Hello Readers!
I wanted to do a post series on back to college fashion and for those poor college freshman who need help figuring out what to wear! I can't help you find your class, but I can help you know what to wear so you will look fabulous your first semester of college! Some days, you will want to just throw on your yoga pants and hoodie, and that's totally okay. But the way you present yourself says a lot about you not only to your peers but also to your professors and the faculty you work with. If you dress in a way that's sloppy, people will notice and like it or not, will make judgements based off of that. If you present yourself as neat and stylish, then people will notice and treat you accordingly. So looking your best and presenting yourself in the best way possible is important and teachers DO notice. I have had more than one professor comment on my clothing before, so do not think it doesn't matter what you wear. So here is my little guide for dressing for success in college...
Part of being a fashion stylists is researching the trends and style that comes about each spring and fall. I have been actively tracking trends since 2010 and can easily see which ones return each and every season. A few things that I noticed a lot of in back to school fashion shows and ads were actually not that feasible for wearing to school all day and not so good for successful college wardrobe. These are just a few of the things I noticed :
1. Heels. While they are super cute, they are not functional. No matter what college you are attending or whether you are living on or off campus, You will have to do A LOT of walking. This is not high school where everything is located in the same building. Most campuses, you will have to walk a long ways to even get from your car or dorm to class. Everything is much more spread out on college campuses and sometimes you might have to walk through the grass to get where you need to go...Have you ever walked in heels through grass? It's not awesome and ruins your pretty shoes. It's about looking effortless, not looking like you are trying too hard. Save the dress shoes for a special occasion ladies or if you absolutely must pull them out, wear them with jeans to create a more casual look. Dressing for success means looking effortless while still looking appropriate and well put together.
2. Chunky sweaters. In the middle of January, they are adorable and perfect. In the middle of August? Not so much. I live up north but grew up down south, and both places I have lived I know that is still really hot in August and even September. So be sure to have some cute tops that are still cool, because back to school does not mean that the hot weather has disappeared.Showing up for class in drenched in sweat obviously spells unsuccessful...
3. Trends. Wearing a shirt with bacon on it may be so cool right now but probably wont be next fall. Buy items for your college wardrobe that you really like, not just for the trend factor. If you can develop a personal style, then only buy items that generally fit your personal style. You want to portray who YOU are, not what trends are current this season. Being comfortable in expressing your individuality is key to dressing for success.
Now that you know what NOT to do here are a few things you SHOULD do:
1. Dress Decent. This is not a modesty lecture but rather a real world fact. If you show up with your cleavage falling out onto the desk and your shortest pair of cut offs, you are sending a message that you are cheap, free and easy. While your at it, just put a sign on that says please disrespect me. If you are looking to be known as the school slut, then perfect! But if you have success in the forefront of your mind, you will remember that just remaining tasteful makes a huge difference. While everyone else may be running around dressed like tramps, you will stand out to your teachers by just wearing something that shows you have respect for yourself. If you can't respect yourself, how can you respect anyone else?
2. Develop a personal style. If you haven't realized already, figuring out what your personal style is and working to develop it really is important. It saves you a lot of money and also saves you from wearing something that one year from now you will be super embarrassed about. Having a unique and personal style makes you stand out and shows others that you are comfortable in your own skin.
3. Get creative. If you are on a tight budget like most college students are, don't be afraid to hit up the thrift store or alter something you already have to make it more suitable or current. Be creative in how you think of your wardrobe and keep an eye out for DIY fashion projects on Pinterest.
Think style but also think functional. Don't get clothes for your college wardrobe that you are going to have to iron after each wash...Do you seriously think you will want to tote your iron and ironing board into your dorm on move in day? Remember who you are and to stay true to you while creating your college wardrobe. You are representing yourself through your clothes to your peers who will probably be a big part of your life the next four years. Who do you want to tell them that you are? Eccentric? Girly? Boho/ Hippie? Think about what your personal is and try to define it before making any new purchases. Think of how you want your professors to perceive you, Not only do they give you grades at the end of each semester but they also can be good connections and references later in life. Dress for success by staying true to your personal style while looking neat and well put together at all times.
Next up in the College Freshman Style series is an interview with a friend of mine who has great eccentric taste and is always creating such unique outfits! Look no further for inspiration and get great tips for developing your own personal style.
XOX
LIZ
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Weekly: Behind the scenes
Hello Readers!
We are well into another week and I am greatly anticipating this holiday weekend! My husband and I are going with my parents on a trip to New York City and we couldn't be more excited! My husband and I love to explore new cities together and has kind of been our thing we have always done together since we were dating. Fred is looking forward to seeing the statue of liberty, he thinks he is going to be able to touch it....? I am excited to visit Manhattan and just finally get to see the city where dreams come true. NYC is so big I know we will not be able to see everything on our short trip but I cannot wait to see that beautiful skyline!
Eowyn is 32 weeks old this week so we have about 8 more weeks to go, she is constantly on the move for hours at a time and every time we have a doctors appointment they ALWAYS comment how they have never seen such a wiggly baby. They can never get here heart rate or what they need from ultrasounds cause she moves so much. Tomorrow we have another ultrasound scheduled so we will see how that goes. It has been so funny and weird to watch all of these strange lumps protrude from my belly and then go back in, we then try to figure out if it was an elbow or a hand or some other part. It has been fun to watch her grow and develop from the outside and a few sneak peaks inside ;)
Today I am sharing 3 Embarrassing facts about our family that I'm sure you didn't know!
1. Every week Fred gets a facial, hair cut, grooming and teeth whitening treatment. Every month, he gets a manly manicure. He is super embarrassed by it and always fights getting it done, but it gets done regardless every time.
2. I used to work for a marketing company and every Monday night was team night and we all went to this wing place for dinner together. It was my first week and someone asked me if I was going to PJs that night for team night. I asked what that was and they told me that PJs had the best buffalo wings to which I responded, "Oh, I don't eat buffalo." Everyone started laughing like crazy and I was so confused until someone explained to me that buffalo wings weren't actually made from buffaloes. It was really embarrassing, but at least now I have a funny story.
3. Since Eowyn isn't born yet, I don't have any embarrassing stories to share about her so I will share one that happened at her gender reveal party. We had the gender reveal party at a park where the bathroom was a little walk away from the pavilion. I did not make it to the bathroom that day, I completely wet myself so bad there wasn't even a point in going to the bathroom after that except to see my ruined shorts. Then immediately after, I had to get on my hands and knees and draw with sidewalk chalk with my niece while sporting my wet shorts (When a 4 year old asks you to play with her, you do it even if it costs you your dignity.)
Hope at least one of those brought a smile to your face. I'm constantly being reminded how important it is to laugh, laugh when things suck, laugh when things are going great. Laughter is the best medicine!
XOX
LIZ
We are well into another week and I am greatly anticipating this holiday weekend! My husband and I are going with my parents on a trip to New York City and we couldn't be more excited! My husband and I love to explore new cities together and has kind of been our thing we have always done together since we were dating. Fred is looking forward to seeing the statue of liberty, he thinks he is going to be able to touch it....? I am excited to visit Manhattan and just finally get to see the city where dreams come true. NYC is so big I know we will not be able to see everything on our short trip but I cannot wait to see that beautiful skyline!
Eowyn is 32 weeks old this week so we have about 8 more weeks to go, she is constantly on the move for hours at a time and every time we have a doctors appointment they ALWAYS comment how they have never seen such a wiggly baby. They can never get here heart rate or what they need from ultrasounds cause she moves so much. Tomorrow we have another ultrasound scheduled so we will see how that goes. It has been so funny and weird to watch all of these strange lumps protrude from my belly and then go back in, we then try to figure out if it was an elbow or a hand or some other part. It has been fun to watch her grow and develop from the outside and a few sneak peaks inside ;)
Today I am sharing 3 Embarrassing facts about our family that I'm sure you didn't know!
1. Every week Fred gets a facial, hair cut, grooming and teeth whitening treatment. Every month, he gets a manly manicure. He is super embarrassed by it and always fights getting it done, but it gets done regardless every time.
2. I used to work for a marketing company and every Monday night was team night and we all went to this wing place for dinner together. It was my first week and someone asked me if I was going to PJs that night for team night. I asked what that was and they told me that PJs had the best buffalo wings to which I responded, "Oh, I don't eat buffalo." Everyone started laughing like crazy and I was so confused until someone explained to me that buffalo wings weren't actually made from buffaloes. It was really embarrassing, but at least now I have a funny story.
3. Since Eowyn isn't born yet, I don't have any embarrassing stories to share about her so I will share one that happened at her gender reveal party. We had the gender reveal party at a park where the bathroom was a little walk away from the pavilion. I did not make it to the bathroom that day, I completely wet myself so bad there wasn't even a point in going to the bathroom after that except to see my ruined shorts. Then immediately after, I had to get on my hands and knees and draw with sidewalk chalk with my niece while sporting my wet shorts (When a 4 year old asks you to play with her, you do it even if it costs you your dignity.)
Hope at least one of those brought a smile to your face. I'm constantly being reminded how important it is to laugh, laugh when things suck, laugh when things are going great. Laughter is the best medicine!
XOX
LIZ
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Weekly: Behind the Scenes
Hello Readers,
We are already nearing yet another hump day! I have been busy making lots of cute gifts for birthdays that we have coming up and making plans for my own birthday and wedding anniversary. I have some really cute ideas running through my head of what I'm going to do for our first wedding anniversary next month that I can't wait to share with you!
These are a few of our pictures we took over the weekend as we visited my school I went to for Fashion design. I wanted to show Fred the beautiful gardens and campus before school started back and while we are still living close by. It was great to reminisce on the fun days spent here and even inspired me to pull out a few of my design text books and start working on some sketches again.
We are always at a loss for what to do when we have a free weekend, what do you guys normally do on free weekends?
Okay, so here goes the three things that you did not know about our family!
1. Fred and I have absolutely nothing in common accept that we both like Africa. I guess the saying is true that opposites attract cause we are total opposites but boy am I glad we are!! Two Virgos would not mix well together in this type of partnership... Fred is extremely patient if not the most patient person I know, He is always very cheerful and loves people and routines. I on the other hand, have a red hot temper and am very much lacking in the patience department, I thrive off alone time and spontaneity and am certainly not always cheerful. He is the jock, I am the artist. It's all a beautiful balance.
2.Today is our beautiful and sweet nieces 5th birthday! She is my only niece which means she gets all the spoiling ;) She is such a precious girl to me and I am so happy to be her aunt and her uncle Freddy loves being her uncle.
3. I have been researching a lot of the back to school fashion articles and am totally disappointed with the lack of clothes that actual college students would actually wear so I decided to make my own post of back to school fashion. I will hopefully have it pulled together this week so stay tuned!
Also, I got challenged to do the ice bucket for ALS so I have until 10 am tomorrow to make that happen! Check back to see my video and who I nominate next ;)
XOX
Liz
We are already nearing yet another hump day! I have been busy making lots of cute gifts for birthdays that we have coming up and making plans for my own birthday and wedding anniversary. I have some really cute ideas running through my head of what I'm going to do for our first wedding anniversary next month that I can't wait to share with you!
These are a few of our pictures we took over the weekend as we visited my school I went to for Fashion design. I wanted to show Fred the beautiful gardens and campus before school started back and while we are still living close by. It was great to reminisce on the fun days spent here and even inspired me to pull out a few of my design text books and start working on some sketches again.
We are always at a loss for what to do when we have a free weekend, what do you guys normally do on free weekends?
Okay, so here goes the three things that you did not know about our family!
1. Fred and I have absolutely nothing in common accept that we both like Africa. I guess the saying is true that opposites attract cause we are total opposites but boy am I glad we are!! Two Virgos would not mix well together in this type of partnership... Fred is extremely patient if not the most patient person I know, He is always very cheerful and loves people and routines. I on the other hand, have a red hot temper and am very much lacking in the patience department, I thrive off alone time and spontaneity and am certainly not always cheerful. He is the jock, I am the artist. It's all a beautiful balance.
2.Today is our beautiful and sweet nieces 5th birthday! She is my only niece which means she gets all the spoiling ;) She is such a precious girl to me and I am so happy to be her aunt and her uncle Freddy loves being her uncle.
3. I have been researching a lot of the back to school fashion articles and am totally disappointed with the lack of clothes that actual college students would actually wear so I decided to make my own post of back to school fashion. I will hopefully have it pulled together this week so stay tuned!
Also, I got challenged to do the ice bucket for ALS so I have until 10 am tomorrow to make that happen! Check back to see my video and who I nominate next ;)
XOX
Liz
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Behind the Scenes
Hello Readers!
Life at the Jackson house has been increasingly crazy as we rush to prepare for the birth of our daughter in 10 weeks. It has been exciting but also exhausting in every sense of the word. I have been suffering from complete burnt out at its worse and emotional breakdowns and cry breaks happen daily. This is something my poor husband is having to adjust to as I was not very emotional before. I honestly hate being pregnant, it has been the most miserable experience of my life for soooo many different reasons and I hope I never have to go through this again. The only way I'm able to really keep my sanity during this time is to focus on work and my yoga school (Which I graduate from next month!).
The lesson I am learning through this stage of my life, is that whatever I am experiencing is real and completely valid. Reading parenting magazines and talking to other moms your not super close with can make you feel like a bad mom because they only talk about the awesome parts of pregnancy and mommy hood and you can be left thinking "Well, whats wrong with me then? Why am I not somehow overjoyed to be 30 weeks pregnant and still throwing up my dinner? Why am I depressed and sad when they seem so happy and excited?" The end result: you reach the conclusion that your not a perfect mom. Here's the secret though, they aren't either. While I totally question the honesty as women talk about how wonderful it was to push an 8 pound human out of their lady parts, I have to remind myself that everyone experiences life so differently. If they enjoyed their pregnancy, that's awesome! I will cheer them on. If they thought it was the worst hell they have ever gone through, that's okay too. I will cheer you on too. Everyone's experience is valid, whether we understand it or not. Let's not judge others just because they don't experience things the exact same way we do.
I love having long talks with my sister cause I feel like she is the only woman in my life right now who is realistic when talking about this baby business and doesn't try to tell me that I will walk on some magic cloud the next years of my life as I float through motherhood (Can i call BS on that one?) It has been so encouraging to be able to talk with my sister and my mom during this transition and I am so thankful for them both!
Okay so listed below are 3 random things about our family that you probably didn't know:
1. Fred is absolutely obsessed with Chinese food, he would eat it every single day if I let him!
2. I created my own little business at age 7. I would make beaded jewelry and hand made cards and sell them to all of my family. I called it LB fashions. Business making in my blood!
3. Our cat, Merlin has his own fan page and all these girls always 'flirting' with him. It's hilarious!
Thanks for reading today,
Stay tuned for more :)
XOX
LIZ
Life at the Jackson house has been increasingly crazy as we rush to prepare for the birth of our daughter in 10 weeks. It has been exciting but also exhausting in every sense of the word. I have been suffering from complete burnt out at its worse and emotional breakdowns and cry breaks happen daily. This is something my poor husband is having to adjust to as I was not very emotional before. I honestly hate being pregnant, it has been the most miserable experience of my life for soooo many different reasons and I hope I never have to go through this again. The only way I'm able to really keep my sanity during this time is to focus on work and my yoga school (Which I graduate from next month!).
The lesson I am learning through this stage of my life, is that whatever I am experiencing is real and completely valid. Reading parenting magazines and talking to other moms your not super close with can make you feel like a bad mom because they only talk about the awesome parts of pregnancy and mommy hood and you can be left thinking "Well, whats wrong with me then? Why am I not somehow overjoyed to be 30 weeks pregnant and still throwing up my dinner? Why am I depressed and sad when they seem so happy and excited?" The end result: you reach the conclusion that your not a perfect mom. Here's the secret though, they aren't either. While I totally question the honesty as women talk about how wonderful it was to push an 8 pound human out of their lady parts, I have to remind myself that everyone experiences life so differently. If they enjoyed their pregnancy, that's awesome! I will cheer them on. If they thought it was the worst hell they have ever gone through, that's okay too. I will cheer you on too. Everyone's experience is valid, whether we understand it or not. Let's not judge others just because they don't experience things the exact same way we do.
I love having long talks with my sister cause I feel like she is the only woman in my life right now who is realistic when talking about this baby business and doesn't try to tell me that I will walk on some magic cloud the next years of my life as I float through motherhood (Can i call BS on that one?) It has been so encouraging to be able to talk with my sister and my mom during this transition and I am so thankful for them both!
Okay so listed below are 3 random things about our family that you probably didn't know:
1. Fred is absolutely obsessed with Chinese food, he would eat it every single day if I let him!
2. I created my own little business at age 7. I would make beaded jewelry and hand made cards and sell them to all of my family. I called it LB fashions. Business making in my blood!
3. Our cat, Merlin has his own fan page and all these girls always 'flirting' with him. It's hilarious!
Thanks for reading today,
Stay tuned for more :)
XOX
LIZ
Weekly Behind the Scenes
Hello Readers!
I have been working on making a lot of changes to the blog and doing a total social media update! Luxe by Liz will now be doing a weekly post titled "Behind the Scenes" which is a post where I will write about some of the more personal things going on in the Jackson Family! I really want it to be a place where I can openly write about real life and give you a peak inside our world to see what it is actually like. It is important to me to be authentic in everything I do, and I would hate for someone to see things on the blog and assume that their is some kind of unrealistic ideal they need to reach. While I may post pretty pictures of well put together outfits or a crisp and clean living space, I am human too and these pictures are meant to inspire you to live better and create a beautiful life for yourself, NOT discourage you and make you feel like your home or life is any less perfect than mine. Trust me, sometimes my sink is full of dirty dishes too... So lets be real with each other! I hope you find these posts interesting and inspiring in the weeks to come. I will do the first one later today, so stay tuned!
XOX
LIZ
I have been working on making a lot of changes to the blog and doing a total social media update! Luxe by Liz will now be doing a weekly post titled "Behind the Scenes" which is a post where I will write about some of the more personal things going on in the Jackson Family! I really want it to be a place where I can openly write about real life and give you a peak inside our world to see what it is actually like. It is important to me to be authentic in everything I do, and I would hate for someone to see things on the blog and assume that their is some kind of unrealistic ideal they need to reach. While I may post pretty pictures of well put together outfits or a crisp and clean living space, I am human too and these pictures are meant to inspire you to live better and create a beautiful life for yourself, NOT discourage you and make you feel like your home or life is any less perfect than mine. Trust me, sometimes my sink is full of dirty dishes too... So lets be real with each other! I hope you find these posts interesting and inspiring in the weeks to come. I will do the first one later today, so stay tuned!
XOX
LIZ
Monday, August 11, 2014
Pregnant on a dime
Today on the blog we are discussing how to stay trendy while sporting your baby bump and without buying into the ridiculousness of some of those maternity stores! Your budget right now, like everything else in your life, is probably starting to evolve into something that is more baby focused than mommy focused. Maybe you have stopped splurging as much on stuff for you and have replaced those splurges with diaper purchases or crib sheets... Oh motherhood. So I wanted to share some of my techniques I have used to stay stylin' even at 7+ months pregnant. Share with every pregnant lady you know even if you yourself are not expecting right now!
I was so excited when I first found out we were having a baby because I couldn't wait to try my hand at the whole maternity fashion thing (and I liked having an excuse to buy new clothes). But after one trip o the mall, I quickly discovered that a lot of times Maternity = 40 year old woman who spends her life in an office wearing depressing clothes. I'm half that age and not only have a creative sense of style, but style and fashion mean a lot to me. For me, it's a very personal thing- it's how I express myself. That's why I do what I do. I was not going to sacrifice my creativity and way of expressing myself just because I had a growing belly! So I had to get creative ;)
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This look was my festival or fair look. I wore this to a Craft fair
we went to over the weekend to meet and network with other artistic
professionals and pick up some fun stuff :) Dress: Forever 21. Belt: Thrifted.
Penny loafers: Eastland. Cross body bag: Liz Claiborne. Bronze necklaces: Luxe by
Liz...of course! Everything in the outfit I actually found at thrift stores even
though the brands are listed above. Inspired by all things vintage: I wanted to
mix different shades of browns and used mostly leather and lace to create
this look.(A non pregnant option for this outfit would be to wear belt at
waist) |
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| We caught a late night movie this weekend which was totally fun and this is what I wore: Maternity top in navy with pink hearts: Lavish Maternity Denim maternity short: Motherhood maternity. Navy coach purse. Pink and gold necklace: Faded Glory. Navy wedges: Dexflex comfort by Dexter. I thrifted the shirt, shoes and bag. After a long busy day, I wanted to be comfortable but still pretty and girly, so I chose a flowy top for comfort and Dexflex shoes that are designed for comfort but dress things up a little bit. Also, I added some sparkly jewelry to dress things up without having to sacrifice comfort. Pink, Navy and Gold is always a great color combo! |
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| I wore this to a dinner date we went on the other night. I had felt pretty lousy all day so wanted something a little sexier for the night out. I learned the hard way though that wearing stilettos when 7 months pregnant is probably not the best option for those of us who have achy backs and legs already. Now I usually substitute heals for a small wedge for those dressier occasions. Skirt: BDG from Urban Outfitters. Shirt: Charlotte Russe. Kimono: Found at a thrift store with no tags :( Shoes: Luxe by Charlotte Russe. Necklace: Luxe by Liz I paired a fitted skirt with a fitted top but added a floral kimono over top to add balance and flow to the outfit to avoid a "painted on clothes look". I also chose a long necklace because this draws the eye up and down the torso, making you appear taller and slimmer. |
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| This was at a family party in July, so looking pretty while keeping a
cool temperature was what I was going for. Lace dress in navy: B Smart.
Pink floral belt: Thrift. Light brown pointed toe flat: Breckelle's.
Pearls: Got the whole set from amazon! I feel like those classic
feminine looks are always great for family parties. So I wore a navy
lace dress and paired it with a pearl necklace and ear ring set for a
timeless classy look. I added a belt above the bump to add a little more
interest to the outfit. This dress is stretchy and long enough to wear
even with baby bump even though it is not a maternity dress! |
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| This is my everyday go to look for running errands or going to those
biweekly OB appointments. Its cute and creative but still really
comfortable. The outfit really is just a pair of maternity shorts with a
black tee but the accessories are what make the outfit. Add pops of
color with your accessories to keep things interesting. A red flower
clip in my hair with a plaid scarf and sweater vest is all it took to
make this outfit appear interesting. Black scoop neck Tee: Faded Glory.
Khaki Maternity short: Destination Maternity. Sweater vest: Van Huesen.
Plaid scarf: H&M. Nude Loafers: Steve Madden. |
Top 5 things to keep in mind when dressing your bump:
1. Accessories are your best friend the next 9 months. Get some basic ones and get a few colorful ones.
2. Buy a few maternity staples like a good maternity pant and some maternity tank tops. Get the basics and use that as your base, build off of that base by using accessories.
3. Vests and cardigans are awesome. If your big in the summer, opt for the vest though. Wear your maternity tank under the vest. The vest will make you look slimmer. Same goes for cardigans in the winter.
4. Show off your bump!! You may be self conscious about your ever changing bod, but wearing clothes that are too big or too lose to cover your bump will actually make you appear fat instead of pregnant. They are not the same!!
5.Invest in appropriate underwear. Being pregnant is very uncomfortable as is. You don't need your undies to make a bad situation worse. Invest in a comfortable and well fitted bra and panties and lingerie that are comfortable. A good panty option is the one size fits all lace thong at Victoria's Secret or any of their one size fits all panties. They will be super comfy and remain that way no matter how big you get!!
** Don't forget to check thrift stores and consignment shops for those maternity basics that you'll need!!
When dressing for two, the most important thing is to keep an open mind. Think outside the box of how you can use stuff you already have. Enjoy!!
XOX
LIZ
Thursday, August 7, 2014
How I met your Father
Dear Eowyn, This is the story of how I met your Father....
I'm kidding, but seriously, this is how Fred and I met.
It was two years ago, in August. I was in my second semester of college and he was in his third. When your in college, your pretty much always poor. My parents helped me out a lot but I wasn't one of those Mooching college kids that had mommy and daddy pay for my education. I had student loans to pay for everything (In other words, I was paying for everything, I just didn't know it yet.) I feel like the college we met at was a lot like hell, full of a bunch of dead beat losers and stoners, and they never freaking leave the place. Oh yeah, I have been here for like 5 years I just can't seem to pass any of my classes. You would think they would find a cheaper alternative to a hang out spot, I mean you can do acid anywhere! But I guess if your mom and dad are paying for Everything, it some how changes things....There is still much about the mind of a loser that I will never understand. Anyways, back to the poor subject... Me and my one friend that I actually like that I met at college had this awesome way of getting free food everyday. Put your pretty face on, and go ask the boys to buy you lunch. You have to switch it up though and ask different guys, and you have to make sure that the guy who bought you lunch yesterday doesn't see this other guy buying you lunch today. It really is an art. Me being slightly socially awkward, I actually feel more comfortable in awkward situations then "Normal" ones, So asking a complete stranger to buy me food was actually pretty amusing. If you make a stranger feel awkward enough, they will buy you food just to make you go away.
So I'm walking by myself, like always, and saw this cute guy eating cookies- Chocolate chip ones, my favorite!!! Alright, game time. Pretty face: On. Awkward :Ready. So I go up to this complete stranger and said "Hey, are you eating chocolate chip cookies?" Obviously he is, but its all a part of a grand plan...muahahaha. His response: "Ummm... Yeah?" He looks nervously at his friends, they are all watching to see how he reacts. "Oh those are my absolute favorite, Can I have one?" I ask, I feel my porcelain cheeks getting rosy...Crap. All the jocks in his freakin basketball posse are laughing at me, that's intimidating. But I remind myself of the goal, those delicious chocolate chips that are going to melt in my mouth once I get that cookie. He looks utterly confused at this point but says, "Umm, Sure. I guess." "Oh thank you so much, I'm also thirsty can I have some of your water?" He offers me a gallon of water, What the heck?! "Oh, never mind can I just have another cookie?" Flash the pearly whites, my mom didn't pay thousands of dollars for my teeth for nothin'!! To my surprise he gave me his last cookie. By this point all of his friends had crowded around and were laughing at the whole situation. Big crowds are not exactly introverts favorite thing, So I knew I needed to book it So I said, "Okay thank you!" and took off into hiding. I went into the back office where only people in Student government would hang out, I would be safe there. I saw one of my friends in the back office so I started talking to him, I'm pretty sure I was interrogating him about why he broke up with his girlfriend. I had no interest in him, but I just talked to him cause he was there and I like asking people way too many personal questions. It helps me learn.
So, the cute boy comes back into the office with a big grin on his face. Shit! He has found my secret spot, I thought. As soon as he saw me with the other guy, He left. I didn't think much of it after that honestly. Until I saw him a few days later, by this point the embarrassment of the cookies had faded and I could talk to him (Plus he wasn't with all of his "Homies"). I asked him his name this time which I guess is a little more socially acceptable then asking for his food. He told me his name was Lebron James, He didn't tell me his real name until after we had been talking a few weeks. He started coming around a lot more, I would run into him here and there. I thought he was cute, but I thought he was probably really annoying. Us more intelligent people do not like jocks. In case you have not been schooled in freshman college etiquette, Jock= Egotistical Ass Wipe. Your welcome. But he was persistent. He saw one of my friends and asked him for my number, not knowing that the friend he asked actually had a huge crush on me and was dying emotionally because I had just politely turned him down and friend zoned him. So this "friend" gave him the wrong number, I guess he didn't want any other competition?
I saw Lebron as I was walking out to my car (How convenient he seems to always pop up as soon as I get out of class. I roll my eyes inwardly.) He said oh I texted you the other day and you never texted me back. We eventually figured it out together that he had been texting the wrong number the whole time. I felt bad, so I gave him my actual number after giving him a firm talk of course about how he should have asked me for my number instead. For the next week, We texted non stop. From 8 am to 12 pm or later. He finally told me his name was Fred, I didn't believe him at first. Then we started talking on the phone every night. It was less than a week and I knew he was into me, and honestly, I was starting to like him too. But I was very up front with him, I interrogated him about his family, religion and everything deep and personal. I explained that I had a rule, and that I did not have sex with guys until we were in a long term committed relationship. I explained that I only dated with the intention of marriage and if he felt that was old fashion, he could loose my number. After all of that, He actually wasn't scared off. Interesting, I thought. Well, I will give him a chance. But I was still totally skeptical. Right after my 18th birthday, He asked me to be his girlfriend and I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty excited. I said yes and our first date was Chinese food and seeing finding Nemo in 3D. One thing I knew for sure, Was that this guy was hilarious and made me laugh way more then I knew what to do with. (And he had some smokin hot arms...My weakness.)
I could then say the rest is history. It wasn't love at first sight and I don't believe in that anyway. I don't think I really "fell in love" with him until after we got engaged. And ever since then it has been a process of learning to love him well, and discovering how awesome he is! Maybe others can, but I can't fall in love instantly. It takes a lot of time. And it's not just something you fall into, it's more something you learn to do. You won't always get it right, but over time you will get better at it and start to appreciate all of those awesome things that make that person who they are. It's not always who you expect it to be. I would never have guessed when I met Fred that a little over a year later I would be marrying him. But I'm thankful I did, and though we are both so busy and wrapped up in our own separate worlds, I will forever cherish all of the moments that we do get to spend together. It's not so much about finding the right person. Sometimes you will find the right person but it will be the wrong time, and that hurts. But it's actually about becoming the right person and learning how to love whoever the strange universe chooses to put in front of you and having faith that you are exactly where you need to be in this present moment. Embrace it with all you have, I don't know how long we will be married, unexpected things happen all the time. Life is fragile and nothing is permanent. But what I do know, is that I'm married to a really awesome guy with a heart that's way bigger than mine and he is who I'm supposed to be with right now. Where I am at in life right now is all I really need to worry about. Just being present, and embracing every moment with an open mind and full heart. So this is how I met your father Eowyn and this is how you came to to be ;)
I'm kidding, but seriously, this is how Fred and I met.
It was two years ago, in August. I was in my second semester of college and he was in his third. When your in college, your pretty much always poor. My parents helped me out a lot but I wasn't one of those Mooching college kids that had mommy and daddy pay for my education. I had student loans to pay for everything (In other words, I was paying for everything, I just didn't know it yet.) I feel like the college we met at was a lot like hell, full of a bunch of dead beat losers and stoners, and they never freaking leave the place. Oh yeah, I have been here for like 5 years I just can't seem to pass any of my classes. You would think they would find a cheaper alternative to a hang out spot, I mean you can do acid anywhere! But I guess if your mom and dad are paying for Everything, it some how changes things....There is still much about the mind of a loser that I will never understand. Anyways, back to the poor subject... Me and my one friend that I actually like that I met at college had this awesome way of getting free food everyday. Put your pretty face on, and go ask the boys to buy you lunch. You have to switch it up though and ask different guys, and you have to make sure that the guy who bought you lunch yesterday doesn't see this other guy buying you lunch today. It really is an art. Me being slightly socially awkward, I actually feel more comfortable in awkward situations then "Normal" ones, So asking a complete stranger to buy me food was actually pretty amusing. If you make a stranger feel awkward enough, they will buy you food just to make you go away.
So I'm walking by myself, like always, and saw this cute guy eating cookies- Chocolate chip ones, my favorite!!! Alright, game time. Pretty face: On. Awkward :Ready. So I go up to this complete stranger and said "Hey, are you eating chocolate chip cookies?" Obviously he is, but its all a part of a grand plan...muahahaha. His response: "Ummm... Yeah?" He looks nervously at his friends, they are all watching to see how he reacts. "Oh those are my absolute favorite, Can I have one?" I ask, I feel my porcelain cheeks getting rosy...Crap. All the jocks in his freakin basketball posse are laughing at me, that's intimidating. But I remind myself of the goal, those delicious chocolate chips that are going to melt in my mouth once I get that cookie. He looks utterly confused at this point but says, "Umm, Sure. I guess." "Oh thank you so much, I'm also thirsty can I have some of your water?" He offers me a gallon of water, What the heck?! "Oh, never mind can I just have another cookie?" Flash the pearly whites, my mom didn't pay thousands of dollars for my teeth for nothin'!! To my surprise he gave me his last cookie. By this point all of his friends had crowded around and were laughing at the whole situation. Big crowds are not exactly introverts favorite thing, So I knew I needed to book it So I said, "Okay thank you!" and took off into hiding. I went into the back office where only people in Student government would hang out, I would be safe there. I saw one of my friends in the back office so I started talking to him, I'm pretty sure I was interrogating him about why he broke up with his girlfriend. I had no interest in him, but I just talked to him cause he was there and I like asking people way too many personal questions. It helps me learn.
So, the cute boy comes back into the office with a big grin on his face. Shit! He has found my secret spot, I thought. As soon as he saw me with the other guy, He left. I didn't think much of it after that honestly. Until I saw him a few days later, by this point the embarrassment of the cookies had faded and I could talk to him (Plus he wasn't with all of his "Homies"). I asked him his name this time which I guess is a little more socially acceptable then asking for his food. He told me his name was Lebron James, He didn't tell me his real name until after we had been talking a few weeks. He started coming around a lot more, I would run into him here and there. I thought he was cute, but I thought he was probably really annoying. Us more intelligent people do not like jocks. In case you have not been schooled in freshman college etiquette, Jock= Egotistical Ass Wipe. Your welcome. But he was persistent. He saw one of my friends and asked him for my number, not knowing that the friend he asked actually had a huge crush on me and was dying emotionally because I had just politely turned him down and friend zoned him. So this "friend" gave him the wrong number, I guess he didn't want any other competition?
I saw Lebron as I was walking out to my car (How convenient he seems to always pop up as soon as I get out of class. I roll my eyes inwardly.) He said oh I texted you the other day and you never texted me back. We eventually figured it out together that he had been texting the wrong number the whole time. I felt bad, so I gave him my actual number after giving him a firm talk of course about how he should have asked me for my number instead. For the next week, We texted non stop. From 8 am to 12 pm or later. He finally told me his name was Fred, I didn't believe him at first. Then we started talking on the phone every night. It was less than a week and I knew he was into me, and honestly, I was starting to like him too. But I was very up front with him, I interrogated him about his family, religion and everything deep and personal. I explained that I had a rule, and that I did not have sex with guys until we were in a long term committed relationship. I explained that I only dated with the intention of marriage and if he felt that was old fashion, he could loose my number. After all of that, He actually wasn't scared off. Interesting, I thought. Well, I will give him a chance. But I was still totally skeptical. Right after my 18th birthday, He asked me to be his girlfriend and I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty excited. I said yes and our first date was Chinese food and seeing finding Nemo in 3D. One thing I knew for sure, Was that this guy was hilarious and made me laugh way more then I knew what to do with. (And he had some smokin hot arms...My weakness.)
I could then say the rest is history. It wasn't love at first sight and I don't believe in that anyway. I don't think I really "fell in love" with him until after we got engaged. And ever since then it has been a process of learning to love him well, and discovering how awesome he is! Maybe others can, but I can't fall in love instantly. It takes a lot of time. And it's not just something you fall into, it's more something you learn to do. You won't always get it right, but over time you will get better at it and start to appreciate all of those awesome things that make that person who they are. It's not always who you expect it to be. I would never have guessed when I met Fred that a little over a year later I would be marrying him. But I'm thankful I did, and though we are both so busy and wrapped up in our own separate worlds, I will forever cherish all of the moments that we do get to spend together. It's not so much about finding the right person. Sometimes you will find the right person but it will be the wrong time, and that hurts. But it's actually about becoming the right person and learning how to love whoever the strange universe chooses to put in front of you and having faith that you are exactly where you need to be in this present moment. Embrace it with all you have, I don't know how long we will be married, unexpected things happen all the time. Life is fragile and nothing is permanent. But what I do know, is that I'm married to a really awesome guy with a heart that's way bigger than mine and he is who I'm supposed to be with right now. Where I am at in life right now is all I really need to worry about. Just being present, and embracing every moment with an open mind and full heart. So this is how I met your father Eowyn and this is how you came to to be ;)
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