Hot Chocolate :)

Mmmm, hot chocolate is perfect on a windy, cold night. I think I'm finally learning how to embrace cold weather. A warm jacket, gloves, scarves, hot tea, coffee and cocoa...and don't forget the slippers. You cannot forget the necessities. Plus I am a big fan of layering, so why not take advantage of the season and pile it on! Garnish the perfect fall/winter outfit with a hot latte and I'm set :)
Have a fantastic night!
<3 J

Things to look forward to

Right now is a busy time for me-- even though I have a little over a month until finals, they are already kickin in full force. Just to put it in perspective: I have three 10-15 page research papers, four presentations, and three tests piling up in my schedule before this semester is over. Needless to say, I will be a social recluse for the next month. I won't be surprised if I pull out all my hairs or if my face breaks out into a million stress pimples or have numerous panic attacks. This week alone has been really stressful and packed full of homework and research and outlines...so for now, I need to make myself happy by looking forward to things that are to come in the future.

Such as.....
Going to The Used concert tomorrow night in Seattle (I consider them my "first band love", a band I will always feel connected to)
I'm getting my hair cut/colored by a very old and dear best friend of mine--I am super excited!
Girls night on Saturday- lots of chit chat and laughter (I need this!!)
Thanksgiving (for the obvious reasons..)
Christmas (also for obvious reasons.. but for some reason, I feel uber excited/festive this year!)
My 21st birthday (January 11th.)
A long break from school (Need to recoup and gain strength to finish out the year)

Lots of good things are coming my way, and for that, I need to stay positive and remain determined to stay focused in school. Thinking of the future always helps keep me grounded for some reason. Knowing that brighter days are just around the corner reminds me to not stress about the little things- it will soon be over and done with. With all that being said, I still know I will be a freakfest come finals week..but it's always worth a shot trying to talk myself into a better state of mind.

I had a conversation with Sam the other night. I couldn't fall asleep, I was too stressed and worried and then I asked him...will life be less stressful after we graduate? I'd like to think so, but something tells me I will find other things to stress over. But what will those things be? Surely it will be better than homework and papers and labs, right? I can manage paying bills or cleaning the house...that seems way less complicated. I bet you're thinking "Jill, my friend, you have a lot to learn." It's true. I do.

I'll admit it, school is hard. Sometimes it gets the best of me. But I keep trying to tell myself that these are the days--I am free. My only true obligation is school. I have it pretty good. PLU is a great University to attend, so why do I waste my time getting flustered over little things? It's time to live it up.
Live it up, Jill.

Something's are easier said than done... but I will try.

Ok, that was a lot to lay on you. Hope my scatterbrained thoughts make sense.
Have a good night :)
<3 J

Boots Heaven!

I absolutely love a good pair of boots. In fact, I think I could say I'm nearly obsessed with them. If they could go with any outfit ensemble (i.e. sweatpants, slouchy jeans or pjs) I would wear them all day, everyday. For some odd reason, I find them to be totally comfortable, not to mention develishly stylish- so any chance I get- I throw a pair on! I've been perusing around Nordy's (my number one go-to shoe palace) for months looking for the perfect boot for this season. Well you know how the saying goes.. if you are looking for it, you'll never find it...errr something along those lines. That was the case for me. BECAUSE, because, because...guess what. I just scored a brand spanking new pair of Dolce Vita (!!!) boots for free! It is so wonderful to have friends who look out for you and know just how to make you happy-- boots, of course! I am one verrrrrry happy girl :)

P.S. Since this post is about shoes, I figure now is a good time to give a *shout out* (for lack of a better word) to my beautiful (and pregnant!!) cousin because I know she is just as much of a shoe lover/obsessee as I am. Love you girl!

So close I can almost taste it..

Just want to update everyone that I will officially be 21 in 10 weeks!

Where has the time gone?
In the past year alone I have grown so much.
I have experienced so much.
I'm eager for what this next year has to offer but.. for the meantime, I am embracing where I am at now and grateful for how far I've come.
It's been a great 20 years- I am truly blessed.
I have a feeling my 21st year will be an extremely yummy one... :)
<3 J