February 2016 || In vs. Out

After a bit of a hiatus, the In vs. Out link up is back! (and the angel chorus sings) I've missed connecting with all of y'all and I'm excited to start this back up. February has been a tough time for me, but looking back through my ins and outs, I realized just how truly blessed I am! So, I hope you'll link up with me, if not today, then sometime this weekend!

Don't forget to link up your own In vs. Out posts below--the link up stays open ALL weekend! 

IN

After house hunting for about a month, Josh and I decided it wasn't for us. So, we're BUILDING A HOUSE! 

My family went to Disney World for a few days and it was a great get-away!

Josh and I celebrated our 7th Valentine's day together

I participated in my first Twitter chat #SYBLchat

When people tell you they love your Instagram (thanks I worked really hard on it!)

I got my first credit card and have been working on building my credit

OUT

Anxiety attacks and tons of them--I'm still learning to deal with it, but it's getting a little easier.

I gave up coffee (mainly due to anxiety) and though I don't really miss the calories, every time someone brews some in the office, I die a little inside!

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

Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler

Winter Whites

Five Apps You Need on Your Phone

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Work to Play Outfit of the Day

I love this outfit for many reasons. Jeans are so easy to throw on and go and this sweater is light weight and perfect for Spring (I'm actually wearing it today with a different shirt, but same accessories and jeans haha).

I'll usually wear something similar to this to work. I'm at my computer all day designing social media posts so comfort is key! It's just starting to warm up here, but the weather is finicky so we'll have our cool spells--which is why I don't just wear the sleeveless maroon shirt by itself quite yet. As a bonus. this outfit easily translates to weekend wear for running errands or lunch dates!

And, oh the accessories. Can't forget those! The newest staple to my usual accessories are these tiny cameo earrings. My Mimi gave them to me for Christmas--they were her's when she was probably my age and they match the cameo ring that was my mom's, as well. I love love jewelry that is vintage or even antique that has a special meaning to me AND that is still fashionable today. 

Photography c/o Captivating Moments Photography

Five Apps You Need on Your Phone

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm addicted to my iPhone. Raise your hand if you are addicted to your phone--don't worry, I can wait until you want to admit it--I've got all day. 

It's not necessarily something I'm proud of, but this little square-ish rectangular device is my entire life. It helps me stay connected, informed, and entertained.

Here are a few apps I'm currently loving:

1. Instagram. 

Still one of my favorite social apps. I fill my feed full of positive, inspiring people and love to see what other people are creating and sharing. You can follow me here.

2. FitBit. 

I love my Fitbit and subsequently love the app that goes along with it! I love to see my steps, calories, and active minutes go up throughout the day and it has a water intake tracker! 

P.S. I actually reached my step goal yesterday--on a Monday!

3. Hootsuite. 

I'd be lost without this one. Or at least very behind. I schedule tweets about blog posts on the fly. Set them and forget them.

4. Candy Crush. 

Yes. I re-downloaded Candy Crush. No, I won't ask you for lives (don't worry). I like to have something to do when waiting in line and this is the perfect little game--it keeps my mind sharp, or something like that.

5.  Spotify/Pandora. 

It's really a toss up between these two music apps. I have fine tuned one Pandora station so well that I rarely have to thumbs down any song that comes on. It gets me. But, I love Spotify's playlists--something Pandora doesn't have. Which one do you prefer?

What's on your phone?

Winter Whites

We've all heard, don't wear white after Labor Day. Then when Easter rolls around, feel free. Well I'm here to tell you that it's a matter of personal opinion. And my personal opinion, especially when it reaches the 70s in February, is that I'm wearing white all times of the year.  Plus, I think it's been a trend these days to wear white whenever you feel like it!

Enter the "winter whites." To me, winter whites mean a little bit of white and a whole bunch of neutrals. I went with a beige sweater and brown accessories to offset the bright white of the jeans. The weather in Louisiana has been beautiful lately and wearing these white jeans makes me long for tank tops and sandals and summer. For now, I'll have to settle for this outfit--until it gets really hot and it's time to break out the Lilly.

These accessories are my daily go-tos. I literally wear a version of this every day.

So, hooray for throwing caution to the wind and wearing whatever you want, whenever you want. It is 2016 after all!

Coffee Talk

P.S. My usual coffee order--Tall (or Grande) Breve White Mocha.

If we were to have coffee together we'd meet at the local Starbucks--as if there's any other coffee place.  I'd order my coffee (that's 90% sugar) and you'd order your "most likely more normal than mine" coffee. We'd sit in the worn leather chairs or maybe the couch and catch up. 

I'd tell you all about what's going on at work and how I had a massive panic attack that affected every part of my life last week. I'd tell you how it feels silly now, but at the time it was debilitating to say the least. You'd assure me that everything will be and IS fine. 

I'd tell you how excited and terrified I am that Josh and I are building our first house and I'd definitely show you the floor plans and ask your opinion on tile vs. hardwood floors and granite vs. marble. Also, I'd probably talk about my dog too much. #sorrynotsorry 

We'd talk about getting married because that seems to be the thing these days and happening every time I glance at Facebook and I'll tell you how I only want fur babies when I grow up. 

I'd apologize for talking so much about myself and ask you about how your life is going. We'd reminisce on college days and complain about how old we are now. 

I'd tell you about my family and ask about yours.

We'd talk about blogging, of course, and how I love to write, but just can't seem to find enough time in the day or enough creative ideas for as many posts as I'd like. You'd reassure me that you love reading my blog and that I should keep doing it. Later, I'd still wonder if I should stop.

After all of the coffee is gone and the conversation dies down, we'll agree to meet again, this time next week.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

It's Mardi Gras y'all! Laissez les bon temps rouler--which means "Let the good times roll" in case you aren't from around here. 

Sadly, I didn't get to make it to any parades this year, but that's not stopping me from trying to embrace the meaning of the saying.  

Let the good times roll.  Just another reminder to don't worry and be happy. 

If you're venturing out to parades today or plan to next year keep these outfit tips in mind:

1. Be comfortable and wear walking shoes! A few years ago, I wore shoes that I had never broken in prior to walking MILES AND MILES of parade routes--I paid for it dearly. Don't make my mistake!

2. Don't bring more than absolutely necessary with you (PRO TIP: sometimes you don't even need a purse--get your boyfriend to carry your ID and money!)

3. Get in the SPIRIT! Wear a purple, green, and gold shirt/accessories! I love this shirt from Fleurty Girl!

Mardi Gras Shirt | Chambray Shirt (similar) | Jeans (similar) | Shoes (similar) | Purse (similar) | Fit Bit Cover 

P.S. This is how I look 99.9% of the time when saying "Throw me something mister!" Which, explains why I get hit in the head with cups. My hand eye coordination equals ZERO.

Photography c/o Captivating Moments Photography

February Goals

If I'm being honest, I've failed miserably at my "New Year's Resolutions." In fact, I wouldn't even remember what they were had I not written them down here. 

The only one I'd give myself a passing grade on is blogging consistently. Posting about twice a week has really allowed me to focus on quality posts,  interact with other bloggers, and grow my blog! I'm counting January as a trial month and getting back on track with these goals for February.

1. Live in the present. 

I'm always rushing to the next thing AND always on my phone. Phrases that frequent my mind include "I can't wait until..." "Why can't I just _____ already..." etc. etc. When I'm not living in my  perfectly made up future, I'm on my phone. It's a bad habit and I'm going to attempt to kick it this month.

2. Find a House.

February might be the month we find a house! Emphasis on the "might." House hunting is A LOT harder than I ever though it would be, so fingers crossed we find a great one!

3. Drink more Water.

Self-explanatory, but I'll go days without drinking water and then drink like 5 bottles of water in a day. That can't be healthy, right? 

4. Continue to grow my blog.

I plan on continuing to post #ootds, collaborating with a few local businesses, and growing my social media accounts/pageviews. 

Here's to being a GOAL DIGGER this month!