New Routine

Forever 21 dress and earrings, Banana Republic heels

I'm making some big changes in my life right now. Along with not shopping, I've decided to start exercising again. I even went on my first jog with Matt yesterday after work. I'm not going to lie; it was tough. It's been awhile since I did any form of exercise and running is pretty much my least favorite thing to do. I'd pick up yoga again if I had the funds, but I really shouldn't be spending any extra money. Running around the neighborhood for 30 minutes three times a week seems like the easiest, cheapest way to be healthy right now. I'm hoping that I'll even start to like running. Everyone always talks about how great it makes them feel, but all I felt last night was tired. I'm going to stick with it, though!

Mint Green

Lulu*s dress from the TxSC clothing swap, Forever 21 earrings, Banana Republic flats

Today is my day off! I have so many errands that I've been avoiding, but I'm hoping to be super productive today. Even if I don't get everything done, at least I'll make a dent in my long list.

One of the things I need to do ASAP is buy a new computer. I'm currently using Matt's computer because my last three computers died. It all started in December when I dropped the HP laptop I'd had for over three years and completely broke the screen. I borrowed Matt's mini laptop for about a month, but then one day, the operating system was gone. I have no idea what I did wrong. Matt was nice enough to let me borrow his old laptop from a couple of years ago, but it's on the brink of death. It's no wonder he's freaking out that I've been using his computer lately.

At first, I was just planning to buy a low-cost PC laptop, but the more I think about it, I really want a MacBook. Unfortunately, that's about twice as much as I can really afford. I guess that's what credit cards are for, right?

The End of SXSW

Langford Market dress, thrifted denim vest,
Forever 21 earrings, Banana Republic wedges

SXSW has finally ended, which means everyone in Austin needs a new reason to party. I only went downtown twice last week and the first time was because I'd actually been invited to an event. I took Sarah's SXSW style advice and put this outfit together for the maurices Rock 'n' Shop at Terrace59.

Every Avenue played a free show. They aren't my cup of tea, but they were pretty good.

A screwdriver is always an excellent choice for breakfast. Drinking two is even better.

maurices had drinks, snacks, swag bags and music. It was everything you could ask for at SXSW. Thanks again for the invite, maurices.

Monica from maurices was super nice and showed me the way to the free swag!

Camera Tricks

Forever 21 dress and earrings, jacket from Langford Market,
bracelet courtesy of InPink, Banana Republic heels

 

Do you like that close-up of my rosy face? I just got these earrings last week, so I really wanted to show them off. It's times like these that make me wish I had a good DSLR to capture all the details of my outfit. I've been getting so frustrated with my basic point-and-shoot camera lately. As most of you probably already know, I take my pictures using a tripod and the self-timer on my camera.  You think it would be relatively easy, but it can be pretty difficult trying to get the same focus and lighting in each shot.

I've found that taking photos in front of a wall is better because there isn't much for the camera to focus on other than me. If I take a picture with multiple things behind me, the camera focuses on all that other stuff because I'm out of the shot pressing the self-timer button. When I get in front of the camera as the timer is counting down, I'm unsure of where it's focused and there are only about three seconds between each shot. Sometimes, I'll take a series of eight pictures and delete them all because they're all out of focus.

I know this problem could be solved by getting Matt to take my photos, but we have completely different schedules. Getting a DSLR would be the ultimate solution but unfortunately, I should buy a new laptop before I even consider a new camera. I'll save the "how I killed three laptops in three months" story for next time. It's a good one.