savior

As I mentioned before, I was fortunate enough to be a part of a new magazine, started by my friend Lucy Shay. Last Saturday was the launch party, and it turned out amazing (both the party and the magazine)! So many stylish Des Moinians (Des Moinians? Des Moinites?) came out to support this new venture, and Lucy was right when she said that just because we're in Des Moines, Iowa doesn't mean we can't start/be a part of something cool and fashionable! Savior will soon be available to purchase at Domestica, so if you weren't able to make it to the party be sure to pick up a copy! Here are a few pictures of the spread I was in (shot by the wonderful Jen and Tim Mitchard, of JeTim Art & Photography), as well as a few other pictures from the party.

Dress: Nasty Gal. Necklace: Forever 21. Strapless lace bra: Gap Body.

Post-launch party party, downtown DSM. Photos taken by Amy (the blonde girl on the right). 

I would just like to end this post by thanking Lucy for letting me be a part of her baby, Jen & Tim (and Lucy) for believing in my ability to model, and my entourage of friends from near and far that came out to party and support me that night!

resolutions, part II

I know it's nearly February, but I'm going to add some more resolutions for 2013. I feel more accountable for them when they're written out in list form for everyone to see.

• Be creative. Don't be afraid to start something new. (The upcoming release of a fashion magazine made by my friend/coworker Lucy has inspired this resolution!)
• Be more adventurous. Like the Rilo Kiley song. 

As I come to terms with the fact that I'm swiftly approaching the end of my twenties (in the next few years, but it feels very very near), I feel like I need to work on some aspects of my personality and the way I think about certain things. I need to be open to new opportunities and situations that might scare me I'm very into my routine & not so much into change. 

Here I am, trying something new: wearing lipstick (first time in all my 20something years) and a new necklace.

Lipstick: Kiss Me Coral by Revlon. Necklace by Forever 21. 

annual money freak out post

With the turn of the new year, the Social Security "tax hike", and the fact that my Wells Fargo loan comes out of forbearance next month, I decided to take a look at my finances. OH BOY. I make roughly $1500 a month after taxes. I pay out $1012 to all my various bills. I mean, I have enough left over to live and I'm definitely better off than some people, but ouch. Let me just break it down a littler further for you.

• I pay $125 per month on old credit card debt, plus at least $25 on my current (low limit, credit rebuilding) credit card. 
• I pay $256 to student loans. Thank god for Federal loans and their income-based repayment plan, because without that I would be in big trouble. Private loans give you NO wiggle room, save for forbearance, therefore it is my opinion that private lenders are the devil. 

This is a cautionary tale, kids. DON'T GET A CREDIT CARD. And if you do, make sure you have the means to pay it back every month. Also don't go to school. You'll be paying that shit back for the rest of your life. Is it really worth it? Is it?! 

I'm kidding, of course. Go to school. But be smart about it, because you're paying THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS for every year that you're there, and those thousands of dollars are racking up a thousand more dollars in interest.  

So here's to 2013, the new budget I need to make, and all those sad shoes and purses that are stuck at the store because I certainly won't be able to buy them.

we made it to 2013!

One of the few photos taken of me on New Years Eve, with my old roomies. 

I'll do a short recap of my year, mostly for my own sake.

• I graduated! Finally! 
• Celebrated my 1 year anniversary with Ryan
• Turned 26 aka officially old 
• Started this blog
• Started fulltime at Raygun
• Moved to Des Moines
• Helped Ryan move halfway across the country
• Got a cat
• Learned how to screen print
• Watched a lot of Netflix
• Modeled for a few photoshoots 
• Celebrated New Years Eve with great friends

I've also decided to make some resolutions, although like most other people's, they will probably never come to pass (I'll make an effort, though). 

1. be more social
2. wash my hair more
3. exercise
4. read at least 1 book a month
5. Pay off 1 (or more, with luck) of my credit cards 

I think those are pretty manageable resolutions, actually.  Hopefully this year will be just as good, if not better, than last year! Happy 2013, y'all.