Farmers Markets & Reunions

Who doesn’t love a farmers market? It’s slightly heartbreaking to know they are nearing the end of their season’s run. While refusing to accept that the end is near, I have been trying to visit a market every weekend. I am such a sucker for ripe veggies, homemade soap, fresh honey, and dog treats.

This weekend I traveled back to my hometown for my very first high school reunion. Honestly, I had zero plans on attending any type of high school gathering unless “after party” was in the title. However, plans changed when our class president called me saying it was an utter disaster – 4 people had showed up and if I were to come with one of my girlfriends, we would make 6, plus a dog, so 7. Talk about a rager. Maybe our 10 year will have a better turnout?

We made the best of it by playing drinking games cards, going to get mex and margaritas, then hitting our town’s fall festival were they had live music and $1.50 beers. What could get better than $1.50 beers with old friends? Nothing. Okay, maybe if you added in karaoke or meeting Ryan Gosling.

See you in 5 years, Class of 2010. Maybe more of you hooligans will show up the next time around.

So Long Summer

Today calls for shorts and sandals. Even though fall is my all-time favorite season, I am sad to see the summer go. I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we are crawling up on 2016. Let’s pump the breaks a little bit, 2015. Slow your roll.

In October, I will be coming up on the end of year one at my very first big girl job. After college, I moved home in pursuit to find a job in the city and boy let me tell you, the job struggle was most definitely real. No one ever tells you that looking for a full-time job is a job itself. With every passing month, I got more and more down on myself, convinced I would never find a company who wanted to hire a new grad like me. I felt that I had wasted the past 4 years, including 3 summers worth of full-time internships, and lots and lots of money (student loans are an entirely different animal). All for a degree that was getting me nowhere.

Fast forward a few months to October 2014 and I am accepting my very first legitimate job and actually putting my major to use. The company I work for is great and our industry type is just as fantastic – interior design and architecture. Am I working and living in the city? No, but I can deal.

I am grateful that I was able to land a job in my desired field. I know many new grads don’t always get that same reward. This post is for all of you new grads out there, because last summer I was in your shoes. Welcome fall as a fresh start and new opportunities will come your way. I pinky swear. Stay positive, stay consistent, and never give up. Your time will come.

Calling All Cider Slushies

If my personality had to be summed up in one phrase it would be: girls like me are made of sarcasm and wine. I figured it’s about that time where you get to know a little more of me and my witty ways.

So, you have already learned that I am the one who is in a perpetual love triangle with margaritas and wine. Being the margarita connoisseur that I am, I am always down for a solid tequila drink, as long as it’s not straight – you can blame my 21st birthday for that one. Though I have my favorite wines, I do try to spread my wineo wings by consistently buying bottles that I have never tried. Dry reds aren’t my thing just yet, but I am working on that rocky relationship.

I’m a lover of anything that has to do with fall – all pumpkin everything. This weekend was the definition of autumn perfection. Leaves had fallen, festivals were in full swing, outside concerts were playing, the weather called for a cardigan, and cider slushes were being served. Nothing screams fall more than sipping on a cider slush while sitting on a pumpkin.

Another tidbit about myself, if you haven't already gathered from this post, is that I am head over heels for Beyoncé (I did not wake up like this, in case you were wondering). Beyoncé is my spirit animal. So much so, that I was actually once in an interview, and they asked me to draw my spirit animal, and what did I draw? A bee wearing a crown. When I am needing a self-confidence booster, Beyoncé. When I need to get my groove on, Beyoncé. When you’re out with your ladies and the night calls for that one song to get the party started, Beyoncé. Do you see a pattern here? When in doubt the answer is Beyoncé. She has taught me valuable life lessons like, girls do in fact run the world. She’s #flawless and the ultimate queen. Beyoncé, if you ever want another daughter and are open to adoption, holla at your girl. Sorry mom.

I’m also a margarita induced karaoke singer, dog lover, self-taught knitter, and one that enjoys a neutral palette. As this blog unfolds and blossoms into whatever it may be, you will be exposed to more of myself and my adventures. You will probably be figuring things out as I am figuring them out for myself. After all, I am a twenty-something girl who is in the beginning stages of my career and taking on life as it’s thrown at me.

Who Knew A Monday Could Be So Great?

My life is usually go-go-go; moving from one event to the next. During the week I am usually busy until the wee hours of the morning and on weekends I am traveling to see family or friends. However, this past Monday gave me the gift of all gifts – a day off. Monday became my saving grace.

If we are being honest, I could have used an entire weeks’ worth of Mondays like this. You know, the kind of day were sleeping until noon is acceptable, drinking countless cups of coffee just because I can, and jamming to music while enjoying some good reads in a hammock. Days like such are few and far between because this is the real world now and there is money to be earned and bills needing to be paid. Sigh.

This Monday off was a chance for me to get my life back in order because my life is a hot mess, like all of the time. I hope everyone else enjoyed their extra-long weekend!

Meet The Magnolia Girls

We are three cousins, but we are better defined as sisters. Actually, Kate and Hannah truly are sisters, while Nicolette is just a tag-along, wannabe who was blessed with having only brothers. We are all in different parts of our life – Nicolette is in the beginnings of her career, Kate is working towards her masters, and Hannah is figuring out which profession to peruse. Even though we are on the journey of finding our own place in this world, this blog is what brings us back together.

Kate is the perfect combination of sweet and sassy. She is currently working on her masters in higher education after receiving her undergrad in psychology. People are her passion, which explains her dreams of one day guiding students throughout their college experience. She’s a lover of hammocking and her closet practically consists of neutrals. Coffee and cold brews are her obsession, so finding coffee shops that aren’t overrun by basics is a simple pleasure.

Nicolette is the wild and creative one. She believes in the magic of finding the perfect pair of jeans, or shoes, or both. She’s a designer with a witty sense of humor and a shopping obsession. The one who likes to cook, but never follows the recipe exact, which mimics her attitude in life – just go with it. Her best advice: when in doubt, choose black, always. She’s the sports fanatic that is in a love triangle with margaritas and wine.

Hannah can be defined by the 4 F’s: Family, Friendship, Food, and Flannels. She is the down to earth one and the brains of the trio. With a recent change in career path and school, Hannah is now in the process of receiving her undergrad in communication with a minor in business and science. She is fueled by tea, but s’mores are the way to her heart. Stripes are her fashion staple. She will always try something once and lives for the thrill of finding a good bargain.

Together we make The Magnolia Girls.