Flaunt A Friend: Yours Truly && A Giveaway

I've been wanting to flaunt some of my precious blogger friends for the longest time now, and thanks to Dana's help I found a blog-hop I can participate in and introduce y'all to some new lovely bloggers!

Meet Chelsea from Yours Truly:

To be honest I can't quite remember how I met Chelsea, but I'm so thankful that I did! She answered my plea for help in finding some social media buttons for my blog and was eager to help answer any of my questions I had in regards to graphic design stuff. I instantly fell in love with her blog and after exchanging some emails during finals week when I was up at all hours of the night, I adored her even more! 

Here's what you should know about Chelsea:

• She has an unbelievably wonderful heart!
• She's from Canada but is living in New Zealand with her love. How awesome is that?! I'm still pretty jealous.
• Chelsea has some mad-skill when it comes to HTML and Graphic Design
• She introduced me to Passion Fruit! -- One of these days I'll probably be switching over 
• She's got super awesome style and likes to taunt me with delicious looking food :p

PS: Thank you so much Dana for helping me find this blog-hop!! :) You are wonderful!
and
Lindsey & Tiffany, I sincerely hope you continue "Flaunt a Friend" because I've got plenty I'm looking forward to gushing about!

Giveaway!

Excited for a chance to win the ultimate blogger's dream?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ballin' On A Budget: Moving 101

Greetings readers!

I spent the majority of the week after finals in my hometown with my parents and sister. After two weeks of nonstop preparation for that massive finance final, I had not only become nocturnal as a result of it, but I was completely worn out! 

Two hands up and a high-five on the side for this girl who got an 88 on that exam, b-t-dub!

So now I'm back in what I like to call the "Little D" -- the small town right outside of Dallas that I like to call home these days to pack up my s and mosey a little bit south of Little D into a whopping 3,000 sq ft mansion with some of my best friends :)

It's exciting. It's stressful. It's also a little overwhelming. And when you're two weeks away from starting that glorious new paid-internship, you're still on the cusp of financial freedom and if you add moving into the realm of all this, it can be a little bit daunting if you take the traditional ideal route when it comes to moving. For example: a trip to the local U-Haul to buy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper...not to mention the money it costs to actually hire some movers.

With all that said, I'm here to present some friendly BOB (Ballin' On A Budget) tips to moving:

• Cut out the cost of bubble-wrap and packing paper. Instead, use all of your towels and cotton t-shirts. I have at least 30 tshirts (I kid you not) that I probably don't even wear but like to keep around. Those too have to be packed, along with my dishes...I call that -- Multipurpose G-Flow Action right thurr.  
• Ask friends and family for any moving boxes they may already have...or stalk your local grocery store dumpsters. Chances are, your F&F (Friends and Family) don't really have much use for the boxes they currently have sittin' around.
• When cleaning mirrors or anything glass, use rubbing alcohol instead of Windex. It goes a long way, is cheaper, and doesn't have all of the other chemicals that windex does.
• Instead of spending hundreds of dollars for a moving company, put your friends to work and pay them in beer & pizza when the job's done!
• Save your huge shopping bags that you get from buying large items at Target, Ikea, Pier 1, or wherever. They're great for packing bedding, pillows and anything light.
• Go ahead and go through your fridge and pantry as your moving out for expired foods or stuff you're never going to eat again...then you don't have to move it and it saves you some energy! :)

I'm sure I've missed some! Do you have any moving tips? Share them in the comments below.

I'll be posting pictures of our new house in the weeks to come once we're all settled! 

A Sneak Peak into the World of Merchandising

The Wonderful World of Merchandising

I'm so excited to share with you guys a little part of my very soon-to-be profession! To all the new lovelies who just recently started following or in case for some reason you forgot, I've been studying Fashion Merchandising. Next month I'll be starting my internship with Michael's in their buying department!

This past semester, I've been working on a 6 Month Merchandising Plan for my Advanced Buying, Planning & Allocation class. The one that we completed was a simplified version. Most buyers are responsible for wayyyy more SKUs, but we were only required to create 3 SKUs for 3 different subclasses.

Check it out!

Feel free to call me a nerd because I actually had a lot of fun doing this!

and

I managed to get my Total Receipt Cost $ within $10,000 of my budget after my professor lowered my numbers, and still managed to get $50,000 over my projected sales plan.

Like a boss!

This is a photo I took a few years ago when I went on my department's NY Study Tour. I got to travel to NYC and meet a bunch of big-whigs in the fashion industry...including this lovely lady who is the Director of Visual Merchandising for Diesel. She is basically in charge of coming up with their visuals they have in their stores. I have some other really awesome photos too from their showroom, but sadly they're on my old computer.

Diesel Showroom - Kidswear

I also visited the fashion magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and saw Mary-Kate Olsen who happened to be going up the escalator as we were all leaving. We also stopped in at La Duca Shoes which produces the custom-dance shoes for the majority of everyone on Broadway.

My friend Christina and I on a boat tour

My textiles professor with SIMON DOONAN (Look him up)

Another part of the trip was visiting the workshop for Barney's where the Creative Director (Simon Doonan) creates their window displays. At the time, Simon had just created a 6ft mannequin made entirely out of red wire hangers! If I ever find that photo I'll show you guys!

NBC Studios Tour

Christina and I after our carriage ride through Central Park

The cafe' on the top floor of Saks 5th Avenue...on FIFTH AVENUE!

Esquel Group - Textile Manufacturing Company (ALL of your brands use this company - Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie, Tommy, you name it!

What do you think? Is this something you'd be interested in hearing more about? If so, I've got plenty to share with y'all!

Thursday 13: Romantic Dates

Summer lovin' had me a blast  ●  Summer lovin' happened so fast

13 Romantic Dates

1. Dinner first and then a movie -- Call me old fashioned
2. Go-Karting and Put-Put! :) 
3. Sushi Bar & Saki 
4. Go to an art opening and then have dinner afterwards
5. Have someone make a scavenger-hunt list, and then go to Uptown to get a photo of/with the items listed.
6. Let the lucky man who's dating this broad (me) cook me dinner and watch a Houston Texans game. Oh yeah, "How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days" Style, minus me crying over the lamb.
7. Go somewhere with a dimly lit lounge-feeling and get to know each other over cocktails
8. Sip some champagne, coffee or tea in front of a big stone fireplace on a bear rug at our mountain cabin ;) -- which we will have because I'm going to be ridiculously successful someday 
9. Lay out a blanket and watch for falling stars
10. Tour model homes in a really nice neighborhood - This is especially cute if he's into architecture, home design and renovations like I am
11. Have a picnic on a beach around sunset with little tiki torches around our blanket.
12. Be spontaneous! Go to the airport with bags packed for one night and then show up and decide where to go for the a day.
13. Go to a drive-in movie theater to watch a movie.

Now it's your turn :) Come up with 13 romantic date ideas and link up here. Don't forget to grab the button below! I can't wait to see what y'all come up with.

<center><a href="http://www.mirandaleigh.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r602/mbraddy/T13RomanticDates.jpg" /></a></span></div>

Thursday 13: Yummies

Greetings && Happy Almost-Friday! :)

This week's T13 is hosted over at Chloe's and the theme is: Snacks -- But I'm going to roll with it and just do yummy recipes (provided by Pinterest)

{Via}

1. Watermelon Cake-Pops 

2. Hummus && Pita Chips, my fave!

3. Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip with Fruit

4. Healthy Sweet Potato Skins

5. Baked Parmesan Tomatoes 

{Via}

6. Bite-Sized Banana Splits

7. Peanut Butter Cheerio Treats

8. Spinach && Cheese Swirls

9. Pop Tarts on a stick!

10. Funfetti Cake Batter Fudge -- Must try!

{Via}

11. Reeses Rice Krispies -- Yes, they're as delicious as they look!

12. Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

13. Baked Sweet Potato Chips -- Delish with Hummus

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.cjvzheartsyou.com/" title="CJVZHeartsYou" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/ADriflot/Generic%20Buttons/T13button.jpg" alt="All Things Lovely" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

PS: I'm linking up today with Laura @ Our Reflection for a Meet & Tweet. Join in to meet other fellow bloggers! :)

Ode to UNT

In case I haven't already said it enough, I'm freeeeee! In just 3 and a half short months I'm graduating! Therefore, since last Thursday marked my final class day (excluding anything regarding my internship of course), I present to you a farewell letter, aka Ode to UNT written with sarcasm and sincerity ;)

PS: If you're feeling lucky, check out the May Giveaway @ AunieSauce for a chance to win a plethora of prizes including 200x100 ad space and a featured interview here at All Things Lovely!

Goodbye beautiful UNT campus. Just 5 short years ago, I wandered around like a lost little Freshman.

Farewell $100 Million stadium, where we're still waiting for a winning season.

Goodbye Chilton Hall; whose name I was thrilled about because I'd be taking classes in a building that reminded me of Gilmore Girls.

Farewell UNT Bus System. I will not miss those mornings spent 40 minutes before class just to catch a bus with enough room for me to spill my coffee on the poor sap in front of thee. 

Goodbye Maple Cafeteria. Your paninis are but a memory now.

Farewell Club Willis, the only library I've ever seen still poppin' at 5:30am. 

Goodbye Hipsters. I've never seen one city that is crawling with so many before. :p

Farewell Fry Street, I'm still amazed at your extremely cheap drink prices. How ever do you do it?

Goodbye Public House,  the smell of your bar will forever continue to haunt me..but thanks for providing a great place to dance when we're all shnockered.

Farewell Fry Street Tavern, I'm surprised the world has never imploded with so many Frat Daddies and Sorority Girls in one place.

Goodbye Garage. I'm still not sure how you provide $0.50 wells but my wallet appreciates you!

Farewell Side Bar. We never got a chance to hang but thanks again for my free 21st birthday shot!

Goodbye Lucky Lous. You always provided the best of times.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Never Have I Ever

I found this on my friend Kristen's blog today and knew I just had to do it! I'm tagging anyone who sees this to go ahead and do their own. The Rules: Bold what you have already done.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis   ---->> Never going to happen!!

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightening storm

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (I call them "mental health days") --> I'm going to agree with Kristen here!

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors     ----> IRELAND, one day!

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing 

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain        ---> One day :(

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie 

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Got a tattoo

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit 

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

*Tag* You're it!

Featured Interview: Gina from Anything Imaginable

Greetings from Houston!

Apologies for going unplugged the past several days. As y'all know I just finished up with finals, which by the way -- I can proudly tell you guys that I got an 88 on the Finance Final that I was worried about! Yay :) AND I also finished my last official semester as an undergrad! And now only three and a half short months until graduation!! 

But enough about me --

Today I want to introduce to you a fellow blogger who I got the pleasure to meet through a giveaway hosted at Aunie Sauce last month. The winner of the giveaway is the lovely Gina from Anything Imaginable! One of my favorite things about blogging is getting to find new blogs and discover other people's stories. So, I encourage you to take just a few minutes out of your day and see how awesome she is!! Or better yet...just read her interview and stop over to her blog to say hello :) 

Without further adieu, Miss Gina Alyse:

1.  Introduce yourself and tell me a little bit about you and your blog!

Hello readers of All Things Lovely! I'm Gina, and I'm just completing my first year in college. I love graphic design, fashion, books, poetry, running, and traveling! I've been blogging over at Anything Imaginable for over two years. I write about anything and everything: from outfits of the days to book reviews to some latest design projects. 

2. If you could describe yourself by using a color, what color would you be and why?

The color blue describes me well. It's my favorite color and I think I wear blue more than any other color. Sometimes, people think blue is a sad color, but to me it represents possibility. It's the color of water and the sky, which symbolize to me that there is more beyond what we can see. I think the color blue represents my faith and my love for nature and tranquility. 

3. I see you're about to finish your first year of college. Congratulations! Tell me, what has been the most memorable experience of your transition from being a high schooler to an independent, college woman?

Well this year has been a whirlwind of fun, work, and transitions. But my most memorable experience was when I went on a beach retreat weekend last September with an organization on campus. There was about 200 people on the trip and we had around 30 people in beach houses. It was such a great time to meet new people, enjoy the beach and get away from school. It was my first road trip in college and I can't wait to have more of them!

4. What was your favorite cartoon to watch when you were growing up?

I loved to watch Looney Tunes and Daffy Duck was always my favorite!

5. What's your favorite part about blogging?

My favorite part about blogging? Can I say all of it? Well, let me narrow it down to two things: interacting with all you fellow bloggers and having an outlet and space to let my design inspiration take over--I love redesigning layouts! 

6. You've been blogging now for a few years...what is something you've learned throughout the journey? (A tip for new bloggers)

This may be a little obvious, but stay true to yourself and have no regrets. A blog is a good way to share yourself, what makes you you, but it is also a way to share thoughts, actions, and opinions. Sometimes it's frightening to push that publish button, even if you're only talking about fun makeup products. Looking back on my blog, I see posts I love but I also see posts that I wish I never published. But it could be those posts that make a difference. It's your blog: it's going to have mistakes and hard times. My tip is to cherish those mistakes and difficulties, and don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. Blogging is a way to make even the slightest difference in the world. 

7. Last but not least, leave us with your favorite quote!

"Live for the moments you can't put into words." -Unknown 

  Twitter // Facebook // Hellocotton  Isn't she wonderful? Go on over and show her some love! :)  

Thursday 13: Summer Bucket List

It's Thursday people which means it's not only Thursday 13, but it's always what I like to call:

DOOMSDAY aka my Finance final exam!

The moment I've been preparing for what feels like a month! In reality it's more like a week and a half. After spending more over-nights in the library than I have all of college, tons of Red Bulls later and officially becoming nocturnal...I can officially say that I am done with the last class of my entire college-life! Oh man, that feels good just writing it.

Anyways, without further adieu I want to say a big thank you to everyone who participated last week! I enjoyed reading all of y'alls posts and also say welcome back to those lovely ones who came back for more!! :) This week we're linking up over at What's Mine Is Yours. Enjoy!
PS: Some of these are more things I'm looking forward to in the summertime rather than bucket-list

2012 Summer Bucket List

You're welcome to grab this for your bucket-list post! Just don't forget the one at the bottom to link up :)

<br /> <center><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qmg8IIOitsc/T6pb23HJ1cI/AAAAAAAAApU/TTBwlRssGho/s1600/Summer+Bucketlist+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qmg8IIOitsc/T6pb23HJ1cI/AAAAAAAAApU/TTBwlRssGho/s320/Summer+Bucketlist+Button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>

1. Intern in the buying office of a veryyy well-known craft store's corporate office! -> Stay tuned for that adventure!

2. Throw a wickedly-awesome housewarming party with my new roomies and alllll my friends! Wanna join? I'll skype you in ;)

3. Pull an all-nighter having long talks with my new roomies: Hayley, Ethan and Nicole <3

4. Drink delicious homemade, fruity sangria from a Mason Jar  and pretend I'm somewhere on a beach :) 

5. Eating right, working out && hopefully purchasing some Bright Tie-Dye Asics 

#10

6. Grow this blog to 100 readers!

7. Use some of my hard-earned internship cash to buy me these bad boys (Kate Spade Cork Flats)

8. Try using oil-pastels in my hair to add some sweet highlights!

9. Make a recipe binder full of all my Pinterest recipes and categorize/sub-categorize them all!! -- I'm really looking forward to that!

10. Make this DIY Birthday Balloon Wreath to hang on the door for July 26th (Me and my future roommate, Ethan's birthdays)

See #13

11. August 11th 2012: Throw up the deuce, walk that stage and graduate like a motha-fer :D

12. Pay off all of my credit cards by the end of my internship to start saving and make way for a brand new car! What will I get? A Ford Escape? A Dodge Challenger? Wait and see, my pretties.

13. End the summer by celebrating graduation and an internship-well-done down in New Orleans for Labor Day Weekend! Ahh I can't wait..I hear Bourbon Street calling my name ;) 

Pinteresting Wednesday (I'm back!)

Oh, how Pinteresting!

It's been a while, but I'm back. I figured since I don't have much time this week for blogging but I have plenty of time for procrastination on Pinterest that I'd share my latest and greatest pins!

*Warning: The following pins are extremely awesome*

(I really need the last 3 shirts)

Source: snurl.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Source: porterhousedesigns.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Source: oldglory.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Source: 80stees.com via Miranda on Pinterest

What do you think? Can you imagine me walking around with the Pink Ranger shirt, or even the "You made bro?"

Just keep studying

Happy Monday, ladies and gentlemen. 

If you follow me on any of the social-media sites, you probably know I've been preparing for Finals Week, or as I like to call it...Battle Week. After an entire week of studying, I have officially become nocturnal. I go to sleep anywhere between 6:30am and noon, sleep for a random amount of hours, eat and begin studying all over again. To be honest, I don't think that I've studied this much for an exam ever in my entire life. 

Why now? 

There's only one class that I worry could end up being the bane of my college existence, similar to my trials with accounting. And what do ya know...it's Accounting's evil cousin -- Finance! I refuse to get anything less than a C in this class so all these hours of studying are going to be worth it. There is no way I'm retaking this class!! Apologies in advance for dropping off the face of the earth these two weeks, I'll around a bit. Until then...

PS: If you're linking up this week for Thursday 13, the topic is Summer Bucket-List

Just Because Friday: Meet my future roomies!

Last weekend my two future roommates, Hayley and Ethan, had their engagement party! 

I've already gushed over how incredibly excited I am for them here, but here's a little sneak peak at the ladies of our new house :)

I decided to do a little photo bomb ;)

Hayley, Nicole and I

Have a lovely weekend everyone! Only 1 more week before I'm free from college slave-labor :)

Thursday 13: Random Facts

Happy-Almost Friday! You're almost there :)

But today is Thursday which means it's time for T13!! 

This week's topic is: 13 Random Facts About Yourself

Get ready to find out some very random and some embarrassing things about me! 

1. My mom wanted to name me Ricky Gene Jr, whereas my dad wanted to name me Napolean. Thankfully the nurse suggested Miranda and I ended up with that one!

2. I'm left-handed

3. In high school I tried to trim my own eyebrows and ended up with a huge gap. My sister proceeded to call me "Tri-Brow" for several weeks afterwards.

4. Speaking of nick-names, my sister has dubbed my Indian name as "Almost 6 Toes" bc...well, I have a little nub on both feet where it looks like a sixth toe almost formed! Ack.

5. When I was in middle-school, I made friends with two girls named Jen and Tassi after I had recently moved to south Florida. We called our-selves the "Super Fruits". Jen was the Mystical Pineapple, Tassi was the Magical Banana, and I was the Moronic Grape --> I don't really know why I chose that haha.

6. Audrey Hepburn is my idol and inspiration :)

7. I drive a 2004, 40th Anniversary Edition White Convertible Mustang

8. I have a hugggeee sleeping problem. I can't remember the last time I went to sleep before 3:30am! It's a big struggle :(

9. I have two tattoos. I got the first after I turned 18, right before I went to college and it's an outline of Texas with a heart at Houston. The other is a teal peace sign on my foot that I got the weekend I turned 21 while I was on 6th Street in Austin! 

10. My very best friend (Shereditthe) and I have been best friends since Kindergarten. That's 18 years!

11. I can proudly say I was one of the very first i-Phone owners! The day it came out, I was #7 in line and waited outside the AT&T store for eight hours!!

12. When I was about 4 years old we had a grey cat named Dusty. I really liked this cat, don't get me wrong..but the feeling wasn't mutual. One time, I gave him a potato chip to be friendly and he bit me...so, I threw Dusty, the cat, in the trash can.

13. My most all-time favorite TV shows are Friends, How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl and Grey's Anatomy.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.mirandaleigh.com" title="All Things Lovely" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/ADriflot/Generic%20Buttons/T13button.jpg" alt="All Things Lovely" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

May Photo-A-Day Challenge

Hello Loves!

Yesterday was the start of Dead Week for me, and according to Facebook and Twitter it's also the start of many people's Finals Week. Last semester I wrote a Tuesday 10 on Surviving Finals Week. It's an oldie, but a goodie :) So if you find yourself feeling like this...

...you may want to consider reading that post.

May Photoaday Challenge:

In other news, I've decided to start this month off with something I've never tried before, the monthly photo challenge. I've seen so many of you lovelies doing it over the past few months that I wanted in on this action. And for those who haven't heard of it, Fat Mum Slim hosts this each month. If you want more information on how to participate, you can find directions here.

I'll keep you guys updated on how well I'm able to do accomplish this each week with a recap. I'm verrrry excited to start the first one. 

Have you participated in the #PhotoADay Challenge?