Hi, friends!!

Wow - Sunday already. I always have a hard time coming to grips with Sunday evenings turning into Monday mornings. The weekends go way too fast!!

I hope you all had a lot of fun this weekend and got into all kinds of crazy shenanigans (or took lots of cat naps...whichever is more your speed).

I have a love/hate relationships with weekends most of the time due to my retail schedule. A weekend completely off is a one-a-month kind of luxury. Most weekends I spend the majority of my time folding clothes and hanging out at the mall...nothing crazy exciting.

Some weekends, like this one, are a complete and total breath of fresh air. I was off Friday and Sunday. A-MAZ-ING.

I spent most of Friday morning cleaning and relaxing. I slept in a little bit, which was phenomenal, and then binge watched Gilmore Girls and cleaning my apartment. Super low key. Super relaxing. After a peaceful day of laying around doing (practically) nothing, I was ready for some fun and some company. I ended up making plans to go out to dinner with two of my dear friends -- the couple who got married on National Wear Your Lilly Day (#NWYLD). I have not seen these two in (what feels like) ages, and it was so lovely to catch up with the two of them. The conversation was wonderful and we talked, laughed, reminisced, and celebrated the fact the Ben, Elizabeth's hubby, got a new job (yay!!) Dinner was yummy (all of the pasta, all of the carbs), and I was so ready to hit the hay when I got home.

Saturday was mainly spent at work and I finally took down my Christmas tree -- hold your judgment, please!!

Today was the cherry on top of a great weekend. I really love having a Sunday off every once in a while. Sundays just might be my favorite day of the week, but this Sunday was super special. My friend Sasha was in town visiting Elizabeth (from Sweet Spaces) and we all made plans to go to brunch and celebrate reuniting with a few mimosas and some delish breakfast food.

Sasha and I were both bridesmaids in Elizabeth's wedding and have been friends ever since. She lives in Virginia, so I never get to see her anymore (boo!!) -- brunch was definitely a fun time! Elizabeth warned me that she was going to be wearing her newest Lilly dress and Sasha is always wearing something adorable, which meant that I couldn't just roll out of bed and go to brunch in my workout gear (aka, my typical brunch attire). It was a great excuse to have to get up and put together a cute outfit. I mean, who doesn't love an excuse to dress up a little bit?!

Isn't Elizabeth's Kate Spade clutch just to die for!?! I have some serious bag envy.

After brunch, we headed out to do some shopping at the Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, and HomeGoods. Sasha found an adorable leather skirt and Elizabeth picked up a pack of makeup removing wipes. I was on the hunt for a Kate Spade mug I had seen the other day, but for some reason (I'm claiming temporary insanity) I passed..... It's pretty much all I've been thinking about ever since... it was $12 and a pretty blue color that read "seize the day" on the inside rim... and it matches my "skirt the rules" mug perfectly.... but I digress. We ended with a quick trip to Starbucks for a latte (and a pastry to satisfy my sweet tooth). It was truly a lovely Sunday afternoon !!

Lipgloss: Smashbox // Shirt: Old Navy // Necklace: J Crew Factory // Skirt: J Crew Factory // Boots: Jessica Simpson // Boot Socks: Target //  Nails: OPI Shim Merry Chic // Watch & Bracelet: Kate Spade 

After our little afternoon date, I headed home to change (sort of) to head to dinner at my boyfriend's parents' house. His family does a cute little family dinner every Sunday evening -- such a great excuse to slow down, sit down, and talk to each other about all of the fun and new things going on in their lives. I love that his family does this and definitely think that it's time I set aside a time each week to hang out with my parents (mom & dad, since I know you're reading this -- when are we getting together!?!).

Shirt: Old Navy // Vest: Old Navy // Necklace: JCrew Factory // Jeans: Gap // Boots: Jessica Simpson // Watch & Bracelet: Kate Spade

Now I'm winding down, watching more Gilmore Girls (I'm on some seriously emotionally damaging episodes and may or may not have been sobbing while I've been writing this post), and catching up on all of my thank you notes. Today has just been glorious.

Let me know how you all spent your weekend!! I can't wait to hear all the juicy details!!

NYE details

Well hello there!

I hope that you all had a magnificent time ringing in the new year. New Year's Eve has always been one of my favorite holidays. Maybe it's the promise of a fresh start as we leave our mistakes behind that I look forward to each year or maybe it's the sparkles, sequins, and glitter.... I mean, you be the judge (hint: it's the latter). NYE is such a fun holiday. You get to dress up and take pictures and drink champagne...what could be better?

This NYE, my midnight kiss just so happened to be my glass (juice box?) of wine. As I've previously mentioned, the boyfriend is traveling for work right now -- so unfortunately he spent his NYE in Atlanta. While I definitely missed kissing my handsome guy as the ball dropped and we welcomed in 2015, it allowed me to spend the evening with my best girlfriends, which was definitely a blast.

I started my NYE morning meeting up with my momma for brunch at one of our favorite spots. If any of you live near a Joseph Beth Bookstore that has the Bronte bistro attached, GO! The food is amazing, the ambiance is cozy, and they have an entire cocktail menu where each drink is named after an author or a book.... I totally geek out over it every time. It's just so fun! I indulged in baked brie with a caramel sauce and pears and a mimosa made with grand mariner (yummy!) and my momma chose the quiche du jour which was a veggie lovers quiche with chicken... SO GOOD. Have I mentioned that I adore Bronte bistro?

After brunch, we did a little window shopping, picked out a retirement gift for one of my mom's coworkers, returned some Christmas presents, and then wished one another a very happy new year. I love the relationship I have built with my mom. As I get older, I have realized that the time I get to spend with my mommabear is precious and the memories are priceless. I am one lucky girl to have a friend and mother as wonderful as mine. (Mom, if you're reading this -- love you bigger!)

so delish!!

Cheers to 2015!

sidenote: My wonderful boyfriend treated me to this murfee for Christmas. I am absolutely obsessed with it and have been wearing it every chance I get! It's perfect for the winter months as I can pair it back to grays and navy and wear it with a quilted vest or a dress, but it's going to be just as perfect in the spring and summer! The teals and pinks and greens in this scarf are just gorgeous. Shop the Trunk Show murfee here!

After brunch, I went back to my apartment to get ready for the evenings festivities. Last year, I had purchased a zip-up leather dress for a Sex and the City themed girls' trip (clearly I was the Samantha), and NYE was a great excuse to pull that dress out again. (sidenote: I also wore it to my birthday party...I just love this dress). It's everything a NYE dress should be: sexy, fun, and a little ridiculous. Although I typically opt for head to toe sequins, a little sparkle on my nails (I used Essie's Jiggle Hi, Jiggle Low -- a metallic-y, sparkly silver-y, gold color) and sparkly J. Crew tights were enough for this girl this year. 

The prettiest Gin & Tonic there ever was

After getting ready, one of my bffs, Kourtney, came to pick me up to drink wine and touch up hair and makeup. We had wonderful girl talk, listened to Taylor Swift, and reconnected before our dinner reservations. It was lovely. Oh, the wine we were drinking? Pinot Grigio from a juice box.... always classy.

I think we clean up nicely, yes?

We met up with the rest of our friends at Seasons 52 for dinner. If there is a Seasons 52 near you, please do yourself a favor and go! The wine list is extensive and they change their menu up seasonally, depending on the produce that is in season. They also have the most delicious flatbreads as an appetizer option. I had the seasonal Bay Scallops (divine), a bottle of Chardonnay (split with Kourt), a field green salad, brussel sprouts, and finished it off with a s'mores dessert shooter (those cute little ones in the shot glasses). To avoid being publicly picked on by everyone at the table, I didn't take any pictures.... but, trust me when I say it was all beautiful and delicious!

Post dinner, we called an Uber and headed off to our friend's apartment in Mt. Adams where we spent time drinking (more) wine, catching up with old and new friends, and having lots and lots of fun. Our friend Jared has this amazing apartment that overlooks the city -- breathtaking. The perfect location to celebrate a new year!

the view from his balcony - gorgeous

It was definitely a night for the books and I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for all of us! What were your NYE plans? Quiet night in? Crazy night on the town? Evening spent with friends and family? I'd love to hear all about them!

CHEERS!

getting to know you

Hello there! I'm so glad that you stumbled onto my blog -- I can't wait to start this blogging journey, and I hope that you will connect with me and follow along.

To start things off, I thought I would post a list of 10 little facts all about me. I love reading other people's Q&A blogs or fun facts, and I love watching tag videos on YouTube (and I hope you enjoy this, too!)

1. my name is Alli and I'm a monogram-a-holic.

Reese Witherspoon once said "if it doesn't move, monogram it!" What a wise lady. When I say that I monogram everything, I mean it. Coffee mugs, hair bows, sweatshirts, rain jackets, tote bags, clutches, and even my Christmas stocking. I think that adding a monogram to a gift makes it perfectly personalized, and it can jazz up anything you own.

delightful

2. brunch is everything.

To me, there is nothing better than sleeping in on a Sunday and then mozying to my favorite brunch spot (which just happens to be right across the street from my apartment. so convenient). Mimosas, bloody marys, french toast, hashbrowns.... I mean, everything. Brunch is my favorite meal of the week and it is the perfect time to gossip with girlfriends about the scandalous (or boring) details of your weekend or to catch up with a good friend over breakfast friendly cocktails and delicious food. Whether you're in the mood for sweet or savory, brunch has got your back. The amount of brunch pictures on my Instagram feed are mildly embarrassing, but who could resist a meal in which cocktails are encouraged before 4pm?

found on pinterst - hey now hey now, this is what dreams are made of

3. Carrie Bradshaw is my spirit animal
Something else that goes hand in hand with a girls' brunch is discussing which Sex and the City character you are. As silly as this sounds, it has definitely been the topic of many of my Sunday brunch excursions. "Oh my gosh you were totally slutty this weekend! You're suuuuch a Samantha!" (I'm cracking up as I type this,,, I know this is ridiculous). For years I would tell everything that I was definitely a Charlotte York, I was on the hunt for domestic bliss. Here I am now, 24 with no ring on my finger (trust me when I say I am not complaining) realizing I've always been much more of a Carrie than a Charlotte. With an ever-growing closet, a love of cosmopolitans, and the eternal search for love and the perfect pair of shoes (hello, lover!), I am Carrie Bradshaw.... now where is my Mr. Big?

truer words have never been spoken


4. I have a very serious nail polish obsession
...and no intentions of ever stopping. My windowsill is lined with all of my Essie polishes, lined up in color order. 6 more and the entire length of my window will be covered (small victories). My bedside tables are stocked with OPI nail polishes or other brands (a few Nars or Sephora by OPI nail polishes). There's a polish for every occasion, but lately, I've been very into vampy Christmas reds or dark greens.

current favorite All I Want for Christmas is OPI

5. if I'm ever having a bad day, a cupcake is the cure

There is a bakery in Cincinnati called the BonBonerie and... oh my god..... amazing. Every one of their treats is divine. I can never stop in for just one thing. If I make a trip to the bakery, I will come home with $30 worth of sweets. French macarons, pastries, cookies, cupcakes, I can't even, The salted caramel cupcake is the one cure for anything: bad day at work, broken heart, post hangover,

in all of its glory

6. a trip to target is like a religious experience
In all seriousness, I love Target. I will make several trips to Target throughout the week.... just because. I love to peruse the dollar section (you can find some serious gems), and then make my way through the clothes, the shoes, the electronics, the bath and bedding section, home decor, the HOLIDAY SHOP (aka heaven), the wine aisle (because constantly having a bottle of red and white is a must for every 20 something), and then I end with the office supply aisle and the NAIL POLISH. I have only left target a handful of times without impulse buying a new Essie. It's a problem and a solution all at the same time.

#AlexFromTarget ... but really, who is this kid?


7. I want to be Colleen Ballinger (Miranda Sings) when I grow up.
If you haven't watched any Miranda videos or any of Colleen's personal videos on YouTube, you're definitely missing out. She is hilarious and her videos never fail to cheer me up or put a smile on my face. Seriously. Go check out her YouTube channel (Colleen's Channel & Miranda Sings)


8. Taylor Swift's 1989 is the current soundtrack of my life
Like any other 20 year old girl, I am obsessed with Taylor Swift's new CD. Every song is perfect. I love the songs I hate (wrap your head around that one). I'm constantly playing the music from the minute I wake up until I go to sleep. It's just..... perfect. Taylor Swift just gets it. disclaimer: I have terrible taste in music. I will be the first person to admit this. but this cd is great.


9. I love Lilly Pulitzer
Maybe it's the colors. Maybe it's the patterns. Maybe it's the carefree, fun lifestyle the brand embodies. I don't know what it is, but I am hooked. I'm not as into Lilly in the fall and winter, but I still love to display my Lilly shorts and dresses in my closet all year long. The colors and patterns are just too pretty to not want to look at every morning! I think Lilly is my favorite thing about the spring and summer (is this a little sad? maybe. do I care? no). One of my best girlfriends got married this summer and had a lilly-inspired wedding that was a-dor-a-ble...so of course the bachelorette party was Lilly themed. Complete with fun cocktails, tons of lilly patterns, and lilly gifts! oh!  I almost forgot to mention that her wedding was on National Wear Your Lilly Day. Obviously, I had to dress in theme...

the boyfriend and me decked out in Lilly (print: I Herd You) on NWYLD


10. I am SO excited to start this blogging journey and to learn more about each and every one of YOU!
So leave me a comment with a fun fact about you! I can't wait to connect and share our experiences.

Thank you so much for stopping by!