A YEAR IN REVIEW : 2011

My puppy, Macallen. My favorite part of 2011.

A Year In Review

In January, I spent the first day of the year recovering from a wonderful NYE; Celebrated Shanda's birthday at City House; I started dying my hair from home instead of in a salon, which I had been doing for almost 10 years; I was having a blast working at Francesca's; & the lady friends & I made a night of Adventure Science Center's Way Late Play Date.

In February, it snowed a little; I got stuck while driving in the snow for the first time ever (terrifying!); I planned a mini Valentine's Day party with my bests where we dined at J. Alexanders & saw Bieber's Never Say Never in a big theatre all by ourselves; I pondered moving to Texas; & I started working out alot.

In March, I discovered Two Door Cinema Club & purchased Adele's 21. Both albums spoke so much to my life. They remain two of my favorites; I dyed my hair dark again for the first time in a long time; I wrote a post about my tattoos which continues to be the most popular entry on here; I spent alot of evenings at JJ's Wine Bar; & I landed an unexpected interview with Harley-Davidson.

In April, I kissed my Frannies goodbye & started work at Harley-Davidson; My anxiety got the best of me & became a challenging focal point in my life; I had to say goodbye to my precious pup, Boston. He was such a light in my life; I read Ree Drummond's The Pioneer Woman & cried like a baby; & I road tripped to Cookeville with my bests to see my first step show. Yep.

In May, I saw my future husband, Tom Jones, in concert; I let go of alot of pain & grief that I had been holding onto for a long time; The ladies & I threw a surprise party for Lauren's boyfriend, David; I went on a mini tweeting hiatus & took part in a 30-day emotional detox; & I attended my first bike show.

In June, I attended a Willie Nelson concert that our shop sponsored; My social life kicked into high gear; I went on my first business trip to Atlanta; Tragic circumstances brought old friends back into my life; & I started goal writing again.

In July, I saw U2 in concert at Vanderbilt; Spent the 4th with my besties watching the fireworks downtown; Purchased my first pair of Wayfarers; Celebrated Lauren's birthday Italian style; Attended the Britney Spears & Nicki Minaj concert; I had big falling out with a boy; I discovered one of my new favorite movies, Harold & Maude; I signed on my house in Nashville & took the leap to live with my two best friends.

In August, I got promoted at work to my current position as general manager; Quickly moved into my new place & then went on vacation; I swam in the ocean for the first time; I purchased my first black (faux) leather jacket; & I had the most EPIC birthday party ever.

In September, I created my 23 Things list; I read Elizabeth Gilbert's Committed & it rocked my world; My parents welcomed a new puppy into the family; & I started drinking Green monsters.

In October, I saw Justin Bieber in the flesh; I celebrated the opening of my bestfriend's little sister's tattoo shop; I started caring about my wardrobe again; I visited a local farm & pumpkin patch; Had an epic Halloween where I dressed as Carol Ann from Poltergeist; & I began my leap into veganism.

In November, I started work on my dream bedroom; We threw a Bros & Hoes party for Kayla's birthday; I fell fast & hard for a dreamer; I celebrated Thanksgiving with family & friends; & I went to ALOT of shows.

In December, I saw my most favorite band, Hall & Oates, at The Ryman; I attended a Christmas party dressed as a Christmas tree; I got a new hairstyle a bit out of my comfort zone but that I'm totally in love with; I reconnected with more old friends; I had a beautiful Christmas with my family + Alexis; I attended even more shows; & I came to my senses.

All in all, I think it was a pretty fantastic, productive, inspiring year. It most certainly had its ups and way down lows, but I came out on top in the end, which I can't really say is true of every year.

I am very much looking forward to everything that 2012 has to offer. Bring on Armageddon!

Click here to read last year's Year In Review!

HAPPY FESTIVUS (TO THE REST OF US)

Merry Christmas! (Belated, of course)
or Happy Holidays!

Santa was very, very good to me this year. Bringing me a kindle, a membership to the Frist Museum, a shearling vest, & lots of Bieber gear (as pictured below). The weekend was spent at my parent's. I enjoyed a few days off & way too much holiday food & spirits. I can still feel remnants of a Christmas hangover.

I cannot believe that 2011 is coming to a close. I literally feel like I was ringing in the new year just a few short months ago. But here we are, nearly 12 months later. SO much has changed. I thought last year was my biggest year in personal growth, but this year proved me wrong. I am so excited for what 2012 holds. Hopefully not an apocalypse, but I could go for a few life changes. :)

I've got a recap of 2011 scheduled for tomorrow. Should be fun to look back.
Until then!

I N S T A G R A M S

Lately...
(in instagrams)













1. New bunny case for my iphone! 2. Mexican feast with the lady friends. 3. Christmas decor at the house. 4. Bling stockings. 5. Spaghetti dinner with the roomies :) 6. Alexis & I out at Red Door. She's trying to steal my style...clearly...

See the rest here!

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE

This past week was packed with social outings with all my besties. Tuesday was spent at the boys' house for their Christmas Sweater Party. In true Lindsey fashion, I dressed as a Christmas tree in a Betsey Johnson dress & Anthropologie sweater because let's face it...I don't own a tacky Christmas sweater & couldn't find the time to go purchase one.

The rest of the week was a blur. Too many shows and bars to name. My friend, Andy, and I did manage to see Hall & Oates at The Ryman thanks to an early Christmas gift from my parents. We had such a good time! I still can't believe I got to see them live. They've been my favorite band for so long. What a treat!

Tonight I'll be decorating the house for Christmas with my roomies. We've got a big dinner planned so we can all get caught up on each other's lives. It's funny living with two of your bestfriends and still rarely having time to actually see one another. Such is life! I'm just thankful to have them in my life. :)

Until next time!

CHASING

via weheartit

Sometimes you meet someone that inspires you. Sometimes you meet someone that merely peaks your interest. Sometimes you meet someone that shakes you to your core. They evoke feelings inside of you that you have never felt before. That person changes you. Sometimes for a day but sometimes for forever. The only way to be sure is to chase that change. Chase those feelings. Follow them as high or as low as they'll take you. Guard your heart in the process but trust that the world is working in your favor because sometimes the world has no choice. Maybe you're at your all time low, you've lost everything you have to lose. Your faith is shaken and your hope is sparse.

Give trust a try.

& run...don't walk. Don't look back. Don't question your heart's motive or your intuition's ability.

Trust. Chase.

November Daze

{taken on my morning walk for coffee}

I swore to myself that I would attempt to enjoy November more than I got to enjoy October. Here we are over half way through the month and I'm left wondering where the days go? If only there were more than 24 hours in a day. What a treat that would be!

I've been getting alot of things done in the past week or two that I've been putting off for a long time, like trying new recipes from Oh She Glows, which has quickly become one of my favorite vegan blogs to follow. I made the black bean & butternut squash burritos for dinner the other night (srsly, the best thing I've ever put in my mouth) & today I'm munching on the brown rice & chickpea salad for lunch. The dressing is divine (& so simple!).

{brown rice & chickpea salad for dinner & lunch!}

I also installed all the shelving in my bedroom FINALLY! It's so nice to finally have a home for my books. I can tell they're happy about it as well. I've had this idea for years of having white walls, white shelves, & lots of green plants. That dream has finally come to light! I just have to get some window treatments up & then I'll post photos, but here's a little sneak peak...

I have a few other DIY projects that I'm wanting to do for my room before the end of the year. Once that's done, I'll do a little room tour. I wish I could give Pinterest a big high five because that website is truly godsend! It's helped me organize projects & so much more. My creativity has been on overload because of it. If you have an account, add me here.

I am very much looking forward to the weekend. BFF & roomie, Kayla, is turning 24 tomorrow! We're having a fancy dinner at Virago tomorrow night then having a big party on Saturday. That girl has been working so hard this past month. I can't wait to celebrate!

23 THINGS TO DO BEFORE 24

I first learned about this fun goal writing activity through Elsie. It was a couple years ago now, but I promised myself I would start doing this every year to help give every year more of a purpose. I absolutely love goal writing. My 30-day goal idea feature was sort of a bust. Sometimes a busy schedule gets in the way of accomplishing things you set out to do. However, I think having 365 days to complete these goals will actually allow me to accomplish them. I'll be putting a tab up this week so I can hold myself accountable! I also have this list hanging in my closet where I'll see it every day.

Without further ado, I give you my list of 23 things that I would like to do before turning 24 on August 19th, 2012.

1. Run a 10k.

2. Save $1,000 just for fun.

3. Host a dinner party.

4. Get the blog designed by a graphic designer.

5. Upgrade MacBook (more memory, upgrade to lion, etc).

6. Start half sleeve!

7. Go on a date.

8. Purchase a longboard & hit the road!

9. Go vegan for a week...maybe a month.

10. Get motorcycle license.

11. Have a spa day at Woodhouse Spa.

12. Go to Vegas!

13. Completely transform the Harley shop I manage.

14. Document life more (photos, blogging, journaling, etc)

15. Get in the BEST shape of my life.

16. Start personal training program through ACE.

17. Create my dream bedroom & living space (currently in the works).

18. GIVE MORE. More love, more hugs, more compliments, more kindness.

19. Continue growing my personal style.

20. Take a roadtrip!

21. Read all the books in my possession currently.

22. Get very special tattoo on my back (which is a bit of a secret...).

23. Start new art journal for year 23!

I could elaborate so much on each goal - Why I'm setting out to accomplish this or how I think I'll go about getting it done, but this post would be a million years long! I'll probably elaborate more once I start accomplishing each goal though.

What are you wanting to accomplish in the next year?

BEACHGRAMS

I hope everyone is having a fabulous week...because I know I am!
Here are a few stills from vacation so far via Instagram...











1. Our boat trip to Shell Island; 2. View from the beach house; 3. At the beach in my leopard pink bikini; 4. Mango daiquiri; 5. Self portrait while bday shopping; 6. Big brother with a feather rat tail...don't ask; 7. Swimming in the ocean for the first time; 8. A storm rolling in on the beach

I'll be back soon with a post on our boat trip to Shell Island!

lately: in instagrams

My yoga buddy, Cloee

Loving the new Starbucks logo & marketing campaign!

Favorite new dress (from Francescas)

Getting a special tasting at J. Alexanders in their new pizza kitchen!

Four cheese, italian salami pizza = perfection

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend! I'll be back Sunday. :)

a year in review

(I've never done a year in review, but decided this year I definitely wanted to start a new tradition! Click the links to be routed to my old blog on livejournal.)

In January I rung in the new year with a party in which all my best friends attended; I nearly broke my ankle while leaving Taco Mamacita; I was unemployed for a whole 30 days; I attended the symphony for the first time; The name for my future business was born; & I learned the difference between love and commitment.

In February I started my first big girl job; I found self confidence; but decided to hide under my single skin; I got my first pair of Burberry frames; I became OBSESSED with fitness & starting running outside for the first time.

In March & April I fell head over heels in lust with someone for the first time; I became a vegetarian & became obsessed with learning about food; I moved into my own apartment in Franklin & paid my bills for the first time; I became completely overwhelmed & stressed out with my job; I threw a bridal shower for my sister in law; & I attended a Drake concert at Vanderbilt, which re-inspired my love of hip hop.

In May my world was turned completely upside down when my town was flooded. I realized the true meaning of pain, devastation, & loss; I attended Kayla's college graduation in Indiana & Shanda's in Kentucky; My brother got MARRIED!; & I attended my first crawfish boil.

In June & July my perspective started shifting; Haley came to visit; I threw my bestfriend a French circus themed birthday party; I welcomed an ivory leather jacket into my life; I vacationed with my parents & Kayla in Rosemary Beach; & I realized how miserable my life was making me & decided changes needed to be made...

In August I cut my hair off; I started this blog; I became obsessed with Hanson after seeing their live show in Nashville; I attended Lauren's graduation from Belmont; I had a big birthday bash at Virago & turned 22; I rejoined twitter; I read The Power & rediscovered my spirituality.

In September & October I quit my miserable day job & started my current job at Francesca's Collections; I celebrated being single for a whole year; Lauren moved to France for three months & my life changed dramatically; I learned the art of "putting yourself out there"; I watched all 6 seasons of Sex & The City; I dressed up as a Baller-ina for Halloween; & I realized I had finally fallen out of love with my ex boyfriend.

In November & December I reached a sort of happiness & fulfillment that I had never felt before; I traveled to Atlanta to see Hanson & met Zac; I quit blogging on livejournal (which I'd been doing since 2004) & moved to blogspot full time; I moved in with my parents; I worked myself to death & got mono for the 2nd time; I welcomed Lauren back to America; I threw a big Christmas party & realized my feelings were changing for someone; I had a lovely, lazy Christmas with my beautiful family; & I rung in the new year with my very bestfriends & got more than my fair share of kisses at midnight.

Now here I sit, three days into 2011 and I am in disbelief how much my life has changed in the past year. I am happier than I have ever been and proud of all the hard work I have put in to get to this point. All I can say is that I am so very excited for this year. It's going to be a good one...