the long weekend!

Hello my lovely friends! I hope everyone had a good long weekend. You might've noticed that I got a little face lift! I'm excited about it but it'll probably change again because, you know, I'm indecisive. 
Also, I started offering blog consultations as a sponsorship package and they'll soon be up on the design site too. I have been doing consultations for a while for free- just helping some girls out with anything they need, and I figured that it could be helpful to offer it to all of you. I'm of course no professional here, but I do feel like I have enough knowledge of blogging and design to help a sista out! So basically it will be an hour (ish) session via Skype (or phone or whatever works) where you have free reign over the topic. If you're just starting out, I can help with anything you need. If you're looking to grow your blog, I can help you come up with a strategy. If you have questions about design, content, social media, or any aspect of the whole blogging thing, I can help! Its really just a time for me to help you in any and every way possible. So if you're interested, go ahead and use the promo code "CONSULT" for a sweet little deal on a consultation here!
DJ was home this weekend and we had a really good time! Saturday was such a perfect day. The weather was finally cooling down (it had been in the high 80's) and it was beautiful outside! I'm not complaining about the high 80's though- its 110 at home. Ew. We woke up and got ready to go to breakfast. We tried a new place that I found online, and before we even got there I knew that I was going to love it. It's a coffee and crepe house, but they have other things too. It's called Faster Basset and if you're ever in Great Falls, which I'm sure you wont because- its Great Falls, you must go. I'm pretty sure there's nothing else like it here. I got a caramel macchiato and DJ got a white mocha. YUM. And we got crepes, too. Which we've also had in Europe, and I must say, they were just as good here. I already can't wait to go back. The vibe at the restaurant was so fun. There's couches and a fireplace and it shares a room with a bar which also looks amazing. Only a couple years until I can try that side! 

After breakfast we headed over to this little area of town where there's some good shopping. We walked around Pier 1 and found tons of things that we wanted to have in our house someday. I could literally spend hours in that store. I love it. We ended up getting a cute little shopping list and the cutest mug. We also went to Old Navy and we both got some cute shiz for super cheap because they were having a Memorial Day sale and they give military discounts. Woo!

GUYS. Montana is pretty.

We're just relaxing today and enjoying our time together! How are you spending the long weekend?

being a busy bee

Where have I been all week? I'm slackin' over here, guys. But it has been a busy busy week. I had my last day of work on Wednesday. I was a little excited to be done with the commitment, but I know I'm gonna miss that little guy. He's almost one, and he's getting to be at such a fun age, and I know that this summer so many exciting things will happen with him that I'll miss. You know, walking and talking and all that jazz. I miss his little four-tooth smile already!

Thursday was my last full day in Tucson. I can't say I'm upset about that. I went to breakfast with my roomies for our last breakfast together, and it was awesome. I had amazing blueberry pecan pancakes.

So you're welcome for making you hungry. They were so good and now I can't stop thinking about them. YUM. Whoa, okay, anyway. You can read Carlin's sappy little post about it here because I don't want to talk about how hard it was to leave her. We also took our last (also its only our third) roomie picture. I was grabbing Carlin's butt, that's why she's laughing. Yolo

Friday I finished up my last final, and headed home to Phoenix. It's crazy because a few months ago, I was so anti-Phoenix. But now, I can't wait until DJ gets out of the Air Force and we can move back. Driving into Phoenix on Friday, I couldn't help but feel this overwhelming sense of home. Its where I grew up. I know the city so well. Its where my friends and family are. I can't wait to come home. DJ is looking into some programs at ASU for his Bachelor's and I'm looking into Master's programs there, so it'll be exciting for us to move home and get back to school once he's out!

Today I met up with my homegirls Kailey and Carissa at Lux in Phoenix for coffee. What was supposed to be a quick early morning coffee date ended up being five hours of laughing, talking, gossiping, and all of that good stuff. If you're ever in central Phoenix, Lux is such a neat little place. It's definitely very hipster, and the coffee and food is amaze. I also ran into DJ's mom there, which is funny because we were supposed to hang out later in the day. But all around it was definitely a good way to spend a Saturday!

Ugh why am I so much taller than everyone. Anyway, tomorrow is Mamas day so I'm hanging out with my mom and grandma, which should be a good day. Then Monday is prep for Montana and a baseball game with those hotties in the picture above. Tuesday is hair cut / eye brow waxing / nail painting so I look fresh for my man…..and Wednesday is THE DAY! It's so close guys. I can't wait.

So, there's what I've been up to and why I haven't been around. Also I've been lacking some motivation, but I'm hoping Montana will change that. While we're at it, use the code "MONTANA" for a discount on any ad because I'm so freaking excited!!!

What have you been up to?

this could be that moment

In high school, I was a really good student. I graduated with a 4.5 GPA as valedictorian with honors and blah blah blah. So naturally I had high hopes for college. I wanted to go somewhere great. I knew I wasn't Ivy League material or anything, but I wanted to go somewhere prestigious. I had my sights set on Washington University in St. Louis. It has like the #4 medical school in the country, and the campus is B-E-A-UTIFUL. I was obsessed and I decided that it was the only place I was going to apply because I knew that I wouldn't be happy anywhere else. But guess what? I got put on the wait list. I cried. A lot. And I was so mad. But I had that little ounce of hope that they would take people from the wait list. But guess what? They didn't. So I got stuck going to U of A, which (and this is embarrassing to admit) I felt I was "too good for." God I was annoying. But honestly, getting rejected from that school where everyone is an A student and studies 10 hours a day was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I'm barely getting a good GPA at UofA and I'm so over school, so I know if I was there I would be miserable. If I was in St. Louis, I probably wouldn't be with DJ. I wouldn't have been home when he came home that first time, and we probably wouldn't have started a relationship. I wouldn't have some of my best friends that I met here at UofA. I wouldn't have been in Arizona to meet C Town and K Camp who are the shiznit.

It amazes me that a day that I thought was the worst day ever ended up being life changing in the best way possible. At the time, I would've never believed that getting rejected from the school I'd dreamed of going to would be a good thing, but looking back it honestly changed my life. It's crazy how something can be so life changing without you even knowing it, right?

Like when I added DJ on Facebook a year and a half ago. I clicked a button on the computer and it changed my life. What if I hadn't added him? Or he hadn't messaged me? I remember being hesitant to add him because it had been so long since we'd seen each other, and I didn't know if he still remembered me. But I did it (yolo). I didn't expect anything to come out of it- it was just a friend request to a cute guy on Facebook. But here we are, over a year later, and we've spoken every day since. We dream of our wedding and talk about our future kids and we're madly in love. Who would've thought?

Its crazy to think that something happening right now can be life changing and we don't even know it. Writing this post could change me life. Maybe the spaghetti I'm eating right now will change my life. Maybe the trip I'm about to take to Sonic to get ice cream will be life changing. Who knows! Everything happens for a reason. Something that might seem terrible could end up being the best thing thats ever happened. I'm trying to keep that in mind these next couple of weeks as I'm counting down the days to see DJ. I think about how badly waiting sucks, but in all honestly, being apart from each other was probably the best thing for our relationship. It has made us so strong and has proved to us that we never want to live without each other. It's honestly been a blessing.

So, the bad things don't always end up being so bad, the small things might not really be so small, and this could be the moment that changes everything.

what I learned this week

I could not be any happier that today is Friday. Who's with me? All of my tests are over with, and I'm stress free! I'm headed off to meet some lovely bloggers today, and it's my first blate ever so you can bet there will be a post about that on Monday ;) I'm meeting up with Mo and Emily, and I know it'll be an amazing start to my weekend! Anyway, it was a long and pretty eventful week around here, so I thought today I would share with you some things that I learned this week.

I need to start saying no.
I have a problem with saying no. When a friend asks me to hang out and I don't want to, I immediately get awkward and try to find some excuse. When someone asks me for a favor, I do it. I know there are a lot of people out there trying to say yes more, but honestly I think I say yes too much. Not that there's anything wrong with wanted to be more optimistic and open, but I definitely let people take advantage of me because I say yes too much. I realized that when something happened this week, which I don't want to get into much detail about because it involves another blogger, but basically I felt bad saying no, and I ended up doing way more than I should have for this person without charging them like I should have. holy run-on sentence. I've always been this way. I would rather suck it up and do a little extra for someone than tell them no. Saying no is awkward and uncomfortable and I don't want to be rude. Sure, doing things for others is kind. I like to think that I'm a good person, and I definitely enjoy helping others. But at what point does this become too much? When I begin to sacrifice my happiness (and in cases like the other day- my sanity) for others, is it worth it?

I don't give myself enough credit.
I've been talking a lot lately about the fact that I'm graduating in December- three semesters early. However, I've been focusing on the fact that some people are reacting negatively, when really I should be proud of myself. Why should I care what others think? I'm getting a four year degree in two and a half years, I have a job, I'm doing well in all of my classes, and I just got an internship for the summer. I'm in a really great relationship, I'm living on my own and supporting myself, and I have a successful blog. In spite of all of that, sometimes I don't give myself enough credit. I feel like I could be doing more, or I could be doing better. But really, I should be proud of myself and I learned that this week.

Going for a run with a headache + runny nose is a bad decision.
That just happened about ten minutes ago and my head hurts so bad I can barely see these words as I type. I hadn't been to the gym since I got sick a week ago, so I knew I had to go, but I only feel ten times worse now. UGH.

I don't have to feel bad for not posting.
Awhile ago, I made it a goal to post five days a week. That was two months ago, and I have posted Monday-Friday since then. Except for yesterday. It was such a stressful week for me with school and I just couldn't think of anything / didn't have the motivation to write a post on Wednesday night, and I felt guilty about it. But really, it was sort of nice yesterday not having a post to worry about promoting, and I realized that skipping a day isn't the worst thing in the world.

I have the best boyfriend in the world.
Okay, I didn't just learn that this week, but I was definitely reminded of it. You all knew Wednesday was DJ's birthday, right? Well, Wednesday morning I was laying in bed and I got a call from the woman who works in the office at my apartment complex. When I answered, she said, "Brianna, someone loves you." I was confused and on the verge of saying, "I love you too?" when she told me to come into the office. As soon as I walked in I saw these beautiful flowers with an I love you balloon attached and I almost shit my pants. My boyfriend sent me flowers on his birthday. He's crazy! And I love him and I'm so freaking lucky to have him.
Just because I'm excited about something doesn't mean I have to do it right now. I do that a lot, and honestly I think of it as a flaw. When I have an idea, I get so passionate about it that I want it to happen right then and there. Like when I wanted to re-open my Etsy shop, I went to the store and dropped a good amount of money that day to buy some supplies. The problem is, I was over it in like two days and didn't want to do it anymore. I've mentioned before that I'm applying to graduate school. Ideally, I will start in January. I don't want to take a semester off because I know I'll get used to not being in school and I won't want to go back. I was planning on applying early decision in June, because like I said, I get excited and want to do everything right away. But applying in June means taking my GMAT, getting my letters of recommendation, and finishing my application + dropping over $300 for all of that very very soon. This week I realized that I need to slow down and take a step back. I can apply in November for the same semester. The only difference is that I won't find out right away. But it gives me more time to save, study, and plan. I had been stressing out about it so much, and I now feel such a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders knowing that I have a few extra months to get everything sorted out. I'm still just as excited about applying, but I realized that it will benefit me to wait.
Netflix is the enemy. I started watching Scandal like yesterday and I'm now almost done with the second season. I really need to stop watching new shows because I get hooked so fast and then I never want to leave my bed. Also we made brownies yesterday so brownies + netflix= major fat girl status for days.
What did you learn this week?

things I will never understand

Physics, chemistry, advanced calculus- I will never understand them. There are just some things in life that are too complex to wrap your head around. I've gone through twelve years of school and now two years of college, and there are still so many things that blow my mind. So, here are things I will never, ever understand.

why girls get so mad when guys leave the toilet seat up.

I don't know, I just feel like it takes longer to complain to him about leaving it up than to actually put it down yourself.

why its okay to have breakfast for dinner but not dinner for breakfast. 

If I want In-N-Out at 8 am I think that I should be able to have In-N-Out at 8 am, right?

why people think college is so easy. 

I talk about that in this post.

why girls put make up on to go to the gym. 

I get that most girls (including myself) don't like to leave the house without makeup. But to the gym? Really? I don't know about you, but whether I'm wearing make up or not I still look disgusting when I get back from the gym. It's a waste of makeup!

why people abbreviate in texts. 

Okay, it was cool in like fourth grade to type "u" for "you" and things like that. I throw in the occasional OMG, but really I hate when people abbreviate in texts. It makes you look dumb. Especially when the word you're abbreviating is short to begin with. Like what's the point of using "2" instead of "to"? Its one extra letter, and you don't seem like an idiot. It's simple.

why people are still confusing "your" and "you're." 

I guess this goes along with the one above. We're adults, we should know grammar. Even if you didn't learn it in school, there are plenty of memes out there now that make fun of this idea. My heart hurts a little every time I see someone use the wrong one.

how people can drive for twenty minutes without realizing their turn signal is on.

Self-explanatory. 

What're some things you'll never understand?

five out of seven

Five out of seven. We've said goodbye five times. We've had five terribly hard goodbyes in airports in two different states, two different countries. Each one is just as hard, but we've gotten better about not dragging them out. Our goodbye after the summer in Germany was the worst. We sat in that airport for a good hour crying. Since then it's gotten shorter and shorter every time. We try to "rip the bandaid off" and just get it over with, because sitting there crying and dragging out doesn't make it any easier. But I'm sitting on the plane as I write this, with a big smile on my face because of what DJ said to me before I walked through security. 

Five out of seven. We only have two more goodbyes. One after I spend this summer with him, and one after I go visit next October. After that last goodbye, we never have to be apart again. We've spent the last year and a half missing each other on and off for months at a time, but in nine short months it'll all be over. It sounds like forever away right now, but I know that December will be here before I know it and I'll finally get to be with my best friend every day for the rest of my life. Plus, three of those months I will be with him, so we really only have to spend six months apart. Ever. 

It's such a crazy feeling to know that THIS YEAR I graduate college and move to be with him. We've been talking a lot about our plans. Where I'll try to work, if he'll be getting out of the military, where we want to live. We're approaching such an exciting point in our journey together and it makes my heart so happy to think about that!

Being in a long distance relationship is so tough, and I can't wait to be done with that BS. But I honestly wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm so happy that we started our relationship long distance. Those five heart wrenching goodbyes reminded us that we don't want to be away from each other, and that we shouldn't take our time together for granted. Every sweet hello reminds us how exciting love can be. Every day we got to spend together was special, and I truly believe that once we're together every day, well always remember the times when we longed to be together and be grateful for what we have. 

Two more goodbyes and my life will change forever, and it couldn't come fast enough.

the struggle is real

Senior year of high school, I had some struggles with my name. I mean I didn't struggle, but everyone else seemed to. 

Note: I don't have one of those names that everyone gets wrong. Brianna. It's simple. Maybe there's the occasional "Rhianna" on my Starbucks cup (obvi Rihanna and I look so much alike- that must be why). Or maybe even a misspelling- but other than that, I've never had problems with people getting my name right.

Well, senior year of high school we had this lovely principal who I shall call Mrs. Airhead. Mrs. Airhead was just that- an Airhead. She once made a speech to the entire school on Pearl Harbor, and how if it had not happened, Hitler would still be the Emperor of Germany. I know…airhead. Anyway, I had to make a speech at graduation, so I was in Mrs. Airhead's office quite a bit towards the end of the year (she had to approve the speeches). She knew who I was. She had my name on a bunch of papers. She said hi to me on the reg.

Now, here's where it gets good. I'm sitting in my government class learning about something boring and irrelevant when Mrs. Airhead came into the class. Only seniors take government at my school, so she was coming in on official graduation business. She proceeded to tell us what would happen if we did something wrong and couldn't walk at graduation, reminded us to get our caps and gowns, and all that jazz. Then she says, "Okay class. Let's pretend Amanda gets in trouble in class." and proceeds to tell a story about Amanda misbehaving. There's no one named Amanda in our class. I realized she was talking about me when she looked right at me and said, "Right, Amanda?" I didn't know if I should correct her, or just let it be. Like seriously I've been in your office every day this week. Amanda?! As soon as she left, the whole class was cracking up. She's an airhead.

Fast forward a few weeks. It's graduation! Since I had to make a speech at graduation, I got to sit on the stage the entire time. So, I was also the first person to walk and receive a diploma. The first person. Here's how it worked: we had a card with our name printed on it. When it was our turn to walk, we handed the card to a teacher and they would say our name as we walked across the stage. Did I mention I went first? It's not like the teacher was tired and worn out from saying over 300 names, so there shouldn't be a problem, right? Wrong. As I start walking across the stage, they announce "Brianna Riley." (Riley is my middle name.) They didn't say my last name. Not that it really mattered, but still. I just looked at my mom in the audience and we both cracked a smile. Way to go. At least I didn't trip.

Do you ever have to deal with the name struggle?

how my life is basically a country music song

I'm a little obsessed with country music. It's all I listen to. I don't know any songs by lil kanye or 3 chains or whatever, but I know every lyric to every Luke Bryan song...so that's good. That being said, let's welcome this beauty back to the blog for like the third time..

Yes, that's Luke Bryan. Yes, he's holding my phone. Yes, we took a selfie.

Anyway, do you ever listen to a song and think, "that's totally my life?" I do. All the time. So I present to you...proof my life is basically a song written by the country music gods. "I know I'm all over the road, I can't help but go little bit of left, little bit of right." Easton Corbin: All Over the Road. I'm also a terrible driver Easton, it's okay. "Somewhere, somewhere sunny and 75" Joe Nichols: Sunny and 75. That's my life, all year round, because it doesn't get much cooler than that in Arizona. "We could go get lost. Lost down some old backroad, lost in the song on the radio" Chris Young: Lost. Not only am I a terrible driver, I also am terrible with directions. I always leave about 15 minutes earlier than necessary because there's a 99% good chance I'll get lost on the way. "Three dollars shy of a five dollar bill....two bucks to my name." Chris Young: Beer or Gasoline. I'm broke. "Thank God for all I missed because it lead me here to this." Darius Rucker: This. I explain this one in this post. "Somewhere in my car..." Keith Urban: Somewhere in my Car. Because I lose everything and I always end up finding it somewhere in my car. "We're gonna find it tonight.." Chris Young: We're Gonna Find It Tonight. See above. "But where I come from, rain is a good thing." Luke Bryan: Rain is a Good Thing. ...Where I come from is the desert. And to end this one serious note... "We've come so far since that day, and I thought I loved you then" Brad Paisley: Then. You can read mine and handsome's love story here. Are there any songs that pertain to your life?

life lately

Because I'm not creative enough to come up with an amazing or inspirational post, I thought I would just catch you up on my life right now.

The weather. Its still kind of hot outside-it was 88 today- but its pretty cold in the mornings and most days its been nice. I can't wait for winter! Bring it on :)

My Cara Box. I'll do a reveal post later, by I got my Cara Box package from Jenny yesterday and I'm absolutely in love with everything she put in it! :)

Love and War Clothing. They make tons of cute military apparel for spouses and loved ones. I have one tank top from there, but I've been shopping around for more! You should definitely check it out.

Okay, so I need some opinions from you lovely ladies! :)

I did a post earlier on organization, and I shared some printables that I made with you. But I really want a new planner or journal to organize my bloggy business. I want something that's cute, but efficient. 

Do you use a planner? Do you know of any good ones/where I can get them?

Also, I want to bake Handsome something because he's just moving into his new house in Montana and I want to send him a package. I need a good pumpkin recipe. I want to make pumpkin muffins, or anything else that can be in the mail for a day or two and still be good!

I have a few updates with the blog.

I'm now accepting sponsorships through Adproval. I have three options for decent prices. I promise that I will put tons and tons of effort into your sponsorship! :) 

Also, I'm going to start selling some designs. No complete blog designs- I'm not that good. But I've been playing around and learning a lot and I can totally do custom buttons, headers, about me's, social media icons, and all that good stuff! So if you're interested, and want help for a reasonable price, email me! :) I also hit my 200th follower on Bloglovin today! I have 98 followers two weeks ago, so I'm pretty excited! What've you been up to lately?

my life in pictures

Not to be cliché, but I really think a picture is worth a thousand words. Nothing makes me happier than looking at old pictures and reminiscing. 

So, here's my life as told by pictures.

I have the most amazing friends a girl could ask for.

I'm at student at The University of Arizona

I love country music. It's all I listen to.

I have the most amazing man in my life. Read our story.

I love food. Like- a lot. :)