What I've Been Loving Recently!

Hey Everyone!

I used to do these videos on my YouTube channel, but they sound the same every. single. time. So to mix things up a bit, I thought that I would tell you what I've been loving recently on here instead!

Yeti Rambler 20 oz Drink Tumbler

Okay, I promise you that I am not redneck and do not carry this around in the back of my pickup truck -- I truly love this thing. I got it as a gift for graduation and didn't even touch it my first semester of college, but for some reason when I came back from Christmas break I started using it and fell in love. If you don't know what Yeti is, it is a cooler company that also makes tumblers that will keep your drink cold for 2x longer than the average tumbler and it's really true. You can also use these tumblers for your hot drinks, but I've never done that before because when I drink my tea, I just use a mug!

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

I've mentioned this in my most recent "Get Ready With Us" video on my channel, but 2 weeks ago I bought the sample size of this mascara at Sephora and absolutely loved it. It gives your lashes so much volume and length, without looking clumpy. I always like trying new mascaras when I run out of one, but I think this could be the mascara that I buy the full size of after I run out!

Nume 32 MM Wand

I've had this wand for so long and have loved it for a while, but I'm mentioning it in my favorites because over the last couple months I have found myself reaching for my wand rather than my straightener. I feel like curled hair is so much more flattering on me than straight hair. Don't get me wrong, I love when my hair is pin straight and in a ponytail, but if I'm going to put effort into my appearance, I loooove messy, beachy waves.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer

I bought this the same day that I purchased the Too Faced mascara and let me tell you, this concealer and I are having a love affair. It really does what it says it will do -- gives you complete coverage, without looking or feeling cakey. The wand on this concealer is also fantastic because it is super flexible and makes maneuvering around your face really effortless. This product is a miracle worker and if you are like me and have been suffering from some rough under eye circles lately, then you have to check it out! I'm in the shade fair neutral for reference.

Friends & SVU

If you follow me on twitter, then you know that I have been binge watching both of these shows. I  started Friends back in October and finished it in January. It has always been on my bucket list to watch every episode of Friends and I'm so glad that I did. It is such an easy going show because of the brilliant writing and amazing cast. If you haven't watched the entire series before, do it! I am warning you though that after you finish the series you may go into a slight depression -- I know I had some serious Friendspression (get it? Friends depression..)

I started watching SVU after I finished Friends and I love it! I am currently at the end of the second season and this show makes me want to change my major from fashion marketing to criminal justice. Olivia Benson is a rockstar and I love seeing her and her squad kick the bad guys butt every episode! If you're into shows like The Blacklist and Chicago PD, then you will love this!

Lauren Bushnell and Ben Higgins

If you guys don't watch The Bachelor, then you are probably wondering who those two people are. Well readers, Ben Higgins was this past seasons Bachelor and Lauren Bushnell is the girl who stole his heart. This season of The Bachelor was the first season that I had watched from the first episode all the way until the end, and I have to say I was completely addicted the entire time.

If you follow me on twitter, then you know that I was seriously routing for Jojo, but after the finale aired and I watched the "After The Final Rose" episode, I can't imagine him ending up with anyone but Lauren. I spend most of my time these days watching videos of the two of them on YouTube and stalking their Instagrams. Y'all, I need a life.

Also, Jojo is the next Bachelorette, which when that was announced I full on screamed -- no joke. They are filming her season now and I believe it airs in May, I cannot wait!

Katey McFarlan: Chronicles of Frivolity

You guys are probably reading that thinking "why is she loving a girl recently?" Let me just explain to you -- this girl is amazing and has literally inspired me on so many levels that I can't even describe. I first discovered her on Instagram back in July or August and loved the pictures that she would post, so I started reading her blog and now I am a loyal follower/reader. I mentioned her in my  San Francisco Haul on my channel because of how I pointed things out in stores to my friends being like "Katey has this, Katey has that!" This girl is literally my idol.

She is absolutely stunning, has the most incredible taste, a beautiful marriage and is a devout christian. She has inspired me to work more on my blog and YouTube channel, to put more effort into my outfits when I do decide to take off my sorority t-shirt and lululemon shorts and to live for Jesus everyday.

I've always talked about my faith on my channel and blog, but I haven't mentioned it in a while  truthfully because I think I lost my faith a bit first semester in college. Before I came to school, I would always turn to God first when I had a problem, praying about it and seeking help in Him. First semester I found myself turning to friends or family first, which isn't a bad thing, but wasn't what I wanted to do.

I wasn't reading my daily devotional and wasn't talking to God on a regular basis. I missed Him so much, but didn't really know how to start again. I feel like every person can get a little lost at some point when it comes to their faith, whatever it may be. I just hit a little bump in the road with mine, but reading Katey's blog and following her on social media, truly inspired me to get back to where I started and be even stronger. I am happy to report that I feel like I am in the greatest place in my faith that I've ever been and I owe so much of that to Katey.

Please check out her blog, she posts Monday through Friday, bright and early in the morning. I always read her posts on my way to class to get my day started on a happy note!

Let me know if you guys want me to start doing these kinds of things on my blog now rather than my channel!

xoxo, 

Abbey

Sweatshirt: Daydreamer LA Sports Bra: Calvin Klein Necklace: Tiffany & Co Earrings: Tiffany & Co

Spring Break Photo Roundup!

Hey Everyone!

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, then you know that over spring break I went to both Atlanta and San Francisco. I got a request on twitter to do a photo round up of my spring break and I thought that was a perfect idea, considering I haven't done a photo round up in a while!

Started the break off by getting about 3 and a half inches cut off my hair in Birmingham! Not too much of a difference, but still feels so much healthier. 

Was reunited with some of my mama's favorite people, Sal and Wendy! They were kind enough to let me stay in their guest house in Atlanta while on my way to San Fran. 

Had some of the best french toast at Cafe Lapin, in Atlanta. If you are in that area, I highly recommend! 

Arrived in San Francisco with two of the best people, ate some cupcakes and took a cute polaroid. What could be better?

Shopped in Union Square with Elena & Baylie! Literally the most beautiful Macy's I've ever been in.

Took a walk on the beach with my cute little best friend :))

Ate lunch at the Ritz Carlton with Baylie and Elena. Who wouldn't love this view at lunch?!

I also turned into a dog on snap chat that night…good times. 

Visited the Golden Gate bridge and I have to say, it is pretty incredible in person. Also a fun fact, this photo was taken by a nice older man in overalls. He also posed us so that we would look like we were holding the bridge up… 

After going across the bridge, Elena and I shared some delicious oysters -- my fav. 

Geeked out at Stanford because 1) it's Stanford and 2) because those arches are the ones that Gabriella walked under in High School Musical 3… I know, I hate myself too. 

Also tried Cambria Joy's (one of my favorite YouTubers) favorite, Pressed Juicery. They have frozen juice that is supposed to be like frozen yoghurt, but it is all natural and vegan! Highly recommend if you are in California. 

Ended the best trip, with the best. Thankful to God for continually bringing the most incredible people into my life. 

xoxo,

Abbey

Austin Attractions!

Hey Everyone!

A few weeks ago in Tuscaloosa, I ran into a lady that is moving to Austin, TX. Since that is where I am from, I told her that I could email her all of my favorite restaurants, places to shop, my doctors -- stuff like that.

After I sent her a page long email about Austin, it occurred to me that I have never talked about my favorite place in the whole world on my blog, but that's about to change. Living almost 800 miles away from home now makes me realize how lucky I was to grow up in the place that I did. For me, it doesn't get much more magical than Austin, TX.

Since Austin is one of  the best place to visit in Texas, I wanted to put together a little Austin to do list in case you guys ever find yourself in this amazing city.

Eat

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

You guys know how much I love burgers, so much so that out of the 5 places I am going to tell you to eat at, 2 out of the 5 are burger places. Hopdoddy is located on South Congress, which is my favorite street of Austin because I feel like it reflects the personality so well.

At Hopdoddy, get there right at 11 am (when it opens) or else you will be waiting 2 hours, literally. Order the primetime burger and the fries with green chile queso. If you're really feeling yourself, get the cookies and cream milkshake too!

Torchy's Tacos or Chuys

I was born in Texas, moved away for a bit and then came back when I was 12, so I would definitely consider myself a true Texas girl. However, most Texas girls eat and breathe either Mexican food or BBQ. I however am not a huge fan of either. It wasn't until I moved to Alabama that I realized how insanely lucky I was to have the best Tex-Mex right at my fingertips.

However, if any of my friends ever wanted Mexican food I would always want to go to either Torchy's or Chuys because they were my favorite.

Torchys is one of the first places I go to when I come home now because it satisfies my mexican food cravings, its pretty cheap and they have them all over Austin. I get the chicken fajita tacos, trashy style, which means they put queso on them. But be sure to also get queso on the side because theirs is the best in all of Austin.

Chuys is a place that I would definitely recommend too, but since it is a chain (we even have one in Tuscaloosa) I wouldn't say it's the #1 Mexican restaurant to try. If you do go, make sure to order their creamy jalapeño, the stuff literally changes your life.

Clarks Oyster Bar

You guys know that over the last 9 months or so, I have become utterly obsessed with oysters. I don't know what happened, but all of a sudden I was hooked.

Clarks is my favorite place to get oysters in Austin because the oysters are so delicious and the atmosphere is incredible. On a nice day, my family and I would sit outside and just go to town on their oysters. We personally like the ones from the West coast since they aren't as salty.

If you're not an oyster person, they also have incredible food. My mom and I always split their lobster roll, but we've had the crab cakes too and those are delicious as well.

Mandola's

This is an Italian restaurant chain in Austin and it is amazing. Italian food is my favorite and my mom and I used to eat there all the time. If you go, get the side mista salads, spaghetti carbonara and the margarita pizza. You will not be disappointed.

P.Terry's 

I have mentioned so many times in my videos that there is a burger place in my town that all of my friends knew I was obsessed with. It got to the point senior year that I would eat there 3 times a week.

This beautiful place is called P.Terry's and it is basically the Austin In-N-Out. It is literally dirt cheap (you can get a burger, fries and water for under $5) and the product itself is unlike any other. If you had to try one thing on this list, it needs to be P.Terrys.

Shop

Barton Creek. This is where you will find Nordstrom, Forever 21, Sephora etc. 

The Domain. This is your little taste of designer in Austin. They have everything from Tiffany to Louis Vuitton to David Yurman to Burberry. This mall is my favorite because of how luxurious it makes you feel when you're walking through it. But they also have more affordable stores like Forever 21, Free People, Zara and H&M. 

2nd St. This Street has some amazing boutiques and you will also find some great restaraunts as you shop. 

The Beehive in Westlake. This is a great little boutique that is near Barton Creek mall if you decide to go there. They have such cute things! 

South Congress Ave. This is the same street that has some amazing restaurants, but if look around, they have the first ever Kendra Scott store, the Impeccable Pig and of course some typical Austin stores like Uncommon Objects. 

Stay

If you come to Austin, you need to stay downtown. That is where you are going to get the most out of your trip because you will be in the heart of the city. 

San Jose on South Congress

J.W. Marriott on 2nd St. 

Four Seasons on San Jacinto (Also, this is the best place EVER for brunch)

If you guys are ever planning a trip to the Austin area and need some more recommendations, then just shoot me a message, I'm happy to help! 

xoxo, 

Abbey

My Current Wish List!

Hey Everyone!

I recently got a request on twitter from a sweet girl named Annissa asking if I could do an updated post on what I'm lusting over currently. I did one a while ago, so if you haven't read that one, you can read it here! But now lets hop into my wish list!

1. Kate Spade Passport Holder

I have to admit, Kate Spade has been my favorite designer for about the last year or so. I feel like she does the perfect job of combing classic things, but also giving them a fun and girly twist. This passport holder is no exception.

I'm also slightly OCD because my wallet is in the black leather, my mini wallet on my keys is also from her in the black leather and I feel like if I had the passport holder, then when I travel abroad (which doesn't happen often) but if I were to, everything would match -- which is perfect!

2. Hermes Clic Clac Bracelet

This bracelet was in my last wish list post because I just absolutely love these and would do some questionable things for one of them. It's so classic because Hermes is such a classic brand, but these particular bracelets are so "in" right now. I feel like having one is the perfect combination of classic and modern. Surprise, Surprise, I want it in black.

3. Sam Edelman Yardley Shoes

You guys I'm being serious when I spent an hour last week hunting for these shoes online. They are sold out EVERYWHERE. Nordstrom doesn't get more until May, yes, May! I think it is because these are the new "it" spiring shoe of the season and lets be real, they are perfection. I have gone to Tuscaloosa's Belk twice in two weeks to ask if they've gotten another shipment of these yet. I will proudly admit that I am a yardley shoe stalker.

4. Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandouliere 55 in the Monogram Canvas

This is the most unrealistic item on my wish list, because it is almost $2,000 *insert crying emoji here*, but I just think that these bags are so gorgeous. I picture it on display in my room, maybe on a clothing rack with my Burberry coat hanging next to it. I know, gag me because I'm so weird, but a girls gotta dream y'all!

5. David Yurman Double X Crossover Ring

I have loved this ring since I first saw it last summer and then my YouTube idol, SarahBelle, bought it and I just knew I had to have it. I love to mix metals and I feel like this ring does it in such an understated way.

That completes my current wish list, what's on yours? I'd love to know. As always, I love to hear what kind of content you guys would like to see, so tweet me like Annissa did and I may just do a post on what you want to see! :)

xoxo,



Abbey