Happy Thanksgiving!

As Turkey day draws to a close, I am sitting in non-matching sweats back in my college apartment in anticipation of working a 12 hour shift tomorrow. I'm about to go to bed in hopes that I manage to wake up early enough to attempt a little workout before I go off to serve the crazy shoppers of Black Friday. If being home and collecting winter clothes means anything, it means I am quite a bit plumper from this time last year, and I have no money or desire to replace my current wardrobe with larger sizes, so gym and portion control need to take a larger place in my To-Do List. 

Anyhow, before I close in for the night, I just want to take a moment to say how thankful I am for everything and everyone in my life. This past Tuesday marks my twenty-first anniversary of being in this country, and I could not be more thankful to be raised in the United States of America by the family that I have. Lord knows who I'd be elsewhere in the world! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you don't worry too much about the crazy shopping tomorrow! Take a moment, breathe, embrace your family because you never know what's going to change next year.

[Style Files] Thanksgiving Family Dinner

What to wear for Thanksgiving dinner? Whether you're going to your own family function, are a guest at a friend's, or meeting a significant other's family for the first time (God bless ya!), these kinds of things can be difficult sometimes. However, after having been to twenty Thanksgiving dinners myself (save for last year when I spent it Skyping with my family in sweatpants, eating frozen grapes...#studyabroadproblems), I think I've figured out the right methodology for picking out a good family dinner outfit.

1. Pick something that allows your belly to grow. If you don't have a minor food baby after your Turkey dinner, you're doing something terribly wrong. Clingy shift dresses and pants just don't allow for belly growth, so pick something with a bit of flow like an A-line cut. I chose to feature a dress in plum because for some reason I'm obsessed with this color for late November! It's rich, simple, but interesting.
2. Always layer. You could be walking into the Artic tundra or you could be walking into a sauna, you never know. Come prepared! You can't keep your jacket on the whole night--it's rude. So a heavier sweater should do the trick for when it's too cold, an keeping your outfit short sleeved will balance it out if it's too hot. I chose yellow because mustard yellow and plum just look so beautiful together. 
3. Flats, flats, flats! Heels, puh-lease. I usually take my shoes off within five minutes of walking into my grandmother's house, so shoes aren't always a big issue. However, heels are just too much for Turkey dinner. Cute, simple flats will be comfortable and easy. You could also do a cute pair of riding boots as well. How quirky are leopard flats with plum and gold?
4. Accessorize at your comfort level. I usually always wear a watch and a bangle, so that's what I included the above. I also usually have a purse with me, and I'm a little obsessed with this MK satchel at the moment. It reminds me of the fifties, and I love fifties style. Also, to the bangle above, totally just found something VERY similar at Charming Charlies, and I'm in love. It's in a ton of different colors as well!

And, of course, make sure your outfit leaves you comfortable! You should be more worried about getting together with family, sitting by the fireside, cracking up as the parents pour the wine (I guess I can legally drink it too now!), and forever being put at the kid table no matter how old you get. I hope everyone is enjoying time with family and that Thanksgiving will be full or all sorts of yummy food! I'll be putting up my post on all the things I've been grateful for this year tomorrow :)

Why Catching Fire is SO Good...

So I saw Catching Fire last Friday. Of course I saw it within 24 hours of its premiere! Since it's my favorite book of one of my favorite young adult series (a series that seriously changed my life two years ago), I was beyond excited to see it's film version. And, I was excited for the return of some amazing actors and the ability to see some of my favorite book characters come to life. 

And I was NOT disappointed.

It did not disappoint in the least bit, and it followed the book quite closely save for a few minor details. You're going to love Peeta just a little more than you already do (and if you don't, you have no heart), J.Law is a queen, and everything is just amazing. You can tell their budget was a lot higher for this movie as well!

Favorite Scenes/Additions:

• District 11: I cried so hard at this scene, SO HARD. The image of Rue's face, the three fingers, the emotions. I cried. I didn't shed a tear at the end of The Notebook, but I sobbed at this scene. Poor Rue :( Poor old man :(
• Sam Claflin as Finnick: I was so pleasantly surprised by his acting! I have to admit I was a little skeptical about him when they first revealed Claflin as Finnick O'dair, handsome heartthrob of PanAm. However, he was absolutely fantastic, and he had an element of that Franco brother charm in him even. 
• The Costumes: This is totally where you can see they had more money to spend. The costumes of the opening ceremonies were prime. And that wedding dress...just wait and see!
• Jena Malone as Johanna: GOSH, I LOVE HER. I've loved her sass in everything in which I've seen her. I don't know that she's quite as well known as she should be, but Malone is awesome. I don't know that anyone was skeptical of her casting as Johanna, but she was awesome. So much 'tude. And...
• THAT ELEVATOR SCENE: So hilarious. Everything about it was just hysterical, especially in the midst of all the heavy drama. J.Law's face. Malone. The wink. Just perfect comedy. I'm sure I'm not the first to rave about it.
• The ending: Shit has gotten real in PanAm, as if it weren't already, and if you're only a movie watcher who never read the books, you're in for a ride. Collins did not a regular YA series create.

Life Lately

I've been busy, guys! While life has balanced out in the senses of why I'm busy, the fact remains that I'm a terrible blogger. However, I aim to improve my absence with tidbits of life lately. Because I know you all secretly want to live my fabulous life. But also, regularly scheduled program shall resume soon. Who knows? I do know it's taken me three days to finally sit down and write this post, and it's occurring at 1:42 in the morning (which also means it's THROWBACK THURSDAY time!).

Life Lately According to Pictures:

My other cousin got married!

PINK OUT!

Spending time dressing up with sisters :)

Peer Mentors at Echo Hill (best. place. ever.)

Celebrating my big's 22nd birthday!

Watching this adorable piece of kittenry!

 

General bar shenanigans.

Spending massive amounts of time by the beautiful river.

Also spending a heavy amount of time at my favorite job!

Life Lately According to Words:

• General thesising!
• Fantastic English classes :) 
• Buying clothes on clothes on clothes. #retailprobs
• Trying to get back into exercise
• Obsessing over "American Horror Story"
• Listening to Christmas music without shame or guilt.
• I got a grant to work on one of the publications in which I'm an editor! Be prepared for some truly geeky English major joys next semester!
• Dancing to my beat...literally. I don't understand rhythm.
• Peppermint. Iced. Mochas.
• Drinking so much tea, its caffeine has no effect on me.
• Loving my MK family, my WC family, and my family-family :)

I can't wait to go home next Tuesday, starfish on my bed, cuddle with my pup, and spend time with my family! Not to mention Turkey Day!