list thirty-four: 10 uses for coconut oil.

1. On toast (instead of butter)
2. For homemade popcorn (~3 tablespoons coconut oil + 1/3 cup popcorn kernels)
3. As a face wash (idea from Mara)
4. For troubled cuticles
5. Lotion for winter skin
6. Deep hair conditioner (let soak for 30 minutes before rinsing)
7. Strawberry dip (scoop of coconut oil + scoop of nutella, melt on the stovetop and enjoy [a double boiler works best for this])
8. In place of shaving cream
9. For roasting apples (brown sugar + cinnamon + coconut oil)
10. To soothe an irritated nose (from blowing into tissues!)

Coconut oil has become such a centerpiece in my life over the past few weeks and I'm loving it. I reach for it everyday now and it has so many amazing properties and uses. I'm sure I just scratched the surface with this post. Do you have any uses for coconut oil that I forgot to mention? xo, R.

P.S. Some people refrigerate theirs because it tends to change forms, but I keep mine in a cool, dark portion of the cabinet and I don't have any problems!

P.P.S. I have tried this brand and loved it, but now I'm using Trader Joe's and it's great (plus, it's really affordable)!

list thirty-three: 100 (more) things i love.

1. Finding money in my back pocket
2. Reusable water bottles
3. Waking up without an alarm clock
4. Fresh flowers
5. Unexpected compliments (giving and receiving)
6. The Mary Tyler Moore Show
7. Socks
8. College ruled notebook paper
9. The color green
10. The color yellow
11. Fresh pineapple
12. Sunflower seeds in a salad
13. Remembering to use reusable grocery bags
14. Scarves
15. Welcome mats
16. Lipstick
17. Candles
18. Buying in bulk
19. Pillows
20. Wreaths
21. Parenthood (the TV show)
22. Homemade popcorn
23. Garlic Salt
24. Popcorn + garlic salt
25. Going to the movies
26. Lunch outdoors
27. Quotes (some of my favorites come from Mr. Rogers, Albert Einstein, Audrey Hepburn, and A.A. Milne)
28. Ice cream on a week night
29. Postcards
30. The moon
31. Reading a really good book
32. Globes
33. The ocean
34. Elephants (specifically, their eyelashes)
35. Brick roads
36. Gardens
37. Coca-Cola Classic
38. Picnic blankets
39. Notes from Jeffrey
40. Snail mail
41. Pancakes
42. Red hair
43. A warm mug
44. Jeans
45. Red licorice
46. Cinnamon
47. Oranges
48. McDonald's French fries
49. Other people's birthdays
50. Freckles
51. Tshirts
52. Christmas
53. PG Tips
54. Warm weather
55. Sarasota
56. Bungalows
57. Mini trips
58. New clothes
59. Chai tea lattes from Starbucks
60. Right when it gets dark out and lamps inside of houses come on
61. Good hair days
62. Pencil sharpeners
63. Vanilla
64. Adding bumper stickers to our car
65. Someone else doing my laundry for me :)
66. Take out
67. Knowing all the words to a song
68. Bagels (toasted with cream cheese)
69. Sandwiches made the right way
70. Planners
71. Sunday mornings
72. Friday afternoons
73. The book store
74. Chats with friends
75. Bubble wrap
76. Cherries
77. Cucumbers
78. My roommate (who I happen to be marrying very soon)
79. Weekends at home
80. Writing thank you cards
81. A clean car (inside and out)
82. A clean house
83. Peanut M&Ms
84. Taking walks in cute neighborhoods
85. Campus right after the sun goes down
86. Bread from Publix
87. Fountain soda (better than bottled, always)
88. Common interests with others
89. Movie/TV show marathons
90. Canoeing
91. Picture frames
92. Finishing school work early
93. Fans that don't make any noise
94. Lockets
95. Clothes that don't need ironing
96. Just-because emails
97. The dedication page in any book
98. Boots
99. The family of plants on our porch
100. Smiles

A note: This was surprisingly hard for me. I kept wanting to repeat things I had already mentioned. I guess I know what I like! I did my best to pick 100 new things I love. What do you love? xo, R.

list thirty-two: favorite romantic comedies.

Oh, romantic comedies. My favorite genre forever and ever, Amen. I don't care that naysayers out there think that romantic comedies are straight predictable garbage because THEY MAKE ME FEEL HAPPY. I mean, who can argue with a movie that will absolutely, guaranteed have a happy ending? I certainly can't. Plus, I just love love. So there's that, too. Because I love them so much, it's difficult for me to choose ten that are my absolute favorite, but because I love you all so much, I will try. I know, so generous of me. :)

1. You've Got Mail. This is probably my all-time favorite romantic comedy. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan have undeniable chemistry and I love all the sets, too. On top of that, I have very fond memories watching this movie countless times with my mom.

2. Penelope. I feel like this movie never gets the love it deserves — it's so underrated. I loooove James McAvoy's performance and Christina Ricci is a gem. The entire film is beyond magical and so lovely in every way possible.

3. The Holiday. I would be remiss not to include this sweet little movie on the list. Jack Black is so charming and funny and I love Kate Winslet's elderly neighbor. Cameron Diaz and Jude Law seem so believable as a couple (which is of utmost importance when choosing good rom-coms, in my opinion). Plus, I actually think the storyline is a little unconventional and unique.

4. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Throughout my high school days this was, hands down, my favorite movie. I adore Kate Hudson and think the premise of the movie is really funny and sweet. There are so many precious moments throughout the movie that are both heartwarming and hilarious.

5. Sabrina. Audrey Hepburn is my favorite, favorite, favorite actress of all time. Her poise and grace is timeless and so sincere. Her wardrobe in this film is impeccable and I love Humphrey Bogart as the unlikely hero. There's something so endearing about him as the underdog.

6. Pride & Prejudice. I don't know that this can be classified as a comedy, but I have watched this movie three times in one month and enjoyed it every time. Keira Knightley is perfect as Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy...oh, Mr. Darcy. Matthew Macfadyen plays him so impeccably. And the scene where they meet at dawn, in the meadow, with the fog...I just can't. Too much perfect.

7. Amélie. I have no words. A truly, truly magical film. Audrey Tautou is beyond sweet and cute and her love interest is perfectly adorable. The best part of this movie is that Amélie begins to do randomly sweet things for complete strangers. It makes me want to hop up and do the same thing. A sweet message with a sweet storyline. Yay!

8. The Proposal. Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds have some of the best onscreen chemistry I have ever seen and they are a joy to watch together. Not only are the sets beautiful, but there is a really cute dog, too (had to mention it). Beyond that, Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds are just two very good looking people, so that helps.

9. Valentine's Day. I think this one's probably the cheesiest one to make the list, but that's partly what I love about it. I'm also Jennifer Garner's biggest fan and I think she's a doll in this film. I love movies with multiple small storylines that intersect to create one big storyline (Love Actually is similar in this sense, which is another one I love). Of course after you've seen it once, you know what's coming, but the first watch comes as such a complete surprise, which I appreciate. (P.S. The Julia Roberts/Bradley Cooper storyline may be my favorite, but it's hard to choose.)

10. No Strings Attached. I think this movie got a lot of flack/criticism, which is fine (to each his own), but I actually really liked it. I think Natalie Portman is really endearing and convincing and Ashton Kutcher is a complete romantic. Not to mention, Jake Johnson is so likeable and funny. I love when supporting characters are unexpectedly wonderful.

Congratulations for reading all the way through. You are a trooper! It was hard for me to choose just ten. Some other favorites: Leap Year, The Wedding Date, When Harry Met Sally, Roman Holiday, He's Just Not That Into You, Life as We Know It, A Lot Like Love, Going the Distance, and Hitch.

Any that I missed? Let me know. I love new suggestions! xo, R.

{image.}

list thirty-one: fall wishlist.

 

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{1}YSL Volupté Sheer Candy (in 06 Luscious Cherry) // {2} Fossil Zylo Boot // {3} Kelly Green Stone Necklace - The Altered Chain // {4} Striped Peplum Top (in Blue Motif) // {5} Frye Melissa Button Riding Boot // {6} Boucle-Spotted Tights (in Dark Grey) // {7} Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush (in Natural Beauty) // {8} Catbird Heart Ring // {9} Kate Spade Polka Dot Thermos // {10} Urban Outfitters Staring at Stars Cardigan // {11} Patagonia Vagabunda Vest

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You know, when it comes to clothing, I just can't help myself. I constantly have my eyes open for pieces that I believe would make a worthwhile addition to my wardrobe. Unfortunately, my college budget doesn't necessarily allow for this kind of habit, so I generally window shop. Either way, here's my fall wish list in all its unrealistic glory. What's on yours? xo, R.

list thirty: what i know at 23.

Always give others the benefit of the doubt, even if some people believe that makes you a pushover.

Hug more.

Buy yourself a present now and then.

Food is always best enjoyed with company or while watching a movie alone.

Believe in something wholeheartedly, or not at all.

Tell people just how important they are to you. Often.

Be mindful of others.

Shop alone or with family. 

The truth is always the better option.

Don't let others' judgments control who or how you are (unless those judgments are valid).

Be a good friend.

Don't allow yourself to feel less beautiful based on your outward appearance. 

A bad day can almost always be cured by patting a dog on the head. This is a fact.

Treat yourself in the way that you would treat the most important person in the world.

A mistake is just that, a mistake. It is not the end of the world.

If nothing else, radiate love. Always. 

Find the good in every situation and focus on that.

Be happy with your life, or change it. 

--

inspired by meg. 

list twenty-nine: my favorite things about fall.

Some people tend to believe that a Florida fall isn't the real thing. Well, I kindly and respectfully disagree. Fall is fall no matter where you are. And while our version of fall may look slightly different, the feelings surrounding it are the same. That means it's fall in my heart, and that's where it matters.

1. My birthday happens in the fall.
2. People seem to slow down.
3. Hot drinks are seasonably appropriate (even if it's still hot here).
4. Pumpkins.
5. Halloween candy (the best kind of candy) arrives at Target.
6. Halloween costumes (especially the home/handmade ones).
7. Thanksgiving happens (best food, great family).
8. Fall colors.
9. Taking walks during a cool(ish) evening.
10. Fall TV premieres!

So, while Floridians may have to conjure up some of that fall magic on their own, I think it is alive and well here. Besides, the extra effort necessary to bring about some of the feelings of fall just means I appreciate it even more. What are your favorite things about fall? xo, R.

list twenty-eight: birthday wishlist

Some realistic & some unrealistic gift ideas for my upcoming birthday. :)

1. Boots.
2. Blouse.
3. J & R letters.
4. The new Avett Brothers CD, The Carpenter.
5. Necklace.
6. GorillaPod.
7. Burt's Bees face mask.
8. And one more blouse.

list twenty-seven: teacher style wishlist.

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6

list twenty-six: my skincare favorites.

I work very hard to purchase natural skincare products that do a job without all the nasty chemicals. The list below reflects that effort. I am a loyal purchaser of many Burt's Bees products and have been for many years. I have gone through a number of doctor-prescribed topical creams, none of which have done their supposed job (that's when I decided to stop slathering my face with unpronounceable ingredients and moved toward a more natural approach). The Burt's Bees line targeting acne has honestly done the most impressive job out of all the acne-related products I have ever tried. I highly, highly recommend them if you have mild or moderate acne.

1. This facewash | Gentle, but fierce. Smells rather lovely and gets the job done.

2. This exfoliator | Pricey, but a true holy-grail product. This stuff works unbelievable magic.

3. This toner | Smells absolutely wonderful (although it sounds a bit odd) and is so gentle, but also penetrating.

4. This night cream | So soothing and especially great for sensitive skin.

5. This spot treatment | Non-irritating, but also powerful.

6. This daytime facial moisturizer | Simple and effective.

7. This eye cream | Quite hydrating and one jar goes a long way.

8. This moisturizer | Inexpensive, but also not filled with a ton of mystery ingredients. Very hydrating, too!

9. This body butter | Smells like a dream. Sometimes I use this as a perfume for a night out.

10. This sunscreen | Natural and applies wonderfully.

list twenty-five: my makeup favorites.

1. This foundation | Medium coverage, smells good, looks good, lasts well.*

2. This blush | A cult favorite and for good reason!

3. This concealer | Covers dark circles and blemishes.*

4. This primer | For when you need your makeup to last. Makes skin feel so smooth!*

5. This powder | No caking, ever. Very translucent veil that helps makeup stay put and fends off a shiny t-zone.*

6. This mascara | Volume without the clumping, a girl's dream (my favorite shade: brownish black).

7. This eyeshadow palette | For when I'm feeling fancy. :)

8. This chapstick | My lip product of choice, even for the big occasions.*

* Indicates a product that is free of parabens!

list twenty-four: 10 things i know to be true.

1. A bowl of ice cream can fix almost any small problem.

2. The right shade of blush can make you look energized (even when you're not).

3. It is a good idea to wash your face every night (even when you feel too tired).

4. It is perfectly acceptable to have a soda now and then and feel just fine about it.

5. Dogs are the most perfect pet on this entire planet, Amen.

6. Clothing is a beautiful way to express yourself.

7. A change jar is a lovely addition to any home.

8. It wasn't a waste of time if you enjoyed doing it.

9. Growing flowers is good for anyone's soul.

10. Going out for lunch is always a splendid idea.

list twenty-three: a wishlist.

I haven't done one of these in awhile. Sometimes it's fun to compile a list of things you'd like to own, don't you agree? Here's mine, currently.

1. Bubble Up.

2. Spring sandals.

3. Gold watch.

4. Lovely fabric on a lovely dress.

5. Rain boots.

6. Dainty cream blush.

7. Happy little purse.

8. Heart ring.

What's on your list? xo, R.

list twenty-two: good reads.

1. The Red Tent, Anita Diamant

2. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, Jonathan Safran Foer

3. Ape House, Sara Gruen

4. Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen

5. The Glass Castle: A Memoir, Jeannette Walls

6. I Capture the Castle, Dodie Smith

7. Chocolat, Joanne Harris

8. The History of Love, Nicole Krauss

9. The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver

10. Chrysanthemum, Kevin Henkes :)



image.

list twenty-one: my favorite things about winter.

1. Cozy socks.
2. Holding hands.
3. Hot beverages (Chai tea latte! Green tea! Apple cider!).
4. Candles.
5. Hot showers.
6. Handmade scarves (especially ones knit or crocheted by your sister).
7. Heated blankets.
8. Soup.
9. Sleeping in.
10. Warm hats.
11. Oatmeal.
12. Sweaters.
13. Tights.
14. Paper snowflakes.
15. Boots.
16. An excuse to stay inside and read.
17. Freshly baked goods.
18. Pea coats.
19. Flannel.
20. Fresh-out-of-the-dryer clothing.

list twenty: dinners to try.

Jeffrey and I often find ourselves in what we call the dinner rut: A period of time in which five or six meals are in constant rotation. That's fine sometimes, but it's a shame to get sick of well loved meals because of eating them too often. Occasionally, I get in the mood to scour Martha Stewart or Real Simple for recipes that fit our tastes and lifestyle. I'm not kidding when I say I could spend hours doing this. Since we are embarking on a new year, I think now is a better time than ever to make a new list of fun and fresh meals to test out within these next few weeks.

1. Empanadas.
2. Spiced Chicken + Couscous Salad.
3. Sesame Chicken.
4. Thai Chicken & Noodle Salad (with Spicy Asian Dressing).
5. Penne with Ricotta and Pine Nuts.
6. Steak Quesadillas.


Honorable Mentions: Skirt Steak and Bok Choy Stir Fry, Kitchen-Sink Quesadillas, Slow-Cooker Orange Chicken with Potatoes, Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potatoes, and Slow-Cooker Pulled-Pork Tacos.

list nineteen: christmas list.

1. Sweet pajama pants that support an amazing cause.

2. A cozy sweater.

3. Teacher tote.

4. Penelope.

5. Mylo Xyloto.

6. Hot Tools (1 inch) curling iron.

7. Thorlo Experia socks (in lime/white).

list eighteen: top 6 posts.

Here's a list of 6 of my favorite posts here on my humble little blog.

1. Our engagement story.

2. A lovely camping trip in Door County.

3. Proof that Jeffrey's awesome.

4. That one time when we were really bad campers.

5. A cute furry animal who lives at my house.

6. A post about baby raccoons.

Enjoy!

list seventeen: to do this summer.

1. Wear more dresses and skirts.

2. Take more pictures.

3. Run, run, run!

4. More veg-friendly meals.

5. Get a hair cut (this is maybe my favorite).

6. Read a few books.

7. Go to the beach more!

Any big plans for your summer vacation?

list sixteen: ABC's

{An unrelated, but awesome picture.}

A. Age: 20-something.

B. Bed Size: Full, but I dream of a King.

C. Chore you hate: I dislike all chores.

D. Dogs: My sweet little Andy man.

E. Essential start of your day: Breakfast in bed. What?

F. Favorite color: Green. Always has been, always will be.

G. Gold or silver: There's a time and a place for both.

H. Height: 5'7" (and some change).

I. Instrument you play: I know a little piano, played Oboe for four years, and knew a little guitar at some point.

J. Job title: Student. We'll see what summer brings to me.

K. Kids: Call me in 10 years and we'll how it's going.

L. Live: Sunshine state.

M. Mom's name: This seems irrelevant (plus, I like respecting my mom's privacy)!

N. Nicknames: Ooh, nicknames are so personal. But the people closest to me call me Rox.

O. Overnight hospital stays: Never. Thank you, God.

P. Pet peeve: It embarrasses me how many I have. Let's see, dull pencils. So, so awful.

Q. Quote from a movie: "For what it's worth: it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again." -The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

R. Right or left handed: Left handed. What, what?!

S. Siblings: Evie. :)

T. Time you wake up: It's all over the place, but I wake up at 6 on the weekdays.

U. Underwear: Mhmm.

V. Vegetable you hate: Beets.

W. What makes you run late: Forgetting my sunglasses and running in to get them. Forgetting a folder and running in to get it. Forgetting my water and running in to get it. It's a vicious cycle.

X. X-rays you've had: Teeth. And my ankle once.

Y. Yummy food you make: This fudge was my latest kitchen adventure and it was really good.

Z. Zoo- favorite animal: Elephants. I want their eyelashes.

xo, R.

P.S. I got this from Sarah. Destini did one, too.

list fifteen: things i don't need but want anyway.

You know, sometimes I really wonder about myself. I mean, I have an amazing life filled with amazing people, a more-or-less worry free agenda, and sometimes I still find myself drooling over products with a too-high-for-my-budget price tag. Anyway, in an effort to get all this nonsense out, I figured I'd make a list out of it. Because that's what I do when things are all jumbled up in my brain.

1. Ray Bans. A fairly practical item, but I think my pair from Target is working out just fine.

2. Steve Madden Intyce boots. Because now that the winter season is over, Amazon has them listing for about $100 less than their original price. Still way too much but almost convinced myself that I needed them.

3. Clarisonic Mia. Since this is actually a practical item, I'm not going to get mad at myself. Still, pricey.

4. Nikon D3100. A new camera. Although I'm tempted to ask myself, who can put a price on memories? (This girl can & not at that price.)

5. A trip to Denmark with Jeffrey. HA HA, that's a funny joke.

6. This dress. But really, who wouldn't want this?

Okay, that feels better. I'm done being materialistic for the day. Maybe I'll go frolic in a beautiful field tomorrow just to make up for the superficiality of this post. Any big ticket items you'd like to buy? xo, R.


Beautiful photo of Denmark found here.