Feelin' Nineteen

 One day that may seem to be so ordinary for one, is so spectacular for another.

I don't know. Maybe it's just me. 

Or. 

Maybe it isn't...

 But it's all within the moments.

There I sat, in the most beautiful restaurant, vibrant colors surrounding me, my favorite songs faintly playing in the background, delicious food, + the ones I love most. 

Captivating every part of me.

Each year I reflect on who I was + who I want to become.

For the first time in my 19 years, I embraced the fact that this is the year I am finally me.

I took a second, captured this moment in my heart, + held on close.

This is what it's like to be alive. 

Favorite Summer Jewelry

There is nothing I love more than wearing simple clothing to really emphasize the beauty of jewelry. 

However, I often find myself resorting back to the same pieces day after day. 

This summer I decided to challenge myself by switching it up & wearing all the pieces that I haven't worn before. 

 ➳ Here are some of my favorites for the summer months: 

Bracelets: Simple + Unique

  ➳ Buy yours here |  www.eastcraeft.com

I have been obsessed with tassels lately & these little bracelets are such a simple way to add a bohemian vibe to any casual look. I would be lying if I said I didn't want these in every color possible. 

Earrings: Versatile

 ➳  Buy yours here | www.baublebar.com

I wore these earrings this past weekend & the iridescent look of them was literally changing colors in every picture I took! These look super adorable paired with rolled jeans & a tee-shirt for a casual look or can be added to a dress & some heels for a night out. 

 Bracelet: Simple + Casual

➳  Find a similar style here |  www.bluefly.com

My style has changed a lot over the past year & I find myself gravitating towards more simpler clothing + jewelry pieces than I use to. I received this bracelet as a Christmas present but didn't start wearing it until about a month ago & have barely taken it off since. This bracelet is so effortless, but adds such a unique look to any outfit.

Necklace: Sparkle + Statement 

 ➳ Find yours here |  www.baublebar.com

I started getting into statement necklaces my junior year of high school & the love has grown ever since. They are perfect for dressing up any casual outfit or worn as a statement piece that truly tells a story. My current favorite is this stunning Teardrop necklace from BaubleBar.
Unfortunately,  it's now out of stock but they have so many other beautiful, diverse pieces to choose from.

What are your favorite summer pieces?

New Beginnings

As you can see lots of exciting changes have been happening around here!

Live Bright. Be Bold. & Sparkle

has officially retired & been changed to:

•Pretty Little Life •

I once saw a quote that read:

➳ There are three C's in life: Choice, Chance, & Change. 

You must make the choice,

to take the chance,

if you want anything in life to change.

These words have stuck with me, applying themselves to many aspects in my life over the past couple months. 

One being this blog.

In three short months, it'll be one year since I started Live Bright. Be Bold. & Sparkle.

There are points in everyone's lives that you inevitably change.

Whether it be relationships,  jobs, future plans, or even something as simple as a new haircut.

I started this blog with no intentions of sharing it with anyone & it has delightfully grown more than I ever could have imagined in just one short year.

However, my highest goal will forever be for it to remain the truest reflection of myself.

In the past year, I have grown & changed the person I am tremendously. 

Hence the new blog name.

I adore this blog dearly & I am ecstatic to provide you with new, more diverse content & an insight into my unpredictable life.

I hope you all grow to love Pretty Little Life as much as I do & continue on this crazy, beautiful, & exciting adventure with me.

---Maybe the journey isn't so much about becoming anything.

Maybe it's about unbecoming everything that isn't really you,

so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.

➳ You can find us at the new address:

pretty-little-life-blog.blogspot.com

➳ On Instagram:

instagram.com/pretty_little_life_blog

➳ Or Email:

prettylittlelifeblog@gmail.com

•Just as a disclaimer, don't worry, this will be the ONLY time that I will change the blog title•

March Favorites

Happy April everyone!

Here are some of the things that I have been loving this past month.

•Favorite Snack: Chocolate Cupcake Luna Bar•

I have always been a fan of Luna bars & this new Chocolate Cupcake flavor does not disappoint. 

It taste just like a chocolate cupcake but has 9 grams of protein & is gluten free!

•Favorite Shoes: Steve Madden Boots•

I have been looking for a shorter pair of boots for a while now, but wasn't having much luck. 

I wanted a pair that were comfortable but would also hold up to the wear, considering the past couple of pairs I've owned have literally fallen apart.

I found these beautiful Steve Madden ones in the clearance section at TJ Maxx for $40 & knew I couldn't pass them up. 

They are super comfortable, can be paired with jeans or leggings & can also be carried into the spring season with dresses & skirts. 

•Favorite Book: Wild•

I am only 1/4 of the way through this book & can already place it on my favorites list because that's how truly fantastic it is. 

An incredible woman & her inspiring & powerful journey of personal tragedy, hardships, & her unconventional plan of rediscovering herself in the wilderness of the PCT.

I promise you that you will not be able to put this book down & will be longing for your own journey of self discovery.

•Favorite Lip Product: Milani Lipstick - 63 Matte Diva•

I have been OBSESSED with this matte hot pink lip color. 

It's the perfect statement lip for the spring, stays on all day long, & makes your lips feel super smooth even though it has matte finish. 

Plus, I purchased it for only $5.99 at CVS!

•Favorite Accessory: Liz Palacios Earrings•

I received these beautiful earrings as a gift from my Aunt for my birthday last year & they have recently become one of my favorite pairs of earrings. 

They're the perfect pop of sparkle to any simple outfit. 

You can find similar styles at http://lizpalacios.com

 •Favorite Quote•

•Image source: Pinterest•

Marley Lilly Review & Giveaway

About a little over a month ago I had the opportunity to pick out a few things from one of my favorite places EVER Marley Lilly. 

After having the chance to try out each of them out multiple times over the past month, I thought I would share my thoughts with you! 

Plus, there's a super awesome giveaway going on right now that you are going to want the details to! 

{ Blanket Scarf }

•Find the Ivory & Navy version here•

If you did not know, Marley Lilly has a fabulous sister site called Monday Dress. 

They have a huge assortment of beautiful non-monogrammed clothing & accessories. 

The colors on this Blanket Scarf add the perfect pop to any neutral outfit. 

When unfolded this scarf is literally the size of a blanket, but provides a ridiculous amount of warmth without feeling like you're wearing a neck brace. 

Pair it with a coat & some boots, or wrap it around your shoulders & belt it over a long sleeve for a casual chic look. 

• Check out Monday Dress here! •

{ Monogrammed Scalloped Luxe Cross Body Clutch }

This cross body clutch may just be one of my favorite things that I have ever owned. 

I hate switching out purses, but multiple times a week I find myself often throwing my stuff into this one.

Not only is it the perfect size to carry around during the day, but also makes a great addition to any outfit for a night out.

The monogram & scalloped edging on this purse truly make it a beautiful statement piece. 

Plus, this purse is featured in many different colors & the gold chain strap is removable if you would prefer to carry it as a clutch!

{ Monogrammed Golden Name Plate Necklace }

I had been looking for a necklace like this for quite some time & was overjoyed when I found exactly what I was looking for on the Marley Lilly website & for such a reasonable price too!

This gold name plate necklace is exactly the addition you need to any simple outfit.

Dress it up or dress it down, it's perfect for any occasion.

Not only does it look fabulous on its own as a stand out piece, but style it with another necklace or two for a beautiful layered look. 

{ Monogrammed Pullover Printed Pocket Sweatshirt }

This pullover may just be the comfiest sweatshirt I have ever owned.

Incredibly soft & so warm, it's perfect for a cool day.

I even ended up ordering mine in a size larger than I usually do so it's loose & comfy for the days that I want to just throw it over a pair of jeans & some boots.

A causal look with an adorable pop from the monogrammed printed pocket. 

{ Marley Lilly Stickers }

Show your Marley Lilly pride with these colorful stickers just like the ones I have shown above!

They feature a special coating that protects them from rain, wind, & sunlight. 

So stick them on your water bottles like I have done, or add them onto your car, & laptops! 

The best part of all, they're free! 

Just add them to your cart! 

There is a limit to them though, so check them out here to order & read more about it! 

{ Giveaway }

• Follow Live Bright. Be Bold. & Sparkle. on Instagram here • 

During the whole month of February you receive a FREE Marley Lilly Selfie T-shirt with any $30.00 Marley Lilly order! 

No coupon code required. 

The T-shirt will atomically appear in your cart once qualified, all you have to do is choose your size! 

Not only is this shirt super adorable & perfect for the gym or paired with a sweater & some jeans & boots for a causal look. 

But...

If you share your creative selfie after receiving your shirt with #MarleyLillySelfie you're entered to have a chance to win a monogrammed gift every weekday in the month of March! 

Just post your photo on Twitter or Instagram for a chance to be featured on their page! 

•Follow Marley Lilly on Instagram here  & on Twitter here •

 Now that I've shown you some of my favorites, go find some of yours! 

Head on over to https://marleylilly.com to take advantage of this fabulous Giveaway before February is over! 

I know you won't be disappointed! 

January Favorites

Can you believe that January is already over? 

I'm still managing to write '14 on everything & will probably continue to do so until 2016 comes around.

But with the ending of the month, it is time for my January Favorites!  

As you may notice, many of these products featured this month are from Target.

But hey, with the constant amount of snowfall thanks to #Blizzard2015 & the countless other snow storms, you can only venture out so far & Target is always the ideal destination. 

{Favorite Accessory: Jeweled Necklace}

I've been looking at the J.Crew crystal necklaces for over a year now, but I just can't justify spending at least $50 for one. 

Instead, I finally found a look-a-like for $4.87 at Target. 

That's right friends, $4.87

As in I could've bought 10 more of these for the price of one necklace.

Reason #6,576 why I love Target. 

The colors are absolutely beautiful & it adds just the right sparkle to any outfit.

{Favorite Lip Product: NYX Butter Gloss - Vanilla Cream Pie} 

I have been loving the NYX lip products lately & this one definitely has not let me down.

Searching for a nude/pinkish lips gloss that lasts a long period of time, & isn't too sticky has been quite a task. 

But this one is perfect.

I love wearing it alone as an everyday lip color, but it also layers fantastic on top of a nude lipstick. 

{Favorite Product: Glass Water Bottle}

Every day in high school I had a plastic water bottle with me, but was constantly buying new ones due to the funky taste they all seemed to have.

After giving up the search for a glass bottle, that I didn't feel like would shatter at any moment,

I happened to spot this one at Target. 

It fits tons of water in it, keeps it cold, doesn't taste funky at all, & the rope strap is super sturdy & makes it easy to carry without feeling like its going to break off. 

Plus, it's cute.

Which is always a plus.

{Favorite Art Supply: Watercolor Palette}

The only positive thing about these never ending snowstorms, is the fact that I get to stay inside, listen to countless hours of Spotify, & paint all day long with no contact to the outside world, 

& it be completely acceptable. 

I have wanted a watercolor palette with multiple different colors for a while now & while browsing the paintbrush section at Joanne's the other day I happened to see this one. 

This beauty has 36 colors & was only $5.99!

As you can see, I've only had it for a few days & it has definitely gotten its use. 

Now if only I hadn't run out of watercolor paper during a blizzard... 

{Favorite Food: Danielle Roasted Coconut Chips} 

My sister got me hooked on these coconut chips at her house a couple weeks ago & as a result, I obviously had to pick some up on my weekly Target trip.  

If you love coconut as much as I do, I guarantee you will be addicted. 

No preservatives, all natural, no trans fat, & the only three ingredients are young coconuts, sugar, & salt. 

Let's just say, maybe the bag was gone in a day...

{Favorite Moment} 

On January•10•2015 my oldest sister brought my handsome little nephew Eli Richard into the world. 

Already being an Aunt to his two beautiful big sisters & having the opportunity to see them grow into such extraordinary little human beings each day is truly a gift. 

I never thought that 3 people could fill my heart with as much love as they do. 

{Favorite Quote}

•Image source: Pinterest•

Day 1 of 365

{ A year ago today I would have never pictured my life to be what it is right now }

That's one of the things that I find most exciting about life.

No matter how much you plan, it's crazy, unpredictable, & magical all at once. 

•2014 was a year that will always hold a special place in my heart•

It held many momentous occasions including everything from winning my first drawing contest for a festival in my town, to my Senior Prom. 

    I had the opportunity to stand on a stage with the best Drama Club in the entire world celebrating our Regional One Act win. 

• A moment that I hold close to my heart & will remember for my entire life•

I even turned 18 & graduated high school this year. 

Which by the way, when I received my diploma I forgot to stop to take the picture & tried to walk away.

Embarrassing myself obviously seemed to be a common trend in 2014.

Lesson learned. Stop for the picture kids. 

Though this year held many positive & unforgettable events it also came with some very trying ones. 

I was faced with many decisions that I was unsure about & lead me to be pushed very far out of my comfort zone. 

I went through the challenging process of eliminating unhealthy relationships of my life. 

& started new.

 { Someone once said }

•Whatever happened over this past year. Be thankful for where it brought you. 

Where you are is where you're meant to be•

& I couldn't agree with this more.

Through all the tears & uncertainty, the decisions I have made this past year have resulted in me finally feeling like I am headed on the right path for myself.

We often go into things having a goal in mind, but when we only focus on the end game, when often miss the detour that can lead us to even better things. 

•Life is defined in moments & I am so blessed to carry each one of these moments & so many more of 2014 in my heart forever•

I'm a firm believer in not setting New Year's Resolutions.

I believe that if you want to make changes in your life, why wait until a day at the end of the year to do that?
Start now.
Don't wait around.
If you want something, go out & get it for yourself.

I set goals for myself that are worked on long before a day at the end of the year where I feel like I need to make changes. 

I'm not saying I hold anything against people that choose to make resolutions, that is their decision & not mine. 

However, I choose to make my resolutions day to day instead of year to year. 

The second half of 2014 was focused completely on my journey & where I wanted to go from there. 

{ For more information check out this }

 I am very excited to say, that after a long couple of months, there are many things that are in the process of happening in 2015. 

I'm not going to share exactly what they are just yet, because like I said, they are in the process 

& there is still a long way to go. 

But achieving little goals along the way to the bigger picture, is a sense of accomplishment like you would never believe. 

•Each year has been magical in it's own way, but I am ecstatic to see where 2015 takes me•

{ With that being said... Here's my 10 pieces of advice for 2015 }

 • Image source: Pinterest•

1.  You know all those things you've always wanted to do? Go do them. What better time than now?

2.  Stop relying on other people to provide you with happiness. You are perfectly capable of providing it for yourself.

3. Don't let the mistakes you make define you. Making mistakes means you're trying new things, whether they turn out to be a success or failure. You're pushing yourself & changing your life. If I hadn't made the mistakes that I did last year, I would never be on the path that I am today. Learn from them.

4. Be proud of yourself. At the end of the day, this is your life & your life only. Make the steps to create the life that you can be proud of & proud to be.

5. Put down your phones, computers, tablets, anything & everything, every once in a while. Open your eyes to the world that is sitting right there in front of you.

6. Define your own success. Whether it be big or small, make it completely up to you. Don't feel like you have to obtain goals that don't relate to your choice of life.

7. Don't waste your precious time on people that don't care about you. I have spent way too much of my time trying to keep relationships that only hurt me. Take that time & energy & focus it towards relationships with people that truly care.

8. Don't be so hard on yourself. You are perfectly extraordinary just the way you are.

9. Laugh often & love many. It's good for your soul.

10. Pursue your passions & dreams. If they're important enough for you to make them dreams in the first place, stop making excuses for yourself & make them a reality. 

This is your year to shine. Go out & make it extra sparkly.