Any way you want it {that's the way you need it}

You know what I miss?

Bloggin’.

But with the start of summer, I needed a break. From everything. Well, everything but frantic job searching and Visa-applying. However, I not only needed the (permanent?) break from school but a break from my norms. Homework, internet, tv, more homework, rinse and repeat.

The past couple of weeks feel like a rapid eternity, equally dragged out and gone in the blink of an eye.

So far summer is off to a productive, frantic, stressful and joyful start. Yes, all at once. My days have consisted of an endless check list of things that need to get done, but also several pleasant “to-dos,” including a wealth of time with my sister, and lots & lots of pleasure reading. My favorite thing about any school break and now post-grad life is being able to read for fun without it distracting from all of my stressful school work. So I’ve been taking advantage and reading books like they’re oxygen.

I’ve been reading “Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal” (Philosopher’s Stone) right now to practique mi espanol.

{This is my lovely rocking chair that I read in.}

Summer-So-Far Highlights:

Shopping Irresponsibly

{TJ Maxx}

{Ann Taylor Loft, clearance! It sparkles silver & gold. I love it.}


{Target aka Mecca}

My Aunt’s Wedding & the Beach

After permanently leaving Memphis, I ventured back down South to Louisiana for my Aunt’s wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and it was wonderful to see all the people who love my Aunt and her family gathered together to celebrate.

{Silly faces run in our family.}


{My stunning Aunt and cousins! Candids are my favorite.}

{Cousins!}

{Cousin Anna and her "special" boyfriend, Kevin. I kid, he's normal. Maybe.}

After the wedding, family gathered at a Palace-sized beach house for a week of relaxation and swimming. I have no pictures from the beach. It’s sad, but also not. I was just too relaxed to be bothered. Kevin set up a couple of hammocks. ‘Nuff said. When I wasn’t swimming or sleeping I was rocking at karaoke with the cousins + Kevin. We dominated with “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”

Sister Sister Sister

…That’s not three sisters, just my exuberance for the time I’m getting with my one and only hermana. When Jen rolled into town, one of the first things she did was gift me with two packs of cigs. ‘Cause that’s just how we do.

Candy cigarettes, of course. What were you thinking?


Together we’ve been shopping, lounging at my favorite book store (Tattered Cover), watching HIMYM, walking the pups, and enjoying vast quantities of goofyness.

We also experienced Costa Vida for the first time:



We made sure to get an official Lauren recommendation before we went. Girl knows what she's talking about--steak salad, ranch, everything on it and medium sauce. My tummy was delighted.


While we both enjoyed it immensely, and neither of us have said this aloud, I think we’re still Qdoba girls at heart. I’m craving a queso chicken burrito as I type…or maybe chicken tortilla soup…

So that’s a taste of what my life has been like the past couple of weeks. A very eclectic and non-conclusive taste. Now I think I’ll float away on a cloud of summer heat, iced-tea and Glee tunes.

Tell me, how are you doing this summer day?