california dreamin'

This weekend I had the pleasure of traveling to Sacramento, California with my best friend. Lexi (aka alexis, lu, lex, my boo) and I have been friends since high school and I'm not sure who I would be if I had never met her. If there is such a thing as a soul mate best friend, this girl is mine. I love her to death.  I know that I can always count on her for a shoulder to cry on (and I mean literally) a friend to giggle with, a person who will always give me honest advice and her best opinion, someone who truly appreciates playing "what if & would you rather" scenarios, and someone who will always take my weirdness to the next level. I have shared so many amazing memories with this lovely lady some of which have resulted in belly laughs so hard that i've started crying. It's kind of nice to have someone that just gets you without having to explain anything at all. Throughout the years her family has become my family (and vice versa) I wouldn't have it any other way. 

So, this weekend Lex, Ames (lex's mom her real name is Amy) and I went to visit Brandon (lexi's brother) in Sacramento. We decided to take a trip to Pebble Beach and Monterey, CA where Brandon surprised us with tickets to see the AT&T PROAM golf tournament. Although lex and I work an annual golf outing every year and play a little we like to consider ourselves "golfers", but this was unlike anything I had ever been to. We were able to see Phil Mickelson, Wayne Gretzky and many others golf and were even lucky enough to sit close to John Daily while we ate pizza for dinner! (Although we didn't talk to him or get any pictures... except a creepy one). After a full day of watching golf Brandon took us to Carmel Beach in Carmel, California. A little town by Monterey. It was so, so beautiful!

It was a great trip with lots of good eats, bonding and most importantly laughs! Here are some pictures of our trip. O! And by the way, California had been going through a terrible drought, so while we were there it decided to rain most of the time! At least when the sun shined it was gorgeous and we even had a nice enough day to learn how to longboard ;)

First stop: In- N- Out. Our first experience and it was delicious!!

Later that night we went to Old Town Monterey. It was so cute and the sights were beautiful, it was located right on the Pacific Ocean.  We also helped a lost little boy find his dad!

The next morning we woke up bright and early to get on the bus to Pebble Beach!

The golf course was beautiful! This picture doesn't do it much justice. (We were't allowed to take pictures during the tournament so in order to capture some pictures we had to be incognito... although Lex got a little carried away and had some fingers pointed at her haha)

 After the golf tournament Brandon took us to the beach. This was in a little town called Carmel, CA. It was a little chilly, but the sights were gorgeous.

 A few years ago Lex and I were in San Francisco, CA. And wrote "livin' the dream" in the sand, so while we were on the beach in Carmel we decided to recreate our picture, but and "still" of course because we are so blessed with the life we live and the adventures we get to go on!

The beach was so beautiful, I wish we could've gone for a swim! There were also a few random caves along the shore.

xo

shabby-chic.

Sunday is quite possibly one of my favorite days, because it's cleaning day! (Although I am a clean freak and clean everyday). While I was cleaning I realized that I haven't taken any pictures of my apartment. I snapped a few photos of some of my favorite spaces that make this little place feel like home. 

This is my bathroom. In August I decided to try the hottest "pinterest" creation and made these cute little string letters. And L and J for our bathroom. I used three different strings (light pink, cream and white), 1/4 inch nails, a hammer and 2 inch thick wood blocks. I was able to find everything at Joanne Fabrics!

Since our towels are all the same design and color, we quickly realized that these cute little monograms made the easiest and perfect way to determine what towel was ours!

My favorite part of the bathroom is this perfectly ruffled shower curtain that I searched all over for! I was finally able to find one at Pier One and couldn't wait to hang it up. I love that the ruffles and shaggy bath mat make this space feel so "shabby chic" and perfect for relaxing.

 This is how it all looks together, the bathroom is an odd shape because there is a walk in closet on one side of it. I tried to get the best picture I could but lighting wasn't on my side.

My second favorite spot in my apartment is a little nook in my room that I decided to use for studying, reading and relaxing on days where I don't feel like doing either. 

I love being surrounded by pictures of family and friends that are closest to my heart, because being away at school doesn't always make it easy to see everyone. 

This is my comfy-cozy nook. I decided to make a picture wall because I didn't have enough room on my end tables for all the pictures I wanted to display in my room. Then I wanted a chair that was comfortable enough to be in, yet still cute. I bought all the frames and the chair/ ottoman from ikea. Although of course I didn't like the pattern cushions ikea had (surprise, surprise Jonthaon would say) I decided to buy a cream one and reupholstered it with the fabric I wanted and the help of my mom!

I also wanted a unique little stand or table that would fit in the space and I wanted it to be antique of course. I ended up finding this mirrored, three tier table at a flea market this summer and it ended up being the perfect fit.  I added a few things to it that went perfectly with the chic-ness (is that a word?) of the rest of the room!

christmas break.

I can't believe my very last Christmas break is already coming to an end. I am so glad I have been able to spend time with family and friends and make memories that i'll never forget.

One of my favorite memories this winter break was going with Jonathon on his family ski trip. We had so much fun hitting to slopes and giggling with each other. It was pretty chilly so we found ourselves stoping in the ski lodge to grab some hot cocoa and hang out with his family. We skied all day, but my favorite was going night skiing under the lights. Sometimes it's good to do things out of the ordinary to spice things up from the normal everyday.

Over break we also went to a Lion's football game (represent Detroit!) J's family rented a party bus and we drove down to Detroit to have some fun. Although the Lion's lost we had a great time with his family!

I love Christmas and the holiday season because it brings to many people together we don't get to see everyday. I was thankful to be able to spend time with my mom and dad's family and share in the laughter the holidays brought us!

I can't believe it was my last Christmas break, then again maybe i'll decide to go to grad school! ;)

roses

Ah! I can't believe our football team is going to the ROSE BOWL!

J and I are so, so excited!! After watching the Spartan's win against Ohio State we where to happy and went out for some drinks with friends to celebrate. We headed to downtown lansing to our friends favorite bar, to our surprise it was a really fun atmosphere and they had all different kinds of Michigan brewed beer on tap. Our friend (Al) brought us some of his favorite "zoobie's popcorn" and we both loved the taste of it, until we realized it was truffle flavoring from mushrooms!! (yuck, i despise mushrooms)

This is Zoobie's, I wish I would have taken a picture of the inside because it was so retro, but classic at the same time. I was in love with the lights.

After this we met up with Jonathon's dad! It was a great night and we are so proud and thankful to be a part of the Michigan State Spartan family! 

silver bells

Every year our state capitol hosts an event called "Silver Bells in the City". For one night the city of Lansing, Mi invites everyone together to light the state Christmas tree and celebrate the holiday season. This year J and I went, it was so magical to countdown with everyone to the lighting of the Christmas tree and see the fireworks in celebration. (Although it was so chilly!)

(I wish there wasn't a silly shadow on my chin!)

After Silver Bells we ran back to our car, not only because we were freezing, but we were headed to see Hunger Games at our favorite movie theatre! Catching Fire was so good and I am counting down the days until Mocking Jay comes out, I can't wait!

Perfectly Said

If anyone knows me, you know I love to shop. I found this sign the other day when I was browsing through the home department in one of my favorite stores and thought it was perfect! It is truly something when you find someone who compliments you on so many levels and it's even better when that person is not only your lover but also your best friend. This sign may have went a little over board (song in my heart?) but the meaning is spot on.

I love you j.

pretty please

I recently decided it was time to buy some new makeup. I love my Bare Minerals, Tart, Benefit and Urban Decay products but I found myself running out of everything at the same time and it was getting kind of pricey!

I read blogs, looked at reviews and researched all different kids of makeup myself and decided that these were the products I wanted to try.

1. NYX High Definition yellow concealer. This stuff is amazing for dark circles! I have tried many high end products and found that this covers my dark circles the best.

2. Tarte Maracuja creaseless concealer. I just use a little bit of this to cover any blemishes and any other places under my eye that need more coverage. 

3. Rimmel Sun Shimmer. I love this bronzer and i'm a little afraid they are going to stop making it soon because it is a summer product. This bronzer is the perfect balance of shimmer and doesn't make your skin orange!

4. NYX Wonder Pencil. This pencil is great for so many things! It can be used as a lip liner with light or bright pink lipstick/gloss, concealer and also a great pencil to use on your water line to give your eye a "just waken" look. 

5. NYX Matte But Not Flat concealer. The first light and airy liquid foundation that I have come across. I love the coverage that it gives and lasts all day.

6. NYX Set It Don't Fret It setting powder. This is THE BEST setting powder. I have somewhat oily skin and this setting powder helps to keep my makeup in place and looking freshly applied throughout the whole day.

7. Urban Decay Naked Palette. A girls best friend, this palette has shades from neutral to smokey that are perfect for any occasion.

8. Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan. I admit, I did tan when I was younger, but since learning of all the harmful things tanning can do to my skin I decided to never go to a tanning bed again. In order to still maintain a sun kiss glow I use this sunless tanning spray that doesn't leave streaks and shows on my skin quickly!

pinky promise

A pinky promise mean so much. All of my closest friends always said that to have a real pinky promise you must link your pinky's, kiss your thumbs and then lock it. I am a little obsessed with promises and love any chance we get to make one. 

I am so thankful for all the promises and secrets that J and I are able to keep with each other. I can't thank God enough for putting this sweet boy in my life as my better half, secret keeper and best friend. 

(Not to add, he is the cutest pinky promiser i've ever seen!)

pinky.                                       kiss.                                        lock.                   

a little about me!

Here are a few things about me:

• I am a libra and many characteristics that are known about libra's fit me to a t.
• My mom and I are best friends and i'm not sure how it would be if we weren't.
• My brother and I are exactly three years and three days apart (how weird!).
• I am obsessed with my four year old nephew who captured my heart the day he was born.
• I didn't realize what I wanted to do until my junior year of college (public health, hopefully with children in hospitals).
• I have a hard time eating chicken unless someone I know prepared it and I examine every piece I eat.
• I will never eat McDonald's or other fast food again after watching and reading certain things about the way their meat is prepared.
• I think my jokes are funnier than they really are.
• If there is such a thing as a soulmate best friend, I believe I have one and her name is Alexis Geyer.
• I am blessed to have known my boyfriend for a large part of my life and so glad we were put together when we were, he is my best friend.
• I make sure to thank God everyday for this beautiful life he has given me.
• I love to please others and find myself going out of my way to make their day special.
• My grandma is one of the only people that makes my worries go away.
• I call Jonathon, J.Just because it's something between him and I and I love little things like that.
• I have an extreme fear of losing people and my chest feels really heavy when I think about it.
• My dad will forever be my greatest guardian angel and I feel his presence all the time.
• I love chocolate, like more than a person should. 
• On that note, chocolate covered pretzels are my weakness.

I can't wait to see where my life is headed and all the little adventures I still have yet to create.

my first post

Hi loves!

I'm lauren.

This is my first post on blogger. I have been an avid tumblr for years and decided it was finally time to get with the new ages. I just started using blogger and i'm not going to lie, it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be.

Bare with me as I get everything in place and try to make this blog an expression of me and my sweet boy Jonathon and all the adventures we experience through life. (with a few girly things too of course!) Jonathon and I met when we were younger, but didn't start dating until I was twenty one and he was twenty two. We decided to give it a chance and well, the rest just fell in to place. I have had some of the best moments of my life with him and can't wait to experience so many more. I created this blog is to capture all of the little and big things that create the unique, fun and loving relationship J and I share. My hope is to make this a space that will help us cherish these memories forever and also share them with you.