Spring has always been one of my favorite seasons. I don't know if it's the longer days (now that I'm finally caught up from daylight savings time) and warmer weather, packing up my coats and heavy sweaters and pulling out the bright colors and sandals, or a combination of the two, but I do know that there is something about the change of season from winter to spring that has me downright giddy.  I've already gotten a head start on my spring cleaning and I've replaced my riding boots with my Jack Rogers and opted for bright colored bedding accessories to replace the fur throw and pillows.

In honor of the most colorful season (or so it seems after the cold, dark, depressing winter), here are some of my favorite things about Spring!

1. Fresh Flowers

There are few things that I love more in this world than buying myself flowers. It doesn't matter if I'm  picking the perfect bouquet from a farmers' market stand or grabbing a few blooms from the grocery store. Sure, flowers die relatively quickly, but it's such a small luxury that makes me feel so happy!! Tulips, peonies, and daisies are my absolute favorites (white, yellow, hot pink, or blush always) and seeing them displayed in a vase on my nightstand or coffee table is an instant mood booster. Treat yourself to fresh flowers every once in awhile and I promise you that you will get so much joy from those blooms!

2. Hunter Rainboots

I think my Hunters just might be my favorite shoes in my closet. I have always been a huge fan of the brand and the chic, classic aesthetic they're associated with, but recently I have just been obsessed. These boots are an investment, but seriously can transform your wardrobe in a major way. I have a red pair in my collection currently but am dreaming of adding a yellow pair for the spring. Yellow wellies, in my opinion, are just the perfect spring shoe. You know what thy say, "April showers bring May flowers" ... If I'm going to be jumping through puddles this spring, I want to look as chic as possible!!

(I haven't been able to get my hands on a yellow pair, but how fun are these hot pink Hunters?!)

3. Picnics in the Park

Late Spring is my favorite time to go on picnics. The weather is usually gorgeous, the sunsets are beautiful, and the flowers are blooming in the parks.... Dreamy. Whether I'm picnicking with a date or a few of my girlfriends, I'm definitely in my happy place. Good food, good company, good wine... What more could a girl ask for?

4. The Return of Lilly Pulitzer to My Closet

One of the most exciting things about Spring is breaking out my Lilly. I love the bold, bright patterns after the dark, dreary winter. I envy the girls who rock Lilly in the winter, but it's just not me. Plus, it makes it that much more exciting when I pull my Lilly from storage.

bonus: the current Resort 365 collection is gorgeous so if you're looking to add some pieces to your collection, you have some incredible options! You can find a few of my favorites below.

5. The Kentucky Derby

Whether you're going to Churchill Downs or a derby party, there is nothing more fun than breaking out your big hats and seersucker and drinking a mint julep (or two!!) I have been absolutely drooling over the vineyard vines Derby collection & man is it selling out quickly. Be sure to snag the tee, hat, or dress you want before it's gone for good! I think I might have to add this adorable mint julep hat to my collection.....perfect to relive the fun of derby day all summer (after hanging up my big sun hat of course.)

6. Going to the Driving Range

There are few things I enjoy more than good company, a bucket of balls, and a bucket of beers on a spring afternoon. The driving range is the perfect place to get out some anger and relieve some stress while being outside with friends. I'm a terrible golfer, but man it's fun.

7. Baseball Season Starts

I might be the least athletic person I know, but take me out to the ball game and I could fool even the wisest man. Opening Day is basically a city-wide holiday where I'm from, which makes it really easy to get into the baseball spirit. Just thinking about it has me craving a hot dog, a cold draft beer, and the sunshine on my shoulders. Plus, I'm a huge fan of the baseball emoji, so that's great, too! 

So tell me.... What are your favorite things about Springtime? I'd love to know!!

Cheers

#GirlBoss

Do you guys remember that Destiny's Child song, "Independent Women" that was featured in the Charlie's Angel movie...or even that movie in general? Three kick ass women fighting crime while 3 (or were there 4 members of Destinys Child at this point?) kick ass women sung the anthem of the modern working woman. Movie magic. Seriously though, that song came out in 1999 and I was just a litte girl listening to the message that it was cool for women to support themselves and treat themselves to fancy things without needing a man's help. I mean, I was definitely too young to appreciate how deep Beyoncé and crew were getting with that song, but I still have rocked out to it in the car. Fast forward 16 years and there is still nothing more inspiring to me than a strong, confident, independent woman. Political views aside, can we just talk about how freaking cool it is that there is a WOMAN who is seriously in the running for president?!?! I mean ... Think about it...100 years ago women didn't even have the right to vote and now, in 2016, there is a woman standing up in front of the entire world in a predominantly male field saying "yo bro.... I can do this!" I can't even handle it. So incredible. Personally, I like to entertain the vision of Susan B. Anthony looking down on all of us and thinking, "I mean... About time, ya fools."

So between Beyoncé, Lucy Liu and HilDog, it's clear that I've been thinking about some seriously empowering humans or better yet, "Girl Bosses". For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the phrase (serious question... Do you live under a rock?), a "girl boss" is basically anyone kicks butt and takes names. The term, #GIRLBOSS, comes from an incredibly inspiring book written by NastyGal founder and CEO, Sophia Amoruso that serves as a platform for inspiring and empowering women to be the boss of their own lives // it's pretty incredible and I highly suggest checking it out here.

Today I thought I'd share 5 of my favorite girl bosses with you. These are women all have very different backgrounds and stories, but have all inspired me in a big, big way. So here we go... Here are a few of my favorite HBIC's:

Audrey Hepburn

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It's no secret that I love and admire Audrey Hepburn. girl could rock a high pony and turtleneck combo like no one's business. One of the most appealing things about Audrey has always been her  kind heart and the legacy that she left behind. Yes, the woman had a closet that any girl would die for, but the legacy I'm talking about her isn't how amazing she looked in a LBD, but how she completely immersed herself in the service of others up until the end of her life. Audrey spent much of her later life working with UNICEF in some of the poorest countries in Africa. She even won a Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work right before she passed away. How amazing... to be  that successful and that famous and to choose to give up your lifestyle to go be with those who have nothing...a true icon. I also read in a book once that she ate pasta once a day (disclaimer: I'm not entirely sure just how true this is, but I like to imagine it to be a fact.)

Tina Fey & Amy Poehler

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This list would not be complete without this duo. Forget Taylor Swift's girl gang, this is #squadgoals. Not only are these two accomplished actresses and comedians, they are also two of the most influential and intelligent women around. Between Tina writing (and co-starring in) Mean Girls and Amy's #SmartGirls red carpet and social media campaign, these two are changing the way the world views women in comedy, an industry that until recently was predominantly made up of men. If anyone ever tries to tell you women aren't funny, tell them to watch literally anything these two are a part of. A personal favorite of mine is the SNL skit of Tina as Sarah Palin and Amy as Hillary Clinton .... Also good if you need a good ab workout!! (Sidenote: check otheir books here & here for more badass, LOL, girl power goodness.)


Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG)



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The OG girl boss. Ruth was once asked when there will be enough women on the Supreme Court, to which she replied: there will be enough women on the Supreme Court when there are 9. Snaps for Ruth, the ultimate badass. I really don't think I need to say anything else. 


 Grace Helbig

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Grace is a YouTube star, New York Times Best Seller, and all around comedy genius. Seriously... When I grow up I want to be half as funny as Grace. I've been watching her videos for awhile now and whether she's doing a monthly favorites video or waxing her legs on camera for the very first time, you can guarantee that I am laughing hysterically. Grace is changing the comedy game and I highly suggest that you check out her podcast, "Not Too Deep'" in which she interviews other content creators and asks ridiculously funny questions, or her books Grace's Guide: the Art of Pretending to be a Grown-Up & Grace & Style: the Art of Pretending You Have It, two "self-help" books that are very cheeky and very hilarious. Grace doesn't take herself too seriously and her sense of humor is incredibly refreshing. If you're not gonna read her books, at least watch this video in which she talks about the presidential hopefuls' style (or lack there of). V funny.

That's my list, but I'd LOVE to hear some of yours - Leave me a comment telling me who your favorite #girlboss is!!

Cheers,

Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself...

Holy Cow! Remember me?

It has been far, far, far too long since I've sat down to write. I think it's about time that we resurrect this sweet little abandoned blog ... What do ya say?

Since we've last seen each other, a lot has changed. Life got a little bit crazy there for a second, but I'm back! I figured I'd spend this morning catching you up on some of the changes. So, grab a cup of coffee and catch up with me!

- I got a new job! After a lot of back and forth about making a career jump, I bit the bullet and took a job with a company that I am head over heels obsessed with! I can't imagine working anywhere else.
-I moved! I'm now only a short walk or uber ride away from my favorite spots in the city (the art museum, Bakersfield, and 1215 to name a few)
-I found a new workout routine that I LOVE! (And can't wait to rave about in a later post) Thanks, Allison!
-I turned 25! I'm now officially a quarter of a century old.... Eek! Just kidding.. Aside from my hangovers reminding me that I'm not 22 anymore every time I drink, 25 isn't so scary.
-I stopped going to Starbucks (with the exception of the occasional cup of tea or midday Americano) If you know me, you know this is maaaaajor!
-I dyed my hair for the very first time (well... Sorta... I put some balayage highlights in there cuz why not?)
-I traveled to Vegas for the first time with my best friends and almost married two men named Michael (I think) -- aren't you proud, mom?

And honestly some things are exactly the same...

-Cupcakes and champagne are STILL my love language
- I STILL go through the McDs window for a Coke over ice
- I STILL have a love/hate relationship with The Bachelor
-I STILL monogram everything
-I STILLcannot function before 8am without a cup of coffee
- I STILL love Taylor Swift
-I STILL love mac&cheese
-...and I STILL have a (many) bottle (bottles) of wine on hand for any impromptu emergency or celebration (HEY! Sometimes you need to pop a bottle of bubbly to celebrate on a Tuesday simply because you made it through the day without wanting to punch anyone in the face! - don't lie, we've all been there.)

SO much more has changed since last January, and TBH I feel like a brand new person when I think back to last year...BUT! One thing is for certain, I am so glad to be back here writing and sharing my life with you! 

I'll see you all on Thursday with a brand new post!

Cheers!