Tuesday, January 17, 2017

To My Blogger Bestie on Her Birthday


I hope that you're having the most wonderful day and an amazing first day of your new job!  Today you're a quarter of a century old and in my opinion that's a pretty big deal.  I wish that I could be there to celebrate with you, but since I cannot I am writing this to celebrate you and your special day.

I am so blessed to have you in my life.  It's crazy that blogging and social media brought us together and such an incredible friendship has come out of it.  I also cannot believe that this is the third set of birthdays we're celebrating together!  I never in a million years thought I would've made the friends I have from blogging and I certainly never could've imagined making a friend like you.

You are truly a wonderful person who deserves wonderful things.  For your 25th Birthday I've decided to share 25 wishes that I have for you this year.

1. I wish that you have an amazing 25th birthday and celebrate in true fairy princess style.

2. I hope that you get the score of your dreams when you take the LSATs again and that your test day goes perfectly.

3. I wish that you get into the law school of your choice and kick ass like Elle Woods.

3. I hope that you get many cuddles from Pierre and that he starts to listen to you just a little bit more.

4. I wish that you and Jordan have many crazy, fun, exciting, and romantic dates and adventures and that your love only continues to grow.

5. I hope that you find the most perfect house or apartment to purchase and that it is everything you've ever wanted in a home.

6. I wish that you get to travel and take some fun trips (perhaps to NYC or maybe even Paris for a girls weekend with me!).

7. I hope that we finally get to meet up in person and spend a few days being super blogger-y and have too many photoshoots.

8. I wish that champagne flows freely and your glass is full whenever you want it to be.

9. I hope that you have many fancy events to attend where you can play dress up and feel like the prettiest princess.

10. I wish that your hair always looks as incredible and envious as Blake Lively's.

11. I hope that you have all the Starbucks that you could ever want and that you enjoy each cup.  Whether you're on a coffee date with a friend or hanging out solo at the coffee shop I hope that you're able to take your time with your favorite drink and savor each sip.

12. I wish that you blow a paycheck (or a few) on that designer handbag or pair of shoes that you've had your eye on.

13. I hope that you have many days frolicking on a beach and relaxing with your toes in the sand.

14. I wish that you have a whole year of good skin days and that you're always glowing.

15. I hope that you get to spend quality time with your family and that you can to see them as often as you can.

16. I wish that your year is filled with all of the fresh flowers you could ever want, especially beautiful pink peonies.

17. I hope that you have all the blogging inspiration and that all of your posts are exactly what you want them to be.

18. I wish that you find many amazing vegetarian recipes and that your adventures in cooking always turn out great.

19. I hope that you have someone to cook for you on days where you're tired or just don't feel like cooking and that you even get a visit from a personal chef.

20. I wish that you #treatyoself, always indulge, and enjoy your guilty pleasures without feeling guilty.

21. I hope that you have many, many trips to Nordstrom and that you score shockingly amazing deals at the Anniversary Sales.

22. I wish that Taylor Swift invites us to her next squad hangout and that we get to spend the night baking cookies with Taylor, Gigi, Karlie, Selena, Lily, Blake, and Martha.

23. I hope that you have time to read at least one book a month that doesn't have to do with work or school and that you relish in this time for yourself.

24. I wish that Taylor Swift drops a new album, goes on tour, and that you get front row seats and a backstage pass for one of the tour dates.

25. I hope that you're 25th year tops your 24th (even though 24 was pretty good!).

Thank you for always being such a great friend. Thank you for always lending an ear, fangirling with me, sharing fashion and beauty advice, and being my blogger bestie.  Everyone who knows you and reads your blog is lucky to have you in their life.  Have an wonderful, incredible, adventurous, successful, spontaneous, educational, exciting, and fun 25th year on earth!

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Welcome to Tutu Tuesdays a linkup with The Blush Blonde and The Fairy Princess Diaries!  Linkup whatever you'd like and make sure to do a little mingling - our goal here is to create a community of bloggers where we can all connect, find new blogs, and support one another.  We love new friends, supporting other blogs, and meeting fellow girl bosses!

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.
Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram
2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.
3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!
4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!
“The




Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Golden Globes 2017 Gowns

Who else is still swooning over all the Golden Globe gowns?!  I was very happy to see so many gorgeous looks because I felt very underwhelmed after last year's show.  There were so many gowns that I just loved and I don't think I could pick a favorite, but thankfully I don't have to pick just one!   Below I have put together all of my favorites from this year to make up The Blush Blonde Golden Globes Best Dressed List.

Kristen Bell in Jenny Packham  |  Mandy Moore in Naeem Khan  |  Olivia Culpo in Zuhair Murad  |  Blake Lively in Atelier Versace

Viola Davis in Michael Kors Collection  |  Emily Ratajkowski in Reem Acra  |  Reese Witherspoon in Versace

Kristin Cavallari in Idan Cohen  |  Gillian Anderson in Jenny Packham  |  Gina Rodriguez in Naeem Khan  |  Sienna Miller in Michael Kors

Emma Stone in Valentino  |  Brie Larson in Rodarte  |  Lily Collins in Zuhair Murad

Chrissy Teigen in Marchesa  |  Amy Adams in Tom Ford  |  Sofia Vergara in Zuhair Murad  |  Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren

Naomie Harris in Armani Privé  |  Millie Bobby Brown in Jenny Packham  |  Elsa Pataky in Zuhair Murad

Which look was your favorite at the 2017 Golden Globes?

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Welcome to Tutu Tuesdays a linkup with The Blush Blonde and The Fairy Princess Diaries!  Linkup whatever you'd like and make sure to do a little mingling - our goal here is to create a community of bloggers where we can all connect, find new blogs, and support one another.  We love new friends, supporting other blogs, and meeting fellow girl bosses!

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.
Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram
2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.
3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!
4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!
“The




Friday, January 6, 2017

Friday Favorites

This article shares products that Byrdie Beauty Editors love, but never share.  Whether they've been using the product for so long they forget to mention it, are embarrassed by the price tag, or just haven't had the right place to share them they have never talked about these products before and this article finally gives them the place to do that.  It features a wide variety of great products at a range of price points and was a very interesting read!

Favorite DIY Sequin Fried Egg Mask
I found this DIY from A Beautiful Mess while browsing on Pinterest.  I thought it was too cute and absolutely had to share it with all of you.  If you like sleep masks, are looking for a fun project, or even want a cute Instagram prop then this is perfect for you!

Favorite Design Inspiration Chic Wall Nook
This was another Pinterest find and one that I fell in love with the moment I saw it.  I love everything about this little space - the wallpaper, pink pillows, gold hardware and that gorgeous pearl chandelier.  To see the rest of the home this is in check out the blog post here.

Favorite TV Moment Premiere of The Bachelor
I started watching The Bachelor on Ben's season and have been hooked ever since.  To be honest I wasn't thrilled with the choice of Nick because in my opinion there were so many better choices from Jojo's season.  In addition to this I kind of through Nick was a jerk from what I heard about him in the past.  However, I saw him on Bachelor in Paradise and he seemed like an ok guy, and I just enjoy watching the show so I decided to watch this season.  I'm not really sure my thoughts yet on everything so far (I need to see a few more episodes), but I'm curious to see how things unfold.

I shared these on Instagram the other day.  My Mom got me the LV Clemence Wallet in Monogram Canvas and Rose Ballerine for Christmas.  The zipper tassel and inside of the wallet is the prettiest baby pink, which I love.  My sister got me Aimee Song's new book as a part of my Christmas gift and I can't wait to read it.  Both were amazing gifts and I absolutely love them!

What are your favorites this week?

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Celebrity Style Obsession: Olivia Culpo

I have been a big fan of Olivia Culpo's since she won Miss USA (and then Miss Universe) in 2012.  In the years since then, Olivia has become a celebrity and a serious style star.  Culpo's fashion credits include sharing style advice with magazines, attending many major fashion shows, and working as a model.  Her personal style covers a wide range with her rocking everything from super feminine to edgy looks and all that is in between.  She favors monochromatic outfits for simple, yet incredibly chic outfits.  Olivia always switches up her look wearing everything from dresses to skirts to shorts to pants to rompers and jumpsuits.  She keeps her looks more relaxed when off duty, but always looks incredible stylish and put together.  When Culpo hits the red carpet she is always in full glam, but is never afraid to experiment a little with things such as feather touches or a sequin romper.  Her hair and makeup are always on point and complete her looks perfectly.  She is actually such a beauty maven that she often collaborates with Byrdie to give tips.  As you can tell I really love Olivia Culpo's style and love to look to her for fashion inspiration.  Here I have for you my favorite looks she has worn.

Which of Olivia's looks is your favorite?

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Tuesday Ten: New Year Goals

Yesterday on Instagram (@theblushblonde) I shared one of my goals for 2017 and wanted to expand on that here along with sharing a few other goals I have for the new year.  I'm not a fan of New Year's resolutions because realistically no one ever keeps them and they just land up stressing people out.  I instead set basic goals and try to do my best to meet them.  I am sharing these here so that I can refer back to them throughout the year and hold myself accountable for them.

1. Complete the Tone It Up Challenge 2017.
I want to kick off 2017 on the right foot with a healthy diet and exercise plan.  However, I also need to remind myself to be realistic in terms of my health that I won't be able to follow the plan completely; I will need to make adjustments to the amount of exercise and certain moves, and I will also have to make alterations to the meal plan to accommodate my food allergies.  I basically just want to complete this challenge to the best of my ability without overdoing, making myself feel sicker, or getting upset that I have to make the aforementioned adjustments.

2. Eat healthier (all year).
I purchased the Tone It Up Nutrition Plan to help me with this.  I have so many issues with my stomach and it feels best when I'm eating very healthy so completing this one is most important to me.  I also need to stop eating wheat because I have an intolerance to it and have to seriously cut back my dairy intake.  I'm hoping that all of this will help to make my stomach at least feel a little better and make me feel healthier overall.

3. Exercise 3-4 days a week.
When I was in school I walked everywhere and very rarely took the shuttle for my exercise.  Since I am no longer in school I have not been moving enough and I need to get back to doing something to get me up and exercising.  I am going to start this goal with the TIU Challenge and hopefully carry it through the year.

4. Blog 4 days a week.
The past few months I have been feeling so sick and have been blogging super sporadically, which I hate.  As much as I would love to commit to blogging my usual five days a week, I think four days is a more realistic goal for right now.  I also need to really get working on my 2017 planning and try to write posts farther in advance.  Once I have all of that done I want to collaborate more, learn more about social media and design, and spend as much time working on this as I can.

5. Stay more on top of emails.
I am so behind on emails it's not even funny, and it's both personal and work emails.  I have just been completely neglecting all emails and now am totally overwhelmed by how many I have.  My plan is to start going through work emails tomorrow and finish it up either Thursday or Friday and then to work on my personal emails (which is way worse) in the coming weeks.

6. Connect more with friends.
I feel like I have been terrible at connecting and spending times with friends the last few months and I want that to change that this year.  I want to reach out to more people, set aside more time to spend with friends, and get together with them more often.

7. Apply to graduate school.
I was initially applying for grad school to begin this January, but in September I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and postponed my application process.  I have decided that now I want to apply to begin in Fall 2017 to programs in Public Relations or Communications with a concentration on Public Relations.  I've narrowed down my options to three schools and now I just need to actually apply to them!

8. Take Coco for more walks.
Coco loves to go for walks and I don't get to take her on them as often as I would like to so this something I need to do more.  This is more of a spring, summer, and warm winter day goal, but one I definitely have to work on.

9. Pick at my skin less.
I have an awful habit at picking my skin that I really need to stop.  I love picking at and popping blackheads and pimples and spend way too much time looking at my skin in the mirror to find something to pick at.  This is terrible for my skin and probably causing more blackheads and pimples so I need to make a great effort to do this less and eventually stop altogether. 


10. Go to bed earlier and wake up earlier.
I feel sicker in the morning and better at night so I tend to stay up really late and sleep into the afternoon because it's what my body wants.  Unfortunately the schedule I'm following becomes very tricky when I have an early appointment or something to attend in the morning.  I've also been staying up much later then I would like to even for me (which says a lot).  I really need to force myself to get in bed earlier and then hopefully I will start to naturally wake up earlier.


What are your goals for 2017?

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Welcome to Tutu Tuesdays a linkup with The Blush Blonde and The Fairy Princess Diaries!  Linkup whatever you'd like and make sure to do a little mingling - our goal here is to create a community of bloggers where we can all connect, find new blogs, and support one another.  We love new friends, supporting other blogs, and meeting fellow girl bosses!

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.
Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram
2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.
3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!
4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!
“The




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