Halloween?...!

I'm not sure how many other places do this (I'd never seen it until I moved back to PA), but around here, Halloween is scheduled. Our Trick-Or-Treat Night was last Thursday so I was a little thrown off by all the creepy themed shows and Bings home page. I totally forgot today was Halloween. I did have big plans to decorate but never got around to it this year (which just gives me more fuel for Christmas decorating!). But next year, and every year after that, I have some pretty cute ideas to get in the Halloween/Fall spirit. Here are my inspirations.

A different take on the traditional orange and black color scheme.

Can't go wrong with branch lights, baby pumpkins and galvanized anything.

 I really like baby pumpkins. :) And branches! Such an inexpensive free way to bring the outdoors in.

 Wreath made of colored burlap and an attractive bow. I really planned on making one of these this year...

Beautiful mirrors topped off with gorgeous mini wreaths to add seasonal flare to any space.

 I really need to find a sideboard/ old dresser to redo for the entry way so I can do cute stuff like this!

 Now this I actually plan on doing today or tomorrow. I have a $3 grapevine wreath and $5 garland to wrap around it. I'd say that beats those $30-40 wreaths you can buy pre-made. (And it gives me something to do!)

We didn't get a chance to carve any pumpkins this year, but this is such a classy version! Gotta love that Martha Stewart.

HAPPY

via tumblr

{All images via Pinterest}

Dress the part.

So I know I've preached about cleaning out my closet and getting a whole new wardrobe before, like a while ago. Well, when I was on one of my (rare) cleaning/organizing/purging kicks recently, I went through my clothes and filled up a (as in only one) large shopping bag of clothes I'd like to get rid of. Then I proceeded to fill (to the point of almost toppling over) my new clothes rack, thanks to our lack of closets. I haven't worn half of that stuff in months, some a few years. Why do I feel the need to hang on to that crap? I think because they remind me of things in my past. Like friends I've lost touch with, days I could re-live over and over, and things I just don't do anymore.
It's time to grow up, and move on. While I loved those days (and hated others), I need to let go. I need to dress the part. I want to be a successful, independent woman. Someone who can take care of herself, and others. Someone who radiates confidence, and therefore, beauty. I want to contribute something, and make a difference, not just blend in anymore. I want to juggle a million and one things, well, and never give up or break down. I want to be motivated every day (or almost everyday) to go out, do or see or experience something new. I want to be healthy and energized. I want to be an inspiration, not forgotten. I want to be proud of myself. I want to be good.
I feel that the first step, besides getting my head in the right place (which seems like it's pretty close) is to get rid of my inhibitions and things that are holding me back. While I don't have a whole lot of control of a lot of things right now, one thing I can control is how others see me. And most importantly, how I see myself.
I have been thinking about this for a couple days now, and I can't shake the feeling-not that I've really tried. I just kind of expected it to go away, like all of the other times I thought I was ready. Which makes me think it's not going to go away. Until I do something about it. And while it scares the you-know-what outta me, it's crazy exciting. I think I'm ready for a major change. Someone is telling me that it's time. Doors are going to open when I start allowing myself to get through the fear keeping them closed.  The next free hour or so I can find, I am getting rid of the majority of my clothes and making room for the new, continuously growing, and inspired me.
Here are my current inspirations.

{All images via my Pinterest, which helped spark my new found epitome.}

And PS- yes; this includes finally finding and sticking to a workout plan... it's gonna be a busy winter.

Clean house

You would think not being in school would free up a lot of my time, and allow me to keep up with organizing and cleaning the house. Not only have I not gotten into a cleaning routine, there are things that haven't even been unpacked yet. And being the Type A personality that I am, it's giving me an eye twitch. But most of the time, even my eye can't muster up enough motivation to make me want to clean after working until midnight 6 days a week. Instead, I sleep in, catch up on my DVR'd shows, then tidy up enough to keep me sane, and I get ready for work. The vicious cycle continues over, and over, and over.

pinterest

Luckily, the resort closes a week from today. And I honestly cannot wait to put on my sweats, pull my hair up and get cleaning! I found an amazing series of checklist's from Martha Stewart a few weeks ago and printed them out to attempt to keep up with every day, week, month, season, etc. They cover every aspect of your home and includes things like preparing for winter and summer, maintaining the refrigerator, freezer, closet, and so on.

 {Images via}

Of course, I'll have more time to do so once I'm not working as much this winter, but I'm hoping to get in a routine (like my mom's "Thursday" cleaning days growing up) so that when spring rolls around and it's time to get back to work, it'll be as natural as sleeping and eating. Needless to say, I can't wait.

Happy Cleaning!

Fall boots

So it's been getting a little chilly around here! And in response (and preparation), I bought myself some shoes from Target, which I usually don't do. I've really never even been that into shoes. But they were an amazing deal and the shipping wasn't terrible so I couldn't pass them up. Especially since, even though this is my third year in Pennsylvania, I still do not have weather-appropriate shoes for all four seasons.
Here's are my inspirations for the purchase (that I couldn't be happier with!)

These were only $19 and are perfect to wear to work these next couple of weeks as the season comes to an end and weather keeps getting colder.

Now these are not something I would normally wear but I was really drawn to the rustic and classic look. Which lead me to make a purchase I've often thought about but never had the guts to do.

 

These are, by far, my favorite shoes. I wear them with anything and everything, even sweatshirts and hoodies. They are the most comfortable pair of shoes I've ever had. I should've known- my Memphis-born mother was been trying to get me to buy some since I could wear shoes. Well, I love 'em yall! They look darling under jeans but can also be worn over skinnier jeans, or with shorts. And they were a whole $15.

Now I didn't get any of the knee-high boots, I think I'd better try them on first, so I decided not to get my first pair of those online. I'm still on the hunt... and I had to share these fall boots, and the outfits!

They're just too cute.

{All images via my style board on Pinterest}