Our Story {part one}

If you read and follow Much Love, illy or Little Miss Momma then you know they have pretty great love stories. And if you're like me then you have also been thinking to yourself, "what's my story?"

I decided to ask fella {Cole} where he thought our story began because really; we're a little complicated. We met each other at my very first job in college and I was seriously dating someone who at the time I was sure I would marry. So when Cole and I met we of course only just became friends. Plus he was 5 years older than I and to be honest that intimidated a lot. Of course later I realized it only intimidated me because I was over the moon for him.

And so we worked together {side-by-side} at our campus fitness center in the smoothie shop for a few years and became really good friends. Eventually the "perfect guy" I was dating wasn't right for me anymore and it would be because of a number of reasons but Cole was certainly one of them.

But let me back up. So back to the present. I asked Cole where did our story together begin? And just like a boy he replies, "Dunno". Nice.

So I started reliving it for us both. Mostly cause "dunno" was NOT the answer I want him to have and also cause honesty my answer sort of also fell into the "dunno" place. Dang.

And so over the next few weeks I'd like to share "Our Story". Because I want to remember and relive every detail. And because no good story ever started with "dunno". And every love story should be good.

via

Please feel free to tell me your story too! I'd love LOVE to hear it!

Must-Have Apps {seriously}

Last year I made the plunge from my beloved Blackberry to the iPhone. I don't have a regular camera {yet, wink wink boyfriend} and so I knew I wanted to change phones just so that I could take better pictures for the blog with the many great iPhone apps but I had no idea how many other great programs I would find and fall in love with.

Today... I'd like to take you through my list of MUST-HAVE Apple applications. Like seriously people. And if you don't have an iPhone, iPad, or i-anything... may this list convince you to either lust or make the plunge.

photography

 one: Instagram


Not only do I use this app daily to take gorgeous pictures {even bad hair days look good through this app} but their news feed keeps me up-to-date with other bloggy friends and is a great resource for letting your readers know what's going on with your blog/shop.



cost: free

two: Diptic


This app I usually use about 3-4 times a week. Basically it makes collages. You can also upload those collages to any social media source of your choosing so it's a great resource for outfit posts, shop updates, anything really.


cost: $.99

three: labelbox
 
Labelbox was recently introduced to me and now I LOVE it so dearly. You can use "tape" to add captions to any photo you take in your albums. Then you can use their sister app "Steply" to upload those photos to your favorite social media outlets (including Instagram).



cost: free    {extra cost for additional tape selections}

four: red stamp

The wonderful creation red stamp is amazing because who has time to send cards and letters all year long? This app lets you design your own happy note {including photo} and send it to the recipient via social media app, email, text, or they'll even print and send a paper copy on your behalf.  Rad.


cost: free  {additional cost to send paper version of cards}

 

crafting and handmade

one: michaels

Oh Michaels, how I love thee.... especially when in a crafting pinch. But I do not love paying full price for ANYTHING. Therefore this app comes in especially handy if I ran into this store and totally forgot to bring any current coupons. You can pull up any current coupons and they'll scan them right from your phone. Viola! and whew! 


cost: free

two: jo ann's 


This of course is the identical sister app to the michael's one. Has all the same features and really comes in handy when you just need those coupons. Also, the location finder is nice when you are in a new area and not sure where to find the closest craft store! 


cost: free

three: Etsy


But of course I recommend that everyone {etsy shop owner or not} to have this wonderful app. It's even easier to browse and shop then on your laptop and I do most of my purchasing, "hearting" and more on this app. It's not however built for shop maintenance. But maybe they'll add it?

cost: free

four: pinterest


If you haven't joined this crazy amazing site.... you'd better. Not only is it an awesome time-suck of beautifulness but it's also a great social media tool. From recipes, crafts to just beautiful ideas this app is like a inspiration board that you can carry with you. And this is another app that I prefer to use over the actual website. It does crash and have bugs from time to time but the developers are always quick to get it running and even better. 


cost: free

games

 one: words with friends

I mean.... of course. A scrabble game that you can play with any friend on your own timeline? Fabulous. I think once I had 20 different games going at one time. A must-have for those bored moments where you want to stretch your brain. 

cost: free   {or $.99 for the non-ad version}

two: angry birds {original, seasons and rio}

Do you need all three versions of this game? Well.... no. But are you going to play so often that you need MORE challenging levels and awesome birds to fling? Uh, yes! Trust me.... worth the fun. 

cost: free trials   {usually $.99 for paid versions, wait for sales}

entertainment

 one: hulu plus

If you are paying for cable, you are silly. I haven't had cable in nearly 4 years and I really don't miss it. For less than $10/month you can get hulu plus and watch all your fav shows. And that's why I love this app. Perfect way to catch up on my "Parenthood" episodes when waiting at the DMV or laundry mat.  

cost: free

two: netflix

Same story as before. We have the instant-only netflix {cheapest option} and it's perfect. We can watch a movie if we're feeling a snuggle-in type of night. Or start a new TV show like our newest Sunday morning obsession of "MadMen". Swoon. And with this app I can also indulge in an episode or two of "Say yes to the Dress" while getting laundry done. Great app. 

cost: free

 three: starbucks

If you aren't a coffee addict.... not sure we understand each other. Ha, just kidding. Maybe. This app is IT. You can load money right onto it and pay using just your phone! Using this method you also earn rewards and become a VIP member at the popular chain. Plus you can build-your-own drinks and find out exactly what's in each beverage. I adore this app. 

cost: free

 

Those are my favorites. I know the list is growing rapidly and there are many more that I have on my phone that I didn't share today but genuinely these are what I use DAILY. 

What are your favorite, cannot live without, must have apps? I'd love to have something new! 

{Thrifted Thursdays} Week 12

If you are new to this read about it all here. 

I know many of you are out there thrifting some fabulous clothing, home goods and other fun items so please link them up! If you tweet about something thrifted I will twitter stalk you until you share mkay? :)


This week I want to share with you Trina from "Feed the Birdies". She was wonderful and linked up her thrifted Valentine's last week and I just love it!

Trina's blog is adorable and I just love that she linked up something that was thrifted but also vintage. AND she linked up something for the cute Valentine's holiday.


Did you have a great day? I worked all day but my sweet man made me a fantastic salmon dinner with asparagus {and of course wine} and we had angel food cake with strawberries and whip cream for dessert! Oh and he brought me home the most beautiful flowers. Ah, I love that man.

{Thrifted Thursdays} Week 11

If you are new to this read about it all here. 

I know many of you are out there thrifting some fabulous clothing, home goods and other fun items so please link them up! If you tweet about something thrifted I will twitter stalk you until you share mkay? :)


This week I want to share with you some thrifty goods I have found via Etsy since I have been unable to go out on any thrifty adventures in the past few weeks. But don't worry... they are pretty great and many are vintage.

{1} Infant yellow dress: via
{2} Rainbow Tumblers: via
{3} Typewriter: via
{4} Vintage brooch: via
{5} Teacups: via
{6} Vintage camera: via
{7} Necklace: via
{8} Vintage coke bottles: via
{9} Vintage gown: via

Winner, Winner.

Email me to claim your ah-mazing prizes