the best year ever.

Last week I started seeing everyone's 2013 year in review posts and it got me to start reflecting on what the year 2013 was for me (and my husband). All I can really say is that God surely outdid Himself on his plan for my life this year. It was the absolute best year of my life. I know that all of this was only possible because of God. I give all the credit and the glory to Him for this amazing year. I have no idea how He'll ever be able to top this year, but you just never know. This is His plan, and I'm just following along.

We started off 2013 in one of our favorite places, Disney World!

We adopted our adorable, crazy, hyper, mischievious toy poodle, Charlie girl poo, who brings so much joy into our lives and in our home.

We bought our very first home.

I graduated college and started my first career.

I married my very best friend.
[part I, part II, part III and more to come soon!]

 

We traveled to Jamaica for our honeymoon.

I bought a new car.

I shot my first buck. (Larry will like that I added this one in- hehe)

 

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.

 

our wedding, part III: the prayer

I know that a lot of people are doing "first looks" now at weddings, but that was never even a thought for us. We knew we wanted that magical moment of me walking out behind the curtain and seeing each other for the first time. I had seen on Pinterest one couple that prayed together before the wedding with him blind folded, and I thought it was the perfect idea. Larry and I choose to have a Christ centered marriage, and this was the perfect way to start it off. I'm not usually a crier, but y'all I was so tearing up when I saw my handsome husband! 

christmas day

  Dress: Forever 21 $25 Leggings: Walmart $5 LC Lauren Conrad Booties: Christmas gift from my husband<3 Belt: don't remember Total Outfit Cost: $30

aztec leggings & #grownupprobz

Sweater: H&M (sale) $12 Leggings: Target $12 Vest: JCP (clearence) $4 Boots: $40 Necklace: Hodge Podge thrift store $4 Total Outfit Cost: $72
Merry day after Christmas, friends! Ok ok, so today wasn't so merry after all, but yesterday definitely was! I had a pretty awesome day with my hubby and my family! Today though, I had to work. I need to get used to these dang  #grownupprobz like going to work.  I lie though, today wasn't SO bad at work. I'm just bitter because I would have rather been one of those crazies out shopping today. Plus, when I was leaving for work, my family was all still sleeping, and I was totally jealous. 
But enough with complaining, Danielle, let's talk about these leggings. I loveee them! I don't know what it is about aztec print this year, but I am loving it. Sista got me an aztec cardigan for Christmas like I've been wanting! I wore it today and it was like wearing a cozy blanket all day. Would it be socially acceptable to wear it everyday? Gah, I wish.

making our house a home | christmas decor

(Can't I just leave my house decorated like this all year long?)
Merry Christmas Eve! Today I am spending my Christmas eve at work, unfortunately. BUT I am very very fortunate and thankful to have a great job. This evening we're exchanging gifts and having supper with my husband's parents and sister. Then... Santa passes!! I will forever be like a little kid on Christmas morning! I'm cooking a breakfast casserole and my parents and sister are coming early in the morning! I can't wait! What are your plans for Christmas?

Pantene giveaway!

Hey guys! So Monday I told y'all how Pantene sent me some great products to try out, and today I'm going to tell you about the products that I used create my holiday curls!  Also, as a Christmas gift to you my fabulous readers, I am hosting a giveaway to win the same set of products that I received from Pantene! Make sure to enter the rafflecopter below!     After I washed my hair with the Pantene Heat Shield Shampoo and Conditioner, I towel dried my hair. The first product I used was the Pantene Advanced + Keratin Repair KERAGLOSS Oil Mist. It gives hair a smooth finish and adds shine.  It's used to help restore hair into a healthy, manageable state.  I was excited to receive this product because after all the blonde highlights and heat, my hair desperately needs this!   I was nervous about using Pantene Pro-V Root Lifting Spray Gel because I thought it would make my either roots oily or hard (I mean it's called gel?!). The verdict- it actually sort of  dried my roots but in a good way because usually my freshly washed hair is too soft to get a nice lift (or as I call it- a poof :).    Before blow drying my hair, I sprayed the Pantene Heat Protection Spray. I also sprayed it after blow drying and before curling my hair... just call me over protective ;) haha   Lastly, to finish my do, I used the Pantene Shaping Extra Strong Hold Hairspray, which happens to be my favorite product out of the bunch! It sprays the perfect amount of mist, and it held my curls all day long! And here is my holiday do- thanks to Pantene!     a Rafflecopter giveaway
    I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

my favorite color combo

Dress: Old Navy (clearance & super cash) $5 Cardigan: Zara $10 Tights: Old Navy (black friday sale) $4 Scarf: Cotton On, gifted Booties: Shoe Station (clearance) $15 Total Outfit Cost: $34   I ordered this dress and this cardigan around the same time, and I've been thinking about pairing them together ever since. Now that I finally have, I have found my new favorite color combo! I swear, are navy and musard not meant to be? I'm in love.   I can't belive Christmas day will already be here in just SIX days. It seemed so short and came so fast, I'm not ready for it to be over! When I worked in Disney (let's play how many times can she say that in one week ...way too many ;) Christmas started on November 1st! I got to experience 2 whole months of Christmas, and I loved every bit of it! The smells, the lights, the decorations, and just the holiday spirit in everyone make me so happy!  I would be content if we could celebrate Christmas alllll year long.

thrifted jessica simpson dress

Jessica Simpson: Goodwill $5.99 Leggings: Walmart $5 Booties: Marshall's $30 Total Outfit Cost: $40.99 Just when I was doubting my Goodwill, I spotted this gem. I'm obviously not a designer gal (c'mon hellloo I shop at the Goodwill), but I love to thrift designer pieces because I know I'm getting a quality garment for just a tiny fraction of the price. And hey not to mention the bragging rights. ;)   Ok, I want your honest opinion on these booties. When I found them at Marshall's, I grabbed them up quick and were positive they were a keeper. Well... I put them on the next day for work with some jeans and they looked weird. I wore them anyway. Gahhh dumb decision. By the end of the day I couldn't get over how weird they looked on. I feel like they make my legs look short and stubby. I'm so on the fence with them because they are SO cute. They just don't look right with clothes. Odd, I know! Hah. So are these booties ok to keep wearing and not waste my money? Or should I attempt to sell these on my shop my closet page?

cheetahlicious

> Sweater: Goodwill $3.99 Pants: Old Navy $26 Boots: $40 Necklace: Garage Sale $1 Total Outfit Cost: $70.99
In all actuality, I have no idea if this sweater is actually leopard or cheetah print. I couldn't tell you the difference between the two if I tried, but hey the title was cute! By the way, anyone remember the Cheetah Girls? I mean how could you not. I was probably a little old to love them at the time, but I'm forever a Disney nerd! I actually usued to live with my very own cheetah girl. My roomie when I worked in Disney World was is in love with anything cheetah. One time I took a picture of her with her fully covered in her cheetah apparel (as a joke of course) from her beanie on her head to her slippers! I think she would be proud of this sweater. Hey Maris, if you're reading this, I miss youuuuu!

un-spirited + Pantene want that hair

Shirt: Old Navy (clearance) $7.99

Jeans: Old Navy (clearance) $7.99

Booties: Just Fab $20

Necklace: Bargain World Thrift Store $8

Earrings: Apricot Lane Boutique, gift carded

Total Outfit Cost: $43.98

Sunday night we had our first family Christmas party of the year! It was a blast, and Larry and I really enjoyed getting to spend some family time with my side (we live in town with his side of the fam). We also walked away with some awesome gifts! It was actually kind of weird for me because usually I get to open presents at the same time as my cousin and my sister because we all get the same stuff, but this year Larry and I got married couple gifts! Haha I'm not complaining! We got a fire pit!

So usually I try to at least be a little holiday spirited and wear either red or green to Christmas parties (even Larry noticed that I hadn't dressed either of us in Christmas colors!) but my creative juices just weren't flowing! Thanks to Pantene, the World's #1 Hair Care Brand, though I had good hair for the party! Pantene is dedicated to keeping every woman's hair healthy, shiny and beautiful. They did just that for me! Pantene sent me a variety of Pantene products, and I used the Heat Shield Shampoo and Conditioner, Heat Protection Spray, Keragloss Oil Mist, Volume Root Lifter Spray Gel, and the Pantene Stylers Extra Strong Shaping Hairspray to achieve my favorite holiday hairstlye (curls as always). Come back later on in the week and I'll show you how I used each product to achieve my style!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

same outfit styled differently

Blouse: Marshall's (clearance) $8

Skirt: Old Navy, gift carded [almost exact & super cheap]

Heels: Target, old
Necklace: Charming Charlie (clearance) $6
Tights: old
Total Outfit Cost:  $14

The other day I was stalking my own blog, (please tell me I'm not the only one who does that) looking back at some of the outfits I've worn over the past few months. I came across this outfit and then pulled it out of my closet because I wanted to wear it again. Since it's cold outside, bare legs wouldn't work. I could've just added some tights and have been done with it, but I'm really not one to wear the exact same outfit twice, so I came up with this outfit! It was a hit at work and even a girl I passed in the elevator told me "super cute outfit." Hahah.

 

Other ways I've worn this skirt [here] [here] [here] [here] [here] [here] [here] [here] ....have I convinced you that you need a striped skirt yet?

 

Ps. If you're wondering why my eyes look so tiny in my pictures lately it's because I have resorted to taking my pictures before work! I always look weird when I take pictures in the morning!