My Future Husband

If you have talked to me in the past few months then you know that I have a slight major obsession with 

Paul McDonald.

How could this smile not brighten your day?

Paul is a 25 year old singer/songwriter originally from Hampton Cove, Alabama (only about an hour from my hometown). Fun fact: his mom is from Albertville, you know, that stinky place next to Boaz. He went to Auburn University and majored in pre-dentistry. In order to pursue his hobby and dream of singing, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee. There, he and his band The Grand Magnolias play in bars around town. He auditioned for season 10 of American Idol in Nashville and brought a new light to the season. He has a unique, scruffy appearance and a voice that would remind you of Rod Stewart, not to mention those pearly whites.

Unfortunately, Paul was eliminated from the show tonight. I'm not a happy camper to say it nicely. 

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES OR THEY WILL GO HOME. 

I'm sure that Paul and The Grand Magnolias will go far regardless of this disappointing elimination. Thanks to American Idol, we all know who they are now. 

If things ever get cold, he's got his gorgeous girlfriend, Nikki Reed, from Twilight, to cheer him up, but if things fall through there, I'll be waiting. 

Paul, you can sing me to sleep every night and I promise to never ever be mean to you, complain, or make you do anything (besides sing).

Enjoy Paul McDonald singing "Maggie May"-This is the song that he auditioned with and the judges loved it so much they requested he sing it tonight one last time.

Buy The Grand Magnolias album off iTunes. It's amazing.

My Mind is Turning

As I sit in my favorite, ahem, class, art history, I am thinking of everything in the world except for these absolutely incredible Gothic cathedrals the instructor is discussing. It's just one of those days; I'm sure you've had one. Spanish should be the only thing on my mind considering I have a HUGE exam in the morning, but I haven't even opened my book today. 

These are the things I'm thinking about instead. 

Go ahead and read them all. You may learn a few things about me, find out we're more alike than you thought, or you may just leave this post thinking I'm crazy (which may be true). 

I always wear a watch, my David Yurman bracelet, and earrings.

I wouldn't mind making that a watch, 2 Yurman bracelets, a Yurman ring, and earrings.

Mac > PC

I miss playing golf everyday.

Cupcakes are gross. I wish I didn't have to see GiGi's and gag every day.

No other deli will ever compare to Mill St. Deli so they should just quit trying.

I really need something to wear on Easter.

I would be perfectly fine if HGTV, E!, and Style were the only three channels on  my TV.

True friends are the best.

Country music is where it's at. 

You don't have to tell me how grammatically incorrect that statement is, it's for emphasis.

Wedges or cowgirl boots are the way to go.

Who ever declared big t-shirts and running shorts the uniform of college girls is one of the smartest people ever born.

Summer needs to get here, like now.

The words "epic" and "legit" are way too overused and most often used incorrectly. "Legit" isn't even a word, geez. 

Long haired, Chaco wearing, bike riding college boys are sexy.

Wavy hair > straight hair

Oakleys are ugly.

The beach is Heaven sent.

I drink way more water than recommended daily. It's important.

Bike lanes are for bikes, sidewalks are for walkers.

SUVs are better than cars.

I hate talking on the phone. If you need me, text me.

I don't understand Twitter. HELP!

Art has meaning, evaluate.

Until last semester, I didn't appreciate the meaning of art. Now, I never see an art work without trying to find the elements and principles of design within it and understand the meaning.

Have a great Thursday, y'all. I guess I'll get to studying Spanish now.

P.S. I'm sorry I've kind of overloaded you with posts in the last two days; I've just now gotten a chance to catch up from all I missed last week.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

I'm sure that every.single.person on this planet is aware of the big news I'm about to share, but I just have to tell you how excited I am about this upcoming event. 

Can you guess what it is? I'll give you a hint. It's about a month away. Bum, bum, bum...drum roll, please...

SUMMER!!!

It knows it makes me wanna shout!

Kick my heels up and shout!

Throw my hands up and shout!

Throw my head back and shout!

Summer to me means no classes (except online classes which are a joke), the beach, magazines, tanning, shopping, and playing golf with Diddy. It is, without a doubt, my favorite season. 

In preparation for my favorite time of year, I have compiled a list of my top 10 summer obsessions and I'd like to take the time to share them with you now. Enjoy!

1) Tory Burch

Please go ahead and find one girl who isn't in love with Tory Burch's designs. I'll guarantee that you can't so don't even waste your time; just go tan or something.

Now on to some more affordable brands, all of which are everywhere in my closet!

2) Judith March

Everyone knows who Stephanie Nichols is, right? She's fantastic. 

3) Ya Los Angeles

Ya is probably the most prominent brand in my closet. They have the most adorable things for such great prices. Summer tops and dresses galore, check them out!

4) Mystree

I got an adorable Mystree top at The Florida House in Panama City a few weeks ago. It's now one of my favorites. I should probably quit wearing it so much.

5) Blue Bird

One of my favorite brands, hands down.

6) Mustard Seed

Mustard Seed makes the most adorable tops for such affordable prices that transition so well from spring to summer to fall. 

7) Lulumari

Their clothing is a little bit more expensive than the others I've listed, but, honey, they're worth it. The unique designs are to die for.

Ok, so I've told you all about my favorite brands of clothing. But don't you be going out without accessories, or I will catch you.

8) Essie Nail Polish

Go for a neutral light pink. It goes with everything and it's so SUMMER!

9) Gold Hoops

I bought a pair a couple months ago for next to nothing. They are my new every day earrings. Dress up a t-shirt or make anything Boho with big gold hoops.

10) Gold Aviator Sunglasses
Mine are Ralph Lauren and they're wonderful. Go get ya some :))

TJ Maxx has great ones, btw!

Just because you're a broke college kid doesn't mean you have to look like one. Great brands like 2-7 are here to help! Shop away, gals (and take me with you)!

It's Rodeo, Y'all!

As many of you may know, last weekend was the famous Alpha Psi Rodeo in Auburn. This 65 year tradition has become somewhat of a Southeastern holiday. People from colleges and universities all over the Southeast make their way into Auburn, Alabama for a weekend of calf ropin', sangin', dancin', drankin', and gettin' a good ol' sunburn. I've wondered for years how in the world something so "redneck" could be so much fun. Well, now I know. I experienced the rodeo and I had a blast. If you like to have a good time, go ahead and mark your calendars for next year's rodeo. Plan to take off work and skip class. I promise you won't regret it.

The rodeo is a lot like Halloween, but every one is a redneck. 

It's easy, I tell ya. Just go on down to that there thrift store, pick ye up the best racing t-shirt they've got, cut the sleeves out, cut ye old jeans up, and pack ye sh** kickin' boots. Throw it all on and hop 'bout 15 deep in the back of ye pick 'em up truck.

Hang out with ye best friends

and

 have ye a good ol' time with ye ol' high school buddies.

When the sun goes down, head on over to the stage and move ye boots to a little Blake Shelton. 

The rodeo is a place for makin' new memories ye ain't never gonna remember (uhoh, Mom's looking) forget. 

War Damn Rodeo (as them Auburn folks say).

Tell the Truth and Say "I Love You"

Saturday morning, I was struck with shocking news. My dear friend Katie's father, Mike, had suddenly passed away on the morning of her senior prom. My heart broke into a million pieces for her; she was always so close to her dad, he was her best friend. 

This picture was taken only 3 short years ago when we were deep sea fishing. Little did I know, this picture would mean so much to me today.


It's like Rascal Flatts took the words straight from my heart in "I Won't Let Go":

It’s like a storm
That cuts a path
It breaks your will
It feels like that

You think your lost
But your not lost on your own
Your not alone
I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
If you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let go

It hurts my heart
To see you cry
I know it’s dark
This part of life
Oh it finds us all
And we’re too small
To stop the rain
Oh but when it rains

I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight

And I wont let you fall

Don’t be afraid to fall
I’m right here to catch you
I wont let you down
It wont get you down
Your gonna make it
Yea I know you can make it

Cause I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
And I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let go
Oh I’m gonna hold you
And I wont let go
Wont let you go
No I wont

Mike was such a wonderful man. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He loved everyone and never talked badly behind anyone's back. He was always "glad to be here." He always told the truth and he never ended a conversation with any of his children without saying "I love you" multiple times.

Maybe we should all take some time to reevaluate our character and learn some lessons from Mike. 

Since Saturday, many tears have been shed, memories have been remembered, and prayers have been prayed. The Mattox family will continue to be in grief for more than just today so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they face this very difficult time. Katie is a strong girl and she can fight this fight, but she will feel weakness, and we need to be there to help hold her up with love and support.