom!

Last weekend we celebrated my wonderful mom and her birthday; this year was so special because I was able to see her on her day and to spoil her today with a mani/pedi. Now that I'm closer to her I appreciate all the time we have together and everything that we are able to do. This picture was taken on our trip to Chicago in 2012, it was our first mother daughter trip and I'm anxious for our next. We explored, laughed and took some amazing pictures. It was a trip I know I will never forget.
Happy Birthday Mom, I love you more than you know, and am grateful for you, and our close relationship everyday!!

The Grand Canyon

This past week my grandparents came to visit and we made the trek north to the Grand Canyon. This visit was exciting for a number of reasons; my grandparents were able to see my apartment decorated and in place (when they dropped off the cats there was only a bed and boxes), I was finally able to show my grandma the Raven and catch up over some coffee, and the three of us were able to relax and just be together, like old times. The weather was absolutely perfect for their entire visit, and the natural lighting surrounding the canyon made for some frame-worthy pictures. I can't wait for my grandparents to visit again, and to see what adventure we go on next!

Photo Credit: The 5th, 8th, 10th and 11th picture were taken by my grandma. Such great pictures, thanks for letting me share them grandma!

Bisbee

I've been away from Bisbee for some time now, and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to live there. I grew so much and learned so many valuable lessons about love, friendship and what it really means to be happy. I miss the small town, but am thankful that I've taken my leap and am starting to grow somewhere new.

I love you Bisbee, always have, and always will.

Grandparent Lottery

It's been a few weeks since my grandparents came to visit; and I've been missing them since the moment they left. I can honestly say without a doubt that I won the grandparent lottery. I'm so blessed to have two individuals in my life that give me so much in so many different ways. They came to bring me Oskar and Olive but also came to see my new place and hang around Prescott. These past few months have been the longest that I've ever been away from my grandparents, and it's been a lot harder than I thought it would be. I know these changes are a part of growing up, but that doesn't necessarily make them easier. I love you grandma and grandpa more than you know, and can't wait to see you both again.

Cat Got Your Tongue?

In celebration of getting my cats back today, I wanted to share some of the top items on my wishlist that focus on my favorite felines. Modcloth and Rifle Paper Co are dead on with their items, and I can't help but get really excited about all of this stuff. Hope you all had a fun Monday, now excuse me while I get some long awaited (3 months!!) time with Oskar and Olive! <3

Cat Floor Mat / You're the Cats Pajamas Card / Meow Phone Case / Dancing with Cats / You're the Cats Meow / Cat Phone Holder / Black Cat Tank Top (similar) / Blue Cat Scarf / You're One Cool Cat Card / Cat Floor Mat / Pink Cat Shirt / 

my life lately

This picture (circa 2010) is for a happy belated birthday to the best brother a girl could ask for. I love you!! 

Things have been an absolute whirlwind around here lately (seriously I didn't post at all in May!?!), but things are really looking up! I celebrated two graduations, one for one of my best friends Christina, and one for my half sister Heather. I signed a lease for a new place (should get my babies back in a week!) and work has been fantastic! It's always funny when things work out, especially when you can't help but stress over the small details. The quote "It always seems impossible until it's done" from Nelson Mandela has been with me this past month because it is so true; and honestly I feel like I'm kicking ass and taking names! Watch out world, here I come!

What I'm Watching

source / source / source / source 

TV has really been hitting some high notes lately; and I'm loving every minute of it. I'm behind the bandwagon a bit for girls and breaking bad, but that doesn't bother me besides constantly trying to avoid spoilers/people who've seen it all.

The Following: This show is SO good, so violent, but so damn good. The Following is a crime thriller, that draws people in with it's twisted ideology and detailed killings. The second season has a different focus (no spoilers here!) but it hasn't disappointed. I've never been a huge Kevin Bacon fan (hollow man scared the crap out of me) but I've been able to tolerate him thanks to the evil, and super sexy Joe Carroll. ;) also here is a link to Kevin Bacon's entrance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, I may just have to give him a second chance because he's still got those moves!

Girls: Because I am at the point in my life where as a recent grad I'm contemplating why on earth I went to college, girls fits right into this funky: I'm still learning and growing up, but I've been catapulted into the adult world and am expected to stay afloat portion of my life. I've always enjoyed Sex and the City, but because I'm in my early twenties it hasn't always been the most...relatable, so I appreciate the honesty and quirky nature in girls. I find myself too often laughing at the characters because I've either said or thought exactly the same thing.      

Breaking Bad: Although I'm behind on this bandwagon, I've been chucking along with season two in hopes that it will continue to pick up like everyone says it will. Aaron Paul is extremely convincing in his drug induced paranoia, and I like that the characters seem real, almost like people you could really know. I'm sure that was the point, but it's nice to see it done. It's also interesting to see a show set in New Mexico, where the scenery is so similar to the Arizona desert. I'm enjoying it right now, but really hope it picks up soon.

The Walking Dead:  The season finale was a few weeks ago and I still haven't recovered from the thought that I have to wait all summer to see another episode. This show has been great from the beginning, and I'm happy that they have been able to keep it going. I am curious as to when we will get new info (what happened...are there more people?) but for now I am along for the ride!

Any good tv shows that I need to check out? Let me know, I'm excited to see what else is out there! 

Shoe Envy at ModCloth

I've been a fan of ModCloth for some time now, and I am well aware of their on point vintage inspired dresses and modern items that can be mixed and matched with ease. Until now I had never really taken the time to explore the shoe section on their site, and boy have I been missing out! The styles below are some of my favorites (especially 4 and 7), I love how a bright or eye-catching shoe can spice up an outfit and really make it special! Happy Friday! 

1. D'Orsay My Name Flat / 2. Strutting Your Stuff Heel in Emerald / 3. Corner Bistro Sandal in Black / 4. Brand New Sandal in Silver / 5. Haute Harmony Wedge in Beige / 6. Favorite Delicatessen Sandal in Cornflower Blue / 7. Riviera Dance Heel

What's In My: Makeup Bag

I thought it would be fun to mix things up and share a glimpse into my makeup bag. The items shown above are daily items; I don't have a crazy makeup routine but do like to mix in fun eye shadows/lip colors when I can. Overall, my makeup comes from Target and Ulta, which is great because I like that I can mix my high and low items, and can maintain my daily look without breaking the bank.

Clockwise From Top Left:

Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara, Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara, Revlon Eye Lash Curler, Sephora Bronzer, Highlighter, Blush Combo, Covergirl Concealer, Covergirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner, Bare Minerals Brush (comes with intro kit), Eye brow pencil, Bare Minerals powder in matte, High Beam (a recent discovery, that I LOVE).

I plan to share more what's in my... posts. If there is something in particular you'd like to see let me know!

Driving Home

Do you ever drive home and wonder how you got there? You were so deep in thought while you were driving, and now can't remember if you stopped at stop signs. Did you cut people off unknowingly? You have no idea, but you are safe and home. March was a busy month, and one where this seemed to happen more often than not. I've been thinking so much lately about everything, family, friends, people I've left, and the ones I'm bound to meet, my cats, the home I've left and where I find myself now. I've spent a good amount of time alone, and it has been both wonderful and awful. I've explored a little, and read a lot, I've doodled and typed, and tried to figure things out. Sometimes I have to remind myself that it will all work out, and that, every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.

15 Before the Next: Halfway There!

Holy Cow!! Time has gone by so quickly that I didn't realize I'm halfway to my 24th birthday and haven't really taken the time to look at my list!! Time for a recap!

1. Do a 3 day weekend somewhere we both have never been before-Brandon and I hit Salt Lake, but I'm looking forward to making a trip to a new city in the next few months.  

2. Buy a new car (doesn't have to be new, just new to me)  

3. Donate 12-15 inches of hair to Locks of Love- Hair is getting long, and I should be able to do this by summer time. 

4. Do the 100's at a 45 degree angle. 

5. Throw a dinner party-we threw a Superbowl party....does that count? Maybe when I get an apartment I'll throw a housewarming/welcome home kitties party   

6. Make beef bourguignon Julia Child style (a repeat from last year, because I want to do it!) 

7. Get my next tattoo- I've started looking at some drawings for the next one, just trying to decide where I want it.  

8. Apply for Grad School 

9. Go to Disneyland-no plans yet, but I'm really hoping this happens

10. Learn to French Braid my hair- Guess I should get on this before I chop it all off. I haven't learned french but I have been doing 'maiden braids' and they are pretty darn cute!  

11. Go to a movie (in the Theater) at least every six weeks-saw Frozen with April, but haven't seen anything since...any good movies coming out? 

12. Eat Sushi 12 times 

13. Volunteer at least one weekend every month

14. Attend blog conferences, take more pictures, and grow this blog-attended Alt in January, and am trying to post/take pictures more. 

15. Obtain full-time employment and get ahead-just got the news that I got a job up in my new area!! It isn't full time but I'm hoping it will become full time soon. 

Even though I haven't paid a lot of attention to this list recently, it's so exciting to be accountable for goals/dreams that are important to me! Self love and discovery are such beautiful things and should always be a priority. 

Currently

Reading: About half way through Labor Day, and hoping to finish it in the next few days. And I just picked up Where'd You Go, Bernadette? after reading some great reviews after featuring it in my Dreaming of Hawaii Outfit Inspiration

Listening To: Lots of Kelly Clarkson, Adele, and Katy Perry. Lots of girl power to get me through this funky time.

Watching: Just finished getting caught up on The Walking Dead, and am excited to watch it in real time with my mom and Jeff tonight.

Missing: I'm missing a lot of different things, but I have been thinking about my grandparents (pictured above), Mr Oskar and Miss Olivia a lot these past few days. I'm such an emotional person as it is, but being away from familiar people/animals/surroundings can take its toll.

Eating/Drinking: I tried out the Raven Cafe yesterday afternoon for the first time and was pleasantly surprised to find that they have a fantastic...dare I say the best!?... iced caramel latte. I will definitely be taking my mom back in the next week!

And finally, a link that made me laugh a lot harder than it should have, and for that reason deserves to be shared!