I Love You OKC

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Two of my favorite things are happening in Oklahoma City this week. The Festival of the Arts (aka the Arts Festival) and NBA playoffs.

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I can't claim myself to be a resident of Oklahoma City, but with it sandwiched between the two towns I do live in, I feel like I live there sometimes. Oklahoma City has grown into so much in the recent years, so today I want to praise one of my favorite cites and two of my favorite events going on.

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First is the Arts Festival. Every year the Arts Council puts on the festival running Tuesday to Sunday. It takes over streets downtown and the newly revamped Myriad Gardens. Artists from all over set up booths, and restaurants around town provide amazing food. Its called the "Festival of the Arts," but in my book it's the Festival of the Food. Yes, the art is nice to look at, but I'm really just there for the food. I mean with Indian tacos, chocolate dipped cheesecake and Strawberries Newport to eat, I get a little distracted from the Art. I've gone every year with my family and this year I actually am volunteering. If you will be at the festival tonight, come find me at the balloon booth!

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The Deven Tower proudly supporting the Thunder. Photo by Sarah Beth Hall

Second is the NBA playoffs. I think almost everyone can attribute the change we've seen in Oklahoma City to the arrival of the Thunder. They have added so much life the city. Playoffs started Sunday night and our next game is Wednesday. Fingers crossed I get to go to a game! (Daddy?)

Annie

Bites of My Life

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After my first week of blogging I'm feeling inspired, anxious and excited of things to come. I was a little obsessed with all things blogging this past week. Constantly thinking up new blog post ideas and reading blogs to learn more about how the legit bloggers do it. Thanks to everyone who told me they have been reading and I hope you continue to read.
Now for some pics to recap the week...

{Bites from my camera roll}

Clockwise from the top left corner: 
-Tuesday I got to take a Barre3 class from my sis who is finishing up training to become an instructor. The class is a combination between pilates, yoga, and ballet.
-Taking advantage of the warmer mornings we are having. Switched up my oatmeal for greek yogurt while blogging outside on the porch!
-Some of my dearest friends at our sorority philanthropy. Enjoying the event despite the tornado sirens going off outside!
-Spent Sunday at a wedding shower for Kathleen's best friend! She and her other two best friends made all the desserts and decorations. Everything was perfect! Kat even mastered my signature sugar cookies.

 {Bites from around the web}

-I've been trying to decide how I want to decorate my room this summer. (I'll be living in an apartment with my best friend and I can't wait!) I was thinking stark white and navy, but Fabulous K's post has me wanting to incorporate this gold polka dot pillow somehow.
-I'm in the market for a new watch, have been for about a year now. I usually only wear simple jewelry so maybe a classic leather strap watch is what I need.
-Took advantage of J.Crew's 30% off all sale items this weekend and snatched this guy up. Don't worry if you missed the sale, they are having 25% off everything this week. Code: SPRINGBEST
-Found this pillow on Pinterest this week and I think it would be the perfect addition to my desk chair at home.
xo annie

It's The Weekend!

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A simple white tee is the perfect weekend uniform.
image via A Piece of Toast

Well, we made it. We got through this crazy week.

During the week (and honestly the weekend too) I'm embarrassed by how attached I am to my laptop, ipad, and phone. I'm constantly reading blogs, on Pinterest, or catching up on social media. I try to make a conscious effort to unplug, but it's usually just a good thought that doesn't actually get executed.

Today I am giving you the results of my addiction. A collection of all my favorite things I've found on the internet this week. Below are some links to distract you this weekend. Don't get too distracted though. I still want you to enjoy the days off and maybe indulge in a big weekend brunch!

This weekend I'll be taking a trip to the jungle (kind of), attending a wedding shower for a my sister's best friend (I love wedding festivities), and finishing up a group project (ugh). Only three weeks until school is out!

{Favorites from the week}

The To & From spring gift guide came out on Wednesday. The guide gives ideas for graduation, weddings, birthdays, mother's day and father's day gifts.
Matchbook Mag put together a collection of old J.Crew catalog covers. February 2012 will always be my favorite.
A few recipes on my baking to do list. Grapefruits and blood oranges are becoming my favorite fruits this season.
Nashville is my new TV show obsession. Lennon & Maisy's version of Ho Hey is amazing.
If you're from around here, playoffs start Sunday.

xo annie

Comforting Words

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I think we all need a little comfort right now. The world has been filled with a bit of crazy the past few days. It seems like you can't turn on the TV or check social media without hearing more bad news. For some reason tragedy seems to happen in packs. 

image via pinterest

A couple nights ago, two of my roommates and I had a moment of loving on each other and reminding of how blessed we were. At that moment, I couldn't help but think of my amazing family, friends, health, and opportunities I have that I just take for granted. 

image via pinterest
This past week has made me mindful of the wonderful life I live and have been blessed with. In the midst of the sadness going on around us there is always things to be thankful for. Unfortunately it's usually times like this that make us realize it. I'm usually not a quote junky or someone who looks toward inspirational words, but I can't help it today. Sometimes we just need a little pick me up to help 
remind us of the good despite the bad.

image via pinterest
I'm usually not a quote junky or someone who looks toward inspirational words, but I can't help it today. Sometimes we just need a little pick me up to help remind us of the good despite the bad.

image via pinterest
image via pinterest
I hope these words can bring you comfort, hope, peace or whatever you need right now. 
xo annie

Color Crush: Mint

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Pantone may have named emerald green the "color of the year," but I have found myself more prone to mint. If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen my freshly painted mint nails. Below are some of my favorite mint picks for the season!
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Clockwise:
-This Anthropologie sweater has become a staple in my closet and best of all it is now on sale! I throw it on with jeans or shorts, and dress it up with wedges or down with converse. Great for those chilly spring evenings.
-I've had my heart set on the light pink KitchenAid for forever, but recently I am being swayed by the mint version. Especially after seeing it in Alaina's house tour on The Everygirl.
-Loving this new Lululemon tank gifted to me by the Easter bunny (my mom). It is hard to tell but there are actually tiny white polka dots on it.
-Nothing is more classic than Essie's mint candy apple. 
-Kate Spade has been making different versions of their big bauble earring for the past few seasons now, but these glassy mint studs are grabbing my attention.
-One of my roommates recently purchased this Lulu jacket and I envy it every time she wears it. The color is fabulous and it is the perfect jacket to throw on when heading to class. 
-Green smoothie recipes are being seen all over Pinterest. My favorite combination is two big handfuls of spinach, almond milk, a tablespoon of almond butter, a frozen banana and 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt. I love the idea of throwing in some fresh mint to give it a fresh twist! 
xo annie