Moving On Up

“Enough already! We get it. You had a perfect roommate in college. You became best friends. You didn’t want to leave her. We know!!!” complains everyone that follows me on any social media platform, or just knows me in general. And yes, I am sorry for the overload of love and sap, but these nine month sleepovers do not go as well for everyone, and I am just so grateful.

I won’t lie, in the beginning, there were times when I thought to myself, Is this seriously going to work? Living in such tight quarters with someone is not easy, and we will be the first to tell you that. We would also BOTH be the first to tell you that if someone had asked us if we’d become best friends by the end, it would have been a flat no. Madelyn and I went to grade school and high school together, so right off the bat we were breaking college roommate rule #1- Don’t room with a friend.

I do understand this philosophy of steering clear of strong relationships and branching out for the first year of college, but I am way too much of a homebody and creature of habit to be thrown into a brand new place with my bonus being a stranger to sleep in the same room with. Yeah, no thanks.

Fast forward from the worry and the secret Pinterest board planning our beautiful temporary home (which ended up as fabulous as we dreamed), Madelyn and I did not want to leave! Yes, we do understand that with a water bottle and a good playlist, we could walk to each other’s houses, but that just is not the same as spending late nights on our rug laughing about nonsense when we should clearly be studying. Or illegally making toast and grilled chicken on our forbidden grill. Or getting ready together while staying in our towel wraps for an excessive amount of time. Or knowing when we need a group nap with little lights. It just isn’t the same.

We were calm, cool, and collected about moving out until a friend had mentioned it took several hours to move out of her dorm. We looked at each other both thinking, we have sooooooo much more s t u f f than she does. We went home, turned on music, and got to work! We didn’t even know where to start, but we began by stripping the walls. Literally, paint, drywall, you name it, it came off the wall!DSC00731

We resolved this (not so) small problem like any smart girls would, a field trip to Home Depot with a piece of the wall that should have still been a part of the wall! They matched the paint, we returned, and the wall started looking better than before. No one could tell, and there was no way in heck we were going to pay fines for having cute decor.

All in all, our adorable 2409 became such a fun place where laughter and smiles came aplenty and homesick tears began to fade as the weeks went by. We have a million and one memories of our time that we made just about as fun as anyone could with plans to move on for a million and one more. That teeny tiny room gave us the friendship that we will forever be thankful for.

Next year will be much harder than I had anticipated. Don’t get me wrong, I am eager, anxious, and beyond excited to get to Mizzou, but I am sad that my best friend and roommate will not be coming with me. Instagram, we have many plans to reunite and annoy the heck out of everyone, so don’t you worry. She will be knee-deep in nursing school and I will be waist-deep in papers that I don’t know how to start, but we are moving on to bigger and better things to make our lives extra fabulous. This is my fab life, and I am oh so grateful that Madelyn is apart of it. 

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Her smile was constant. Mine came after the constant flow of tears. Because I was sad? No, no I just checked my final grade in Econ. 

 

PS: we decided that we lived so well together as roommates, we shouldn’t let it go to waist. After we graduate, we will be coming at you Monica Geller and Rachel Green style until we meet our lobsters. Now THAT will be fun.

100 Things On My Summer Bucket List

It’s the week before finals. In other words, it’s the finale- the finale of the school year. Summer is coming, I repeat: summer is coming. I can almost touch it. I am not sure if this is a “me” thing, but I cannot stop thinking of these grand summer plans (that usually never even happen) while I am 100 percent supposed to be studying for my 100%’s (that also usually never happen).

Well, I have decided that my grand plan this summer is to actually DO the things I want to do. With that being said, I have made a fabulous bucket list to keep me in line. While you are distracted, go ahead and write your thoughts down so you can get at your busy (or relaxing, whatever you prefer) summer the minute it starts!

Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

1. First and foremost, relax on vacation. 

2. Be positive & live simple. 

3. Spend time with fab friends.

4. Get rid of clothes I don’t wear- seriously, other people need them.

5. Have sister-brother lunch dates at the one and only Jimmy Johns.

6. Sleep in- but not too “in”, I have a summer to summer.

7. Swim, swim, swim!

8. Food Truck it for lunch- or din- or breakfast.

9. Super smile- and laugh, laughing is good, too.

10. Watch fireworks.

11. Road trip with my best friends- oh, the giggles.

12. Road trip with my roommate- oh, the giggles pt. 2

13. Play golf- it’s more fun when you’re terrible.

14. Shop- don’t stop until you have lines on your arms from the bags for proof of your day’s work.

15. Try new foods- oysters are still gross.

16. Organize the pantry, fridge, garage, basement- aka my whole house (why am I a mom?) 

17. Go to a baseball game- professional or not, it’s still a must.

18. Plant flowers.

19. Invite friends over for a movie day.

20. Take a nap- aye aye, captain.

21. Read a book before seeing the movie.

22. Take a Barre class.

23. Go to a drive-in movie- don’t forget jumper cables.

24. Dedicate a day to attempting Facebook & Twitter recipe videos- you know you want to.

25. Go on a walk by myself.

26. Eat a snowcone in the trunk with my peeps. (but basically, just hang in the trunk because I’m not a fan of flavored ice unless it has “cream” at the end:) ).  

27. Drive a jet ski- be careful.

28. Volunteer- do it.

29. Swim in a lake- don’t forget fishies bite toes.

30. Stare at the stars- #peaceful

31. Take a really, really long bike ride.

32. Buy a new pair of shoes- or three. OK, four.

33. Blare music in the car- and roll ALL of the windows down.

34. Parasail.

35. Feed a homeless person.

36. Eat breakfast for dinner- inside out and upside down.

37. Play Glow in the dark Frisbee- in the dark.

38. Tan on the deck (the dock, too)

39. Keep my car tidy.

40. Try ice cream for every meal- don’t get sick, I dare you.

41. Go to a country concert.

42. Tell someone I love them- Mom counts.

43. Hammock my heart out.

44. Wear a swimsuit all day long.

45. Wear jammies all day long- Don’t have to tell me twice.

46. Night swim- never too old for a swim in the dark.

47. Be a tourist in my hometown- cliche.

48. Journal- it’s good for the soul.

49. Drink a green smoothie- the ones that “make your skin glow.”

50. Fill balloons with good fortunes and let them go- someone will be surprised.

51. Get organized- fill that new planner!!!

52. Hang lights and have a music party.

53. Go back to college for a weekend.

54. Inspire someone.

55. Fresh squeeze lemonade- turning life around one glass at a time.

56. Go ziplining

57. Watch the sun rise- it will be worth it (I think) (I hope).

58. Watch the sun set in a secret spot.

59. Get donuts- try an “out there” flavor.

60. Kickbox- jab, cross, sweat, jab, cross, sweat.

61. Make a chalk portrait.

62. Play board games- a rainy day necessity.

63. Make s’mores- burn the ‘mallow.

64. Go on a picnic- bring a basket and the camera.

65. Have a water gun war- bonus points if it’s in clothes.

66. Take a picture every day- necessary. (Selfies absolutely count) 

67. Take a cooking class- probably also necessary.

68. Leave a positive note on someone’s windshield- stay to see their smile.

69. Make the dogs homemade treats.

70. Adult slip ‘n slide- do. it. pt. 2

71. Skydive- ehhh…can’t do it all.

72. Don’t worry for a whole day.

73. Write letters to all my people- better than texting.

74. Ride a rollercoaster.

75. Go to a midnight movie- stay awake!!

76. Run a 5k.

77. Give up my phone for a whole day- the snap streaks will be fine.

78. Have a bonfire- check off #63 while I’m at it.

79. Try a new workout class.

80. Watch an entire season of a show in one sitting- I’ve done it before, I’ll do it again.

81. Have a whipped cream fight- SO FUN.

82. Ride a Ferris Wheel- only a summer classic.

83. Get a pedicure- pretty pink toes, of course 

84. Bake a cake for someone’s birthday- do #67 first.

85. Pick fruit from a tree.

86. Learn a new word- so basically read the dictionary.

87. Clean out my Email inbox- enough red bubbles for Pete’s sake.

88. Buy the meal for the person behind me- Pay it forward.

89. Do a handstand- not on the trampoline (and then, of course, take a pic).

90. Get fancy for dinner.

91. Stand up paddle board- longer than five seconds, that is.

92. Run a faster mile!!

93. Try a different grocery store.

94. Make my own ice cream- could help with #40.

95. Be grateful for the things I have.

96. Go on a hike- so #granola.

97. Make Whole Wheat pancakes- the best. (every day?) 

98. Enjoy ALL the moments.

99. Have ALL the fun.

100. Make ALL the memories.

These ideas came straight from my “Who needs Calculus anyway? When will my parents be here?” brain that should really be worrying about Calc because yes, hi, I need Calc. Due to my obsession with crossing items off of to-do lists, I most definitely put no-brainers on there. I would be thrilled if I could accomplish all 100 things. I know one thing is for sure, I will be crossing #9 off all the way home because it’s time to SUMMER! This Fab Life is about to get even more fabulous.

Also, can my new word be summer as a verb?

Nineteen Fab Gifts

My Fab life grows and grows with each gift, costly or not, that I receive. While April is quickly wrapping up and I am still in that birthday mojo, I have thrown together a few of my favorite things.

19 of the Most Fabulous Gifts I’ve Received: 

  1. A trip with my mom- these tend to come often. Business trip on your kid’s birthday? Problem solved.
  2. My camera- They don’t call me the #selfiequeen for nothing. I love me a quality pic.Processed with VSCO with b1 preset
  3. Alex and Ani bracelets– My arm candy wouldn’t be complete with out them! I mean, seriously these ladies have come in clutch for the gift-giving world. Every occasion in a gold bangle- BRILLIANT! {The pineapple is, of course, my fav}.
  4. S’well water bottle– The pink bottle that completes every day’s look and keeps my water c h i l l.  Due to my water bottle fetish, my mother has limited them to gifts only (or I would literally buy them all).

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    Peep: Simplified Planner (#18)
  5. Jesus Calling– The devotional my best friend sent me in the mail. Not only do I get to reflect on and with God every day, but I get to think of her every time I read it.
  6. Bags- If you’ve ever lost me at the mall, you know where to find me–> searching for my next clutch, tote, or every day-er that I most likely (100% likely) do not need.
  7. Luggage- for real. If you’re going to look cute when you travel, then little miss suitcase better follow your lead. I love that my suitcases have gotten me through my best trips. It’s like we have a relationship (too far?). Also, a very practical and much needed gift.

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    Try to find me at the airport.
  8. THROWBACK: American Girl Dolls (+Bitty Baby)- only THE best gift a girl could ever ask for. When I was Little Lindsey, these dolls were my peeps, and I was totally THAT girl that brushed their hair, dressed them up, and then just looked at them. They’re so pretty! {Samantha will always have my heart}.
  9. Concert tickets- An event is always fun and GIVES those MEMS. My 15th birthday was complimentary of Taylor, herself. Swift, that is.
  10. The holes in my ears count for year number 8. Libby Lu (wow I am dating myself) pierced me forever with my first pair of pretty little pearls. Good thing they fit because this one is a no gift receipt kind of deal.
  11. FitBit Blaze– The ultimate “I don’t text in class and I don’t get 10k steps every day” electronic device. It may cause wrist radiation, but that hasn’t stopped me from buying more bands on Amazon.

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    Soft smiles for FabFit!!
  12. Lip gloss & Perfume- All. Day. Long. If we’re talking lip gloss, the Stilas are my favorite!! My collection is unhealthy but, hello, all light pinks serve different purposes. As for perfume, I got Marc Jacobs’ Daisy for Christmas this past year, and I am honestly still trying to decide if I like the smell or the bottle better. Hmm?
  13. Cards- Not gift cards. And no, not the ones that rain money. Don’t get me wrong, those are fab, but the kind that have sweet words. Being the hoarder I am, every card I have ever received is in a hot pink box under my bed. (When you are writing your cards, remember that people DO read them!!)Processed with VSCO with f2 preset
  14. A playlist- Literally free. Literally the best. My “poor” brother (fo real, dirtttt poor) made me a Spotify playlist and, well, it made My Top 19, so that’s something. I love listening to it thinking about him adding songs that he knows I love, smiling at our favorites, and laughing at some of the funnies he snuck in. (He keeps me hip.)
  15. Shoes- ALL of them. The April birthday is perfectly times for those new spring flippies. My summer Havainas are usually thanks to making it another year older.

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    Yes, all of my toes are the same length.
  16. Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones– Well, well, well I recently received my first pair of these magical buds and they have quickly become my best buds. (I even had to look the name up because I don’t keep up with new technology! Shhhh…)! They accompany me on every run, but my favorite part…I can squat WITH music WITHOUT holding my phone. Boom.
  17. Birthday donuts- When someone wakes up 10 minutes earlier for a donut run to give your birthday a few more sprinkles, keep them. I repeat, they are keepers!!

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    I spy Alex and Ani. I spy a hat.
  18. A signed copy of Emily Ley’s, Grace Not Perfection– We all know my obsession, so there’s no need for an explanation. One question though: who else is counting the hours until Monday’s Simplified Planner release?
  19. Hats- I’m a hat girl, and tHAT’s a fact. I have a million of these lifesavers, and the majority have been gifts. My people know me so well (and by knowing, I mean they KNOW I wake up 5 minutes before walking out the door). Here’s my go-to STL classic.

Gifts are so special. We all know that gift card runs to Walgreens are sometimes the easiest option, but a well thought out gift can show how much you value the relationship or friendship. Like I said, I love love love wearing, using, or just simply having things that other people wanted me to give me. They DO NOT have to be expensive and some don’t even have to cost! I will be the first to admit that I like nice things, but who doesn’t? Gifts are all about thought, which is why simple HBD texts, tweets, instas, and FB messages go a long way. Everybody loves a birthday shoutout.

In all seriousness though, I don’t know what’s better: receiving a gift or being the GIVER. Sometimes when I’m on the hunt for that special gift, it’s hard for me to stop. Or or or isn’t it the best when you find the PERFECT gift? And you just have to give it to them unwrapped because they obviously need it. Right now. If you are in the gift-giving role anytime soon (or it’s just time to treat yourself), I hope this list helps you make someone else’s (aka your) life even more fab.