In vs. Out Link Up (October)

Today's the day y'all! The second month of the In vs. Out linkup! If you're new here, I've been doing these posts for a month or two now, where I recap the week by categorizing what in and what's out!

This link up will be monthly-- the last Friday of every month (November 27th, December 25th, etc.) and you'll be able to link your posts throughout the weekend! So feel free to recap your month (not just your week)!

On another note, I can't believe that it's ALREADY November. Anyone else? It's soon to be Thanksgiving and then Christmas and then 2016!

IN

Disney Story Origins Podcasts

Jeopardy
(we usually watch it as a family every night)

Mexican Food (especially queso)

Having 4 posts this week not just the usual 3

Today Josh and I have been dating for 83 months (aka 6 years and 11 months)

OUT

Getting new wires on my braces

Not being able to get my Mac to update

I haven't carved one pumpkin

------------------------------------

And, in case you missed it, here's what was popular on Because I Said So this month:

How to Be the Best Maid of Honor Ever

17 Thoughts You've Had While Job Searching

My Momma Told Me That I Was Pretty

Life Starts Over in the Fall

Tan on Beige on Brown

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I could live in T-shirt dresses. I want one in EVERY color for this "season" that's neither summer nor fall. Piko shirts are my favorite closet staple for this bizarre weather we are experiencing and I love that they come in dresses. Exhibit A (see above).

Also, I think I'm turning into my mother. I was warned this could happen. When I was little (ok last week) my sisters and I would make fun of her for wearing all neutrals (beige, black, white) ALL THE TIME. Now, here I am in various shades of brown. To be honest, I don't hate it. 

 Dress: ℅ Obsession Boutique || Booties: similar here and here || Necklace: similar ||  Rings: (Bow) Mignon Faget, (Cable) David Yurman, (Cameo) My Mom's 

P.S. If you wanted to buy any of the pieces from my Obsession Boutique posts (this one and here and here), the best way is to shop their Instagram! 

Photography: Captivating Moments Photography

How to Be the Best Maid of Honor Ever

Let me preface this by saying, I've been around my fair share of weddings and have even been in quite a few. I'm also coming up on the second wedding in which I've been asked to be the Maid of Honor--so while I'm not the end all be all expert, I do have a lot to say on the matter. 

So, you've been asked to be the MAID OF HONOR in your best friends wedding--YAY! Now what? 


Be there for the bride. Whether that's helping to pick out the wedding dress or going through a book bigger than a house (only slightly exaggerating) of invitations, she needs to know you'll be her right hand gal before, during, and after the wedding!

Be honest, but tactful. She asked you to be her maid of honor for a reason. For me, I'd like to think it's because my friends value my opinion and the way I tell it like it is. If she asks if the veil makes her look like a cupcake (and it does) TELL HER! Do NOT let her walk down the aisle looking like a Bavarian fruitcake. If she asks you what your opinion is on which shade of grey you like best, give her your opinion or, if you don't have one, tell her nicely that all grey(s) look the same to you.

Be prepared to make a speech. To be honest, this was the worst part for me with wedding number one. I had to have the best man, his wife, my boyfriend, a two glasses of wine hype me up to get through it. It went off without a hitch and people laughed at my jokes, by the way. But man, I was so nervous. Oh and PRO TIP, don't wait until the last minute.

You might have to deal with stubborn bridesmaids/family members. That's just life. There will ALWAYS be someone who doesn't want to wear this or that (literally in EVERY wedding I've ever worked, observed, or been in). Rather than letting the bride be stressed about "Suzy" who won't get in line, put on your MOH hat and tell "Suzy" what's up.

Be on call. With my first MOH wedding, we lived in separate cities, in different states. I can't tell you how many times I got random texts out of the blue about wedding details and my opinion on them. Be there for your bride-to-be even if you can't actually be there.

Stay interested. Obviously the wedding isn't happening tomorrow and there is a lot that goes on between the time you're asked to be in the wedding to the time she says I DO. Do your best to remember to ask her how the planning is going AND if she needs any help. I get it, you have your own life, your own worries, etc. But planning a wedding is stressful and a lot of times, the bride is waiting for you to make the first move.

Almost every bride will have a "bridezilla" moment (or two). Learn to roll with it and put out those fires before they start. Also, know that it's nothing personal.

Don't flake at the reception. Party it up girlfriend, you earned it. Have yourself a glass of wine or bourbon on the rocks, but don't forget to check in on the bride every once in a while. After all, who else is going to hold her dress while she pees or dance the Wobble with her.

Have you been the MOH? What would you add?

17 Thoughts You've Had While Job Searching

Let's be real. The job search is hard. Like really hard. It should/could be a full time paid position! If you've ever had to look for a job, you've probably had at least one of these thoughts: (I know I have)

1. Crap, I'm running out of money.

2. So can I get paid for searching for jobs full time? Or naw?

3. Search for jobs including key words: Marketing. Pulls up jobs such as Nurse Practitioner. Makes complete sense.

4. It's been a month. I should have a job by now. What is wrong with me? Why doesn't anyone like me?

5. Gosh, daytime TV is the worst. 

6. How do people apply for unemployment; it's so complicated--and I usually catch on fast to these kinds of things. 

7. WAH.

8. Feral Cat Expert. This is my calling. #meow

9. I literally have NO idea what I want to be when I grow up. 

10. Interviews on interviews on interviews. Wait, what time is my interview again?

11. How much coffee is too much? Asking for a friend.

12. Is Starbucks about to kick me out? 

13. Ok, there are literally NO more jobs I can apply for. NONE.

14. Oh. I just applied for the same job twice. Oops.

15. I need a break.

16. Fingers crossed--this is my dream job.

17. Second interview? #winning

In vs. Out

And here we are at Friday again! I swear if it weren't for writing this post every Friday, I wouldn't know what day it was. Another week down and another week closer to Christmas and hopefully cooler weather!

IN:

Engagement Parties 

Fashion Posts 

Iced Breve White Mochas

Fixer Upper (#obsessed)
It's on Netflix and it has me dreaming all about my future house

Interviews that go really well

Bubble Baths

Jane the Virgin
(WATCH IT! It's so funny)

OUT:

When it's 80 degrees in October

Stressing about all of the money

 Allergies

------------------------------------------------

And, in case you missed it, here's what was popular on Because I Said So this week:

Life Starts Over in the Fall

There's Nothing Better, Baby Do You Like My Sweater?

DON'T FORGET: The In vs. Out Link Up for October is next FRIDAY!

In vs. Out -- The Link Up

There's Nothing Better, Baby Do you Like My Sweater?

Dress: ℅ Obsession Boutique || Booties: ℅ Obsession Boutique || Rings: (Bow) Mignon Faget, (Cable) David Yurman, (Cameo) My Mom's 

I've never had a "sweater" dress before. If I'm being honest, it's because most of the ones I've seen are skin tight and that's just not my thing in the fall/winter. When it gets chilly, I'm looking for comfy, cozy pieces (that don't show how many Resee's Pumpkins I've eaten, amiright?) and this dress hits the nail right on the head. Think of your favorite oversized sweater--now think of it in dress form. Yep. It's that great.

AND it happened to be the first dress I picked up when I went into Obsession a few weeks ago. Well, the dress and these booties (OMG!) We've already discussed how I have a "bootie(s)" obsession, but I've never thought about having any other color than your standard neutrals. In fact, my collection prior to these included: brown, tan, and camel.

Here's to doing things differently this season!

P.S. Like I mentioned in this post, this boutique is one of the only ones in the area to carry size 5.5, so if you have small feet, get there early in the season(s) to get the best selection of shoes!

P.P.S. I have a confession. I was initially going to wear my beautiful, new blanket scarf with this sweater dress, but it was literally 90 degrees and I couldn't even think about putting it on my neck without dying of a heat stroke (fashion blogger fail).

Photography: Captivating Moments Photography

A Day in the Life Of...

Days around here look pretty different now that I don't have a job. It's not a terrible different, just different. I love all the free time and the open schedule, but the whole no money part is kind of hard to cope with.

My days go a little something like this:

9:00 AM - Wake Up. Getting to sleep in is one of the best perks (if there are even perks) of being jobless. 

9:00-10:00 AM - Get ready for the day. This includes scrolling through emails--hopeful for job leads, social media, taking a shower, etc.

10:00 AM - 2:00PM (ish)- You can find me at Starbucks applying for jobs, blogging, and applying for more jobs. 

So far, Starbucks is the only place I have found that has free wifi and is somewhere I'd want to spend more than one hour. Give me some headphones, a comfy chair, and I can easily knock out a few job apps. 

**I will say that this 3-4 hours is about all the job searching I can handle in one day--anymore and it seems like my head will explode. After this period of time, don't ask me about jobs, talk about jobs, suggest jobs--quite frankly I'm over it.

2:00PM(ish)-3:00PM - Lunch + Errands. I've recently become obsessed with Pho (spelling?) the Vietnamese soup and re-obsessed with Chik-Fil-A. Somedays, however, I'm smart and eat at home instead of spending money.

3:00PM-5:45PM- I'm back at home and I'll usually catch up on TV shows I missed over the weekend, hang out with the family if they are home, play with the pups, and think about cleaning my room (then promptly decide that later is better).

6:00PM - Workout! This time is interchangeable with 9:00AM--it just depends on what classes I feel like going to and IF I wake up on time.

7:30PM - Depending on what day of the week it is, Josh and I will watch football (M or TH) or just hang out. 

10:00PM - I'm usually in bed or at least watching Netflix. Lately, thanks to allergies, I've been going to bed with a dose of Benadryl.


Oh the glamorous life I lead. What's your typical day like?

In vs. Out

Happy, happy Friday from all of me to you! Ever since I lost my job, I've felt lighter and had less anxiety especially when it comes to Fridays. I used to worry about every little thing over the weekend, but now I'm enjoying the weekend without a care in the world! (silver linings people)

IN:

The FGL Concert tonight!

Fashion Posts 

My baby sister's first homecoming dance is tomorrow
(they grow up so fast)

The Steelers won their game on Monday #steelernation
(and the Saints won theirs on Thursday #whodat)


When businesses share your Instagram pictures

OUT:

Getting laid off

The job search

 Allergies

The weather being bipolar

------------------------------------------------

And, in case you missed it, here's what was popular on Because I Said So this week:

Life Starts Over in the Fall

In vs. Out -- The Link Up

 My Momma Told Me That I Was Pretty

My Momma Told Me That I Was Pretty

This post is exciting for a few reasons: 1.) because my hair is looking freaking amazing  2.) because it's my first "℅" fashion post and 3.) Courtney did an amazing job (as per usual) with my pictures!

I was so excited when Obsession Boutique contacted me and told me they wanted to give me clothes (for free) for my blog..like have I made it yet? When I went to pick out my pieces, I literally felt like Cinderella and spent almost an hour and a half in the store because I just couldn't decide. 

They have SO many great pieces and you can order online or from their Instagram if you aren't local!

Today, I'm showcasing one of the pair of booties I picked out--you'll have to stay tuned for the next few Thursdays for my other picks!

When I tell you I've been wearing these booties with everything, it's only the slightest exaggeration. And oh the compliments I get on them! I guess this means I can give my mom's booties back now.

Also, let me tell you about this shirt--it was on MAJOR sale! With the weather being bipolar, I'm happy I get to wear it well into fall and it'll be the perfect Spring transition piece too (I'm thinking with white skinnies?)!

Shirt: Hemline (similar here) || Jeans (my mom's): (similar here and here) || Booties: ℅ Obsession Boutique || Necklace: Kendra Scott 

P.S. All of my short/small foot-ed friends, this is one of the only boutiques in the area that has size 5.5 shoes. You have to be quick (and beat me to them) if you want a pair--they go fast!

My Lip(stick) is Poppin'

Let me preface this by saying 1. I don't wear a lot of make up and 2. I'm no beauty blogger. But one of my favorite products to buy is lipstick! I tend to gravitate toward lip stains because I can put it on once, maybe twice, and that's it. And sometimes, because I'm terrible at remembering to take off my make up at night (anyone else?), it'll still be on the next morning (not everyone's ideal, but it works)! But, I'll try most anything! 

And when I can find a lipstick that stays for more than an hour and is BONUS in the shape of a crayon, I have to tell y'all about it. Something about the fact that I'm LITERALLY coloring my lips makes wearing this lipstick that much more fun. 

My current obsession: Revlon ColorBurst Matte Lipbalm. I currently have it in three colors (which are PERFECT for Fall): Complex, Striking, and Sultry.

You can pick up yours from a local drugstore (Walgreens, CVS, etc) and enter to win a $250 ULTA gift card below!

 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway


P.S. Give me a bold red lip or fun, playful pink and get ready for the sass to be turned all the way up ALL night!

In vs. Out

Happy Friday! Lately, the days seem to run together, but I can still appreciate the start of the weekend. Spending most of the mornings in Starbucks to draft blog posts and apply for jobs have become my new norm--and I'm not complaining. It's actually quite refreshing!

IN:

Getting to sleep late

Spending all day with my puppy-child

Fashion Posts 

The weather
(it doesn't really feel like fall, but it hasn't rained in a week and a half and it's been beautiful!)

Thinking about taking Helene's newest webinar

OUT:

Getting laid off

The job search
(For example: I'll type in marketing and jobs like "nurse" and "chef" come up)

Daytime TV

Laundry
  (if you saw my snap chat--add me "aellzey"--last night, I literally just washed everything I own and now I have to put it all away--the worst)

------------------------------------------------

And, in case you missed it, here's what was popular on Because I Said So this week:

Life Starts Over in the Fall

In vs. Out -- The Link Up

Football Uniform

October Goals

Football Uniform

Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays all have at least one thing in common: football. And Josh watches EVERY game on EVERY day (fantasy probs). You can count Fridays too, if we are talking about high school games. And y'all thought I was being dramatic when I wrote about "football widow-ry." It's the real deal.

Over the years, I've learned to embrace it rather than fight it. If you can't beat them, join them right? When we first started dating, I hated feeling second best to none other than Football. But, I realized I can fit in a lot of me time before football actually starts. This Be Still Clothing Company T-shirt sums up just about every Sunday.

I always try to wear something comfortable because in addition to watching football for hours on end on Sunday, we usually I'm forced to go outside and throw the football. Try doing that in wedges--it doesn't end well. My catching and throwing skills have definitely increased since meeting Josh and I can (not consistently) throw a mean spiral.

 Shirt: Be Still Clothing Company || Jeans: (Shh they're my mom's) Similar here, here, and here || Sneakers: Target similar here (I'm wearing a Kids Size 3)| Necklace: Kendra Scott

P.S. Thanks to Josh for the football and GO STEELERS!

Photography: Captivating Moments Photography

October Goals

Life has thrown me quite a few curve balls in the past week (this one being the biggest). It's taken me a few days to recover and get my bearings again, but I'm ready to tackle October.

1. Find a job. Obviously. I live at home and have no bills, yes. But, I still don't have any money coming in--currently researching being a full time blogger… I can afford to picky for now, but when does that run out?
Need an event planner? Call me. (not kidding)


2. Make a schedule. Just bopping through the days and weeks is weird. Sleeping in past 6 AM is great and all, but feeling like I'm on vacation ALL THE TIME (when no one else is) is getting old. Don't get me wrong, I love the free time, I just need more things to fill the time. My brain can only take a few hours of job searching at a time!


3. Work Out. I'd like to say that I've been filling my free time with nothing but job searching and working out, but I'd be lying. In fact, the last thing I want to do right now is work out. I'm fickle like that. Last week I was writing about all the motivation to workout and now I can't get my butt to the gym. I really should be in the best shape of my life!


4. Don't Be TOO Hard on Myself. LOLOL easier said than done. I'm my own worst critic. I've redone my resume 100x and had no less than three breakdowns. I think I should have already found a job and it's only been a week (Josh was looking for 4 months).


5. Don't be Anxious. It's kind of weird how things happen, but ever since I was laid off, my anxiety has mostly disappeared. I can drink coffee without having panic attacks. (this is huge y'all) Of course I still worry about finding a job and having money, but it's not debilitating.


Sorry that all of these have to do with not having a job and looking for a new one. I promise I won't be this boring for the WHOLE month.


P.S. If you have any jobs tips, resume/cover letter tips feel free to send them my way!

In vs. Out

First of all, I want to say thank you to every one who linked up last week for my first ever link up! And for those that didn't, get your posts ready for October 30th!

This week I got some pretty life altering news and haven't known what day it was since Tuesday. It's like I'm in a weirdo limbo.

IN:

Having more free time than I ever have before

Getting to sleep late

Having the freedom to have whatever schedule I want now (aka going to lunch or shopping in the middle of the day)

Supportive friends and family (and all of my blogger friends' support)

It was actually cold this morning--FALL IS HERE!

Winning giveaways

OUT:

Getting laid off on Tuesday

The Steelers losing on Thursday

No income

------------------------------------------------

And, in case you missed it, here's what was popular post on Because I Said So this week:

Life Starts Over in the Fall

In vs. Out -- The Link Up

Work(out) in Progress

Life Starts Over in the Fall

Happy first day of October! Fall is my favorite season for multiple reasons, but mainly because it's the season of change. The leaves change, the weather get cooler, everyone seems to be in a better mood (myself included). Change can be super scary, but also really exciting and this October will be different than past Octobers.

On Tuesday, I got laid off from my job. It came out of nowhere, the position no longer exists--there was nothing I could do. 

Now, basically everyone knows. I was honestly nervous to type that sentence because I feel like I have people cheering for me to fail. 

I spent most of Tuesday sobbing and worrying about how I would continue to save money for all of my goals and dreams with no income. I was also really embarrassed. I did a good job, so why me? I woke up Wednesday with a major headache and puffy eyes, but was also filled with a sense of peace. 

You see, I'm learning through this process that God's plan is way better than whatever I thought was going to happen. Infinitely better. I almost feel like He left it up to me to leave my job and when I didn't, He took matters into His own hands and gave me the kick in the butt that I needed. 

Plus, if He brings you to it, He'll get you through it, right?

I'm on to bigger and better things (though I'm not sure what it is yet). I can take the skills that I learned over the past two years and really do anything I want. So while change is scary, it's also exciting and full of hope and promise. 

I'm using this time off to do some major soul searching. I just moved back home, I have no bills, I can shop out of my sister's closets, life is still good. At this point in my life, I have the luxury to be picky. 

Top: Anthropologie (ON SALE!) || Pants: Lilly Pulitzer || Wedges: Obsession Boutique (similar here) || Watch: Michael Kors 

I realize this whole post had nothing to do with the outfit in the pictures, but isn't it so cute! These are my sisters pants and I actually had to roll them under because they were way too long on me! #shortpeopleprobs

P.S. If you have any great resume writing resources feel free to email me--I feel like it's been a lifetime since I've written one and mine could use a little freshening up!

Photography: Captivating Moments Photography