Flashback to L.A.

Because of the app TimeHop I'm able to see what I posted on my social media sites "On this day" every day. It's fun because somethings I don't remember doing or I had no idea that this was when I was doing it three years ago. Other times it isn't so fun because I see the dramatic quotes I tweeted in high school. Yikes.

Yesterday, my TimeHop told me that three years ago on July 28th I was in Los Angeles and was getting to see a live taping of Chelsea Lately. I think Chelsea Handler is hilarious and seeing her in person, along with her nugget Chuy, made my day! Normally, when I have to have a fun fact during games or on an application, this is it. 

The two highlights of my trip: finding Celine Dion's star on the Walk of Fame & getting Chelsea Handler to sign my copy of her book.

I remember this trip to Los Angeles like it was yesterday. We walked around on Hollywood Boulevard where we saw the Chinese Theatre, the Kodak Theatre (which has been renamed the Dolby Theatre), walked around Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and then found all our favorite celebrity's stars on the Walk of Fame. 

One day we went to Manhattan Beach, which I fell in love with, and walked along the beach. I ordered my first Fish & Chips for dinner and ever since then, no order has compared to the one I ate in Manhattan Beach. I also remember the Free People store there because it was perfect. All the stores looked like they were out of a movie (okay, they probably were in movies), and Manhattan Beach was my favorite place we went. Along the beach were tons of teenagers playing volleyball and surfing, it made me want to move there! Can you imagine growing up there? It would be unreal. Move over Lauren Conrad, I'm starting a new tv show on Manhattan Beach.

Another day we went to the Santa Monica Pier and rode the rides. We went to Rodeo Drive and ate lunch in Beverly Hills & window shopped. Another day we went to The Grove to shop. Kendall loved the American Girl Doll store and of course I found the Anthropologie and Forever21. One of our last days, we went to Knott's Berry Farm Amusement Park and also found the house where Nicole Simpson was murdered. 

With my newest obsession on New York, I forgot how much I loved Los Angeles, too. Everyone there was so calm and collected, they all just walked around with such ease. No one seemed in a hurry and everywhere we went was so peaceful. When looking through all these old pictures I loved remembering everything about this trip and I see another trip in the near future! 

Weekend Update

It's the freakin weekend baby I'm about to have me some *fun
*no plans except for Netflix; I'm still mourning Gossip Girl being over..

Seriously, this H&M top/bustier is to die for

My Etsy find of the week is this pair of mint green crystal stud earrings. They look vintage and are only $43! They're 14k gold post earrings with real Swarovski rhinestones.

I will always love this movie. Especially the ending scene:

I love these pillow cases from Urban Outfitters. They always have the coolest ones to choose from.

Gypsy Warrior acid wash shorts

A Guide to Coffee framed print from Society6

For all of you Gilmore Girls fans, here is where you can buy a Luke's Diner mug

You can buy me one, too.

Even if you aren't buying this for one of your bridesmaids as the occasion, I love this bangle that you can give to your best friend.

I am loving Forever21 online right now! The store at our mall, not so much. Here are my favorites of the week!
Fit & Flare Striped Dress

Free Spirit Natural Stone Necklace

Raglan Baseball Tee

Striped PJ Pants

Static Peplum Top

Ikat Romper

The Secret Language of Birthdays

Tonight as I was catching up on one of my favorite blogs, A Cup of Jo, she mentioned a link about "The Secret Language of Birthdays." I clicked on the link and entered my birthday to find out these traits about myself.. It was interesting to read because I could relate to a lot of what this said. The only major wrong part was about the suffering childhood; my childhood was the complete opposite. Other than that I could see myself in certain aspects & some were spot on. 

Here's what the website said about May 6th:

Traits 

Sensitive

Astute

Imaginative

Emotionally unstable ... uh, thanks

Indulgent 

Health

emotional stress

mood swings, hysteria

try not to fall victim of yourself

low self-esteem

need to be encouraged

eat cooked fresh veggies & grains

homeopathic and herbal remedies are recommended

Personality

in touch with fantasy, imagination and the unconscious work

is sympathetic, even empathetic 

guided by teachers, counselors and parents

obsessed with realizing dreams

daring to live out fantasies that most people keep bottled up

tapping into imaginative process = special gift

 most special gift = recognize my limitations and am able to treat my goals and those of others objectively and ethically

traumatic childhood -- (not true for me, I had a great and loving childhood..)

Celebrities I Share a Birthday with:

Gabourey Sidibe -- you are so cool

George Clooney -- smokin' 

Tony Blair -- 'ello my little crumpet, shall we have some tea together? 

Personality of my birth week:

"The Week of the Teacher"

^^but I just switched my major so......

strong need for teacher-student-type interactions

have a message to be shared, verbalize ideas

capable of influencing others

establish lines that should not be crossed

interested in living conditions of those around, how others live, work, play, eat, worship, vote, and exercise; has a fascination for these people

cross-cultural relationships common (hi jennifer and marissa who are mormon and ann marie who is catholic)

firm ideas of what is right & wrong

prudish tendencies.. ha

obsessed with injustice, prejudice and discrimination- reaction is scathing, uncompromising and immediate. anger may suddenly erupt (yes) 

think people should be able to take the truth in a straight dose (guilty)

have a host of admirers... come out, come out, wherever you are

Traits of my birth week:

enterprising

fair 

magnetic

demanding

critical

inflexible

Way Inspiration

mentally facile

witty

technically proficient

fearful of criticism

prone to dissemble

restless

facility of mind with quick wit, the enjoyment of language and technical proficiency

brilliant at imitation

strong need for recognition

greatest fear = unusual personality will be written of as peculiar

rejection is extremely difficult to handle

a curious blend of introvert + extrovert

gregarious

need to learn to control emotions better

"by unlocking their internal mystery, freeing themselves in peace and quiet to hear the call of their spirit, and finding out who they really are, they will succeed in allowing their creativity to be fully, rather than only partially, expressed."

Want to see the secret language of your birthday?

Enter your birthday here!

Everywhere You Look

A few nights ago on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" Uncle Jesse and this band, Jesse & The Rippers, reunited. John Stamos is still good-looking and Uncle Jesse still has Aunt Becky's heart by the looks of this video. Try and tell me you don't get a little sentimental when John Stamos sings the theme song to Full House.

Once I saw this, I Googled a bunch of the cast to see what they were up to. They are all still friends! Lori Loughlin's Instagram proves this to be true. I knew they probably kept some contact, but I had no idea they see each other as often at Aunt Becky Instagrams them.

Then, I found this video and my heart melted. John Stamos thinks Lori Loughlin might be the one that got away. How can this be?! Can you imagine Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky married in real life? I can. Have mercy!

Ginny turns 20!

Eleven reasons why Ginny deserves a great birthday:

1. She broke her femur and has pins in her leg. Basically she is Iron Woman. At first, she was crippled after surgery, but now she is werkin' it all through Oxford.

2. When I wanted to be a member of KISS for Halloween, Ginny joined the rocker club and did not leave me hanging. We rocked out together, cue "Detroit Rock City."

3. She is a goose and I love her goose voice. I also can't wait for the bebe goose to be at Ole Miss with us!

4. Ginny is always working out and eating healthy. Basically, she's a health nut. Take the day off today and go get some rainbow cake! 

5. She lives in Mountain Brook and is a Brookie. It's like its own community that we outsiders will not understand. I bet the whole little town is celebrating this lil Luckie today! Celebrity status.

6. I can always count on Ginny to want to snuggle & watch a movie. Sometimes you just need that and I know Gins is always there. The squirrels love a good snuggle, especially on a rainy day.
7. I'm Ginny's barista on game day mornings. One time, she told me that if I made her a cup of coffee, she would pay me $5.. Tempting, but no thanks. We do share a mutual love of coffee no matter the time of day.
8. Ginny loves cats......

(there was a fake cat behind her)
9. Since we are both Harry Potter fans, this goes without saying, that you deserve a great day simply because of this. Harry, Ron, Hermoine and I think so!
10. I always feel like you truly care when I talk to you. Whether it is a "what's up" or a more in depth conversation, I feel like the Lord has really put it in your heart to care for people. I can't wait for more "real talks" in the fall.
1q. Ginny is one of the kindest people I know and deserves all the attention on her today! She caters to others and is so sweet to everyone, that everyone needs to be so sweet to her today in return. I can't wait until we are all back together and can celebrate you & Fran! Have the best day celebrating in Oxford! 

Hope your day is rockin! 

Fran is 20!

Twelve reasons why Frances deserves a great birthday:

1. She loves squirrels and is such a squirrel girl.

2. When we found out about the Illuminati, the two of us stayed up all night researching it. Now we are forever skeptical of the Denver airport. The Illuminati might scare some, but we aren't afraid - Beyonce is on our side! 

3. No matter how many times I tell her I'm a vegetarian, she always tells me which restaurants have the best chicken to eat. I'm glad she has my back if I ever decide to eat meat again..

4. When you get a bad manicure right before Spring Break & are ripped off by the nail ladies, Frances will charge in there and demand a refund for you.

5. When in doubt, she wears flare jeans and looks way too fabulous.  

6. She daydreams about NYC and now I can join her in the fantasy (that we better make a reality!)

7. Fran will say the dumbest things and even though she cares about me quoting her on any social media site I can get my hands on, she still lets me.

8. Speaking of social media, Fran is so cool she has her own Twitter account that quotes the brilliant things she says on a daily basis. A select few squirrel girls have access to the account. You've gotta be pretty cool to have a Twitter account based on you, right? If you want to read, click here to follow her on Twitter or just read the hilarious things she says! 

9. If you're lucky, Fran will run in your room at 2 am telling you the cops are outside of Crosby just to warn you.. Even if you've been asleep already for two hours and have done nothing wrong.
10. Once Fran told me that she would pick me over a mixed drink, which is pretty special. She definitely has a way with her words and makes you feel wanted.
11. What's great about Fran is that she is really giving. She "accidentally" gave her baby clothes to Goodwill once, but don't worry. Her mom went to look for them all but couldn't find them. They're safe in the attic. I know Frances would have given those clothes to a baby though if they really needed them.

12. Fran really is such a great friend that everyone can count on. She is always there to make us laugh and there is honestly never a dull moment! She is one of my funniest friends. Despite all our joking, she has a great heart and my life would not be as fun without her. I'm so thankful for this squirrel girl! 

Happy 20th Birthday Fransquirrelious! 

I can't wait until we're all reunited in Oxford and can celebrate!

Weekend Update

Weekend update while overlooking the ocean, not too shabby:

This iPhone 5 crafted gems case from Neiman Marcus

This tanktop from Lyst.com // Markus Lupfer top in Pink

I always wanted oversized bags, so here is a Steve Madden satchel from Nordstrom

I am in love with wide-leg pants and think these from Anthropologie are so cute

Kelly Oxford is one of the funniest people I follow on Twitter. I haven't read her book yet, but I know without a doubt it's worth reading. If you don't follow her on Twitter, go do it now!

This print from Etsy

This layered maxi dress from Urban Outfitters- love!

I can't wait until I am a business woman and can wear these or these, but for now I will settle with these that I can wear easily in Oxford

TGIF!
(thank God it's Friday or thank God I'm fabulous??)

Major Changes

Check out my blog post!

This week my blog post for Hello Perfect was chosen to be published. It is the first week of writing, and I was thrilled to see that mine was picked! I wrote about my recent major change in hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams. It's all about making the leap of faith and I am here to encourage it! 

It was such a weird feeling seeing my name on a website reading "by: Chandler Clarkson" but I loved it. I am so happy with my internship with Hello Perfect and I can't wait to see where this takes me.

Read all about my "Major Changes" by clicking the link above! 

Weekend Update - Beyonce style

If you are a Beyonce fan (and let's be honest, who isn't?) buy this. I'm still in mourning that I am unable to go to the concert because I will be in a car for eight hours the exact day Bey is in Nashville. That is just plain depressing, I know.

If he liked it then he should have put a ring on it, but if he did not get the memo, put a ring on it yourself. This is to die for.

To honor Destiny's Child, no car is complete without this cd.

You're a survivor, you're gonna make it (in these camo jeans) Here is a more expensive option, and here is a less expensive option.

Do you want to carry Beyonce around with you at all times? Try this phone case or this one.

Let's be mermaids together, Bey. 

Viva Las Vegas!

I've developed a strange love for the city of Las Vegas. It all began the summer before my freshman year of college. My dad, who works in the trade show business, had a customer attending a show in June. He often travels to Vegas and as a senior/graduation gift to me, he said that I could come with him! Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, my dad said my two best friends, Jennifer and Marissa, could come with us too. Then I really think it can't get any better, but it does. My dad buys all three of us tickets to see Celine Dion perform in the Colosseum at Caesar's. It was a dream come true and I couldn't contain my excitement!

It was unreal that I was able to go to Vegas for a week with my two best friends and my dad. My mom and sister had to stay at home (sorry you didn't graduate high school in 2011). We hit almost every attraction and hotel on the strip, taking a million pictures along the way. Here is the blog post.

Then for Christmas 2012 I was surprised with a piece of paper that read "BUY CELINE DION TICKETS ASAP!" I started crying. My dad was again going to Las Vegas, this time in January, and said I could come with him and bring a friend. I took my friend and sorority sister Hunter with me and we were there for about five days again. We hit all the same attractions and hotels, but everything looks different in Vegas in January compared to in June. This time we saw Celine Dion again, but had even closer seats than before and it was unreal! This is my blog post about my second time in Vegas!

I don't love Las Vegas just because of Celine Dion (yes, she is adds to the excitement), but I love the culture and environment. I love the decorations in each hotel on the strip, all the things to do, and people watching. Everything is so extravagant there. Whether I'm riding the bull at Planet Hollywood or dining at the Wynn, I love every aspect of Vegas. Here is my ode to one of my favorite cities, and Viva Las Vegas!

The gondolas easing down the canal,

St. Mark’s square filled with restaurants and famous chefs,

Human statues subtly winking at you,

The painted sky with clouds that move,

The sun always shining down on the Venetian.

Green dolphin sculptures smiling as you walk by,

The Beatles music flooding the inside,

While the erupting volcano booms outside,

Walk out back to see the white tigers and white lions,

Jungle fever is at the Mirage.

Stop by the Trevi fountain to toss a coin and make a wish,

The Colosseum with Celine Dion performing every night,

You should take a break with dessert or coffee from Serendipity3,

Or swim like a Grecian in the high-rise pools,

The Gods and Goddesses are not the only ones allowed in Caesar’s Palace.

Eating at the scrumptious sushi restaurant overlooking the water,

A Pirate ship show on display every night,

Two boats fighting and one does sink,

While dining here, you witness a defeat,

Feel like the captain of a ship at Treasure Island.

To see the mountains and lights take a ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower,

The photo opportunities are nothing short of incredible,

Walk under the Arc de Triomphe,

Or take a bite at Mon Ami Gabi and sip some French wine,

Paris, Paris is like venturing across the world.

The colorfully blown glass to decorate the ceiling,

And Cirque du Soleil performance on water,

Ginormous water fountains reaching the top of the hotel to familiar tunes,

And botanical gardens further inside decorated differently each month,

You can not miss the Bellagio, especially if you are an Ocean’s Eleven fan.

Las Vegas is not only for the sinners,

It is for the people who appreciate culture as well.

Venturing through the different countries with just a few steps,

There is always something new to see.

Sin City is sinless for me and I would not have it any other way.

Summer Playlist

Dead in the Water -- Ellie Goulding
Blurred Lines -- Robin Thicke
Where Can I Go? -- Laura Marling
Ooh Child -- Nina Simone
Next To Me -- Emeli Sande
Gypsy -- Fleetwood Mac
Falling -- Haim
Oh Sherrie -- Steve Perry
Call Your Girlfriend -- Lennon and Maisy // Stella Sisters
Send Me On My Way -- Rusted Root
Flowers In Your Hair -- The Lumineers
Wildflowers -- Tom Petty
Mercy -- Dave Matthews Band
Days Like This -- Van Morrison
Madness -- Muse
Come On Eileen -- Dexy's Midnight Runners
I Love It -- Icona Pop
Running for Cover -- Ivan & Alyosha
Young and Beautiful -- Lana Del Ray
Human of the Year -- Regina Spektor
Let Her Go -- Passenger
Breath of Life -- Florence + the Machine
Brown Eyed Girl -- Van Morrison
We Can't Stop -- Miley Cyrus
In The Morrow -- Brandi Carlile
Meet Virginia -- Train
My Favourite Book -- Stars
Shark In The Water -- V.V. Brown

Weekend Update

Needing a new romper? Try this.

Listen to this. I'm counting down the days until I see them at Lollapalooza.

Want a new iPhone case? Buy this from Society6

Re-doing your room like I am? Who wouldn't want one of these to snuggle with?

If you're going to the beach, read this because Grace Coddington is fabulous.

Fourth of July still on your mind? Buy this Wildfox beach towel.

And last but not least, to celebrate Celine's 150th show tonight in Las Vegas, buy this! I know I am.

Happy weekend! What's your definition of paradise?

Sketches and Watercolors

It's officially one month until I am in Grant Park in Chicago for Lollapalooza!

Grace Coddington who is "The Face Behind Vogue." I recently read her memoir and loved reading about her life. 

"To me you will always be the heart and soul of the magazine, its guardian at the gate, its beacon of excellence. For about as long as I have edited at Vogue, one person, Grace Coddington, has made me excited to come into the office every day.." --Anna Wintour's speech at Grace's 70th birthday party. 

Pre-Fourth of July inspiration with a splash of Beyonce

"I pledge allegiance to Beyonce" 

Experimenting with different sketches with the same character.

Hello Perfect

I'm so excited to share with you all that I am now an intern with Hello Perfect. I am a contributing writer to their website, and will be one of the first campus ambassadors. Hello Perfect is all about making you realize you are already perfect the way you are. I'll be writing for their website on either: fashion, travel, inspiration, college life, and more! Next week, the owners of Hello Perfect and the contributing writers are meeting for a Google+ Hangout and I can't wait to meet everyone and learn more about the internship.

Right now at Hello Perfect, they have a contest going on to win an InStyle Magazine (their website) subscription for a year! All you have to do is download the app "Snap My Ad" from the iTunes Store. Once you download the app (for free!) just upload a photo of what your version of what "Perfect is..." This can be a photo of your writing, or of anything else! For you to win, you just need the most likes on your photo. I would love it if you could share this photo at the bottom of the screen & post a photo! It's so easy and why not win a free year of InStyle?!

I can't wait to see where this internship takes me! It's a "virtual internship" which means I can do the internship from anywhere I want. Hello Perfect will have contributing writers from all over the United States, and the two owners of Hello Perfect just graduated college and are now living in New York! (so jealous!)

Be looking for my posts on HelloPerfect.com! The new website is under construction right now, but you can still visit the old one to see what I'll be doing. Keep following my journey, and post away on "Snap My Ad" for a free subscription to InStyle Magazine!