3 things I'm happy to have as an "adult"

I wanted to do an updated "About Me" post, but one is already on the blog (that should probably be updated) and I wanted this one to be a little different. I think we can all agree entering into adulthood is weird. You're kind of lost, then you think you're on your feet, but then really "adult" things come up like signing up for your 401k or buying life insurance and it stops you right in your tracks. So, I wanted to think of things I love about being an "adult" and being out on my own. Honestly thinking of retirement or why I need life insurance kind of scares me right now, anyway. Let's keep it light.

1. Independence (and dependence) - When I graduated from college and got my job, I knew the next step was moving out. I graduated a semester early, so I lived with my parents from December - July while I was job hunting and submitting teaching applications like crazy. When I landed my job, I began apartment hunting. There was one thing I knew I wanted in an apartment: for it to be my own. I didn't want to share a space, except with my dog. I wanted to take on this next step in my life by myself and by myself I mean with the frequent occasional call to my mom to make sure I was doing it all right (cue the dependence). I wanted to call the shots with decorating, what the temperature was at, where the pots and pans go, how the fridge was organized (or completely unorganized), you get it. I wanted to take on this chapter full force and by walking around with no pants on in my own living room without judgement if needed. You can ask my daddy, he constantly tells me (in the most loving way) they "raised me too independent." I want to be in charge- but is that surprising if you know me? I'm thankful for the way I was raised to know how to take care of myself, but still call my parents when all else fails.
2. Thriftiness - I can't tell you how many times someone has asked me, "Did you get that from Goodwill?" Nine times out of ten, the answer is a hard yes. I've nicknamed myself a thrifting queen. I have decorated the majority of my little shoebox apartment with thrift store finds (a.k.a. the millions of baskets on the walls) and my closet probably seems like hand-me-down central to some people, but I love it and I love it about me. Don't get it twisted though- I still like my brands, I just buy them on sale. Most importantly, I'm aware of my spending and saving and I was taught you don't live above your means.
3. Humor - This! This is important. Probably the biggest trait I am so grateful for and proud of. For goodness sake, whether it means anything or not, I received the Cherish Cat Award in high school because I always had a smile on my face. I love laughing- it's probably my favorite thing ever. I can confidently say that I get my sense of humor from my dad (mom would confidently agree). I think it is so important to be able to laugh at yourself and if you dish it you need to be able to take it (I'm working on that last one). Biggest piece of advice I wish I could tell my younger self: laugh off the small stuff, there is a reason you can't change it.

Whether I want to think about the "bigger" stuff right now or not, thriftiness will help me build up that 401k, right?

Current Favorites: January

Hello all! 2019 is off to a great start in my shoebox apartment. If you missed the Instagram post today, check out the little bit of eye-pleasing purging I did today. I hope your 2019 is off to a running start too!

I'm here because I have a slew of January favorites and I'm dying to share with y'all! I've shared them with my mom enough, ya know? Now I need someone else to love them as much as me. Ha!

Okay, on to the good stuff! Everything is linked in its title.

Home //

Better Homes & Gardens 3 Piece Duvet Set 

I stinking LOVE this thing. As y'all know, I have a dog named Messi and she is in fact a hot mess. Previously, I had a white comforter that was ruched, but it wasn't textured enough to hide the dog hair (TMI?) in between washes. This one is amazing and the quality is very Anthro-like for a quarter of the price. I have a full bed and I purchased the King sized duvet. I like for my bedding to touch the floor. This one definitely pulls double-duty because I used it for a couple of days without the duvet insert and it was like a quilt- perfect for lighter bedding during the summer months!

Vase & Palm Leaves 

                             

                 

I scooped these up a couple of weekends ago at Hobby Lobby. These leaves come on a stem and I put 3 in this cute vase! Their new home is above my kitchen cabinets. I said goodbye to the cotton stems and welcomed a more tropical vibe in. This vase is on major sale right now, too!

Beauty //

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer

As far as I'm concerned, I am late to the party with this stuff! It's awesome and it smells like a beachy oasis. I have it in shade 'Bronzer' and a little goes a loooooong way. Best part- it's on sale half price through Amazon right now and free shipping! Scoop it up and thank me later.

Maui Moisture Curl Quench Shampoo & Conditioner

Now I am by no means a hair guru, but over the last two years I have intentionally tried to take better care of my hair. I've tried tons of shampoos and conditioners for curly hair, but most have made my hair feel greasy (which is unusual for me), heavy, oily, or crunchy. My hair is thick and kinky and it curls in ringlets, waves, and crimps all at the same time. I use sulfate-free products by preference and wash my hair two times (ish) a week. I started using this shampoo and conditioner a couple of weeks ago and LOVE it! It smells amazing, makes my hair feel soft, and controls the frizz like crazy. It's buy one, get one 50% off right now at Walgreens too!

Style //

Timberland Women's Courmayeur Valley Chelsea Boots

Best Christmas present ever. These are pricey, but so worth it! I have worn them every day since I unwrapped them and now want them in every color they come in! Unfortunately, they are only available in black on the Timberland site, but I found them on Amazon and Zappos, too! If you were thinking about a pair of Timbs, I highly recommend these.

No Boundaries Backpack

I've had this mini backpack since the beginning of October and have carried it through Fall and into Winter. The size and color are great and it's very roomy for all of your on-the-go essentials! I bought one, then my mom was scooping hers up the next day too! It's on sale for $13 right now.

Crush on You Lace Bralette

The *ULTIMATE* dupe, y'all! I saved the best for last and I am too excited about it. I have been looking and looking and looking and looking (you get it) for a dupe for the Adella Free People bralette and I have finally found it. I am too cheap to pay $40 for bralette, so I have been on the hunt for something comparable for months! I follow quite a few bloggers on Instagram and they were sharing their favorite bralettes and this one came up! It is $22 and comes in quite a few colors. I cannot wait for it to arrive and I will tell you my review on it. Based on what others have to say, it is going to be a good one!

I would love to know if you've tried any of these! See you back here for another future favorites post.