Things I'm Loving...

(Photo courtesy of: Tasteofcountry.com)

This was probably Carrie's best production to date; complete with costume changes, a nice mixture of old and new songs, as well as phenomenal lighting and other surprises along the way, like a floating stage hovering over the audience! Her first live DVD gives those, who weren't able to attend a live show, a chance to see what all the hype was about. She definitely deserved an Entertainer of the Year nomination and should get one for the CMA's in November, because from the sounds of it, they've been flying off the shelves in its first week. What I love most about concert DVD's like this is that you get to see a lot of behind the scenes footage- the process of how the show comes together, what it's like before going on stage, and more. I wish there would've been more, but I'm glad we still got a quick glimpse of the fabulous life that Carrie leads. I highly recommend giving this a watch if you're a Carrie fan, a country fan, or even just a music fan in general. She is one of the best entertainers and singers of all time, and I don't think people fully understand how great she really is.

(photo courtesy of: drugstore.com)

I've had a really big obsession with red lipstick over the last year or so, but was always a little too afraid to try it out, because I don't really do anything too exciting or stand out-ish with my makeup. I like to stick to the basics. I was finally brave enough to try it out and fell in love with it. I fee so bold and daring, especially for a night out on the town. It's like an immediate confidence booster. The picture is of the "Red Revolution" color I bought from Maybelline's line.

(Photo courtesy of: Hawtcelebs.com)

Lea Michele has been the talk of Hollywood for the past month or so, since the passing of boyfriend, Cory Monteith. I've always thought she was incredibly talented, but wasn't always necessarily a huge fan. After re-watching the entire series again from beginning to now, I have a new appreciation for Lea, as well as her character, Rachel Berry, and can see her through fresh eyes. I love how determined and focused she was, but now, I admire her for her strength and how positive she seems to be, even in the midst of her grieving. I'm inspired by her work ethic and the fact that nothing is out of reach for her. She embraces who she is and what she looks like, and encourages others to do the same. I also love that she is very involved with charities and giving back. I really look up to her and will continue to support her in her future endeavors! Also looking forward to her book that's coming out in the very near future.

(Photo courtesy of: CentralMarket.com)

Cotton Candy grapes have always been big around my town, because that's where they're based out of, but apparently as of lately they have caught on to other parts of the country. I was actually friends with the daughter of the grapery's owner, in high school, but only just had them about a week or so ago. Recently, they've been getting a lot of attention, being featured on Ryan Seacrest's "On Air" radio show and Good Morning America. I'm not totally sure how or if you can order them living out of state, but if you're ever in California, you have to try them. Freakishly, they do taste like cotton candy, but not in a weird way; they still have the "grapeyness" taste in them. They are delicious and refreshing, especially for the summer months.

(Photo courtesy of: ChrisYoungCountry.com/store)

Back in June, during CMA Fest, I visited the Chris Young booth at the convention center. I was really bummed about not being able to meet him, but I thought I would pick up a little souvenir to make up for it. I didn't have much money left, so I was trying to find something cheaper, when I saw these "Aw Naw" neon sunglasses for 5$. I can be rough on glasses and tend to lose them a lot, so these were perfect for me. I bought the yellow pair and have worn them nonstop since I got them. They fit snug, which I love and I don't have to worry about them too much if I toss them into my purse, which works out nicely. I kind of want all the colors now!

(photo courtesy of: blog.alanamber.com)

Everyone by now knows my love for Glee, especially if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram. I am constantly posting something about this fabulous show. But, something that makes it so special is all of the incredible music that always fits so perfectly for whatever occasion or story line they're dealing with. I can't get enough of it, and I love how they tackle music from just about every genre and every decade. I've bought most of Cory's duets and solos, and I have several of the CD's. I don't know that I will ever own all of the music, because there's a ton, but I will definitely buy all of my favorites and make playlists according to the season and occasion.

(Photo courtesy of: Girlslife.com)

I know these might look a little silly, but I think "Thumb Wars" is onto a really great campaign regarding the "No texting while driving" thing. I first heard about these on the Do Something Awards. I originally looked them up regarding a scholarship contest they were doing, but after reading more about the idea behind this organization, I was all for it. Now that I'm starting to drive, and obviously most of my friends drive, I want us to all be cautious and to stay safe while behind the wheel. It's so easy to get distracted behind the wheel, as I'm starting to see, and I want to make a pledge to myself that I will NEVER do that. Life is short enough as it is, and I sure don't want to end it, because I just couldn't put my phone down for a few minutes. It almost makes me really angry to see people text while driving, because all it takes is a split second to change your life forever or take it away way too soon. I think these are great reminders to STOP! If thumb socks are what it takes to remind all of us, then I say so be it.

(photo courtesy of: Nashvillelife.com)

I had been to one of these stores in Nashville a couple years ago, and instantly loved it. It has everything-shoes, purses, jewelry...All of my favorite things. Well, then I found out we were getting one too, and couldn't be more excited! I've been in there a couple times so far, and know those won't be the last. I'm just wondering where it was when I really needed it for high school occasions like formal and prom?! Now, I hope to have something coming up in the future, just so I can have an excuse to buy all of the things in there to dress up whatever outfit I have.

(photo courtesy of: studioplush.net)

Charles Kelley's (Lady Antebellum) wife, Cassie, has a blog that I'm really into right now, "Womanista." She has so many great articles about fashion, traveling, decor, music, and much more. Some of it is a little out of my price range, but I definitely appreciate her take on things and just getting to see the lifestyle of a musician's wife who was in the PR field. She has great style and is gorgeous, so I just love seeing what she has up her sleeve.

(Photo courtesy of: Pink Pewter facebook page)

I have always had a thing for headbands. My freshman year of high school, I used to have one in just about every color and would always try to match them up with whatever I was wearing. Although, after a couple years of wearing them nonstop, they started hurting my head, so I just quit wearing them, until recently. Carrie Underwood has started yet another trend with the Pink Pewter headbands she's been seen wearing all over the place from appearances to being photographed out and about. They have so many adorable styles to choose from...But, in the meantime, while being a broke college student, I found a couple really great headbands for much cheaper at Charming Charlie's. Something about wearing them just makes me feel that much cooler and dresses up any outfit! I LOVE them! I need more!

(Photo courtesy of: Hollywoodreporter.com)

I know the media gives the Kardashians a lot of crap, and I'll admit I pick on them from time to time, too. But, I still just really love them! I love how close they are, even if it gets a little weird sometimes. It makes me wish I had a big family like they do; always hanging out, taking big trips together, and even just driving each other crazy! I like taking a step inside their crazy world for an hour each week to forget about what's going on in my life to hang out with them. I don't care what anyone else says...they ARE entertaining and hilarious. 

(photo courtesy of: iphoneography.com)

I've followed a lot of Glee fan sites lately on Instagram, who have been posting a lot of their own edits with the characters/actors from the show. One girl said she used the app "Super Impose", so I decided to look it up. It's really confusing, like a mini photoshop for your phone, but if you keep messing around with it, you'll find that it has a lot of features. I've been able to do a few things with it, but I need to keep working with it and reading more about it to be able to use all of the tools and all that it comes with.

(Photo courtesy of: Romaloveamour.com)

Like most girls/women, I have a hard time finding a good pair of shorts that fit my body type. So, when I do find that one perfect pair, I wear them just about everyday, like the boyfriend denim shorts I got at Gap. I don't go in Gap too often, but I happened to go inside at the Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade, because they were having a huge sale! The shorts were only 25$, which was a fantastic deal, because I can't stop wearing them. You can dress them up with a nicer blouse and sandals, or just a simple t-shirt. They're loose and comfortable, and not too short, where you feel like you have to keep adjusting them! Boyfriend style is the perfect way to go!

Well, that's all for now,
Shelby :)

What are some of your favorite things at the moment? Tweet them to me (@ShelbyN92) or comment below!

The Week In Review

I am so glad this week is over! Never have been my nerves been more shot, I don't think. Okay, that's a little dramatic. But, I have been extremely nervous about my drivers test, which has been one of my biggest fears for awhile now (and I also survived...so, yay!)  I'm officially growing up, so there's that. It's exciting and terrifying. I'm new to this whole, "starting to do things for myself and making my own decisions" thing, because for the most part I'm extremely dependent. I'm liking the new freedom  that I didn't realize has been waiting for me this entire time, but change always takes some getting used to. Trying to figure out what to do with it and where to go from here is a little overwhelming at the moment, but I'm getting there. I just need people to give me time. As soon as I feel like there's no pressure, I can do what I need to do.
It's not even just in my life. So many changes are going on around me, that it's hard to know what's going to happen. But, this is what I've been praying for--new doors to open and for bigger opportunities, so now it's time to just dive in. No second guessing. No doubting. No wondering whether I'm good enough or if I had what it takes. There are no other options. I'm just going to do it and make the best of it. 

Anyway, enough rambling...Wednesday I passed my drivers test at the DMV! AH! One of the greatest accomplishments in my life thus far, because of the uphill battle it has taken to get to this point. Yes, I'm 21 and I'm just now getting my license, but I just honestly haven't been like most people in that department (and many others...But, let's save that for another time). I know most kids are dying to have their license at 16, but I was never like that. When I started thinking I was ready (around 17) and wanted to try it out more, my grandma was really sick; we were dealing with a lot of family issues and there was no time to focus on that. A couple years passed, and it has just been a matter of getting to it. I got so used to just going with friends or being with my family that I never really needed it, exactly. It seems like there was always something getting in the way, or I was always coming up with an excuse to put it off. This year, I said NO MORE. It was time to get down to business. It seems like everyone had also made it their business too, to make sure that I get it, which I think annoyed me more, so I just tried to do the opposite. Why does it hurt them if I have it or not? I'm pretty sure they weren't doing it to annoy me or anything like that, they just care a lot. But, I've found that when people let me go at my own pace, things go a lot better and much smoother from where I'm standing.
To my surprise, the test actually wasn't that bad. I know that God was watching over me the entire time! I had a lot of prayers and support from a couple close friends, though I didn't tell many, because I didn't want to feel that pressure, like everyone was just waiting to hear how I did. It took a load off of me in doing that.
It's so weird to think that I can officially drive anywhere I want now by myself, though I haven't been able to just yet, but I'm really looking forward to that moment of independence.
After my drivers test, I ran some errands with my mom; went to the bank and also opened up my own checking/savings from the kiddie one I had and got my own debit card. I know those don't sound like big things to the average person, but I think I'm a bit slower to the growing up thing than most. You can only delay it for so long, and I'm pumped about it. I feel so free! So many grown up things in one day...I don't even know what to do with myself!! :0

I also got to hang out with one of my best friends this week! We went to our outdoor shopping center, The Marketplace; had lunch and did a little shopping. We went to Johnny Rockets for lunch, which was tasty! I also love the selection of 50s music they play...It always makes me feel like I've been able to time travel to the time of Happy Days. I also have a thing for diners, if you haven't caught on before. So, we ate and talked about life--how we're growing up and it needs to stop, our plans coming up with school and schedules, our families, and a little of everything in between. I love just being able to lay it all out there and get it off my chest. There's nothing better than gabbing with friends.
When we finished eating, we went to Charming Charlie's, which I imagine Heaven will look a lot like. We spent a long while in there, scouring every nook and cranny filled with jewelry, clothes, and purses; daydreaming of scenarios when I'd be able to wear whatever I found. I wanted one of everything, but luckily, I didn't have the money for that, so I just settled for a ring that has "love" spelled out on it and was super cheap. Taylor Swift had one like it a few years back and I had always looked for one like it, and finally found the perfect one. Everything is so reasonable! I've thought about applying there, but I think most of my paycheck would end up going right back to the store, when I'm trying to save A LOT, so I don't think that's such a great idea right now.
We went to Ulta, walking up and down the aisles, where I found a great shade of red lipstick! It comes out a little more pink, but I still love it. 
Marissa and I grabbed drinks from Starbucks after that, because we were dying of thirst, then went to Target, where I walked out empty handed once again. I have a Taylor Swift show coming up very soon, so I have to save what money I do have for it. Target will always be there, you know? After we shopped for a few hours, we came back to my house and watched an episode of Friends and had started watching Made of Honor, when Marissa had to go. Such a fun day! And hopefully it isn't so long before I see her next time.

My aunt visits with an older lady at a retirement home here in town, and she has for the last several years. They worked together at one of her old jobs, and they just kept in contact after that. She's a distant relative of the queen, and when my aunt told her that I was interested in the royal family too, she said she wanted to meet me. After a couple weeks of planning, I was finally able to have dinner with her last night. First off, it was not the kind of "home" I was expecting; it resembled more of a hotel, which I really liked. We had chicken, pit peef, potatoes, carrots, and someone had brought in a champagne cake. It was all so yummy! Betsy also told me SO much about the royal family, and I mean, she knows just about everything! I'm fascinated by the fact that she still remembers everything; who's with who, what they did, etc. I really enjoyed being able to talk with her. She was so sweet. I can't wait to go back and hear more. She even gave me a stack of magazines (pictured above) FROM London that she subscribes to! I'm so excited to start reading through them to learn more about the royals.
After we left, I went to the doctor with my aunt, and we stopped at F.Y.E, which has a ton of music and DVD's, new and used. My aunt ended up spoiling me with lots of music, and I even took all of her new music that was in the car to burn on my computer. I will definitely be busy for quite some time listening to all of it. I listen to and appreciate just about everything that's out there, so it'll give me a variety now! I'll be sure to post those later, along with my playlist for the week!

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Other than that, I've been watching TV, doing a little writing, and a whole lot of nothing. My focus has been on my driving test for most of the summer, so now that that's taken care of...I'm trying to figure out what to do with the rest of the time. I guess I move to the next step of getting a job and throwing myself into school; planning all the little details in between.

Things are good, and they're getting better! Sometimes you just have to remind yourself of that. And you have to keep working toward what you really want, no matter how far off in the distance it may seem.

That's all for now,
Shelby :)