grown up.

Hate to break the news to everyone, but the real world ain't all that fun.

I should know because I am currently trudging through my second month in it.

Depending on your life path, you may be entering the real world earlier or later than I am. However, most things are probably universal. For instance, today, I am choosing which student loan repayment plan I want. None of them look appealing, but ya know, what can you do?

Seriously, it's simultaneously stressful and relieving that my parents are hell bent on making me pay rent each month (at a very low rate, mind you) to teach me how to prepare myself for the bigger version of the real world I am currently in.

I am trying to figure out how to be successful in life, where I can actually move out of my parents' house and get married and all that jazz, without sacrificing my dreams of graduate school. Honestly, it looks like another year will be added to the timeline because money sure is hard to come by.

I preferred college where I could wholeheartedly pursue my dreams, like writing my own psychological research, without much added stress. Seriously, college is great. Stay there.

I think over the next few months, I am going to turn this blog into a more professional place. You know, with pictures and fun posts and all that stuff. Maybe I can let out some of my creative energy here.

So, until next time.

Best,

Sarah

follow proper in pearls.

twitter  /  pinterest

moving on up; moving on out.

Today, I thought back on the day I got dropped off at my dorm. I was going through sorority recruitment, so I as well as the other rushees moved in a week before the rest of the freshman class. I remember unpacking my room, being my perfectionistic self and not settling down until each item had its home. I remember hugging my family goodbye and being so excited for the life that I was going to make for myself. And I made quite a life.

Over the course of my four years of college, I learned so many things both about academics and life lessons. For one, I figured out the true difference between an extrovert and an introvert and that I am the latter (contrary to popular belief). I realized how deep my perfectionism runs. I learned what true love is like, and I was able to keep that love in my life to this day. I experienced loving something more than I could ever love myself. I was taught, sometimes the hard way, about the differences between people and how to handle them accordingly. Most importantly, I forged my own path. I was able to figure out my true self.

My college is my home. A piece of my heart will always be here because it is the first place where I felt undeniably safe and confidently myself.

I am sobered by the thought of leaving my home this Friday. I have experienced four beautiful, amazing years in this town. But I will never really leave. Home is where the heart is. My heart is here.

Best,

Sarah

follow proper in pearls.

twitter  /  pinterest

failing to plan is planning to fail.

So, I have been completely MIA for months...months. I am very sorry about it.

Many things have happened. I have been accepted to graduate school, I have completed all of my finals, and I am making plans to move back home with my parents for the summer (which is an overachiever's nightmare).

I made the difficult decision to forgo graduate school for a year in order to financially establish myself. I realized that my dreams are big, but being realistic is bigger. I did not want to rack up more debt in order to go to school. I have many things to establish before I make that jump. However, I know my perfectionism will overcome any thoughts about not returning to school. I am totally okay with that.

For now, I am going to enjoy my last few days as a collegian and relax. I do plan to pick back up with my life after graduation.

Best,

Sarah

follow proper in pearls.

twitter  /  pinterest

making a statement.

As you could probably deduce, I love pearls. I think they are wonderful for so many reasons. They are classic, timeless, and seriously go with everything (and I mean everything). I recently received a beautiful necklace from Boy for Christmas that I just adore. It is a simple, thin chain with a baby pearl on it. It is delicate and beautiful and perfect.

product from Dogeared

I wear this necklace literally every day. But lately, I have been dreaming of pearl statement necklaces. I love statement necklaces, and I think they are becoming prominent in even casual outfits. Here are some of my favorite ones I have found as I have scoured the internet:

clockwise from top left:

Anna & Ava / Dilliards

Sereba Designs /  Etsy

Nina /  Nordstrom

Catwalk /  Accessorize

I want them all! What kind of necklaces suit your personal style?

Best,

Sarah

follow proper in pearls.

twitter  /  pinterest

dinnerware.

Relatively soon, I will be moving to my big girl life. And one day, I will be living with Boy and Dog. However, we have a minor problem: Boy and I have completely different decor styles.

Right now, my bedroom is decorated in the shabby-chic, vintage kind of look. My dream look is kind of modern classic look mixed with some old school pieces such as a modern kitchen surrounding a farmhouse sink. Boy's style is straight modern. We are talking steel, clean lines, etc. I don't know how I feel about that, but I took on the challenge of combining our two styles. I have settled on executing an overall modern look with girly and vintage touches. I think I can convince him to do it.

Something that I think would best showcase how I want the girly pieces to be thrown in is in dinnerware. While we might be sitting at a modern table, our dinnerware should be beautiful. So I have found a some options from a few places in order to get a head start on planning!

clockwise from top left:

Better Homes and Gardens Simply Fluted /  Walmart

Murano Cream /  Crate & Barrel

Threshold Scalloped /  Target

Pillivuyt Queen Anne Porcelain /  Williams-Sonoma

Obviously, I have a bit of a preference for the scalloped edges on plates! I cannot wait to actually decorate my first apartment. It is scary, yet exciting.

What kind of style do you want to decorate your first apartment in?

Best, 

Sarah

follow proper in pearls.

twitter  /  pinterest

Daydreams.

So, I have definitely been slacking on blog posts. Life is hectic. From grad school applications to holidays to illness, my life has been crazy! But one thing I know for sure is that I have definitely had spring break on my mind. I am hitting the gym like a mad woman, and I am constantly thinking of all of the fun things we will be doing. I feel like such a little kid.

A bothersome thing that has pricked my mind about spring break is the makeup situation. I think that I look totally weird without makeup. It isn't that I wear a lot, it's just the little that I add really plays up my features. I don't want spring break to be any different, but I definitely don't want to head to the beach with a face full of make up. Thus, I have created my own concoction of spring break makeup essentials that I am going to add to my makeup collection over the next few months.

Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara / $16

If I go to the beach, that means I play in the water, and no one wants to look like they have been sobbing on a fun vacation! I love waterproof mascara for the beach and not much else, so it has been missing from my makeup bag for some time. It is definitely necessary for a time like this!

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream / $12

This cream is advertised as an 8-in-1 makeup dream. Part tinted moisturizer, part skin primer, and part sunblock, this cream is the perfect addition to any makeup routine. I plan on wearing it alone when I am at the beach to make sure I don't get early wrinkles and to make sure I look as flawless as I can. I mean, who hasn't wanted to look like a Baywatch babe on the beach before?

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Blossom / $6.99

I am addicted to Burt's Bees; it's true. I refuse to use any other lip balm. But the tinted lip balm is perfect for two things: lip care and cheek color. While you might be thinking "cheek color? really?" I really mean it, and it will be a beautiful sheer color that doesn't wash off too easily. People use cream blush all the time, and this is an unconventional, easy version of it.

I am so excited for my trip. Can't you tell? Are there any beach or vacation makeup products that you swear by?

Best, Sarah

follow proper in pearls.

twitter  /  pinterest  

"changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes."

Spring Break has been on me and Boy's minds for what seems like forever. This year is our senior year of college, and we really wanted a spring break to remember. The only other spring break trip we have been on is the one on which we met, so spring break holds a bit of sentimental value for  us me. 

My first idea about a year ago was Disney World. This, to me, seemed like the best possible way to spend your spring break. Boy wasn't so keen on the idea seeing as how we would blow our budget on what would probably be a one day trip. However, nothing could sway me from this idea, and I tried really hard to pound the idea into him. Unfortunately, he is just as stubborn as I am, so that didn't really go anywhere. 

We finally settled on the idea of going on Spring Break with another couple. So, the four of us sat down and started brainstorming. My genius idea was to go to the Keys. I have always wanted to go, so I selfishly suggested it (oops). We settled on a cute little hotel on the water, and we made plans to book the rooms this week.

Today, I got a text from our friend with a picture of Margaritaville Beach Hotel and the suggestion to go there for Spring Break instead. As I was reading this text, I was not privy to the fact that this was the Margaritaville, and I thought it was cute that they named this hotel after Jimmy Buffet's song. I proceeded to search the place on my phone, and the first line in the description was "Official website of Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Beach Hotel." 

If you've read my 101 in 1001, then you know that my number 73. is to drink a margarita at Margaritaville. I just wanted a drink, but now someone was suggesting that I stay four nights in Margaritaville!!!!

You might be able to guess my reaction, but inside I was jumping up and down and screaming.

Seriously, the idea of staying here made me lose my mind for a second.

Needless to say, I sent a flurry of text messages in all caps saying things along the lines of "BOOK IT NOW."

So, now I am extremely happy to say that I am staying for four nights in Margaritaville, on the Gulf Coast, with my margarita in hand.

Now, please scroll and contain your jealousy:

If you want to book this place for your trip or spring break, go here.

Where are y'all going for your spring break trip?

Best,

Sarah

follow proper in pearls.

twitter / pinterest