Shots and Thoughts

Top: Cotton On
Cardigan: Wet Seal
Leggings: Head Over Heels
Shoes: Wet Seal
Necklace: Forever 21

This week started out kind of rough, by week I mean the actual work week, since I start work on Tuesdays I still tend to get a case of the Mondays. Tuesday can't disguise itself as much at it seems to sound nicer than Monday.
It was one of those days where trivial things pile up and make you feel ultimately defeated by the end of the day. Mine started with the dumbest of dumb things: the new dress I bought didn't fit like I wanted it too, not important really but I ended up needing to rush around the house finding something else to wear. I ended up being a bit late for work which is frustrating for me because I've been working so hard on my punctuality and I've been doing great. The rest of the day was mostly spent battling anxiety, and if you know how anxiety is then you know that it's the worst. I just wanted to start the day over on a different foot or go back to bed completely. At the end of the day I just had to tell myself to make the next day better.
Yesterday was better, I just needed to take Stella to the vet for her rabies shot. I also had the vet look at her leg because she has been randomly limping. She hates car rides, they make her so nervous, so I felt like a jerk making her go all the way to a new place. I've kept her too sheltered I think, because she get incredibly anxious around new people and new things. She was well behaved at the vet thankfully. Just scared. It didn't take long and she was definitely glad to be home after. I had to run to work after so I spent the entire day worrying about her, scared that she might have given herself a panic attack or had a bad reaction to the shot.
Also, might I add because it seemed to be a reoccurring event this week {see the post about my Sunday issues} that once I got to work my shoe broke. That was lovely. At least they were older and had some good wear in them. C'est la vie!

Today actually felt normal, which was nice. Work went smoothly despite it being insanely busy {I am not a fan of back-to-back calls...yuck} and luckily I had no wardrobe malfunctions.

Lately

Top: Charlotte Russe
Skirt: Thrifted (Plato's Closet)
Shoes: Forever Young
Tights: Wet Seal

Well, since the weather froze over, I survived another holiday in retail and it became a new year not a whole lot in my life has changed.
Except, as luck would have it, I was able to snag myself a full time job! Hooray!! It's a call center, nothing extremely glamorous, but I had gotten in inside my head that I was going to spend the rest of my life doing nothing but retail. Getting this job has actually helped my self esteem when it comes to my range of work experience. I was hired on as a temp, but even if I do get laid off I'm confidant enough to have a fuller resume to help me find something else. Currently, I'm really enjoying this job. It's new, different, challenging, something I've been hoping to stumble on. Did I mention it's full time? I couldn't be more thrilled to finally have 40 hours of a set schedule every single week!

Other than my job news Taran and I have been having a pretty normal, boring married couple life. We eat a lot of breakfast burritos and watch a lot of tv series. (Supernatural, Breaking Bad, The Vampire Diaries, etc etc) Our puppies are their normal playful selves, they crack us up constantly with their funny personalities. 

I'm mostly focusing on getting my life into a nice routine. It's definitely a lot easier to be a grown up when you have life under control. Work, bills, friends, family, dates, it can be overwhelming when you're still new at the domestic life. I've gotten better at cooking, I've learned to clean up after myself more often and I'm doing my best daily to be a good wife, not just for Taran but for me. I'm reaching that point where I'm happy with things, instead of feeling like I can't keep my head above water. I guess people do say the first year of marriage is the hardest, which I can understand. We're getting the hang of each other, of marriage. I'm pleased with the direction we are headed in.

 

Makeovers

Sorry I've been MIA for the past few weeks. I've had a lot going on and haven't had a chance to really sit down and blog.
So much is changing in my life and it's definitely all for the better!
Taran and I have started redecorating our house, it's a pain but worth it once we see a finished room. So far we have our bedroom done and the living room done. Next we'll be ripping up carpet and starting the dining room. It's hard work, and not cheap especially in between bills. I think it's all turning out very nicely though and I can't wait to have everything finished so it feels 100% like ours.

Just needs some decorations!

Another big makeover that is happening is with my work. Our store got chosen to be remodeled so last month we moved all our stuff into a temporary space and we'll be there until July 8th. The temp space is frustrating...there's no bathroom, a lot of the lighting doesn't work and it's very hot. I just have to remind myself that it'll all be worth it in the end when we see our brand new store. It's not forever and I'm grateful for that!

My cute coworkers and our empty store. This was after I left and everything was completely cleared out. So weird!!

Can't wait to see it finished!

Lastly; one other thing that is getting a makeover is myself. By that I mean, I need to get myself into shape and healthier. I've noticed my clothes are feeling a bit tight, and although I know I'm still a tiny girl, I want to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand. I'm getting older and I want to be healthy! I got myself a gym membership and started going to a few Zumba classes. It's hard to get motivated every day, especially when you haven't worked out like....ever, but I'm trying! This is something for me and I think it'll help me with not just my body, but my mind too. I have depression, and since my grandma passed it's only gotten worse. Instead of letting it take over me I want to turn it around into something positive and uplifting for myself.

So to sum up, life is pretty good right now. I'm excited for the end results of all this hard work everyone is putting in to everything. My husband with the house, the construction workers with my store...even myself.
More updates soon!

beetlejuice beetlejuice beetlejuice

Top: Ross
Leggings: Wet Seal
Boots: Wet Seal

Earrings: Charlotte Russe

Today I got told by several people that I looked like Beetlejuice because of my leggings.

One girl actually told me I look like I came right out of a Tim Burton movie.

I am totally taking it as a compliment.

One of the girls at work decided we should wear certain styles every day of the week. For example; yesterday was maxi skirts and dresses; Tuesday was 'grunge'. Today was stripes!

Funny enough, we showed up to work this morning wearing almost the same outfit.

Twin Beetlejuices!

 

Three things about Tuesday.

1.) A good way to clean your coffee maker is by using vinegar, but doing so will make your whole house smell like vinegar. That smell is awful and makes me want to puke. But hey, after a few cycles of just water I was finally able to have a nicely brewed cup of coffee.

2.) I didn't have to work until 5:00 today. Having all that time before a shift, you would think I would be smart and get ready early. You would think. One of these days I will learn how to give myself enough time so that I don't rush myself. Someday....

3.) I did not start my day out in these boots. In fact, I didn't even purchase THESE boots. Last week I went into a shoe store called Forever Young and they were having a sale on all boots. Buy One Get One Free! Crystal and I ended up getting one pair each and splitting the price. Today I decided to wear mine for the first time. They were similar, but had a wedge and more buckles than these. Anyway, not even 2 minutes into my shift and I look down to see that the zipper was completely split open. Luckily I work at the mall and was able to walk down to the store and swap the damaged ones for a new pair. Unfortunately they didn't have my size in the style I originally bought, which was disappointing, but they did have this cute pair that was the same color. I do like them a lot so it's ok!
Maybe it's karma telling me to stop shopping.

A Proud Wifey

As most of you may know my husband makes a living as a welder. It's something that just sort of fell into his lap a few years ago after he posted his resume online. He got hired on at this company and after a few months of getting the hang of the job he realized that it was something he loved doing and wanted to continue to do. He's spent the last 3 years at the same company now, with some ups and downs, he met his former roommate there as well as another good friend. The place wasn't the best, they were stingy with raises and he didn't get any type of benefits but it paid the bills and he had job security because of his seniority there.
However, a couple weeks ago a friend sent him a message about a job opening at a different welding company and he was asked to come out and do a weld test. Three days later he got a phone call asking him to start asap! This job will offer more money, better hours, better stability and he'll get benefits! It's something he's been wanting for awhile now but when he would browse for jobs nothing seemed to come up.

His first day is tomorrow and I'm so proud of him! I know it will be another stress reliever to know he's working somewhere more beneficial in many ways. Glad that this ended up working out with him because he deserves it, he is very talented and a very hard worker so they will be lucky to have him as an employee. And I'm so lucky to have such a talented, hard working husband!

a tiny post about a lunch break

Sometimes my heart gets a little sad when I have to work the entire weekend. Perks of working retail, you don't ever get "weekends". But it's okay, I'm used to it by now.
Mainly I just get bummed because I can't have my hubby all to myself on his days off.
Luckily we know how to work around my weird schedule and are able to squeeze some time together. For instance, he picked me up this afternoon and took me to Noodles & Co. during my lunch break. It was so lovely outside, we decided to sit outside and eat on the patio. Have I mentioned I love Spring?

Little things like this make my weird/long/tiring weekend shifts so much better!

Dumbday, Monday, Tuesday

Sundays are the worst days to work.
For starters I have to get out of bed when I would rather snuggle with my handsome fiance. The days I have off we usually just hang out in sweats and relax together all day long. But unfortunately some days I have to go spend 8 hours at the mall where all the customers are mean and messy. {Seriously though, is there a general rule somewhere that says: "if you go shopping on a Sunday don't forget to be an ass hole"?}
Another reason: it's literally all day. My shift is from 11-7 and since it's winter time I'm coming out of the mall to darkness every time. It's not so bad in the summer, but it still feels like I'm there allll day.

I mean, it's my job and it comes with expectations, one of them being working that occasional Sunday. It's really not a huge deal, and I'm getting paid so I really can't complain.
They just suck.
I'm sure anyone in retail would agree.

Next week though, I'm all about sweat pants and food and Netflix with Taran.

A Big Life Update

So, I know it's been well over six months since I last posted on here. I kept thinking I wanted it to be a fashion blog, but I never ended up having the best quality of photos for it. Then I thought it could just be my personal blog but my life is not the most exciting one out here in the blogging world.
After thinking about it and being away for awhile I decided...who cares? This is my damn blog and it can be whatever I want it to be. Fashion, personal, silly, creative...whatever.
Updates are for me and the people who want to read them. Simple as that.

With that being said a lot has happened in life in the past, oh 7 or so months. I last blogged right before Taran and I were planning to house sit for my grandma, we ended up there for almost month. In that time I didn't have my own computer to blog from and I didn't end up coming all the way home {all the way...meaning, like, 15 minutes away} very often. I kinda forgot about the blog to be honest....
Summer was good, and okay...it's kind of hard to enjoy summer when your schedule is always conflicting. We didn't do much aside from go out for dessert on my birthday, the day after is mine and Taran's anniversary so for that we went to the zoo.

In early June I found out that my dad had been rushed to the hospital because he had a heart attack. It was pretty scary and I had to leave work to have my mom take me to see him. Luckily it was not as bad as it could have been and he was out of the hospital the next day. He's doing much better and has picked up a healthier lifestyle {aka he quit smoking. 7 months smoke free! Yay dad!}
We also found out that my grandma's cancer cell count went back up....summer wasn't the best season for us unfortunately.

I ended up getting a second job at another retail store, one that caters specifically to younger girls called Justice. It was nice working a lot between both jobs and getting some extra money. However, toward the end of June it was decided that it was time to leave my job at Charlotte Russe. I was sad to leave but I needed to part ways and find something new considering working two part time jobs wouldn't cut it for Taran and I financially. I ended up going back to work at my old job...Wet Seal. I always said I would never ever work there again, but when you need a job and you know the store manager, sometimes you need to give it a second chance. This time though, I wasn't working at the same store that I was at a couple years ago, I moved to a different mall where Steph got promoted as the store manager there. I got hired on as basically the same position I was in at Charlotte, still part time but I was keeping my eye open for full time potential jobs.

I've been back at Wet Seal for about six months now and it's going really great. It feels a lot different than when I worked there previously. I feel like I have better control of things and the way they flow. We have a really great team who works well together and knows what we're doing. Also, I really enjoy being in a different store, a bigger store.
I'm still at Justice too, but I only work there about once every two weeks. I really like it there but I think with the circumstances I might have to leave soon...

Fall was a blur really...mostly working, spending time with Taran and the besties whenever I could. Halloween was a blast and Taran and I went as Dexter and Debra Morgan from the show Dexter. Taran looked awesome!
Also I got to see Circa Survive again and I met Anthony Green again! It was amazing. This band never fails to disappoint me and Anthony continues to be my idol.

The past few months have also flown by...working a lot because of the holiday season. I absolutely despise holiday mall hours. It's silly for us to be there 3 hours earlier than normal because people don't even come shopping that early. But now everything is back to normal and it's a huge relief. I enjoy the holidays but working in retail does make you a bit bitter toward it all.

A few weeks ago my grandma asked Taran and I to house sit again for her while she spent Christmas out of town with family. My mom and I sat down and talked about some things and it was decided that she was going to end up moving out to my grandma's house with her, and Taran and I would live together in this house. It stressed me out at first because my grandma's health is declining and I assumed the worst. She explained how it was mostly for the fact that our house we're in now is too small for 4 people to live in. Which is true, I get frustrated because it's so tiny and I can hear everything from my mom talking on the phone to my brothers fighting. It's a perfect house for 2 people, which is why it's perfect for Taran and I.
While we were house sitting we talked about how we were going to redecorate and repaint and what we were going to do with the house. For Christmas my dad and stepmom Tonya spoiled us with gifts for our home. A crock pot, a coffee maker, a vacuum...etc. I am so grateful because doing all that alone was a big stress maker.


As of last week we finalized everything {for the most part} and my mom is going to be moving her stuff asap, so she should be moved in by February 1st. Taran is going to spend the rest of January at home since he did pay some bills for things he uses there with his roommate. Then once my mom gets settled with her things, Taran will start moving in here with me.

It's overwhelming and exciting, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. Obviously it was inevitable because we are getting married, but it's happening so fast that it's shocking! I can't wait to start fixing it up how we want because it will be our house. Taran is thrilled and can't stop talking about certain things he wants to fix up/remodel. This house is very old so it needs lots of work, but it's our project we can work on together and I am so happy!

Life is starting to fall together, despite some things dragging me down such as the worry about my grandma, money, planning our wedding....I feel like this is a huge step in getting our lives started. Together.

Hoping to remember this blog and update more often. Maybe with outfit posts, maybe with life posts or maybe just random stuff!

Keep an eye out :)

Now for pictures....highlights of 2012:

Last day in Disneyland {technically still 2011 but whatever}; Vegas with Travis and Crystal...got to see Celine Dion live!; Anthony Green's solo tour, Trip to Fallon to see Randi with Crystal and Jerrica; my birthday celebration at The Melting Pot with my favorite people; went to a car show/fair with Taran, mom and my brothers

The girls from work and I all participated in the Color Run! It was so much fun; my coworker Harmony was in a pageant and we all went to cheer her on. She was great!; Celebrated the birthdays of my two besties in the world; saw Circa Survive and met Anthony Green!! Still excited about that; me and the girls Disneybound-ed for work on Halloween. I was Snow White and they went as Dopey and Grumpy; Travis, Crystal, Jerrica Brittan and I went to see The Scarlet Pimpernel. Amazing show, I love it.

 

Halloween! Taran made the perfect Dexter; Thanksgiving day spent with the love of my life; Randi came to visit and unfortunately she was so busy we didn't get a chance to get together. I did get to pop by and see her and little Ben before they left though! Miss those faces so much; my best friend Jerrica graduated from college with a bachelor degree in Journalism. She worked her butt off and I'm so happy for her; Taran showing off all our Christmas presents from my dad. Waffle maker, vacuum, crock pot, coffee pot....; my crazy coworkers leg wrestling at our work Christmas party. Ugly Sweaters, white elephant gifts, secret Santa gifts, we did it all :)

date

Well, our 80s day at work was cancelled, and moved to another week. I was disappointed because I got this really great Led Zeppelin shirt and was going to make my hair huge. But it's ok, I'll still wear the shirt and 80s day will come eventually.

Last night Taran and I had a date night at the movies. Usually we don't go to the theater and just wait until they come out, but we decided it would be nice to have a date together. We saw The Avengers, and I loved it! Even though I've never seen the revolving movies {Iron Man, Thor, Captain America etc} it was still a great movie and I really enjoyed seeing it in theaters.
I highly recommend it.

Now, I'm sitting here wondering why I chose to blog instead of snuggle with my handsome fiance.
Goodnight!

Pin Up

Love my cute coworkers!

The cute management team

Yesterday we did "Pin Up" day at work and everyone looked so great! Amy brought her camera that has the fancy coloring effect so all our red pouts popped.
And I learned a couple things....
One is that I was born in the wrong decade, I could dress this way all the time.
And second, victory rolls are difficult and frustrating.

Also I just really love themes. What are your favorite themes?

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.

Tik-Tok

Can't believe that Halloween is over now. It means that tomorrow is the beginning of November, and Christmas shoppers will be attacking retailers like rabid wolves. {If you think I'm exaggerating, work in retail for holiday, trust me ha!} Honestly though, I'm going to let myself have a good holiday season. I won't let work consume me and drive me crazy like I have in the past.

Speaking of work, I was there today and we all dressed up! I was not going to wear that gigantic wedding dress for 8 hours while trying to help customers so I did a little online research for something I could put together using things out of my own closet. After browsing for awhile I found something that I could definitely pull together.
Fishnets? Check.
Cut off shorts? Check.
Boots? Check.
Glitter? Check.
Bottle of Jack? Well, I didn't have that but you can get an idea.

Yep, I went as Ke$ha. I threw this costume together in about five minutes. It was funny, and crazy at the same time. I am not a fan of her's, in fact I'm kind of the opposite of a fan but tell me you've never heard "Tik-Tok" or seen her trashy face in tabloids. I got a laugh out of it and had fun drawing dollar signs all over myself.

Here's the full costume. Just keepin it sleazy.

We got to see all the cute little trick-or-treaters going around the mall, but I felt so bad telling them all that we didn't have any candy. My work said "no" to that, so it wasn't even my decision.
But I'm sure they're over it, kids aren't too heartbroken about those things for long.

Hope everyone had a happy and fun Halloween!

Melinda and I. She was a cat :)

Me and Macey...she was Poison Ivy

Me and Mariah, she was a vampire, but the poor thing couldn't get her fangs to stay on. She still looked awesome though!

Welcome to October

Top/Skirt: Charlotte Russe | Leggings: Wal Mart | Boots/Bracelet/Earrings: Wet Seal

I am shocked that it is actually October already. I can't believe this year is almost over!
It feels like I should be getting ready to go to Disneyland...not like I've already been there {although I wouldn't mind going again...just sayin'}
Soon it's going to be Halloween, and I haven't even thought of what I want to be yet. Taran and I have bounced around ideas, but mostly I just want him to be Dexter. I've thought about maybe Snow White, or a vampire...more specifically a Victorian era Vampire. Like Katherine from The Vampire Diaries. 
Who knows, I still have awhile to think about it and decide.
For now I'm going to enjoy watching the leaves fall, drinking warm coffees, buying sweaters and boots, taking Stella for walks, and maybe watching some scary movies.
I love Fall...Summer is right up there with it, and I'm not sure which one I like more. I do know: that I love fall fashion, it's beautiful, it's not too hot, and Halloween is my favorite. I just wish it didn't turn into bitter yucky winter. I despise winter.

Yesterday Taran and I took a drive to Tooele to visit his family. His mom and step-dad are visiting from Minnesota and staying with his Aunt. They had everyone over for dinner last night and we finally got to see his new baby nephew! He's adorable, and I should have taken a picture.
I adore his family. They are funny, and loving and kind. I like to think of them as my own family, although I know we're not quite there yet. {Unfortunately....haha}
I did have a great time though and I'm glad our schedules worked out so that we were able to make a visit.
Hopefully we can start working out a way to see everyone at least once a month, because we see my family all the time...it would be nice to get to know his a bit more!

In other news, I hate Corporate visits at work...I get nervous and anxious and I'm always afraid of screwing up!
I did survive it though. We'll see what happens tomorrow....

Night <3

This weekend and handling stress.

1. Went shopping with my awesome mama, she bought me this dress to wear for my birthday!
2. Work. New necklace that mom also bought me, I'm kind of in love with it :)
3. Saturday morning, rockin' the old man shoes. Taran bought me those for $5 at Ross
4. My mom planted that rose, like, last week and it's in full bloom. It's so lovely
5. Saturday night date night with boyfriend. He took me to Applebees, we walked around the mall and then later met up with Crystal and Jerrica for ice cream. {I didn't take a picture of my delicious coffee ice cream with Reese's Pieces. Boo.}
6. After ice cream we went thrift shopping. He finds his work clothes there and since they're second hand they're cheaper and he doesn't worry too much about getting them ruined. Because that happens a lot. He found this awesome John Bender coat and had to pose for me.
7. I came across this little skateboarding raisin guy and got a laugh out of it. Who would use that for decoration??
8. Sunday morning, I just love love love waking up to this handsome man :)
9. I got home from work and Taran had ordered dinner for us. He knew I was craving it and that I was kind of grumpy yesterday. {Thanks babe, you're the greatest}

Let me just start by saying I do an excellent job of stressing myself out. I'm probably the queen of over analyzing and frustrating myself.
The thing is, with me, when I want to do something that I have to learn I want to be able to just do it. For example: I took guitar lessons my Sophomore year of high school and it frustrated me a lot. I didn't like the fact that some things confused me, and I didn't give myself the chance to slow down and actually learn. I want to be able to look at something and be good at it.

This same thing is happening with my new position at work. When I was hired on I had to learn an entire new system, store, policy etc. and then once I got used to that I got promoted so now I'm learning more things.
Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity and I wouldn't take it back.
The problem is, if I mess up something, even though I'm in training, I kind of beat myself up.
I make myself nervous and anxious and stressed.

My very first day on my own is Friday and I'm going to take these next 3 days off work to relax and go over my notes. Hopefully that's all I need and by Friday I'll be more confident and less of a nervous wreck.