It's Official... I'm OLD!

Ok, so the car crisis ended up being a false alarm and all is well, but I've already been hit by another crisis. My sister found my FIRST GREY HAIR while doing my highlights today. I couldn't believe it... And on top of that, a girl who was looking at bedding for her DORM at the store the other day called me ma'am!!!!!!!!! Why is this happening to me?!?!? :(

Bad Day

See the picture of the little girl.... That is what I feel like. I've been waiting for this to happen.... the annoying hiccup that can mess up all of my plans. Today, I took my car to the shop to have some routine maintenance done before my trip and was told that pulling a U-haul to Arizona may put the transmission on my 10 year old small SUV at risk. Apparently my car wasn't made to pull very much weight. 

The annoying thing about that is that I've already spent a good chunk of change having a hitch installed on my car that will be completely worthless if I can't pull a U-haul. Also, this whole time I've been planning on arriving in Scottsdale with most of my absolute necessities already there and being able to settle right in, but if the U-haul doesn't work then I'll be sitting/sleeping on the floor until I can afford to buy furniture. So, basically I think the world kind of sucks today. Hopefully that will pass soon.

I was referred to a transmission specialist who told me that my transmission fluid doesn't look too bad so I may be ok, but he wants to run some tests tomorrow to make sure. He also said that I didn't need to pull more than 3,000 pounds... The U-haul trailer only weighs 900, and I definitely don't have more than 1000 pounds worth of stuff I'm putting in it, so fingers crossed! 

Since I'm "becoming a grown-up" these days I'm trying to take this hiccup in stride and not act like the little girl in the picture.  Everyone please hold me accountable for this if I get bad news tomorrow! 

Song of the Week: Soak Up The Sun

You have to roll down the windows for this one... Soak Up The Sun

Places I'm Dying To Go: Cinque Terre

I've always been the exploring type. I want to see as much of the world as possible before I die. In 2009, I was lucky enough to go on a month-long tour of 7 European cities with one of my best friends. We documented this trip in another blog, Kay and Benay in Europe if you're interested in checking it out. That trip made my desire for travel grow into an addiction. 


So, since I'm not at a point in my life right now that I can do all of the traveling I want, I have decided to vent about the places I am dying to go to. The first is Cinque Terre. I've heard from several regular travelers it is one of the most beautiful places in Europe and the pictures above prove they aren't lying. The city is famous for its 5 historic villages that rest upon cliffs on the Italian Riviera... Two of my favorite things: beaches and history! I love the idea of being able to lay out on a pretty beach, stroll through old narrow alleyways, photograph beautiful landscapes and architecture that has been around for centuries , and gorge on some Italian food and wine all in one place! Mmmmmmmmmm!

Who am I?

Another symptom of the QLC is that you are faced with the question, "Who am I?" You have to figure out what makes you "you" and what is important to you and your life. I believe one of the best ways to do this is to move to a new city where you barely know anyone and see what you're made of. It allows you to meet new people with completely different backgrounds, get away from those you've always known and start new.

This picture is of a street I frequently walked down near my old apartment in New York. I may be a little biased, but I think New York is the best place to go to figure yourself out. There are so many different kinds of people there that you are forced to figure out who you are. If you don't, you just won't make it. 

I learned a lot about myself being away from the influences of my friends and family. I realized how independent, self-sufficient and tough I could be. Growing up as the youngest child, it has always been my nature to be more passive and let people tell me what to do, but in New York I couldn't be that way. Whether it was by someone at work or a stranger on the street, I would have been walked all over. I found that on some occasions it was even necessary to just be a bitch, and that it came quite natural to be one when those occasions presented themselves. 

I also became more of a day dreamer. I always have been, but those daily strolls down the streets (the one in the picture was one of my faves) with my ipod headphones in took it to a whole other level. Having that time to just be in your head every day is extremely therapeutic. It's one of the things I miss most about living there. 

Aside from becoming an independent, bitchy daydreamer, I also learned the importance of humility, empathy and acceptance of myself and others. Meeting so many people from all different backgrounds showed me that the little bubble I had always lived in wasn't necessarily the only way of life. Now, that absolutely does not mean that my core values and principles were changed in any way. In fact, I think they became even more important to me because they played such a key role in determining who I am. 

I definitely have a lot more to figure out, but here is what I have so far for the question "Who am I?" I am a Southern Christian girl who is confident, short-tempered, independent, stubborn, hard-working, tough, high-maintenance, optimistic, romantic, full of joy, extremely adaptable, and wishes she could dance like Beyonce. 

Style Crush: Leighton Meester

I can't decide who I love more. Leighton Meester or Blair Waldorf. Both have great style (but completely different), both have a love of fashion, and as much as I love Blair Waldorf's personality, Leighton Meester seems to be pretty cool herself. I love that she can be a goof ball like in the third picture. So cute! I think I'm having Gossip Girl withdrawals. Hurry up with the new episodes!!!

Words of Wisdom

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than the things that you did. So, throw off the bowlines sail away from the safe harbor, catch the tradewinds in your sails, explore, dream." -Mark Twain

Spring Must-Haves

I am in love with this 70's trend going on right now! To pull off this look, a flowy, bohemian, 70's inspired blouse is an absolute necessity. Here are a few of my favorite new blouses that I purchased recently. Paired with slightly flared jeans + super high cork wedges + bangle bracelets = Total Groovy-ness! 

Once Upon a Time....

5 years ago today, I met Ed. Those who don't know the story might be wondering how the picture above relates to that, but this picture was taken just moments before Ed came wandering aimlessly into my life at The Zoo in Cabo San Lucas. 

Many things had to happen for Ed and I to meet. First, my friends and I had never even heard of Cabo much less thought of going there for spring break until we all became obsessed with the popular MTV reality show Laguna Beach. After seeing how fun it looked on that show, we decided to go there instead of Destin like we did every other year. 

Second, the basketball team that Ed worked for lost during playoffs just in time to free him up to even be able to go on a spring break trip. Even then, it was too late to sign up, but one of his friends backed out so Ed took his spot. And, finally, Ed somehow lost his friends that night and came across my friends and me while trying to find them. 

There were many other things that happened to make everything fall into place for us to meet (some of which I'm sure I don't even know about). I wouldn't say it was love at first sight necessarily, but there was definitely an instant connection between us. And, now, 5 years later we are finally going to be in the same place and live happily ever after :) 

Ok, maybe I live in fairy tale land, but I like it here!

Good Buys: Worth the Splurge

Introducing my newest and favorite travel companion: the Henri Bendel Disturbed Stripe Large Travel Duffle. Because the most important accessory a traveling girl can have is a stylish carry-on bag. This was the logic I used to convince myself that this bag was worth the splurge. That and the fact that I have stalked it since the first time I saw it in the New York Henri Bendel store about 3 years ago. I love it so much I had to share. Now, all I need is a fab vacation to take it on!

If I Could Afford It: Diane Von Furstenberg

If I could afford it, I would wear Diane Von Furstenburg EVERY DAY. The easy silhouettes, bold prints, and bright colors of her Spring-Summer 2011 collection make it everything I look for in a wardrobe! I especially love these dresses. I'm starting to wonder why I wear anything else but printed minis with sleeves. Is there anything more effortless and stylish? I want them all! 

Song of the Week

Brand New Key by Melanie Safka - It's an oldie and super fun to sing along to. 

Style Crush: Bridget Bardot

The Parisian model and actress of the 50's and 60's is an icon to many. But, it's not so much her scandalous outfits (or lack of any outfit at all) that I love, but more her signature hair and make-up. In fact, she was the original inspiration that pushed me to impulsively give myself bangs! If only I could find out what product she used to make her hair stay so full.... Sigh.

Spring Break

For lots of youngans out there, today begins their Spring Break. I personally think adults should have spring breaks, too, but that will probably never happen. So I can only dream. If I could go anywhere in the country this year for Spring Break (in the world would be too hard to choose) I would go to Disney World! I've never been and LOVED Disneyland so I can't think of a better place to bring out my inner child. Does anyone want to take me?

The Fun Stuff

A very fun part of growing up and moving into a new place is decorating! My budget is limited, but I kind of feel like the bargain hunt is half the fun. I'm SO excited to be living near an Ikea, and I'm finally getting the chance to use my Anthro discount on home merchandise!

Here is my inspiration

I love the style and colors of this room!

I decided a month or so ago (before I was actually offered the job) to go ahead and buy this rug from Anthropologie to go in front of my sofa. I figured I could return it if I was turned down because how perfect is it to work my whole living room around! And, now it is sold out, so I'm glad I did. Mine has a little more aqua and less red/pink which I like. 

I also loved this rug for under my dining table. I might need to find the actual dining table before purchasing the rug, but I'm thinking maybe I can find a cool one at a flea market or consignment store. I need to do some research to see what all Scottsdale has to offer in that area.

I love the aqua these would bring into the room and the moroccan style. 

This mirror is so fun, and surprisingly not too expensive. 

That's all I have picked out for now. I'm sure my apartment will be sad and empty for a little while, so for now I'm just window shopping. I can't wait to share how it all comes together!

OB-sessions

Kate Hudson's Fringe Bag

No longer available at Ralph Lauren. Why?

Tom Ford Cat Eyes

Does someone have $420 I can have?

Natural Stone Cocktail Rings

I've dropped the hint to Ed... Maybe this is slightly less subtle.

SJP's Ombre Hair
The ONE obsession I can afford to have since my sister is a hairstylist and does mine for free :)

The Godmother

Believe it or not, I actually have one officially adult friend (based on the terms listed previously in the What Makes You a Grown-up? post). She is married, has the most  handsome little boy, recently purchased a house and just started back with her career as an in-demand hair stylist. Impressive, right? She is also responsible for giving me the most "grown-up" title I've had to date: Godmother. Yep! That's me and my Godson spending some quality time together before I move. Love him!

My New Pad

When I tell people I'm moving to Scottsdale, their first question is always "Where are you gonna live?" Well, I've already found an apartment (thanks to my boyfriend and his sister) and I am super excited about it! Surprisingly, you can get a lot more for your money in Scottsdale than you can in the Jackson area. So, they were able to find me an AMAZING place in my price range. One of the community pools is pictured above. I plan on spending a lot of time there. Most weeks I will be off during the week since I work in retail, so I picture myself spending my days off sitting poolside, drinking a frozen cocktail and enjoying some quality "Leah Time." Ahhh luxury!

The Phone Date

One of the most annoying symptoms of the QLC is finding yourself having to schedule time to even talk to your girlfriends. I mean, in college finding time for friends wasn't even an issue... It was your lifestyle to be surrounded by them all of the time. 

What I have come to realize recently is that becoming an "adult" means that friends can no longer be your top priority. Everyone moves on to other things. For some it's their career, others it's their man (or man of the month) and some are just flat out bad at keeping in touch. You know who you are! I know I'm even guilty of forgetting to return phone calls, but that doesn't mean I don't put a high value on my friendships.

The fact is, we all have different individual lives now and have to adjust our relationships accordingly. Some friends drift so far that you end up letting them go and then you are left with the ones who are truly your bffs. These are the friends that you find yourself scheduling these "phone dates" with. It's sad, but honestly I hear it, say it, and see it on facebook all of the time: "We need a phone date!" So this is what our friendships are reduced to? Boo!  

Early Idol Picks

I am so excited about this season of American Idol! There are so many good people, but I have narrowed it down to my 2 favorite guys and my 2 favorite girls. The guys were easy. Paul Mcdonald (Pictured first) is by far my favorite. Love his voice and style. And Brett, I just love because he is different and has a really good tone to his voice too.


It was soooo hard to choose from the girls. There were a total of 8 that I really liked, but tomorrow night they will narrow it down to only 6, so I know I'm going to be sad to see some of them go. I have to pick the diva, Ashton Jones. I just loved her attitude and style. I'm not sure if the typical AI audience will pick her, but I don't care I love her. My other pick, Naima, is a sure win. Her story and voice put together make her exactly what the show is all about. Plus I love her unique artistic style she has going. She already knows who she wants to be!


Other top pics include:
Casey Abrams (very cool and unique)
Kendra Chantelle
Julie Zorrilla (Love her, but wasn't at her best tonight)
Haley Reinhart
Thia Megia (Wow! is she really 15? She is my #3 girl)
Lauren Alaina
Pia Toscano (gave me chill bumps)


Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow night!

Good Buys

Ok, so even though shopping is one of my most favorite things to do, there is one thing I don't really enjoy shopping for.... a bra. I would much rather spend the $60-$80 (it takes to buy a good one) on a cute new blouse. Usually, I end up wearing bras until they are completely worn out and I have no choice but to buy a new one. That is until I found The Perfect Bra at Anthropologie. Well, technically it is a bandeau top, but it has all the support of a bra! So you get the comfy and the support. Plus it comes in 6 fun colors which I'm having trouble narrowing down because I'm on a budget of course. But, at only $38 even I can afford to invest in atleast 2, right?

Song of the Week

One of my favorite things to do is sing as loudly as possible in my car. It's really a great escape. Usually I get into one song that I play over and over until I get sick of it and move on to the next. And, lately I've found they've all been songs that relate to the very transition this blog is about. I know it's really lame, but I don't care. The song of this week is Strip Me by Natasha Bedingfield. So, even if it means getting weird looks from the car next to you, I highly recommend singing along!