10 Things

I think this post is going to be a little less style centered and a little more chat centered. I've really been thinking a lot about the things I've learned about life/happiness/randomness during these past 22 years I've lived and what I can take away from that. I think the most creative and simple way to do this is my creating a list of 10 things I've learned so far.

1. (Pay attention, because this is the most important one.) My parents were always right. Always. Scratch that. My parents are STILL always right. I think this is just one of those things that's tough for most people to learn until they've lived at least a minimum of 20 years and most times it even takes way longer than that. Any younger than that, though, and ya still just don't really get it. I was never really the type to disobey, in fact, I was like the Ella Enchanted of children, but I still had my moments were I thought my parent's advice was bogus. Boy was I a dumdum.
2. Natural is better. These past couple of weeks I've been just plain old letting my wild hair BE. For years I styled the crapola out of it, and it suffered because of it. I saw a photo of a fellow curly haired lioness on Instagram the other day, though, and it all just finally clicked for me. This girl looked GORGEOUS in her curls, and I found myself wanting curls just like that. That's when I realized, dur, I HAVE curls like that. My parents always used to tell me not to style my hair, not to use heat on it, that it would get thinner over the years, and it'd loose it's curl. I didn't believe them, like the lame 13 year old that I was, I thought that they were full of baloney. (See lesson #1;) They were right, of course, but fortunately I've come to my senses in time for my locks to have a fighting chance. :) 
3. Loving your appearance JUST the way it is is essential. This goes in line with #2. Again, for years I plucked and plucked my brows into delicate little caterpillars instead of just letting them be the chunky worms that they are. Again, a couple of months ago, something just clicked and I decided to just stop, stop the fight against my brows. I'm a hairy person, that's just the way I am, and there's nothing wrong with that. Now my brows are back to their thick hairy selves and I couldn't be happier. The rest of my body, though? I'd still very much appreciate it going bald. Buh bye leg, armpit, and nether hair! You are not welcome and will likely never be unless I decide to go French, which is highly unlikely. I'm a Brit at heart. ;)
4. Family is the most important thing in the world to me. Really, and truly, there is no group of people that make me happier. The joy of having an eternal family is a constant testament to me of the truth of what I believe. Family is happiness. 
5. A happy and kind attitude can move mountains. I see no use in being unkind. Everyone is fighting a battle which we know nothing about, so smile. If I can be kind to someone, regardless of their attitude toward me, than I've done something good in the world. Spreading joy and love will always reap bigger rewards than negativity. 

top: h&m
shorts: F21 similar
shoes: h&m
readers: F21 similar

1. Find people that appreciate the qualities that make you, you and kindly encourage you to improve those qualities that maybe aren't so nice. I've found that the relationships that mean the most to me are those relationships where I don't have to hide who I am, the good, bad, pretty, and ugly. The relationships where I'm loved despite my imperfections and yet feel inspired to be better.
2. I hate the smell of toothpaste. I know, this isn't a life changing lesson, and it's super weird, but it's still something I've learned about myself. I don't know what it is, but the smell of freshly brushed teeth just makes me want to puke.
3. Weight really isn't as big a deal as I used to make it out to be. Honestly, who cares? Letting go of that particular care has certainly been a battle, though. But I've honestly found that I feel happier when I eat a big nutritious meal when I feel like it instead of stressing about calories and trying to restrict myself, and honestly I've found that I tend to be heavier when I worry about it and lighter when I don't. I think being healthful and strong beats being a "skinny minny" any day of the week. In fact, I kind of hate that term. It's lame and puts too much emphasis on the desire to be "thin". Be yourself at your healthiest and be happy about it, whether that IS on the smaller side or whether it's on the curvier side. Be you. Be happy. All of our bodies are different and there's no point wishing we had some other person's body. Comparison is the thief of joy. For myself, though? I'm currently simply striving to be stronger and more muscular in a healthful and natural way. 
4. A song in the heart is a pocketful of joy. Music can influence the world. Surround yourself with music that inspires and brings happiness. 
5. I am me, and I'm not going to hide. I watch TONS of tv, I'm a graphic novel/comic junkie, Harry Potter is my best friend, I'd rather lie in bed reading a book or giggling over something funny on the internet with my sister than go out, Star Wars and Back to the Future are the defining movies of my childhood, I can't dive into swimming pools, I love super heroes, Jane Austen is my home girl, 90% of my conversations with my siblings involve at LEAST on Pride & Prejudice quote, I'm a lyricist of funny songs, I can come up with a lovely cock and bull story to woo the masses in ten second flat, I'm a geek at heart, and I am HAPPY.

My Fair Lady

You guys, eees hot. It's O-fficially hot. I'm talkin' 80+ hot. Yeeeouch. Summer is here. I'm pretty excited. Grillin' in the backyard with the fam bam, ice cold lemonade, sugar frosted glasses, long nights giggling with friends, and best of all, S'MORES!!!! Mmmmm. This summer will be good to me. I just know it. I know it. Also, I know I didn't post yesterday, like I promised I would, but it was my day off from work...so, yeah, I forgive myself. ;) Also, aren't days off just the most glorious thing in the world?! I mean really, nothing feels better than having absolutely NOTHING to do. Seriously, it's the best feeling in the world! Not to mention that hanging around at home with me mum is pretty much one of my favorite ways to spend a day. Mums are the best, aren't they? Jolly little creatures, aren't they? ;) I think the reason I'm so high on day's off is because I worked a six day work week last week and it was pretty exhausting. Although, I've never been more tired than the times when I've had to go to work AND school. That's a little torture zone all of it's own, and yet, I'm super looking forward to winter semester this year!!
Oop, oop!

top: h&m similar
skirt: c/o Chic Wish
shoes: F21 
purse: F21 similar
hat: h&m
PC: RoPhotography

This skirt is my new fav, guys. The number of compliments I got on it when I wore it on Sunday was astounding. The colors are fabulous and that delicate butterfly pattern slays me. Ughhhh, and the material? Soft perfection! Chic Wish does it again. Seriously, their midi skirt line is SO on point this season. This rose print one is perfection in a floral print, oh and this lime green cinched waist one would look like a dream with a white graphic tee and a pair of Keds a la hipster Taylor Swift. Yeah, I'm obsessed! Oh, and don't forget that you all get 30% off of your first purchase, so clicky click on their ad to the right of my page and snap up some of these fab, fab, skirts! I mean, $36 for a fantabulous midi skirt, plus 30% off, PLUS free shipping? Y'all be straight up foo's if ya don't get one. ;) See what fabulous skirts do to me?? They bring out my thug talk! Anyway, I couldn't possibly feel anymore lady like in this baby, I love it! What with my thug talk and my fancy get up you could say I'm like a modern day "My Fair Lady". ;)

Much love!

Boats, Boats, Boats! (If you get this reference we need to be BFF's)

Gootah mornin' loves. How were all of your weekends? Swell I hope. Mine was quite lovely. Friends, family, laughter, cake and ice cream. What more could a girl want? Nothin' I tell ya. Has anyone else noticed how warm it's been getting? We were in the 80s this weekend here in Utah! I think it's safe to say that summer is beginning! Oop, oop! Holla for sunny early mornings and warm long nights! Yum! Guys, I'm tellin' ya for the last couple of weeks all I've had to tell you all is that I'm boring, and well, that's pretty much all I have to say today too. I think my life is lacking in the adventure department. Maybe I should take up spelunking? I think that would shake things up adequately enough. I actually think I'm just craving newness. New setting, new peeps to meet, new things to do, new, new, new. Anyone feel me? Also? I need a beach. Stat. I want to feel sand beneath my bum and a tide tickling my toes. Oh, and another thing? For the first time in my life this crazy little thing people do called, boating, has peaked my interest. It just suddenly seems like the coolest summer activity in the world to me. Also, how cool would this floppy sun hat be paired with a killer bathing suit and equally killer (in the looks department, not murder department) tall blond of the male variety who could be captain to aforementioned boat be?

top: h&m similar
skirt: c/o Chic Wish
shoes: F21
hat: c/o Chic Wish similar
PC: Ro Photography

Duuuuuuuudes, this skirt is AWEsome! I'd been craving a white midi skirt like this for ages and Chic Wish certainly didn't disappoint. In fact, Chic Wish is pretty much my go to skirt shop these days. Especially for midi skirts, which, by the way, I'm super excited are so in right now because on top of being so chic they're also modest. Holla! Also, the swishiness of this skirt is like a dream, not to mention the fact that it's light weight material is PERF for the summer! I'm in love. This skirt can be my husband. ;) No joke, though, go check out Chic Wish's skirt shop. You'll want to buy it all, not even kidding. I have a couple of more sponsored posts featuring Chic Wish items coming up this week and they're going to be pee-your-pants good! Seriously, though, I shopped at Chic Wish before being sponsored by them and I can honestly guarantee you guys that they are awesome. In fact, my first ever purchase from them was this black midi skirt that I've posted about a trillion and one times. :) Nothing beats a good classic skirt, and I mean seriously, compared to most other places the prices are stellar. Plus, free standard shipping! Oop! That's one of the main things I look for in an online shop, to be honest, if a shop doesn't have free shipping I don't even bother browsing because if I'm going to pay $10+ for shipping it just isn't worth it. Well, me and my new husband, Mr. Skirt, are off to cry in a corner because it's Monday. ;) 

Much love!

I don't even currr...(that I talk like a diva)

Guys I'm just like the boringest person lately. THE, boringest. Yeah, I realize boringest isn't even a word and that I should technically say most boring, but, grammar shammar. One of my best friends pointed out to me the other day that I basically talk like I think I'm a black woman at least 80% of the time. And, ya know, tis true. I talk so hood half the time, and the other half of the time I speak like I think I'm some great societal lady educated in Oxford. Much like my driving, my speech has two settings, intelligent book nerd or straight up hood. Which is really quite funny when you consider the fact that I've never technically lived in a hood. ;) Although, I did see some sort of gang being arrested by the police last night! That's about as hood as my life gets, though. Anyway, I know I'm just babbling. Mostly in attempts to fill the voids of my, as of late, boring life. ;) Boring is good, though, right? I mean, it sure as heck beats tragedies!

bodysuit: F21
skirt: F21
shoes: Aldos
flower crown: F21
purse: F21
PC: Ro Photography

Soooooooo, if you couldn't already tell by this outfit, I'm sort of on a F21 kick. Or, at least I was in April when I purchased these items. I don't know, but I had given up F21 for like a year. Don't ask my why because I don't even know, but anyway, I've recently rediscovered my love for that place! They seriously have everything! Also, 'nother trend to try? High waisted denim skirts! They're the best! They're so versatile and fun and I will def have other posts featuring this bad boy of a skirt. ;)  Anyway, another day another boring ramble sesh. ;)

Much love!

Me and My 'Ralls

Ooot, ooot! Hours of messing around on the computer and playing around with different things and my girl Ro and I have finally figured out what the deal with the photos were! It is officially fixed and now you can all truly enjoy the splendor of her photographing talent!! Yippee! In other news, though, aforementioned best friend pointed out to me the other day that I'm pretty much the only one who doesn't call her Ro and calls her by her full name. This made me realize that I am such a full name kind of gal. All my life I've always called all my friends by their full name's rather than their nickname's. In middle school, it was one of my best friends, Christian. Everyone called him Chris, but not me. Nope, I called him Christian. In high school, one my best girl friends, Melissa went more by Meli than Melissa, but did I ever call her Meli? Nope. And those are just a few of my countless victims. ;) I don't know what it is, I didn't even realize I did it until the other day when it was pointed out to me, but I just have a hard time calling people by their nicknames. It feels unnatural on my tongue for some reason. Maybe it's because I don't go by any nicknames myself, and so my brain just unconsciously refuses to call anyone else by a nickname? Who knows. Maybe I'm just a butt head. That could definitely be it too. ;) I sure do like being one of the few Allexis' who actually goes by Allexis, though. It's nice.  Sets me apart from all dem otha "Lexi's", and "Alex's". Not that I mind any of those nicknames, Lexus and Lex being my favorites, but I just like my full name better. Although, I have to admit I have a soft spot for the nickname, "Lexi Lou". An old seminary teacher used to call me that and I thought it was cute.

overalls: Target
bodysuit: F21
knit cardigan: c/o American Eagle
flower crown: F21
sandals: F21
rings: F21
PC: Ro Photography

Overalls, though, dudes. Best come back 90s trend of the year? Uh, yeah. Totally. Totes ma gotes. I flippin' love my 'ralls. They're so slouchy and cool and I don't even care that I look/feel like a 10 year old in them! You may all fully expect to see them featured a good few more times! For this look, though, I decided I wanted to style them in a more slouchy/ethereal/boho kind of way! Overalls and chunky knit cardigans are like a match made in heaven! Also, I can't get over how cool the vibe in these photos turned out. Seriously, if any of you Utah folk are in need of photos, hit up Ro Photography! She be shui (pronounced *shway*, like feng shui. Meaning cool, chill, awesome;). She be way shui. Anyway, I know that was super boring, and I promised you all it'd be a lot more entertaining/funny, but you know what? Maybe I'm just a boring person!!! ;) Just kidding, I've just been like on a weird writer's block, I-Literally-Have-Nothing-To-Say-Anymore-About-Anything-Unless-You're-Going-To-Feed-Me-Icecream, kick. I don't know what it is. I've lost my spunk you guys. I've just lost it. Poof. There it goes. It's gone. I'm not spunky anymore. ;) Anyway, I'm done. I'll leave you all to your days.

Much love!