Beating the Monday Blues|| Treat your Self

We all have those (Mon)days (weeks) where we are feeling uninspired and just bored. There are so many things that we can do to help beat these blues.

1. Take a hot LONG bath

This seems so simple but it really can make you feel so much better. This is really my go-to when I am feeling a little down. You can light some candles, grab your favorite bath products (I love lush Bath Bombs, and Bubble Bars) grab an ice water, and really just soak and spend a little bit of 'me time'

2. Paint your nails

Having painted nails is an INSTANT confidence boost for me. I know some people hate painting there nails but I totally love it and it is really so fun for me. When you're feeling down go for a bright pink or red color to instantly feel better.

3. Journal

Writing in a journal always makes me feel better when I am done. I literally just get all feelings and stress out on the pages and I feel so amazing after. I also love using my journal to doodle, my doodles are always really whimsical so doodling always puts me in a good mood. Writing in a journal is something that I feel like we all need to do at least every once in a while.

4. Call/Talk to your best friend

When I am just not feeling all that great my best friends are always there for me. After having a good conversation (usually includes a few giggles and tears) with my best friend, or mom (moms are always there to talk and you can always trust them) I feel 10x better. My best friend is always there to talk and make me feel better!!

5. Read

I used to not really like reading but as I've gotten older I have grown to love it! When I find a book I like I usually cannot put it down until I finish it. When I am feeling uninspired reading really helps me. Reading doesn't necessarily have to be a book, it could be your favorite blogs, or a magazine. Reading can really help turn my day in the right direction.

xoxox Annie Merrill

Reads Lately:

Lately I have been super into reading magazines and inspirational books. There is something about relaxing and reading a great book or magazine, I have been loving books that make me feel happy, inspired, and good about myself. As I have gotten older I have found that we really need to spend time just calm and alone, for me I love to read during this time. Whether it is a great book or a fun magazine, I love to just relax and read. Some people might find this crazy to believe but it is true :').

Magazines I have loved:

Be Wise Magazine//

I found this magazine via Tarryn Lynn on instagram and I am loving it. This magazine has all things girly, but also has some amazing messages. After reading this magazine I felt happy and good about myself, this is one thing that is hard to find in traditional magazines we find on store shelves.

Celestial Shine Magazine//

A couple weeks ago my dad shared this online magazine with me and I have been so excited to share it with all of you guys. As many of you know I am LDS and sometimes it is hard to find things in magazines that are modest and adhere to my standards. Celestial Shine Magazine is absolutely what I have been looking for. The magazine features articles on fashion, dating, and beauty. The magazine is so amazing and I can't wait to one day have a printed copy. Celestial Shine Magazine is something you all should go check out, I have been loving it.

Books I have loved:

Lauren Conrad Beauty//

I received this book as a Christmas gift this year and I am just loving it. Looking through this book makes me happy and makes me inspired. This year I want to live my life inspired and this book really does that for me. In this book you will find tips on everything beauty related. I love that the book also focuses on inner beauty. I recommend this book 100% I absolutely love it.

I hope you guys have found some good reads, and are living your life inspired.

Annie xoxo

November Favorites 14'

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This month I have been loving simple and sleek updos. These hairstyles are perfect for when you are in a rush but want to still look put together.

I absolutely love the way this outfit looks. I adore the simplicity that it has, and how it is so sleek. I am really loving black pieces lately and this skirt is a perfect example of a classic black piece.

A big trend lately has been these Nike Roshe Run shoes. I love the sporty vibe they give off, and they are also super practical. I do not personally own a pair but they are definitely on my list.

I found this image on one of my favorite blogs and it is a perfect guide to transitioning into the winter months and battling that cold weather. 

For this months blogger feature I have chosen Emma Felin from The Sassy Street blog. Emma lives in the UK and has a very classy style that I just adore. She has been of my favorite bloggers for such a long time (and still is). I always love when she has new posts because they are all so creative. You can find her at www.sassystreet.com. 

Winter Coat Roundup

Winter definitely came early where I live. It is mid November and already have so much snow. (mixed feelings) Today I thought I would show you some coats that I am absolutely loving for this upcoming winter season. I found these coats at super good prices and I know they will all be such good quality. They are all so cute and would be able to be dressed up or down. I want every single coat below.

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October FAVorites

Am I the only one who thinks its absolutely crazy that November is already here? (not complaining) November/December are my favorite months (I love the holiday season)

As you can tell I changed the name and look of my blog (AHHH) I really wanted something that fit the mood of my blog and I know I found it!!! This name is super catchy and I am loving it, I hope you guys like it as much as I do.

A favorite this month has been buffalo check, this print is so great for that fall to winter transition that is going strong where I live right now. This print can be worn so many ways and with so many different things. As we get closer to winter I am definitely investing in a buffalo check coat.

If you follow me on Pinterest you are aware of the love I had/have for this gorgeous blonde hair. As much as I love this blonde/short hair I don't think I could ever do it but I still absolutely love it! If you are wanting to change up your hair I would totally recommend this cut/color.

This month Taylor Swift released a new song called Shake it Off and let me just tell you I love love love it! The song has some great lyrics that have a good message but they are also sort of humorous. If you have not yet herd the song you have to go listen to it.

Recently I have really been focusing on my mascara when applying my daily dose of makeup. I have been using this cover girl mascara and eyelash curler and It has been making a difference.

In the month of October I really was into the more basic outfits. I love wearing black and white outfits with some fun accessories. These outfits have been my go-to lately and I can't get enough.

I'm usually not the person to play games on my phone, BUT this app has been so much fun. My mom introduced it to me and now she has my whole family playing it. If you are looking for a fun new game on your phone this is definitely the one to get. 

I wanted to try out something new so at the end of every monthly favorite I am going to feature a blogger. This month I wanted to start off with one of my friends Whytli. Her blog is so super cute, and really eye catching. I absolutely love the name she chose for her blog.

Provo Fashion Week vip blogger event

Dress by Brandon Perry

Gowns by Chantel Lauren Designs

Her dresses were amazing I wanted all of them!

Designs by ThreeTwoSevenSix

I loved how the designer chose the sleek timeless black and white color combo. I really loved these clothes and I totally would wear all of them.

Designs by aBree original

Wow these designs were absolutely amazing! This was my favorite designer of the entire night, I would totally wear any of these!

*These photos were taken with my phone so they are not the best. but I thought you guys would want to see some of the amazing designs.

inspiration MONDAY

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July Favorites// & a little update

Holy cow guys this month literally flew by!! Its August guys let that sink in, which also means school is SUPER soon! Summer is quickly drawing to an end and I thought I would share with you guys some of my favorites from this month. (:

GEL nails

This month I have been really into gel nails and bright fun colors! A few years ago my mom purchased a light that's needed for gel nails and I always use and I absolutely love it and get so much use out of it. I am also starting to do them for people for more information check out my Instagram @gelnailsbyannie

Sodalicious

If you haven't been to Sodalicious I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing because I'm truly addicted!! It truly is so good, Sodalicious offers a ton of different sodas and they have the most delicious treats including there crispies they are so dang good! You all need to try Sodalicious it will change your life! Make sure to get a Castaway extra dirty or a Your mom extra dirty. (The names really just make me laugh)

VSCOcam

I've been using VSCOcam a lot lately to edit photos taken on my iphone and I've really liked it. The app is very easy to use I really love all the filters and the features that the app includes! This is a free app which is also a plus. (:

This month has been super crazy for me so I haven't been posting (at all). I just barely got done with moving which has been a nightmare I've forgotten how hard it is... But I am mostly settled in my new house ans I can't wait to be back in a routine and start blogging again!! You guys don't even know how much I've missed it! I also found my camera as we were packing and I was SOO HAPPY! (plus of moving, finding things you thought were forever lost) (my lost camera is another reason I haven't been posting) 

Xo Annie

{Pinterest Lately}

 Don't these look delicious? I recently pinned these and i really want make them, plus they look pretty.

 Lately I've been really loving the look of "naked" cakes. I love this one dressed with powdered sugar and fresh berries it just screams summer.

 This nail look is oh so summer and I just love it! The red, white, and blue is very nautical and also very playful with the fun patterns.

Okay confession I love anything with cute birds so obviously I'm going to LOVE this dress. The bright colors of the birds with the white background on the dress is so pretty.

 As any girl does I'm planning my wedding on my Pinterest board and this is my latest dress favorite! I love the detail around the neck and I love the cap sleeve, all around I feel like this is a very classy and elegant dress.

This whole look is so gorgeous I'm really loving it. I love how they paired a girly lace skirt with a very basic grey tee and some New Balance sneakers. I also think its super cute how they decided to take the picture as shes riding the bike in front of the vibrant wall! 

Red White and Blue/// Stars and Stripes

As we all know the Fourth of July is coming up really quick, so I decided to share with you two Fourth of July outfit Ideas.

The first outfit is a little bit less casual and is not so in your face Fourth of July. 

I paired this simple white dress with some cobalt blue strappy sandals, for jewelery I  went with a super cute gold anchor ring and some fun statement earrings. I really love this look and I think it would be super fun for a Fourth of July barbecue or picnic.

Look number two is very casual and very Fourth of July inspired, it is also very similar to the outfit I will be wearing this year for the Fourth of July. (;

I went with a very patriotic shirt from Hello Apparel, I love how this shirt isn't an american flag but it is still very patriotic and fun. For bottoms I went with some simple medium wash shorts with a little bit of distressing. To finish off the look I chose white high top Converse. This look is an all together perfect look for all day festivities.

XoXo Annie

Audrey

Today's post is all about Audrey Hepburn! As most of you know Audrey Hepburn's Birthday was Sunday (May 4th). Audrey was such an amazing women who I personally look up to as a role model. She was a humanitarian, actress, and most importantly a fashion icon. Audrey Hepburn's fashion is still with us today, I take inspiration from her in my everyday outfits. Above is a inspiration board I made with pieces that resemble Audrey Hepburn's style.

XoXo Annie

The Search

In this day and age every girl is trying to impress everyone they see, getting other peoples approval gives them a certain confidence hard to find other wise. Most women and teenage girls feel like they must have certain items of clothing or a specific accessory to be considered trendy or stylish. But truly that is unnecessary. To be considered trendy, hip or stylish you don't have to have the latest designer handbag or that $800 sweater that everyone is wearing.

There are millions of fashion/personal style blogs out there today and we all have found ourselves constantly looking at their Pinterest, blog, or Instagram account. This is good to do every once in a while but once it gets to the point where you are trying to have the exact same style as them and very similar closets it begins to effect your personal style.

We all are always searching for our own unique personal style, but we can sometimes get lost in the style of other style bloggers or even just the latest trends. I'm not saying it's a bad thing to dress with the trends but when you are dressing with the trends you should choose more inexpensive pieces by doing this you can be on trend without spending a ton of money on trendy items that sadly are going to go out of style pretty soon. When finding your personal style I recommend investing in closet staples such as a great pencil skirt, a perfect fitting button up, that perfect cardigan that you can really wear with anything, an awesome sweater, and a good pair of jeans that fit well and are flattering on your body. Once you have these basic statement pieces add inexpensive trendy items to your wardrobe for a perfectly balanced wardrobe

 Another factor to your personal style is how you style certain items. 

Some people with very defined personal style could all be wearing the same items and you would never know because they have very unique ways of styling them. Part of your personal style is how you style and pair pieces.

When you are choosing your outfit in the morning go out on a limb and take risks. The worst thing you can do for yourself (style wise) is let what others think interfere with your style and your outfit choice if you like it and it looks good on wear it!

I hope you found this helpful

Happy Hump Day LOL

XoXo Annie