these are a few of my favorite [new] things

I decided that for today's post, I would share a couple of my favorite new things.

1. First up, my new favorite -- and probably all time favorite -- blog. Seriously, Elsie and Emma have created a masterpiece with their blog, a beautiful mess . If you don't believe me, just check out this screenshot or better yet go here .

Crafts, photography, recipes, decor, fashion, AND beauty? Seriously, what more could a girl want?! I am in love with their work. They feature weekly recipes, diy inspiration, and helpful tips for everything you can imagine. If you haven't checked them out, do so NOW. And leave lots of love.

2. My favorite work that isn't really work - BzzAgent (pronounced Buzz Agent)
This site has also become a new favorite of mine thanks to my good friends Lori Alvarez and Kari Hunter. Kari got Lori hooked, and I joined up because of Lori. And now some of my friends are joining...I like to think of it as a big *buzzing* circle of love. (ha)
So what is BzzAgent?
Well, from the mouth of BzzAgent Jono, "You try products and services and share your honest opinions about them by starting conversations with people you know, online and off. Then you tell us about those conversations to help companies improve their products."

Seriously, that's it! When you first get started, you take a bunch of surveys --a ton, really, but I promise they end-- so they can figure out what you like and don't, and to match you with BzzCampaigns that would fit your interests. I had my first BzzCampaign within a week of joining, and I'll be sharing my opinion of those products later on the blog. If you're interested in BzzAgent, go here.

3. My favorite photography blog. --Okay, so this isn't a new favorite, but I like it so much, I figured I'd share it anyways. Of course, my bestie Haley Sheffield

This lady has been my best friend since middle school. We've had those ups and downs of friendship but ultimately we made it through all of that to become what we are today. I think part of the reason that our friendship works is that it contains the right amount of balance...just like her photography. If you've never had a session with Haley, you are truly missing out. She approaches photography with such professionalism and ease that any insecurity you've ever had about being in front of the camera quickly fades away. She's down to earth and the real deal.
And, because I can't help but swoon over this romantic session, here's a snippet of one of her latest.

Check out Haley's inspirational pinboards here,
follow her tweets here,
and like her facebook here.

- Courtney

the first [post] is the deepest

How it all began...

While getting ready to go somewhere one night with my husband, Chase, I pointed out a turquoise and white striped American Eagle shirt in my closet. I told him, "You see that shirt? I've had it since eighth grade...literally." (I'm still that sort of young adult who feels like high school was yesterday, but in reality it was over 5 years ago...so, with eighth grade, we're talking over 10 years ago...wow). He said to me, "Dang babe. You need to go shopping." --Seriously, a man...told a woman...that she needed to go shop. I am so not normal. --

So, the next weekend while in North Carolina visiting my good friend Sarah, we went "just looking" in Express, and he basically begged me to buy something. I ended up getting a beautiful 3/4 length coral top. I freaking love that top to death. I love the way it feels and makes me feel...and that shirt started a revolution.

I asked my husband the other day if he ever thought he would be the one to spurn this fashion-loving-lady from a simple first grade teacher, and he surprisingly replied with, "No, but I'm glad I did."

I've learned that fashion isn't just about the latest trends, high end brands, or spending money, but it's about dressing how you feel and wearing what you like. I feel so much more like myself and just overall happier when I wear a great outfit with colors, materials, and textures that I like rather than the same old khakis and cotton sweater everyday. --Now, don't get me wrong, I still love my khakis and cotton cardigans. Everybody's gotta have go-to's! --

This blog will be the story of how I manage that growing love for fashion and beauty products, all while maintaining my first grade teacher budget. --Wish me luck!-- I'll share some products/recipes/clothes/websites/etc. that I'm trying or in love with. Leave me feedback and let me know what you think as well as some of your favorites.

-Courtney