Bridge of Light

When I was in 8th grade I got my braces off after a year and a half of having them off. After they were taken off I was given a retainer to wear until I turned 18. The reason for the retainer was because one of my front teeth never grew in, so it had a false attached to it. I got told that when I was 18, after my teeth had finally settled permanently, I could get an implant. 

Well, I turned 18 seven years ago and I have yet to get an implant. The reason is simply because its insanely expensive. Since I have yet to scrounge up $3,000 for a tooth I've had to stick to the retainer since 8th grade. 

That's twelve years.

Needless to say I've been very self conscious about it for those past twelve years. I don't look my age because all you see is metal when I smile. I hate it, but at the same time I won't go out in public without it because I don't have a tooth!

All I've ever heard about is the implant. In the last twelve years of wearing this stupid retainer nobody ever told me about a Maryland bridge.

Until I got my root canal.

When I spoke to this new dentist he gave me multiple options instead of the implant. For the first time I actually heard of something other than what I was stuck with.

We discussed the pros and cons of the bridge and came to the decision that it would be the best option for me until I can afford the actual permanent implant. 

For the remainder of my appointment he took a mold of my teeth and set up the time for me to come back. It was supposed to be a two week process for the bridge to be made so they scheduled me 3 weeks away so that it would be 100% ready for me.

Yesterday I got a phone call saying it was done early. I'm going in tomorrow to get in put in.

I don't know if anyone really understands what this is like but I am so unbelievably excited. This is something that has held me back and dented my confidence since I was 13 years old. I've hate smiling, I've hated telling people why I still wear a retainer, I've hated correcting people when they guess my age. It's been nothing but a pain and it's finally going to be gone tomorrow. 

 

Dress: Wet Seal
Hat: Wet Seal

Shoes: Forever Young

Dr Pepper, Bridesmaid Dresses and Zumba

Shawl: Wet Seal
Dress: Charlotte Russe
Wedges: Charlotte Russe
Necklace: Gift

I've come to the realization that I need to be a little more fit. Now let me go ahead and point out that I do not think I'm fat, at all. I know I am petite, I always have been. But I've definitely put on a bit since I got married a year ago. It wouldn't be a big deal, because I'm pretty comfortable with my body, but when you have a closet full of clothes that are all a size too small it's a little frustrating.
I'm a terribly picky eater so it would be really hard for me to go on an actual diet, not to mention I love junk food. Especially Dr Pepper....it's my biggest vice. I'm sure most of the reason I've gained weight is because of my obsession with Dr Pepper.
This June my sister is getting married and I'm going to be a bridesmaid. Last week I went to the dress shop and ordered my size, which was actually the size that I plan on being for the wedding. For the next few weeks I plan on working my butt off (literally) by actually using my gym membership and going to some Zumba classes as well. Also I need to start eating better and talking myself into trading Dr Pepper for water. Mostly for health...and my jeans. That bridesmaid dress fitting is my motivation!

Chocolate Shakes, Emergency Dresses, and Basement Apartments

Scarf: Wet Seal
Top: Wet Seal
Dress: Ross
Shoes: Rue 21

I woke up Sunday morning feeling 100x less gross and 100% willing to spend time with my best friends. We decided on a dinner date at Red Robin where I felt like treating myself to a pretty large milkshake {which was delicious by the way}
All was fine and dandy until I realized why I had been feeling so sick the past few days, and no it is not pregnancy - it's quite the opposite of pregnancy. Let's just say I realized why I had been so sick while wearing white shorts. Get the gist? Ok then, I don't need to go into detail. We made an emergency pit-stop at Ross because it was literally the only thing open besides Wal Mart at 6:00 on a Sunday in Utah. Luckily I was able to get in there and grab this cute dress that was on clearance for only $8.
Awkward situation? Yes. Learn my lesson? Yes. Pay more attention to the calendar next time? Absolutely.
After our little adventure to Ross we got a tour of Crystal's new apartment! I'm thrilled for her, I think she'll really enjoy having her own space for once without two sisters or 7 other female roommates. {Disney College Program} It's a cute little one bedroom basement apartment that is her very own.
Side-note: Crazy to think that neither of us girls are living with parents anymore, it seems like not too long ago it's all we ever knew. Sometimes thinking about us making it to this part of adulthood freaks me out, but not in a bad way. It just hits me and I think "whoah I've been best friends with Crystal since we were 11 and we are now in our mid twenties...when did that happen?"

Since there is literally nothing exciting to do on a Sunday here we didn't have much else on our agenda. We drove around, talked, laughed and mainly enjoyed each others company which is completely fine with me. I don't see my friends as often as I used to so any time we can just get together is always good.

Awkward issue aside {which I'm fine with laughing about because I was dumb enough to not realize what cold have happened}Sunday was a pretty good day. I'm ready for the work week ahead of me!

Happy Monday friends!

Well hello.

Everything is Wet Seal.

I know I don't have the most eventful, exciting life but I do enjoy blogging and I know there are some people who follow this blog.
So, I'm sorry for being MIA the past few months. My blog has been under construction, a friend of mine is giving it a makeover for me. While she's been doing that I've been pretty busy myself. Since my last post I ended up getting a second job to help us more with finances. When I first started I was working 12 hour days and I was exhausted.
Now things are a little more stable and my schedules are working around each other, so I feel a lot better. So far it's definitely helped having that extra paycheck.

Hopefully now I'll have some time to blog again too, and I will put up some photos of our house since we've decorated a lot more now!

frustration | electra heart

Dress: Wet Seal

Belt: Charlotte Russe
Headband: Charlotte Russe
Shoes: Ross

Earrings: gift

Today I had to get up and run to my store to give some keys to a coworker. Since I was going to be in that part of town anyway I figured I'd swing by the Social Security Office and finally get my married name documented. It's on a street with not much space for parking, so I had to circle the building a few times until I found one. Luckily I got a good spot up front, and I had a book with me just in case, because I've heard it can take forever to get helped there. I walked in and the security guard told me that I was in the right place, but the office closes at Noon on Wednesdays. Just Wednesdays....of course, the day I chose. I was a little disappointed, but it was fine, no big deal. I decided to just go to the DMV and get my driver's license changed next. I wasn't sure where it was exactly because I hadn't been there in years, so I called my mom to ask. She gave me general directions and I thought I could figure it out from there, plus use my iPhone maps. Bad idea. The map app is the most awful thing ever. It had no idea where I wanted to go apparently and I started to get so frustrated with it that I pulled into a parking lot to call my mom again. She gave me better directions and I tried again. Once I finally found it I was in the wrong lane and nobody would let me over...{hmm, typical Utah} so I had to turn around and go back. I was starting to get really annoyed because it was just a waste of gas to be driving up and down these streets and not getting anywhere. Finally I pulled in to the DMV and filled out an application, and luckily the wait time was very short. I walked up to the desk and the guy working asked me if I had my birth certificate and my Social Security card. Um, nope.

I thought all I needed was my marriage license...apparently the law changed 3 years ago.

I was so frustrated because I had driven in circles to get to these places and I felt like I was finally getting something done that I've been waiting to do for 2 1/2 months. It's truly not a big deal and I can always go back, I don't need it right away...I had just been putting it off and the day I decided to do it everything went wrong. I was so irritated that I had to find a way to chill out, since I was around town anyway I just did a little retail therapy. I bought a cute wooden "G" from Michael's so I can start a new craft project and some note cards for my pen pals. I just love writing and receiving letters! It's my favorite.

That definitely cheered me up, and everything was fine afterward, I just had a rough afternoon!

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On Monday night Crystal, Jerrica and I went down to Salt Lake to see Marina & the Diamonds in concert. She's an adorable little British pop star who I heard of through Crystal and many of her songs actually play at my work. Her music is super fun and her voice is lovely, so I was glad to see she was coming to Utah!

We got all dolled up and fancy for the show, and stood at the top balcony {21 + section woo!}

I had a blast! She is great live, full of energy and very talented. We sang and danced and had a really good time.

If you haven't heard of her I definitely recommend checking her out. She is different and may not be for everyone, but I adore her!

Posers

Dress: Charlotte Russe
Necklace: Wet Seal
Bracelets: Rue 21
Shoes: Wet Seal

My dogs think that they are models. Every time I whip out my camera and put self timer on to take an outfit picture they're right under me. Normally it's Stella, but now I guess Mila wanted her 15 minutes of fame.
I did catch an adorable yawn in this shot though.
I love my babies :)

hey chambray

Dress/Belt/Cardigan/Boots: Wet Seal
Hat/Tights/Earrings: Charlotte Russe

One of my favorite trends right now is chambray! It's still pretty cold outside but I'm itching for Spring to come, so I decided to bust out the dress I bought myself for Christmas. I did have to put some tights underneath because of the unfortunate chilly weather. Even though I want to deny winter, it's still there. Boo.

While we wait for Spring to show it's face I'll enjoy the lovely trends that are popping up. Including all the chambray tops, skirts and dresses!
Check out these picks I've got my eye on!

1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6.

Dress Up

Dress: Ross | Belt: Rue 21 | Boots: Charlotte Russe | Necklace: Vintage | Bracelet: Gift

 A couple of months ago my boss introduced an idea to our team called the Personal Stylist Program. We were able to launch at get started right away with our friends and family. It has turned into one of my favorite things. I've always enjoyed being creative with the product and making new outfits, but with the Personal Stylist program I actually get to help people with my outfits.
What the program entails is pretty much what it sounds like. A guest/customer sets up an appointment and we provide one associate to pick out 5 complete outfits; jewelry, shoes. layers, bags...the whole nine yards. You come in and your outfits are set and ready for you to try on! Your stylist will be there the whole time to help with size adjustments or opinions and we're always willing to help.
It really helps with people who are always unsure about 'piecing together the look' and how to mix and match styles. Also, it's good for girls who have a busy schedule and may not have time to actually try outfits on to see how they look.

I hope it helps girls gain more self confidence and feel more comfortable with how things look on their bodies. I definitely enjoy helping pick out an outfit that a customer just falls in love with. Honestly, if this could be my career...just styling...I would have no complaints. I'm sure I would absolutely love it.

Today I did a styling on my best friend and this was her second time. I helped another girl out recently who was looking for church clothes. I have a blast and I know the girls I've styled have had fun too.
It's one thing that I really enjoy doing and that I know I'm good at.

If you live in Utah and are curious for more information, shoot me an email or contact me through Facebook and we can talk more.
Or if you are reading this through my Facebook and you would be interested in having me style you, please send me a message and we can schedule you an appointment.

Argyle Socks and my boring Friday

Dress: Ross
Chambray top: Wet Seal
Boots: Charlotte Russe
Necklace: Charlotte Russe
Hat: Charlotte Russe
Bracelet: Rue 21

Today I wore some argyle socks with my boots.

Actually I wore one red/black sock and one gray/orange sock. I was in a hurry.
If my mother saw she would not be pleased.

Yes, this is the most exciting thing I have to write about today ok? Don't judge me. Just laugh.

Today I also had a bad hair day. Apparently when I curl my hair a certain way I look like I'm wearing a wig. Neat!

To avoid too much frustration with it I just threw a hat on. Which I ended up liking better than the original outfit idea.

My back is sun-burnt from doing yard work yesterday. Ouch.

You guys, I'm boring, I know. But hey it's Friday!

Everyone enjoy their weekend and I'll probably have something funner to write about tomorrow! Or Sunday....or maybe Monday. {You know cause...weekend time = Taran time.}