Life Update

So little ladies, I have been MIA for quite some time, I know. BUT, this is actually a good thing! I have been very busy doing lots of fun things! Also, I have been getting more hours at work and that is something that I am unbelievably grateful for. Between those two things, blogging has obvs taken a back seat. But here I am now to share with you what has been going on in my stressful, crazy, sometimes overwhelming, wonderful life!

First, as I said, I have been getting more hours at work which makes me a very happy girl! I am making some good sales and really feeling like an essential part of the team! I am the newest employee but I finally don't feel that way anymore! (Thank goodness because it has been 8 months!)

Second, I am looking for a second job to work this summer. Our little store depends on the local college a lot so we don't get to work as often when the students go home. This stresses me out a little but it does give me an opportunity to find something I could make a career out of.

On that note, I am applying to a MAC cosmetics counter! I have absolutely no experience in makeup, but (thanks to my current job) I do have sales experience. I recently learned that you do not have to have a cosmetology license to work at a MAC counter, that they will send you to train for a week and then back every few months to update your skills and familiarity with new products. I am hoping that, although I don't have a license or experience, my excitement and personality will help me to get the job. I would absolutely need that experience to get another job in that field somewhere else and hopefully make a career of it. (Keep your fingers crossed for me! Taking my application this week!)

Went out with some friends the other weekend to see the band that our monogrammer plays in. It was the first time I had seem them and they were amazing! It was a lot of fun and good to get out and let loose! Finally acting like a 22 year old! Will definitely be doing this again!

Also saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers and OF COURSE they were amazing! One of the best concerts I have ever been to! The music was unbelievable and the lights were awesome! Makes me super pumped to see the Dave Matthews Band next month!

Friday night my sweet, sweet boyfriend and I went on a much needed date! We had tons of Japanese food and went to see Titanic! It was amazing and we had a lot of fun! He makes me laugh so much and I am so thankful for him and for the time we get to spend together.

Lastly, I went to The Mart in Atlanta for the first time Saturday and spent more money than I should have but LOVE everything I got! It was so crazy in there, so big, so many things, and so many people! I hope to go back soon and hopefully have more money to spend! Glad Ashley at Little Miss One Big Mess convinced me that I needed some girl time!

So, that has been my life lately! What has been going on with you? Hope you have been having as much fun as me!

Love and Happy Blogging,
Hannah

Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday: Misc.

Hello Lovelies! This beautiful weather (and the fact that I tanned in a turbo bed this afternoon) has me pretty chipper! Unfortunately I cant say that for the entire day... I have been putting off blogging to spend time with my sweet boyfriend, he has been feeling neglected lately since I have been walking on occasion with Ashley, going to the tanning bed, and reading The Hunger Games trilogy (book 3! what what!). However, now he is watching the Braves play so I have some time to do my thing!
Before I get started with Pintersting Wednesday I just have to ask ya'll something... Is there anything in particular that makes you feel like spring (or summer down here in Georgia) has really begun? For me it is something a little odd: First, and this part is normal, when I am able to open my sunroof and let down my windows. Second, when I feel like I need to listen to some good ol classic rock. This week I have been listening to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and they always remind me of summer. Windows down and music up always makes me long for days spent tanning on a dock at the lake!
Now on to the reason for this cute little link up! This week I decided not to have a theme but to just choose some of my favorites and share them with you! Enjoy!

This smoothie sounds AMAZING! From the previous Pinner: 1 1/2 cups diced pineapple, 1 banana, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1/2 cup ice, & 1/2 cup pineapple juice. 

via

Funny and true.

via

I know this look is intensely hippie but I love it. If I could dress this way always, I think I would.

via

This bag is so cute and versatile! Would definitely use this for an everyday purse!

via

This bunny cake is just too sweet! Easter isn't too far away! Maybe I will feel a little crazy and attempt this cuteness?

via

What have you ladies been pinning this week? Link up with Michelle at The Vintage Apple and check out her pins while you're there! Happy Hump Day girls!

Love and Happy Blogging, 

Hannah

Tag! You're It!

A new blog friend tagged me in this fun blog game that has been going around. It's super cute and I hope that ya'll learn something about me (and each other) that you didn't know before! So lets get right down to it!

The rules are:
1. You must post these rules.
2. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
4. You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.
5. Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.
6. No tag backs!

Step One:

• I have a mild obsession with makeup.
• I drink multiple cups of coffee in the morning AND at night.
• I am currently invested in the Hunger Games trilogy and just finished Chasing Fire, the second book, last night.
• I do not have a smart phone. I have a tiny Kin One with a zebra case and although an iPhone would be nice, I am pretty happy with my little phone. It is very me, I think!
• I am going to 2 concerts in 2 months! Red Hot Chili Peppers in April and the Dave Matthews Band in May. I am so so so excited! Hoping for another good band to come to Atlanta closer to my birthday.
• My birthday is July 6. I will be 23... Getting old.........
•  I am constantly thinking of new fun ways to make money from my love of crafts but have yet to follow through with it. Check out my one and only completed craft blog, DIY Darling.
• I have somewhere around 150 DVDs not including seasons of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. #ilovemovies
• I am a neat freak.
• My favorite dessert is fro-yo with fruit and I am SO excited that we are getting a frozen yogurt shop in downtown Milledgeville! Just in time for summer!
• I have worked at Monograms & More for about 7 months and have yet to have anything monogrammed for myself.

Step Two: Questions from Heather

1. What did you eat for breakfast? A Quaker Caramel Corn rice cake and lots of coffee!
2. What's the scariest thing you've ever done? Moved away to go to school in Kennesaw, a place where I knew no one, far away from home and 2 hours from my boyfriend.
3. Who do you most admire? Mother Teresa. Always working to better the lives of others and bring joy to those around her.
4. If you won the lotto, what would you do? I would FINALLY get married! Get a house, help my family, and then donate to the less fortunate in our country. They seem to fall to the wayside when in the shadow of others suffering in Africa.
5. What do you think first thing in the morning? 'I wonder if Gil is awake yet?'
6. Mexican or Italian food? BOTH! Oh gosh, I love love love pasta but sometimes there is nothing better than some chips, salsa, and cheese dip and a good taco salad.
7. Salty or sweet? Sweet all the way! Love me some ice cream and chocolate!
8. Do you have any secrets nobody knows? No, my boyfriend knows everything about me. Sometimes I feel bad that I told him but at least he can truly understand me.
9. What is your job and do you like it? I work at Monograms & More and I LOVE IT! Love all of the cute things we get in the store and also the fun customers who come in!
10. If you could do anything, what would you do? Open my own bakery and design in with lots of funky cute do-dads and antiques.
11. Have you ever fired a gun? Duh, I am a small town Georgia girl. It has been a while and it isnt really my thing but it has happened. And I have been hunting twice. Thank goodness nothing was shot either time. Poor Bambi's and Babe's...

Step Three: My Questions

1. What is your favorite movie?
2. Have you read any books lately and if so, what are they?
3. Spring, summer, fall, or winter? 
4. Sushi: love it or hate it?
5. What is your favorite band/artist?
6. Do you have any pets, what kind, and what are their names?
7. Do you prefer coffee or tea?
8. What is your dream job?
9. If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
10. What is your favorite animal?
11. What are you most proud of?

TAG! You're it!

Ashley @ Little Miss One Big Mess

Cason @ Babbling From a Blissful Bride

Jack @ Daily Dose of Jack

Rachel @ Bound 4 More

Tori @ Keep Calm and Carry On

Megan @ Mackey Madness

Holly @ Perfectly Imperfect Holly

Becky @ From Mrs. to Mama

Michelle @ The Vintage Apple

Lauren @ the little things we do

Sar @ [life of love]

Crazy, Beautiful Life

It has been so long since I've blogged that I barely remember how! (Not really...) So many things have happened since my last post.

• Saw Kings of Leon
• Went to Six Flags
• Moved the boyfriend into his new apartment
• Got a job (what what!)

So, I'll start with the concert... The music was awesome! They sounded great, just as good live as in the studio! However, I let other peoples' actions affect how I felt and it nearly ruined the concert for me. Explanation: Gil and I got to Lakewood early so that we could get some decent spots to sit on the lawn. We did, our friends showed up and everything was fine. Then the show started and these guys decided it was okay to pile in right in front of me. Being that I am only 5'3, this was really uncool. I couldn't see anything AND these guys were totally obnoxious. Then, as if that wasn't bad enough, some very, very intoxicated chick throws up directly behind us. Oh my gosh, it was awful. Had to move my things which included a blanket, jacket and my very large purse. Now we were trapped. Jerks in front of us and vomit behind us. Ugh... I tried to ignore it and enjoy the show, but I just couldn't. Then, a few days later I saw on Twitter that KOL cancelled the remainder of their tour. So, after hearing that I was glad that I at least GOT a show. I guess it took that for me to be thankful that I finally got to see one of my favorite current bands! Maybe next time I'll remember that!

We also were fortunate enough to go with my boyfriend's sister and her husband to Six Flags for half price! We had been wanting to go all summer but it never worked out... Then Autumn texted Gil and told him that we could get tickets for $25 since Josh, Autumn's husband, would be taking his youth group. This was the perfect way to get to go! And we would get to see Autumn and Josh before Gil started classes! We were so excited and woke up early to get to Atlanta. It seemed to be a beautiful day but later it rained which shut down some rides, but we waited under cover in line for bumper cars. I wasn't really looking forward to it but once we got to the front of the line, I decided that I would drive my own car. Great decision! I had so much fun and it made the rain and the LONG line not seem so bad! Overall Six Flags was fun and we were really glad that we got to go and also that we got to see A & J.

We actually moved Gil before we went to Six Flags I believe. It was a hot, hot, hot day in Athens, Ga. Oh my... It was tough going into an un-air conditioned apartment from a stifling parking lot... But we got it done! Gil is all moved in and we love his new place! While we were moving his things, I was thinking of the weekends I would spend there with him and the fun things we would do and even the days when we are lazy and just watch TV but are thankful because we are together. This made it much easier to accept that he would be going back so soon and I wouldn't see him nearly as often.

So! The biggest news of all! I got a new JOB! At the cutest place in Milledgeville! I am so thankful that a friend works there and helped me get the job because I love it! I don't dread going to work at all! Its a fun place and is fairly laid back so it's not stressful... Right now. I know it will be much different once business picks up but for now, its just right (since I am learning the ins-and-outs). This coming week is going to be tough because I'll be working 5 days straight but that is so I can be prepared for next Tuesday. Next Tuesday will be my first day on my own... Now that is a little stressful. But I know after this week I'll be ready. Just keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer for me! (I'll update you on how I'm doing at work as often as I can.)

Also, a few fun things... I got some new Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips yesterday! Applied them last night and they are SO cute! Black and white flowers! If you check out my Facebook, there is a picture in my Mobile Uploads album. Also, Gil and I went on a date last night that was much needed and lots of fun! We went to Cheddar's for dinner and the service was wonderful and food came out so quickly! Almost too quickly if that's even possible! Although it seemed the food barely had time to cook, it was delicious! Then we went to see Crazy, Stupid, Love and it was amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed it and Gil and I laughed nearly the entire time! It was absolutely the right pick!

There is a quick update of my life since my last post, sooooo long ago! I'll try to be better from now on! Don't give up on me!

Happy Blogging,
Hannah

Intrinsically Me

Here are a few things that will help you in understanding who I am. Silly things that shed a little light on my boho/eclectic/funky vibe:

• My tiny Kin phone with zebra print case
• My funky colored nail polish 
• Messy hair
• Toe ring from SSI
• Giant t-shirts
• Anything monogrammed (And, I know that may make you think of a soccer mom more than a boho chick, but I just can't shake my love of monograms)
• My very extensive CD collection which ranges from Patsy Cline to Mariah Carey to The Commadores to The Black Crowes to Audioslave to John Mayer
• My owl necklace
• Makeup 
• Although I do not love them, my freckles. I just can't imagine myself without 'em...
• My gentle giant black lab, Sunny-- Just his name is very me
• My Twitter background
• And of course, my BLOG!

These are just a few of the things that I love! Hope provides a little insight into who the "Girl in the World" is!

Love and Happy Blogging, 

Hannah 

Happiness

Okay, I know I'm not the only one out there who has a tendency to dwell on the negative. Am I right? Well, this blog helps me to see the good in my life because, well, I try to think of things to write that would make others smile, laugh, etc. And this week, while on vacay with the fam I heard my mom say the most wonderful thing. She asked James, 3, and Nae, 4, "What's our favorite word?" and after seeing their curious looks my mother replied, "Happy!". You know, this got me thinking. Why wouldn't that be our favorite word? Isn't that how we all want to feel? Shouldn't that be what we strive for? Here are a few of the happy things that have happened to me recently:

• I had a magnificent 22nd birthday
• My parents were gracious enough to pay for me and the boyfriend to go to Panama City for 3 days
• I got a sun tan
• I got my Kings of Leon tickets in the mail
• I am going to get a manicure (NOT a do-it-yourself)
• Woke up to a very funny, very thoughtful belated birthday card 
• Movie date tonight, even if it is Harry Potter

These are just a few of the wonderful things going on for me now and I hope this has you thinking about the good things in your life! 

Happy Blogging, 

Hannah

"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."

Bargain Queen

I love a good bargain and today I saved myself/my mother/my boyfriend approximately $70. Wanna know how? Well, I'll tell you! But first...

I have to tell you about my flip flip fiasco... Last weekend my American Eagle flip flops (which I have worn way too many times over the last 2 1/2 summers) blew out. I had worn them all weekend at the lake and just before heading home the thong broke... I knew this was coming, I just didn't know when. They had literally been hanging by a thread since the very early spring (which I should add began in February this year) and I was dreading the day that they met their maker. Luckily I knew I had some money coming from my grandparents for my birthday. Frugal as they are I get $15. Finding a good pair of leather flip flops for 15 bucks is dang near impossible. I did my web searching last night because I knew my opportunity to find the perfect pair was coming this very afternoon! To my dismay, there were none...

So, I took a chance on old trusty hoping that I would be so lucky as to stumble upon a sale. This morning while drinking coffee I check my email. And there it is! My saving grace! 20% everything at American Eagle! I checked the website to see if it could really be true! It was! It was! I checked on the flip flop status to see if they had any that were my style and they did! Will they have my size, I wondered? THEY DID! They had my size at the store I would be going to today! So, with hopefulness in my heart I walked into AE, discount code in hand. Found my size, the very common 8. Went to the register and got my discount and to my surprise the flip flops rang up at $16.95. Originally $29.50. Oh yeah, this feels good! 

My next money saving adventure required getting a library card... I know you're wondering what in the world I am talking about. Here it is, an awesome bit of information that few people know. If you go to any library in the state of Georgia you can, with the simple ownership of a library card, rent a 20 minute DVD and get free tickets to the Atlanta Zoo! For students, the price is about $17. That's a savings of $34! 

Lastly, I ordered tickets to see Kings of Leon in Atlanta on July 27. Being that I am a Diet Coke addict I have many times noticed the codes on bottle caps and boxes. I looked into it and found that these codes, which I had been throwing away for years, were basically money. If I collected 100 points I could get a $10 discount for a livenation.com purchase, among many other things. I had saved enough points to get 2 $10 off codes! I decided to purchase one ticket at a time so that I could use both codes and ultimately save 20 big ones! And it worked just as smoothly as I had hoped! I ordered one ticket, entered the code, and there was the total, $26.00. I ordered the other ticket, entered the second code... $26.00! I got both tickets for $52 which would have been $72 otherwise! GO ME! And go YOU, if you do it too! 

Grand total of... Drum roll..... $66.55 in savings! 

*Tip: Always sign up for rewards cards! They are worth it! And go to the websites of your favorite stores to sign up to receive emails. You will likely get extra discounts and deleting a few unwanted emails is worth the money you can save from the good ones!

I hope that these simple, very easy tips have helped you! Good luck savers!

Happy Blogging (and Saving!)

Little ol' Me

I stumble across many things in my day-to-day that I find both interesting and beneficial and I would love to share all of my new found insight with you! So, I guess I should let you know what I find "interesting and beneficial", huh?

I love music. I can't even begin to imagine a day that doesn't begin with music videos, iPod or Pandora. I dig all kinds of music from The Allman Brothers to Frank Sinatra, Lady Gaga to Sara Evans, Stone Temple Pilots to John Mayer and everything in between. Believe me when I say I LOVE music. So, that said... I have seen Incubus, John Mayer and Green Day in concert and will be seeing Kings of Leon on July 27 (look out for an awesome post after that!) and hopefully Incubus again in September. Helpful tips like how to receive discounts on tickets will be hidden in my posts. For example, for Coke-drinkers: Save your boxes and bottle caps and you can get a whopping $10 off a Livenation.com purchase! 

I am really into DIY projects also. I love self mani/pedis. I have become very good at them considering my limited income and desire for cute nails. I can share my tips for simple manicures and applying Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips (which are awesome by the way). I am also ready and willing to try new makeup ideas and hairstyles and will tell you about each hit and miss. I have just recently tried a new DIY Beach Salt Spray recipe to achieve those super cute "day-at-the-beach waves" and have to tweak my ingredients but I'm feeling confident and can't wait for that post!

Lastly, my boyfriend and I love going on dates and are always looking for great new places and ways to save money in the process. We love dinner-and-a-movie dates so I have some great restaurants to share and some smart ways to save at movie theaters. But we aren't that boring! We love going to Braves games, any UGA sporting event, anywhere with animals-- Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta and this amazing place I will tell you all about after we visit called Noah's Ark-- etc. So, if I come across anything helpful I'll make sure to let ya'll know! 

Hope this gives you an idea of what you're getting yourself into! And I hope that I will help and entertain you in all the ways I can! 

Happy Blogging,

Hannah