The Best Response to "23 Things to do Instead of Getting Engaged Before You're 23"

I am sure most of you have seen the post that has spread across all social media titled "23 Things to do Instead of Getting Engaged Before You're 23." If not, check it out here. In short, one girl gets a little (acutally more than a little...) heated over the numerous engagements popping up on her newsfeed, so she wrote an article stating her position on young engagements accompanied with a list of 23 things you should do instead of getting engaged.

When I read the article that roughly 10 of my close friends were raving about over Facebook, I was less than impressed.

The items on the list seemed to make little sense in that they were all things you can still do while being engaged (except for a few items including dating multiple people at once and making out with a stranger... gross.)

I mean...Eating a jar of nutella in one sitting? Since when can you not do that if you are engaged? You can bet my fiancé will like nutella and thoroughly enjoy watching me eat a whole jar of nutella in one sitting when I have a bad day, or just because I feel like it.

Any-who, I really don't have a strong opinion about the subject, but I do feel it is wrong for one person to jump to so many conclusions about those who are getting engaged at a young age.
I found this article today that responded to the original article and loved everything about it.
Read the response here.

xo
Sammy

The Best Make-A-Wish Project: Batkid

Miles, a 5-year-old boy who has leukemia, told the Make-A-Wish Foundation that he wanted to be Batman for a day. You will be shocked at the lengths that this foundation goes to make this little boys wish to come true. Click here to learn about Miles' day as Batman, you will NOT be disappointed!

The Chill

Growing up in Colorado, I have experienced plenty of cold weather. From week long snow days, to below freezing temperatures that begin in October and continue well into March (with the occasional random 70 degree day, which is then followed by a news-breaking snow storm), I can say I have truly experienced it all.
Living in Baton Rouge isn't quite the same, considering until today, it has never been below 60 degrees. As much as I love the warm weather and wearing out my Rainbow flip flops year-round, I couldn't help but be a little excited today when Baton Rouge news said the first "cold snap" has arrived. I could finally break out my North Face vest and scarf which to be honest, I never thought I would actually miss. But here I am, completely in love with the idea that today I could turn on my butt-warmers in my car and wear layers on layers of clothes.
This day is truly celebratory for me, if you can't already tell, so I felt the need to talk about a few of my favorite "cold weather" clothes and turn on some Christmas music. Yes, I know it isn't even Thanksgiving yet, and before this year, I always followed Nordstrom's lead (they are the only department store that doesn't put out decorations for christmas until AFTER thanksgiving) in holding back and not jumping the gun on the Christmas craze, but I gave in. And I'm not sorry.

Here are some of my favorites for when the chill rolls in:

My favorite, the North Face vest.

 Any big, chunky, comfy infinity scarf. I have somewhere around 10 of these bad boys. I'm not ashamed.

 Cute socks or half leggings to pair with boots. The top sticks out of your boot (which looks so cute) and keeps your legs warm when it gets really cold!

 Slouchy beanie.

I call these gloves the convertible mitten. You can put them on as mittens or put the top down and have your fingers exposed. These ones are free people and look amazing!

Motivation Monday

Happy Monday everyone! Make your soul happy

Suz & Steve's first LSU game + KK's Golden Birthday

This past weekend was an eventful one. First of all it was LSU homecoming so naturally Suz and Steve made plans far in advance to come out for the weekend. The weekend was a complete success and everyone had so much fun. The first night, when my parents, Sam's parents and Sarah's parents arrived in Baton Rouge, we went to Sullivans for a huge dinner all together. It was absolutely insane how much food there was. It was so delicious- I can always count on a solid meal when the parents come in to town! Also, I may or may not have become best friends with Sam's dad while my dad also became Mr. Yelnick's side kick the whole weekend. Between acting like 5-year-old boys and bothering all the girls to lugging heavy coolers across the parade grounds, Steve-O and Jack Yelnick truly bonded. We made friends with this amazing tailgate which had the BEST music (Garth Brooks, Guns & Roses, Tim McGraw, ACDC, The Beatles- which Suz loved and so on) and they were the sweetest people. We spent practically our whole day there. All of the homecoming events were so much fun and I am so glad my parents were able to make it out! 

In addition to homecoming weekend, it was my sister, Katie's golden birthday! She turned 26 on Saturday and since I couldn't be with her, I made a video with all her friends saying happy birthday. Of course by the time I needed to post it I forgot to put my portion in and I was in bed already, so my part makes me look like I'm 10-years-old. Regardless, she loved it and I loved putting it together. Check it out!

Monday Morning Inspiration- My Talented Friends

There aren't many things in the world that feel better than catching up with old friends back home... Especially when you find out they are being all that they can be and accomplishing so much. I am starting off my week feeling especially motivated, inspired, and blessed to have such amazing and talented people surrounding me.

My best friend Taylor, ran her second half marathon this weekend in Denver. She ran her first this past summer with her Mom and trained for weeks on end. The marathon she just completed she did by herself, and somehow found time to train in the middle of Rush Week at CU Boulder and school work. I am so proud of her and can't believe someone can actually run for 13.1 miles... I feel sick just thinking about it. Anyways, I am so proud of you Tay, you all- star runner, you!

My other best friend, Abbey, spent her weekend learning jazz choreography for her dance team CU Express. The dance she learned will be competed at the Universal Dance Association College Dance Team Nationals. It was so great hearing how much she loved learning from the choreographer and how excited she is to move forward with the routine. There is nothing I love more than hearing Abbey talk about her love of dance because I miss dancing with her more than anything. So proud of you Abs, can't wait to watch you shine like always. Sidebar... You will be 20 years old in one week... that is insane.

Last but not least my good friend, Chanel, spent her weekend teaching for Intrigue Dance Convention in Florida. At first, Chanel assisted Jill Marie Casey Genck (who is absolutely amazing) but this year Chanel is teaching her own class. I am amazed by the endless things this girl is accomplishing, and look up to her in so many ways. Can't wait to see where you go next Nel!

Beyonce- Conquering All Through The Web

My favorite artist, Beyonce Knowles, is known for many things including successfully producing music, directing and creating world-renown tours, giving generously to charities, and much more. Some of Beyonce's success and her growing fan-base could be attributed to her empowering online presence. Click here to see the official Beyonce website. Beyonce's website is a domain to all information pertaining to Beyonce, linking to her Facebook pages, Tumblr blog, and Instagram account. I spent an hour alone in the video diary section of her tumblr, watching short videos created during her Mrs. Carter Tour. This website does an amazing job of giving fans a unique, inside look into what Beyonce is up to, what she is promoting, what contests she is having, what charities she is raising money for, and of course, all information concerning her world wide tour. Her website is extremely appealing visually using clean-cut lines and crystal-clear images. Also, you are able to look back at all her past albums, listen, and buy tracks when clicking on the music tab. The tabs labeled "vault" and "beyhive blog" are my favorites among all of the options on the website. The vault brings you to all the photos and videos of Beyonce's recent world tour.

The behive blog is a direct blog curated by Beyonce of what she is "doing, wearing, loving, hearing, and reading." I think it is pretty amazing that fans can interact with Beyonce on a blog basis like this and see what she is up to on a more personal level. Beyonce even posts about her fans in her blog and shares pictures, projects, paintings, and videos that her fans have made for her.  The only suggestion I would have for this already successfully set up website, is a place for feedback from visitors. I wouldn't want to see feedback everywhere on the website, because that would take away from the style and appeal. But I do think it would be interesting for there to be a specific platform on the website for only fans to interact and talk about all things Beyonce. I think this factor could add to her already massive fan-base. I think this website does a great job of promoting Beyonce in the digital space using several links to outer social media platforms, and giving the viewers plenty of places to go to receive different information concerning Beyonce.

Later Gator!

Day games are exhausting to say the least, but are definitely worth it! The Florida game was such a great game, and although I was close to passing out from dehydration, it was a game to remember. Geaux Tigers! Check out this awesome article from a gator fan about his experience in Death Valley.

Happiness is the Holiday M.A.C. Line...

Today started off on a very positive note. Why? Because the little things in life like the emails from M.A.C. about their new products really make me happy. Check out the new winter colors they have... I LOVE the plum... especially the nail polish. Check out nordstrom.com or the M.A.C. website for more colors in each product!

fluidline, divine night, $17

mineralize eye shadow, divine night, $23

cremesheen glass, divine night, $22

lipstick, divine night, $16.50

nail lacquer, divine night, $17.50

Monday Morning Inspiration

Have an amazing Monday!