Leap Shirt

With today being Leap Year, I realized something new. While browsing my closet, I found a shirt I haven't wore in four years. It seemed to be the perfect day to try a old shirt as a new one. Paired with my purple cardigan and white pants, I leaped into a new outfit 

Put a stamp on it

Four of my New Years resolutions were to 1. Live intentionally, 2. Be proactive, and 3. Stay connected, and 4. Practice better penmanship. With that, I had a simple idea that would impact all of these goals. While I was out of town in Estes, I bought ten postcards to send to a few of my favorite people. From my parents to my best friends, I've spent the past two days updating the most important people in my life. It was will worth it. 

Colorado cool

It is cold all the time. With the temperatures between 35 to 0, I've been learning how to change my style to fit my new life. When I first moved to Colorado, I had over forty dresses and three pairs of pants. Needless to say, I stand out constantly in my town. I don't wear Uggs, I'm still horrible at layering, and I hardly ever put on jeans. Yet, I've come to find an appreciation for the Denver style. It's laid back, simple, and just plain cool.  With that, I do have my moments where I can blend in with the other Coloradans. 

My most recent hike

During the retreat, a group of friends and I went for a sunrise hike. That's right- sunrise. So at 5:30 in the morning, we were up and out driving towards the nearest mountain. After getting lost on the trail, we realized the hike was going to be more difficult than imagined. Not only did we have to hike but we have to bear snow up to our knees as well. However, it was worth all the cold, hard work. The sunrise was beyond breathtaking and it reminded me of what a Psalmist said in chapter 19. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge" (verse 1-2). 

Sisterhood of the Traveling Journal

Meet my two best friends, Kaylie and Dahlya (both bloggers). The unfortunate part about being in college is that I don't get to see them everyday. However, I am so proud of each them. Currently, Kaylie is living in Portland working on a costume design degree while Dahlya is in Pennsylvania earning her theater. They are both talented, beautiful, and the greatest best friends a girl can ask for. 

Over Christmas break, I made both of them a gift inspired by a craft I saw on Pinterest. After painting an canvas with a soft mint green, I placed a picture of Kaylie and I or Dahlya and I. With that, I glued a map of the current states we are living with hearts over the exact location. Finally, I wrote, "no matter how far." 

That brings me to the journal. Yes, my best friends and I having a traveling journal between us. Not jeans-a journal. It's own sisterhood of the traveling journal. We came up this idea not too long ago and I'm not sure why we didn't start it at the beginning of first semester. When we first started the journal, we came up several rules. Here is just a few:
1. Treat the journal like your best friendships; put time into it.
2. Don't drink and journal.
3. When mentioning a boy give a last name so we can FB stalk him but don't add him because that's creepy. But if you become a "in a relationship" type of best friend, all bets are off.
4. You have one month with the journal once you receive it.
5. No pencil- it fades.
6. Tell everything in detail even if you've already blogged about it.
7. "No more rules" -Dahlya
We also have a envelope in the back entitled, "we have other friends too" for our friends at our various schools to write notes.
This is all to say, I got the journal this week and I couldn't be more ecstatic.

We're not in Kansas anymore

Well sadly, I'm home. Okay, it's not terribly depressing because Colorado is incredible but it was nice to have a vacation. Some snow is on the ground but it's slowly disappearing and the cold temperatures are bearable. School is going fast and my life is full but with a cute outfit I can handle any snowball thrown my way.

This was an outtake photo but I think it perfectly depicts how I feel about being home in Colorado. 

New Territory

Exploring new places, hands down, lights up my world. The reason why I'm obsessed with KC is that I'm in love with the feeling of new. The sense of new territory is exciting whether it's internationally or another state. It's a desire of my heart to see as much as I can before I come home to Jesus. With my leather boots and favorite jean jacket, I am willing to take any road the Lord leads me. 

Career-Minded

When I visited KC over the weekend, I was there for more than just great BBQ. I had a job interview for a Christian camp that I would definitely love to work for. So when it comes to business casual, I always turn to my favorite H&M dress. It's simple, modest, and very flattering. Dressed up with some jewelry and dressed down with my boots, I was interview ready. On another note, if I get this job I won't be back in Arizona for another year which would be a dream. 

Chez Elle

Whenever I am in Kansas City, there is one place I always have to get breakfast at. It's called Chez Elle, a beautiful French crepe and coffeehouse in downtown KC. It's thirty minutes from where I usually stay but it is worth the drive. Chez Elle is delicious, quaint, and full of hidden decor. It is the perfect restaurant for me to read Martha Stewart Living while having breakfast with close friends.  I always suggest getting a sweet and savory crepe to share. Of course, I wouldn't mind one of every crepe, Chez Elle has to offer.

Another great part of this restaurant is that the city sky line is right next door. I love downtown Kansas City. 

Road Trippin

Over the weekend, I traveled to one of my favorite places Kansas City. I went for a short trip last semester and fell in love with the city. From the BBQ to the atmosphere, I could be in KC every weekend. Not only was spending the weekend in Kansas adventurous but the drive getting there was as well. As my friends and I took the nine hour drive, we didn't know what to expect. However, it turned into one of the best road trips. As our group was about a hour from our destination, my brand new car had a tire blow out. So there we were, five college students on the side of the highway. As the boys tried to prove their manhood, a mechanic  thankfully pulled over to help us. Then when we realized we could not get the donut replaced that night, one of the guys drove 40mph down the highway for two hours. It was heroic in a way and after a very long trip we finally made it to Kansas City. 

 So at six the next morning, my best friend and I made our way to the tire replacement store. Ninety five dollars later my car was good as new and our mishap made one good story for the rest of the trip.

Bad start. Fantastic trip.